May 22, 2026
Pray for Albania STM
Our team of 19 (15 students and 4 leaders) are leaving this Monday for Albania. Please pray for safe travels, boldness to share the gospel, soft hearts, great fellowship, and lots of spiritual fruit.
Women - Summer Activities
Women Leaders— Encourage your Life Group Ladies to register for “Summer Deep Dive” to further explore the Every Thought Captive retreat theme. Our intention is to go deeper into the Scriptures on a variety of themes that God’s Word addresses, and to slow down the pace to best meditate/apply what we learn. Every Monday we will send out an email teeing up that week’s theme/prompts, written by our pastors/wives.
Our first Women’s Friday Fellowship will be June 19th from 9-11am at Orah Brandt Park. We will have snacks, baked goods, and iced coffee to enjoy. The splash pad will be available as well. Encourage your Life Group Ladies to come and invite a friend. No registration necessary.
Missionary Sponsors Visit From Papua New Guinea
This Sunday, May 24, our Missionary Sponsors, Tim and Courtney Shontere, will be visiting with us for the weekend for the first time! During 3rd Service, they'll share about their ministry and have Q&A in the Heritage Room (office building classroom). We invite everyone to join them to learn more about their 20 years of ministry so far with the Yembi Yembi tribe and other tribes in Papua New Guinea!
Sunday’s Sermon:
Why Your Background Can’t Save You
Romans 2:6-11
Read Philippians 3:3-7. In what ways might you be tempted to put “confidence in the flesh” because of your background? Why is our religious background insufficient in preparing us for judgment?
Read Matthew 16:24-27. How does becoming a Christian require you to deny yourself? What are some specific ways you need to “lose your life” in order to follow Christ?
Read Philippians 2:3-4. How is selfishness an ongoing temptation in your life? What will it look like to fight against selfishness this week?
Read Matthew 6:33. What practical differences should “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” make in your life this week?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How should an eternal mindset give us perseverance in doing what is right? Are there any specific areas of obedience where you need this encouragement right now?
