June 12, 202

Dear Road Church Members and Friends,

Our in-person Communion service last week was a joyous occasion. From now on, the first Sunday of every month will be a Communion service as it was before the Pandemic. Adding to our joy last Sunday was our welcome of three new members into our church family: Michelle MacDonald, and David and Anne Lang.

This Sunday we continue to reflect on the meaning of Pentecost and the lessons it holds for our church today. The Scripture this week describes the church as a community “united in heart and soul.” They were so close knit and fond of one another, that when any of them was in need, the prevailing attitude was, “whatever we can do to help you, we will do,” and, “whatever is ours is at your service.”

The outstanding example of a person who best summed up this charitable, “all-in”, loving spirit was a man named Joseph who sold a piece of property and donated the full purchase price to the church. He was such a dynamic agent of encouragement that the apostles named him Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” This week’s lesson is about the ministry of encouragement and the difference it can make in the life a church and the world.

SCRIPTURE TEXT    Acts 4:32-37, Acts 11:20-26           Barnabas, The Son of Encouragement

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet…And great numbers of both men and women became believers in the Lord.

SERMON TITLE:  “Being An Encourager”

HYMN: “HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?”

ENCOURAGED

Because you loved me I have much achieved,

Had you despised me then I must have failed,

But since I knew you trusted and believed,

I could not disappoint you and so prevailed.

     May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Pastor Norm

Sunday, June 13, 2021 Road Church service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s70ppAX7dCY