New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk
At Pentecost it is well to look at the role of the Holy Spirit. 1.The Spirit was active in Creation. Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. 2.The Spirit bears witness to Christ. 8 And when (the Counselor) comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 3.The Character of the Holy Spirit is fixed by Christ, from his birth to his glorification---on the cross. John 7:39 Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 4.The Spirit is the guarantor of all that believers will receive in Christ. 13 In (Christ) you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 5. All Christians receive the Spirit. Rom. 8:9 But you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Any one who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 6.The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. Rom. 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. 7.The Holy Spirit is given as a seal, and we are encouraged not to grieve the Spirit who is active in the Re-Creation. Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. There are other functions of God’s Spirit. These are intended to start us thinking. Pastor Green
Congratulations to our Elizabeth Windsor Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2013-14 academic year: Addison Cheek, Hayley Geis, and Tom Welborn
Pastor John Writes:
Congratulations to all of our high school graduates! This year’s graduates include Sydney Chrysson, Hayley Geis, Andrew Lundgren, Emily Mock, Nicholas Peduto, Michael Walters, and Tom Welborn. Best wishes to all of our graduates as they move on to new endeavors! As the school year comes to a close, we are thankful for all of the youth and youth leaders (in particular, Sara Ebbers and Ross McNeil) who have made this such an incredible year. We’re already looking forward to a summer full of activities. Be sure to register for a week of summer camp at Laurel Ridge, if you haven’t already! Laurel Ridge brochures are available in the church office, if you need one, or you may register through www. laurelridge.org. New Philadelphia provides a scholarship of half the cost for church members to attend a week of Laurel Ridge camp; this amount is $187.50 for Middle High and Senior High camps. We continue to raise funds for our mission trips this summer, including our baked potato & salad luncheon on Sunday, June 2. Our Senior High youth will be serving on Staten Island, New York, from July 6-13, in an effort to help families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Middle High and Senior High youth are invited to participate in Eco Mission Camp at Laurel Ridge from July 28-August 2, with projects focusing on helping the environment in the Ashe & Alleghany County area. Please keep these trips in your thoughts and prayers! May God bless you this summer, and always. In Christ,
The Rev. John G. Rights