Announcements
SYMPATHY: to Jennifer Reed and Jeff Singer at the passing of their aunt, Lucille Long, on Friday, June 19. The funeral was held on Friday, June 26, in Yorkana, PA.
VBS MEETING: A mandatory meeting for all VBS workers and volunteers will be held today at 5:00 p.m. in Baker.
TEEN MISSION TRIP: As our teens and chaperones prepare to leave tomorrow morning, we encourage our church family to remember them in prayer throughout their trip. They are scheduled to return on Tuesday, July 7.
PATRIOTIC PROGRAM: Don’t miss our special Patriotic Program next Sunday, July 5, during our 10:45 a.m. service. Come and enjoy a time of patriotic music and reflection as we thank God for His blessings on our nation.
NEW CONVERTS CLASS: Mark your calendar! This 12-week class begins Sunday, August 2, and meets in the Library during Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. through October 25. New believers, new members, and anyone desiring a refresher on our church's doctrines are encouraged to attend. See Pastor Oberbeck with any questions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: for the Super Sixties Spectacular (October 30–31) and the Sportsman Banquet (November 14). If you are willing to serve or help, please see Pastor Howell.
From My Heart
We are delighted to have Dr. Shelton Smith and his dear wife, Betty, with us for the whole day at the Church of the Open Door. I’m sure you are aware that I don’t need an excuse to have Dr. Smith preach for us, but we were talking a couple of months ago, and he said he was working on taking a little time off and wondered if I would like to go to an Orioles game, or two. And, of course, I cannot turn down that kind of an offer, so I said, “Great! So, you can preach on Sunday for us!” I know everyone will make the Smiths feel right at home and will welcome them on Sunday with open arms.
Have you seen the videos or news reports of how folks from all over the world are coming to America to watch the World Cup and falling in love with our country, our people, our food, and our culture? Over and over, folks are telling how their own nation’s media has lied to them about life in America. The world cannot get over our patriotism, the fact that Americans stand tall and place their hand over their hearts and sing the National Anthem with energy and gusto. There are tons of videos on YouTube of Europeans coming here and being blown away by America’s wealth, our vehicles, our trucks, our food, and even the size of our soft drinks.
And yet, the Democratic Socialists in our country despise the country we have under Trump’s presidency. I had to laugh a couple of weeks ago when Trump had the MMA fights scheduled at the White House. The Democrat Socialists thought that entire event was an abomination! They criticized it from every angle, but it turned out to have a larger viewership than anyone ever expected. The owner of the UFC organization said the viewership was 20 million people larger than the highest-viewed Super Bowl! And folks everywhere in the world had to sign up and pay for Paramount+ to watch the event. And it is funny how the American media is purposely reporting low numbers and downplaying the fact that America loved this kind of “backyard brawl.”
I have said to you before that President Trump could cure cancer, and the Dems would criticize him and accuse him of doing so for his own personal gain! I truly think that most Americans want to celebrate and honor the 250th birthday of our great country! We are not perfect, but we are still a free people, and even with all our faults, America is still the greatest nation God has ever given to this earth. Our people are the most giving, most compassionate, most free, most generous, and most willing people on planet earth. Next Saturday, we turn 250 years old as a nation - and all I can say is: MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Enjoy Dr. Smith this morning, and plan to be back this evening to hear another message!
Pastor Norris