School is about to start back and with it comes fresh school supplies (I love the smell of new pencils!), maybe a new outfit or uniform, and depending on the grade, a new locker. And in order to secure the locker, you need a combination lock. The thing about combination locks is that you have to remember the right combination or you won’t be able to open it. And not only do you have to remember the numbers, but you must align them correctly. One small misalignment, or one wrong number, and you’re locked out.

Proper alignment is necessary for our spiritual lives as well. But instead of three numbers, we must align our beliefs, actions, and our hearts to God’s will. It’s one thing to tell someone that you’re sorry for hurting them. But if you continue to repeat the hurtful actions, your heart is probably misaligned, which causes your actions to be misaligned.

The Christian life is not always happiness. There are times when we feel exhausted and depressed. We are at our wit’s end, without resources, at a loss for an answer, perplexed and desperate. That is usually when we see God begin to work. But before He does anything about our situation, God checks our alignment. You see, Jesus wants to do something in us, but we just want Him to fix the situation. We want God to deal with our complication; but He wants to develop our character. We want Him to change our circumstances; but He wants to change us first. Alignment is everything.

The Psalmist David understood this. Psalm 13 is an example of his prayer during a time of despair. Saul and his army were pursuing David, and he was hiding in a cave. David also retreated into the dark cave within himself. In the dark, damp and alone, he sang his laments to the Lord.

"How long, will you forget me, 0 Lord? Forever? 

How long will you hide your face from me?"

Psalm 13:1

At times it may seem that God has forgotten you and left you to perish in the gloom. Like a friend who doesn’t answer the phone, sometimes we can feel as though God is not answering our prayers. And as you go deeper inside your own cave of despair, your soul cries out: “How long will I be in this place; how long can I exist like this? If God has forgotten me, what hope is there? Will He hide from me forever? God, do you hear me?!?”

But there is an answer for the dark night of the soul. Those moments when hope seems to be elusive and joy is nowhere around. Join us this Sunday as we talk about it in a sermon titled: When Hope Despairs.

Psalms Praylist is back! This is a podcast recording of different voices reading through the entire book of Psalms. We recorded it about two years ago, so see whose voices you recognize. It might be yours! You can check out the episodes at this link: Psalms Praylist.

Capital Campaign Going Strong! During State of the Church, we launched a new Capital Campaign to address building needs. Scott Lambert, campaign chair, explained that we have deferred maintenance needs that have not been addressed for many years. The campaign goal is $100,000, of which 2/3 has already been raised! Please consider how you can participate. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we exceeded the goal of $100,000? I believe we can do it, church! It all goes toward capital expenses, which are always ongoing. The pledge period will go to the end of September, and pledges can be paid through the end of 2026. Commitment forms are available at the Welcome Center, and we will have a secure box for you to put them in.

Good Futures We are starting a new and exciting venture – visioning ways in which we can utilize our building for mission, community partnerships, and possibly additional revenue streams! We will go through a program called Good Futures that is fun, interactive, and intentional about revisioning church property usage in alignment with our mission. If you are interested in being part of this small group, please contact Kathy Korbecki.

Back to School Give & Take! On Sunday, August 17 at 11:30am we will host a Back to School event. You can bring school supply items or take any items that your children might need. There will also be games, water play, and refreshments! The donation table is on the lower level near the front door.

It's a Boy! The baby shower for Mike and Emily Perrault will be held on Sunday, August 17, at 2:00pm at the church. They are registered at www.babylist.com. Let’s show our soon-to-be-newest member some love!

Pastoral Care Updates Please keep in your prayers: Debbie Rudolph in the passing of her beloved Don; Diane Humphries (our Business Mgr) as she continues to recover at home; Sallie Pittman who continues to be in hospice care in Maryland, and many others who are suffering from illness. If anyone would like a visit from the Pastor, please call me at 314-324-8405.

Vision for 2025:

Deeply Rooted:

Growing Through Discipleship!

Blessings,

Pastor Linda