This morning, I read something in my devotional time that really challenged and motivated me as we are in this last week of the Africa Oasis Project. I read about the story in John 3 when Jesus completely humbled himself as like a servant, and got down on his hands and knees to wash the disciples feet. Wow! To think that our Lord and Savior would perform such a humbling task. When he was done washing their feet, he then responded to the disciples by saying:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:14-17)
As I reflect on the meaning and purpose of the Africa Oasis Project, I think of this passage. Think about it! Through our fundraising efforts, our prayers, physical and personal sacrifice, we have been able to participate as servants to reach people on the other side of the world. This is exactly the kind of action that Jesus was challenging us to get involved in, in this story.
Here’s the other part that I like. Jesus said that if you live your life doing things like this, you will be “blessed.” The word “blessed” means “to be better off.” I don’t know what God has in store for future of NLCF, but there is one thing I do know. We are definitely going to be “better off” because we chose to serve in this project. And most of all, so will the communities of Africa that are recipients of these wells.
“Well done faithful servants!”
When the marathon is over on Sunday, you can begin to collect all sponsored money for this event. When you’ve collected all of your money, please put it in a sealed envelope with your name on it and how much you’ve collected. You can then turn it into the church office or put it in the offering plate on Sunday. Thanks!
GREEN BAY MARATHON *IMPORTANT INFORMATION*
For all of those participating in the Green Bay Marathon walk/run, please take note of the following information:
- Race packets MUST be picked up on Saturday at the Lambeau Field Atrium between 10 am and 8 pm. This is for all participants!
- ALL EVENTS start on Lombardi Avenue directly in front of the Lambeau Field Atrium.
- Detailed maps of the start line area, finish line area, and course routes are available on the marathon website.
- Avoid using Lombardi Avenue at Highway 41.
- All races begin at 7am on Sunday morning so be sure to arrive early to deal with parking and for the large crowd.
- You can track the progress of any of the participants via email or text messaging by signing up at this link. http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/results/raceday_updates_signup.php (Before you sign up, you will need their bib # that was given to them when they registered. For all of those wondering whether Pastor Sheldon will make it or not, his bib # is 1303.)
- Be sure to go to www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com for all other marathon related questions or information.
- Volunteers: Your t-shirts will be handed out tonight and on Saturday. If you are unable to pick it up at those times, contact the church office to set up a time on Thursday or Friday.
- People are still able to volunteer if they haven't already done so.
- Gary Busch will be communicating with you your exact location of where to meet on Sunday morning.
SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE/SPAGHETTI DINNER
We are really looking forward to this Saturday nights celebration service/spaghetti dinner. We will kick off this special evening with the free spaghetti dinner at 4:30pm (to get all of participants all “carbed-up” for the big race on Sunday.) Then, we are going to have a special celebration service at 6:00pm. We will have special worship led by the Young Community worship team, special music, (still working on a particular special guest speaker). We encourage you to come casual (jeans & t-shirt) and celebrate with us this special evening! See you there!
AFRICA OASIS MARATHON T-SHIRTS
The t-shirts will be here for the Saturday evening service. We ask that all participants in the Green Bay marathon events wear their t-shirts on the day of the race. If you have not yet ordered a t-shirt, it’s not too late. Cost is $6 donation per shirt.
TEAM LEADERS –For all leaders who would like to purchase a “Vision of the Leader” workbook, the cost is $5. Please turn your money in no later than Wednesday, May 23rd.
NO SUMMER MIDWEEK – Please note that Wednesday, May 30th will be our last midweek service until next September.
LIFEFEST THIS SUMMER – If you are interested in attending Lifefest this summer, be sure to contact Beth Hibbard. (More info. later!)
SUMMER CAMP – If you are interested in sending your kids to camp this summer you can talk to Janine Copeland.
Once a month we will report to you how we are doing with our monthly support of our missions giving.
- Missions Monthly Commitment (Amount we’ve committed to support our missionaries on monthly basis.) $650
- Missions Faith Promise received in April $460
- Africa Oasis giving through April $875
(Does not include the amount received in offerings in May.)
"I judge all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity."
-John Wesley
*For an update on all of our events, go to the church website: www.newlifedepere.org.
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