the Encourager

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH PARK

CHURCH OF CHRIST

BLESSED ASSURANCE

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Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O What a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This song, written in 1873 by blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby, has been a favorite of many Christians throughout its 144-year lifespan. The notes it is set to are upbeat and hopeful, and the words speak of the confidence we can have in our salvation. I have rarely if ever heard this song sung in a sad, funeral-like manner. Rather it seems every time I hear it, it is one of those songs that everyone picks up on and puts forth their best for. It is a celebration every time it come out! We sing the words joyfully, but are they words we believe in? Far too often I hear faithful, working Christians who are giving their all to God speak in a manner that says otherwise. They speak in such a way that makes it seem like they are on the brink of destruction. That if they are going to escape the fires of hell, it will be only by the skin of their teeth. But God does not save us by mere millimeters despite our best attempts to jump into the fire. Christ’s blood is far more powerful than that.

8.5

Helping Hands Pantry

Julia Garcia’s grad party

8.6

Senior Sunday (potluck after am worship)

8.7

ROMEO Club

8.13

Camp t-shirt day

7.19

Helping Hands Pantry

7.20

Ice Cream Social

Mark Your Calendar

Blessed Assurance cont.

Philippians 2:12 does say “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” but Paul is not writing about working it out in terror of God holding us over the fires of hell. In the context here he is writing about working in our salvation in the respect and awe that God deserves as God, and taking it seriously. He makes it even more clear in the next verse, saying “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” In the same sentence Paul says take it seriously and in awe of God while reminding us that it is God, not ourselves, that we can rely on to do His will. In I John 3, John writes how whoever abides in Christ has His seed in them, and how Christ was manifested in order to take away our sins. He goes on to say that since we live in Christ and His seed is in us, it is as we have never sinned in the first place. Being born of God renders sin obsolete! It is not counted against us nor does it stick to us! We are truly free and cleaned from sin with each passing moment!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make

your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Now obviously, as Paul writes in Romans 6:1, this does not mean we can go on sinning all we want. That is to reject the call of Christ. But it does mean that when we do sin, whether by commission or omission, it is washed away from us. It does not stick. Hear the words John writes in his first letter. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” If anyone has fear in their heart, let them live instead in the assurance that God is greater than their heart. It is God who saves and who justifies those who are His. No one else. As He says in Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” For all who are weary of fear, find rest in His blessed assurance.

ATTENTION BROTHERS: If you are listed to serve (i.e. prayer, preside,

communion, scripture, usher, etc.), please meet in the Youth Office (across

from the men’s restroom) at 10:20 am each week.

Those to Serve –August 6, 2017 Children’s Church: Sara Maupin, Pat Seifert

Communion Trays: Gloria Gregory, Sandi Allen,

Katie Schulz

Audio/Video: Bryan Kalen

Security: Long

Nursery: Victoria Anderson, Delores Warkins

Greeters: N. Phillips S. Mohler

Mailbox: Judi Rogers & Julie Cavallaro

Computer: Brenda Mohler

Worship Director: Jordan Siracusa

Prayer: Ed Long, Bret Hagerman

Scripture: Simon-Peter Broughton

Ushers: Jim Kennon, Jim McGowan

Preside: Jose Cervantes

1A John Castree 2A Russell Dean

1B Vance Barrie 2B Taylor Dean

3A Keith Pierce 4A Brent Garcia

3B Greg Peck 4B Aaron Gipe

Shut-Ins: Deans

Those to Serve –August 13, 2017 Children’s Church: Brenda Mohler, Victoria Ander-

son

Communion Trays: Gloria Gregory, Sandi Allen,

Katie Schulz

Audio/Video: Ada Zomok

Security: Maupin

Nursery: Ashley Gregory & Deanna King

Greeters: N. McKinney S. Sharp

Mailbox: Judi Rogers & Julie Cavallaro

Computer: Pam Reese

Worship Director: Ed Long

Prayer: Chris Isom, Stan Gregory

Scripture: John Castree

Ushers: Simon-Peter Broughton

Preside: Chris Youssi

1A Tyler Zomok 2A Wayne Morris

1B Ernie Stubblefield 2B Ron King

3A Doyle McKinney 4A Mark Murray

3B Joe Nicosia 4B Joey Nicosia

Shut-Ins: Sharps

Those to Serve –August 20, 2017 Children’s Church: Elizabeth & Mignon Soter

Communion Trays: Gloria Gregory, Sandi Allen,

Katie Schulz

Audio/Video: Scott Weir

Security: Phillips

Nursery: Pam Reese, Pat Seifert

Greeters: N. Gregory S. Joan Wadsworth

Mailbox: Judi Rogers & Julie Cavallaro

Computer: Sara Maupin

Worship Director: Tim Firm

Prayer: Jerry Gibson, Ron King

Scripture: Jim Kennon

Ushers: Devon Phillips, Rich Hinrichs

Preside: Bret Hagerman

1A Doug Soter 2A Jeff Hagerman

1B Jeremy Schulz 2B Dave Sharp

3A Jaye Lavern 4A Rich Hinrichs

3B Braydon Letsinger 4B Dylan Letsinger

Shut-Ins: Sharps

Those to Serve –August 27, 2017 Children’s Church: Grace Sharp, Julia Garcia

Communion Trays: Gloria Gregory, Sandi Allen,

Katie Schulz

Audio/Video: Cameron Maupin

Security: Firm

Nursery: Mignon & Elizabeth Soter

Greeters: N. Schmidt S. Jeanne Wadsworth

Mailbox: Judi Rogers & Julie Cavallaro

Computer: Mary Riley

Worship Director: Ken Maupin

Prayer: Simon-Peter Broughton, Bryan Kalen

Scripture: Ed Long

Ushers: Brent Garcia, John Castree

Preside: Ed Long

1A Russ Lyman 2A Bobby Letsinger

1B Justin Reese 2B Marcus Price

3A Stan Gregory 4A Scott Weir

3B Jim McGowan 4B Jim Kennon

Shut-Ins: Maupins

Chuck Donovan 815-519-1843 Jaye Lavern 815-608-4465

Sandy Donovan 815-558-6717 Jeremy Schulz 630-418-0371

Cameron Maupin 815-978-3362 Ken Maupin 815-262-1487

Mary Riley 815-988-7440 Sara Maupin 815-262-0303

Tammy Weir 815-751-0866 Naomi Gibson 815-742-2291

Katie Schulz 630-418-0372 Brenda Mohler (3rd Saturday)

815-505-7205

Pat Seifert 815-871-7236 Tileena Nicosia 779-537-9139

Pantry Sub List

Congratulations to everyone who won awards at RCC this year!!!

Senior Week Spiritual Leader: Grace Sharp, 1st runner –up Makyla Oviedo-Rodriguez, 2nd runner-up Aurora Brown Noah Miller, 1st runner-up Garrett McDonald, 2nd runner-up Joe Allgood Programs: Katelyn Short, 1st runner-up Rhiannon Ruffner, 2nd runner-up Chloe Schifflka Joe Allgood, 1st runner-up Noah Miller, 2nd runner-up Garrett McDonald Outstanding Camper: Rhiannon Ruffner, 1st runner-up Katelyn Short, 2nd runner-up Kelsey Drumheller Noah Miller, 1st runner-up Joe Allgood, 2nd runner-up Dylan Letsinger Intermediate Week: Spiritual Leader: Brandi Gipe, 1st runner up Kayleigh Walker, 2nd runner-up Nadia Hendershot Nolan Ray, 1st runner-up George Hall, 2nd runner-up Abrahim Cooper Programs Team Leaders: Jacob McDonald, George Hall, Nolan Ray, Brandi Gipe, Kiara Kowalczyk, and Nadia Hendershot Outstanding Camper: Nadia Hendershot, 1st runner-up Kiara Kowalczyk, 2nd runner-up Catelyn Grobe Nolan Ray, 1st runner-up Aidan Hendershot, 2nd runner-up David Allgood Junior Week: Spiritual Leader: Alex Polyak, 1st runner-up Josephine Nicosia, 2nd runner-up Lydia Miller Mason Jarret, 1st runner-up Robbie Scheckler, 2nd runner-up Peyton Nicosia Programs: Zoey Grimaldi, 1st runner-up Madeline Grady, 2nd runner-up Zephi Biddle Phillip Juarez, 1st runner-up Jack Callejo, 2nd runner-up Gavin Larkin Outstanding Camper: Jillian Heckendorf, 1st runner-up Soyer Nicosia, 2nd runner-up Sammy Aranki Ian Steelglove, 1st runner-up Oliver Gregory, 2nd runner-up Isaac Delgadillo Cabin Leader awards: Noah Miller, Joe Allgood, Chloe Schliffka, Kelsey Drumheller, Jenna Lawson, David Allgood, Nathen Hilton, Brandi Gipe, Catelyn Grobe, Jack Callejo, Ian Steelglove, Josh Miller, Isaac Delgadillo, Frannie Nicosia, Sammy Aranki, and Jillian Heckendorf

It was another great summer at RCC and if you’re ever finding yourself concerned for the future, you should spend some time at camp around all the amazing kids that we get to know every summer… you will truly be blessed by the experience!!! If you are interested in working at a session next summer, please talk to one of the board members here at North Park and they can get you more information: Grant Gregory, Ashley Gregory, Joe Nicosia, Joey Nicosia, or Chris Youssi

GOLDEN AGERS

Prayer List

· Scott Weir’s mother · Anneka Broughton · Jason Willis · Larry Borrison · Kevin Gillis · Janette Freeman · Mildred Morris · Frances Hughes · Bob Pratt · Larry Blodget – friend of Aloha Humphries; being treated for brain cancer · Jack Ward—Jan Lavern’s brother in law who is suffering from a lung disease · Linda Wise—friend of Elizabeth Soter’s whose mom has been diagnosed with cancer · Terry Kudlacik – Becky Phillips’ Aunt; completed cancer treatments but is dealing with some damage to her lungs as a result of the radiation treatment · Janet Willis – Danielle Kemp’s friend who is battling liver cancer and waiting for a transplant · Brenda Hill—friend of the Cervantes family who was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma · Kevin Eley – Bolen’s neighbor who is battling cancer · Mickey Filbeck – Kristen Duckmann’s grandfather who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma · Lee Carson – friend of Simon-Peter who has terminal liver cancer · Louise Crouch – they have determined that she has a fractured spine and will be meeting with doctors to figure out the next steps Carrol Pierce – Keith Pierce’s step mother; is having tests done to determine whether or not she has liver cancer Douglass McArthur – Debbie Letsinger’s father who is nearing the end of his battle with multiple myeloma Rheta Poynor – is back at home, please no visitors or calls at this time but cards are welcome Rob Hagerman – OSF following dealing with an infection after surgery Brenda Singer – Jennie Adams’ sister; has cancer Sonya Puentes – friend of the Cervantes family; has cancer Ed Long – has shingles

Wear your camp t-shirt to church on Sunday, August 13th

2017 Camp T-Shirt Day

News & Events -- LET’S COOL OFF!!! with some homemade ice cream. Doesn’t that sound yummy and refresh-ing? Bring your favorite flavor of ice cream (homemade, preferably, but we’re sure Jerry will appreci-ate store bought!) or your favorite sweet thing, and let’s enjoy some fellowship time. August,20th at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Please let Gloria Gregory know if you’re planning on bringing ice cream so we can be sure we have enough!! -- Julia Garcia’s graduation party will be Saturday, August 5th, from 1-4 pm in the Fellowship Hall --We are always in need of extra help at the Pantry during the summer months so please, come out to help if you are available. This summer’s remaining pantry dates are: August 5th and 19th. We always start restocking the shelves at 9 am and pantry lasts until noon, hope to see you there!! -- We will be honoring this year’s graduates on Sunday, August 6th. We will be doing things a little bit differently this year and we will be having a potluck after am worship instead of morning do-nuts so please, everyone plan on spending some time on Sunday fellowshipping with each other and honoring our high school students who graduated in 2017!!! They are: Alex Cardenas, Jarod Erdman, Julia Garcia, Emily Johnson, Brook and Bryan Kalen, and Jala Price -- CAMP T-SHIRT DAY!!! Wear your camp t-shirt to church on Sunday, August 13th -- The Church of Christ Disaster Assistance group will be setting up shop in Freeport to help people who are being effected by all of the flooding. They will be working directly with Freeport Church of Christ and Jeff White (the minister at Freeport) is asking anyone who is available to help man the station that will be set up to hand out supplies to contact him so he can get a schedule figured out. His phone number is 815-990-5699 and he asks that you TEXT HIM ONLY right now if you are available to help. If you aren't able to send a text message, I can do that for you, just let me know what days/times you would be available. They are going to be unloading the truck on Tuesday morning and then will have people working in shifts during the day for the foreseeable future. --We are in need of household items for the Essentials house...towels, sheets, kitchen essentials, etc at the Essentials house. Please, if you have any of these items, gently used or newly purchased, that you can donate please talk to Joey or Ashley to arrange a time to drop them off. -- Pasta Ball will be here before you know it!! (November 4th—save the date!!) If you know of any-one who would be interesting in donating for the silent auction or being a sponsor for this year’s event, please let Gloria or Ashley Gregory know.

The North Park Church of Christ is committed to sharing Jesus with our

community and the world; while encouraging the spiritual development of

our youth, strengthening the bond of our families, and serving the needs of

our senior adults to build a church known by its love and message that flows

from the very heart of God.

Where Friends Learn to Live and Love Like Jesus

MINISTER

Jared Kemp Office Hours Monday from 9 am—5 pm *all other times by appointment

CONTACT US:

Phone—815-633-4253

Email—npcc@sbcglobal.net

www.northparkchurchofchristil.com

Helping Hands Pantry— 815-633-1504

www.helpinghandspantry.com

July 30, 2017 Anywhere With Jesus Welcome Sweet Hour of Prayer Prayer What A Friend We Have in Jesus Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross Lord’s Supper Giving Revelation 7:9-12 Blessed Assurance (dismiss for Children’s Church) Sermon Unto Thee O Lord Family Time Prayer

Those to Serve –July 30, 2017 Children’s Church: Julia Garcia, Naomi Gibson

Communion Trays: Rhonda Long & Caysie Kulpa

Audio/Video: Mark Murray

Security: Dave Steeves

Nursery: Pat Seifert, Deanna King

Greeters: N. Nicosia S. Becky Phillips

Mailbox: Joan Schmidt, Joan Wadsworth

Computer: Pam Reese

Worship Director: Jared Kemp

Prayer: Chris Youssi, Jim Kennon

Scripture: Marcus Price

Ushers: Bret Hagerman, Jeff Hagerman

Preside: Jared Kemp

1A Jordan Siracusa 2A Dave Sharp

1B Taylor Dean 2B Jeremy Schulz

3A Ed Long 4A Wayne Morris

3B Doyle McKinney 4B Vance Barrie

Shut-Ins: McGowans