Pastor Wedeking gives Sunday sermon
Religious conversion can mean many things, and almost always demands a change in thinking and behavior. Does the grace and forgiveness offered by Jesus require any less response on our part? Pastor Ron Wedeking speaks on the topic, “The Conversion of the Colossians” based on Colossians 1:21-23, Sunday morning at South Whidbey Community Church. Morning worship begins at 10 and is preceded by an adult learning forum at 9 a.m., with Stan Walker leading an inductive study into Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus and Art Angst leading a study into the Gospel of Luke. These are open classes to which everyone is invited.There will also be a monthly men’s fellowship breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10 at the Deer Lagoon Grange. Darrell Coburn will be the featured chef, and all men are cordially invited for great food and a memorable time.
SWCC is a local independent, non-denominational church that adheres to the National Association of Evangelical’s Statement of Faith and provides a smaller church experience in a historical setting, with traditional worship and hymns in a friendly, informal atmosphere. It is open to everyone and gathers for worship each Sunday at the Deer Lagoon Grange,
5142 Bayview Road.For further information about the church and services, call 221-1220.
Adult forum studies the rise of anti-Judaism
“The Rise of Christian Anti-Judaism” is the topic Sunday at the next adult forum at
St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods in Freeland. This lecture explores the social and historical situation that led to the rejection of Judaism by many Christians of the early centuries. Most Jews could not accept the Christian belief that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, and rejected claims that his death was in accordance with the Scriptures. Yet Christians claimed the Jewish Scriptures as their own despite refusing to adhere to many of its laws. These substantial differences led to a split between the two religions.
The polemical stakes in this dispute were quite high. For example, Melito of Sardis, a Christian bishop in the second century, preached a sermon that proclaimed, for the first time on record, that Jews were guilty of “murdering God.” The forum is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday and Ted Brookes will present.
Concert-themed Bible school at Langley CMA
CMA hosts its annual vacation Bible school from 9:30 a.m. to noon on July 20-23.
This year is going to rock. Come join us as the school goes “Backstage with the Bible.”
The only thing better than a front-row seat is a backstage pass. Students will take a backstage journey through the Bible including Bible stories, great music, skits, prizes, games and light snacks. The whole event is free, and available for kids, ages kindergarten (completed) through fifth-grade. Preschool vacation Bible school is available for kids ages 4 to 5 years old on a first-come basis. Register early by printing out the registration form online at www.langleycma.org under children’s ministry and mailing it, or register at a “Don’t Miss Sneak Peek” preview event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 19 at the CMA Church, 503 Cascade Ave. and Langley Road. The sneak peek event will include registration, music, treats and fun. Any questions? Call CMA at 221-6980.
‘Quest Into The Unknown’ is at Unity of Whidbey
Songwriter Doug Benecke will give the talk “Quest Into The Unknown” at the Unity of Whidbey service on Sunday. Though there is comfort in believing that our lives are safe and predictable, we live truly not knowing what each day, each moment will bring. Each accomplishment and completed journey began as a risk taken in darkness.
On this Independence Day, as we celebrate the American journey, as well as the journey of spirit, join Benecke and violinist Talia Toni Marcus for an exploration of these themes. Donna Vanderheiden will serve as the platform assistant. The service is at 10 a.m. and all are welcome. Unity of Whidbey is located in its new chapel at 5671 Crawford Road in Langley. Unity of Whidbey also maintains office hours at the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. See the Unity Web site at www.unityofwhidbeyisland.org for more information.
Christian Science looks at spiritual nature of liberty
This is the perfect day to express gratitude for freedom: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (II Corinthians 3:17). On Sunday, July 4, the service at the Christian Science Church will explore the spiritual qualities of liberty and how they are tied to Spirit (God) and why materialism opposes the divine government, which makes us free from sin and sickness. “Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free!” (“Science and Health”). This joyful service about God-given liberty begins at 10:30 a.m. at 15910 Highway 525 (just north of Bayview and across from Useless Bay Road). Everyone is welcome.
Explore ‘Independence to Interdependence’ at UUCWI
At this time of great challenge for our country and for the Earth, we are called to move beyond national and personal independence to choices for the good of all life.
At the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island service on Sunday, come join in a Declaration of Interdependence on behalf of all peoples, all living beings, and of the Earth herself. Effie and Mark Brown will lead the service. All are welcome. Values-based children’s religious exploration classes and childcare will be provided. The service is at 10 a.m. at 20103 Highway 525, just north of Freeland. Check www.whid
bey.com/uucwi for more information.
