Right(eousness) On!

As we continue the series in Romans it is impressing me more and more how righteous (just) God is...how unworthy of his justice I am...and how gracious he is to offer it!  No wonder Paul exclaims, in so many words, "It's the kindness (not wrath!) of God that leads to transformation (repentence)."  As those who've experienced and tasted this grace and kindness and forgiveness, it is good for us to remember afresh the depths from which he has rescued us.  When I do this, I am flooded by joy (not guilt...or even apathy or cynicism), and find great excitement in sharing the hope God offers to all peoples everywhere through Christ Jesus, the Lord.  We can be free of our self- serving nature and liberated to live by God's Spirit and bring a taste of the Kingdom of God to our neighbors.

I am excited to hear from a number of you about how God is encouraging you to take steps of faith in bringing God's justice to various areas of this world that need the light of Christ.  Salvation is not just a "get out of hell" ticket, but also liberation to serve our risen King both here and now as the Church lives out Jesus's prayer that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven!  Amen?

I look forward to worshiping with you Sunday!

Dave

Strong and Growing

I was just going over the treasurer's report for April and May, the beginning of our fiscal year.  We started the year out with a large gift which has usually comes at the end of December.  It is great to have the money in the bank, so we are trying not to spend it now, because expenses will be higher in the winter. 

So far we have spent $5,300 less than the budget, and about $2,000 less than we have received in regular giving.  The general fund balance is now (May 31) $34, 472.75.  We have been carefully protecting this balance for the last few years. We know that some big items will be coming up in the next few years, and we want to be prepared.  We will need some parking lot maintenance next year, and will probably face some challenges in staffing over the next few years. 

I told you earlier that I will turn 66 next April, and am considering my options.  I want to work a few more years, because I still have a few goals that I want to accomplish before I retire.  (Also I would probably be bored a great deal if I didn't work).  I also talked about a young man who I believe has the gifts and the passion to help build this church up.  The leadership team continues to work on the possibilities and how this might work out.  We are not in a hurry to get a quick answer, we want to do it right and within the will and purpose of God. 

I have to say that I have felt the call of God to work with this church for many years.  The issues have changed, and I have changed, but my sense of being called by God has remained constant.  I believe that in the last few years we have properly established the right vision for this congregation.  I believe that the association with Genesis is healthy and offers great promise for the future.  My hope is to see this church strong and growing, and within the next 3 or 4 years to have the strength to start a third church in Converge Iowa City. 

Please pray with me that God will lead in all of the decisions to be made over the next few years, and in the budget and the timing.  If we hear His word, and follow His lead, the details will fall into place.  That is not to say that it will be easy, but nothing worth pursuing is ever easy.  Let's work to get it right.

Big "8-0" Birthday for Claude
2 - 5 pm Saturday, June 26th @ The River

This is it! You only turn 80 once in your life. Our own Claude Williams is turning 80 the Thursday before and so we and his family and friends are going to celebrate on Saturday and would like you to join them! Come and wish him well. His family is having a multi-themed party for all the things Claude has been involved in during his life. No presents please, but bring a card and have some dessert and tell some stories while you are here.

Moving Help
9:30 am Saturday, June 19th
807 1/2 5th St. Coralville

Pat Edwards is moving and would like some trucks and bodies to help her out on the 19th. If you can, call her at 319-594-0998 or 319-341-6033 to get more details. Help be Jesus' hands and feet for Pat and her family.

Centennial Celebration of the Big White House and Grand Opening
Noon - 6:00 pm July 4th

Going to the parade in Coralville this year? Good! Then come over to the Big White House afterwards. We will be celebrating all afternoon there - 1246 12th Ave. in Coralville. They will be having a dedication ceremony and a hog roast as well as lots of other fun and fellowship. Bring the whole family and stay for the day.

Planting Party
9:00 am Saturday, June 19th

To fill the gardens before the fourth, the Big White House wants donations and help planting plants and trees. Are you a gardener and want to help? Here is a list of the things they are looking for....

Stump Grinder
25+ Hostas (hoping to get multiples of same variety/splits of same plants)
50+ Black-eyed Susan's
10 Hydrangea
75+ Day Lilies (all but Tiger)
10 Golden spirea
15+ Daisies (Shasta-Becky)
25+ Coreopsis
5 Eastern Wahoo Burning Bush
30+ Shennandoh grasses
30+ Little blue stem
30+ Carl forester grass
2 Burr Oak Trees
2 Dogwood (pagota)
10 cubic yards of mulch...(prefer donations to buy mulch to ensure consistency)

If you want to help, contact Corey Watt with what you want to donate at homewatt@yahoo.com. Then drop off on the porch of the BWH starting 5pm Thursday the 17th.

Chapman Update

Thank you all for your faithfulness in partnering with us to reach the Japanese people group.  God has put together a wonderful support team for us and we are excited to go back to Japan and continue with the work of planting the first cell church in the Japan Baptist Church Association.  

We covet your prayers at this time.  Please pray for God to give us wisdom and stamina to complete the packing by this weekend.  Pray for the kids to finish school well and to be able to say goodbye in a meaningful way.  Also, pray for the people renting our house in Japan to be able to find a place to move to before we arrive.  On a ministry level, please pray for Christ Community Church as well search for a suitable room to rent for classes and services.  Please pray for Hiro, the only Christian in our neighborhood, to be a witness to others.  Lastly, pray for safety as we travel.

We will continue to uphold you in prayer as you serve The Master.

Partners in the work of the Gospel,

Jeff and Barb Chapman

Food Bank Needs This Week

Current needs are listed each week....a way for you to Go & Share the love of Christ! Lists are also available at church for you to carry in your wallet. Please place your items in the box in the foyer or if needed, in the fridge or freezer in the kitchen labeled for food bank. Cash donations are also welcome as we purchase additional items from HACAP for a reduced price. Also, please pray for those being served, that they would have relationships with Christ as savior and continue to grow!  This week we are good: THANK YOU.

In addition, the Christian Culture Center whom we work with on Wade Street is collecting used clothing in all sizes. Please put your donations in the food pantry box in the foyer.

*More information about these and other updates is available in the Resource Center. Pick up a letter and pray! See how God works! Local opportunities are listed next to the updates.
We welcome your stories of how you see the love of Christ is being shared also, just email us, we'll pass it on .