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 Charisma
In Romans 5:15-17, Paul shares the Good News of the "charisma" (a Greek term) from God to all who trust in the One who raised Christ from the dead. This "charisma" is translated as "gift" (in the NIV) or "free gift" (in the ESV). Personally, I like to translate it as "gracious gift". Why? Because the root for "charisma" is "charis", the Greek term for "grace" or "favor". This means that the gift is unmerited (thus, the adjective "free" from the ESV). Maybe I'm splitting hairs here, but I think "free" is significantly different from "gracious". To understand why, we need to understand what the "charisma" is...what is this...gift? The "gift" is the justification from God for all of us who have trusted in Christ as our Savior (from our sins) and Lord ("Master") over all of our life, including sin's result (our death). We believe in Him, because He proved His lordship through His resurrection from the dead. This "gift" (justification) makes us "righteous" before God...because it is Christ's righteousness that we bear, through faith...by God's grace. It is a "gracious gift". And, though unmerited, it is also not "free". At least not in the sense that we usually think of "free". In fact, it was a very costly gift. On Jesus' part it was costly in that he suffered and bled and died that we might receive forgiveness. On our part it is costly in that it requires us to give up our "presumed" lordship over our own lives...admitting that we've believed the same lie from Genesis 3, that we are "like God". We give away our delusion of lordship to receive the reality of His. A small price to pay, you might say, but it does require our trust. And what a wonderful "price" to pay! "Charisma"...the gracious gift of being justified through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by the grace of God! Read it (Romans 5) and weep...for joy!
I look forward to celebrating this "charisma" of God with you Sunday!
God's grace and peace be with you,
Dave
Celebrations
What a day we will have on July 4th. Independence Day will include Baptisms and communion at church, then the hog roast (1-4 pm) with games and music and a raffle and 3pm dedication ceremony and 4pm outdoor worship at the Big White House. As always there will be a big parade in Coralville, and fireworks all over. As great as national freedom is, spiritual freedom is fare greater and more important. If God's set's you free, you will be free indeed.
"I know what it is to e in need, I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 12, 13.
Gene Vineyard is looking for a volunteer to help him with the mowing each week. If you can help, give him a call, or talk with Pastor Gail.
Don't forget Claude's birthday party on Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm.
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 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! 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. Bring a card and have some dessert and tell some stories while you are here.
 Prime Timers Potluck/Picnic
6 - 8 pm Thursday, July 8th
Northridge Pavilion in Coralville
Come to our annual potluck at the Northridge Pavilion in Coralville. This is a really nice place to gather and we have lots of fun at this event. Sign up soon at the Welcome Center and bring that special dish you make to share with us.
Student Events
Monday June 28 - Lost Island for Jr. Highers
Cornerstone - Sr. Highers
Lots has been happening with the youth this summer. Pastor Steve and Alex Carlson our intern have spent a couple of times a week with the Junior and Senior highers. Monday the Junior High group is going to Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo and the Senior Highers leave for their annual trip to Cornerstone Music Festival in Illinois. For more info about either, contact Steve.
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International Student Opportunity
International Students Inc (ISI) is offering Training for International Outreach (TRIO). 40% of students involved studied the Bible with an American friend and 10% became Christians. The training is 2hrs/wk for 4 weeks. For more info go to www.isionline.org or see the letter in the Go & Share Folder under Other.
Kolczyk Kronicals
Martin & Judy are back from their vision trip to Europe learning about the work in Poland and Czech Republic. Many new missionaries are needed to join in the work there with the national pastors and students already ministering there. Pray for Martin as part of his job is to help clean up the student data base keeping track of people. Pray for him also to give counsel to students and parents as decisions are made to serve. Pray also for visas to stay obtainable in foreign countries and for God to raise up more nationals to lead. Pray as Martin and Judy also continue to raise support.
Bartsch Update
Dick and Carla are in South Asia serving. Pray for the training they are giving translators to help them be correct in their translations and to understand the bible more. Pray for their daughter who is helping with medical services in Africa this summer. Pray for God's guidance as Dick and Carla consider whether to lengthen their term of service beyond the next year or so.
Gerber Gazette
Roger and Connie Gerber who work with American Missionary Fellowship. They currently work with inmates. Roger says, I believe that, no matter what a person's age or situation (incarcerated or free), it is always a miracle when a person turns to Christ for help with their deepest, most basic need."
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. In addition, the Christian Culture Center whom we work with on Wade Street in Towncrest is collecting used clothing in all sizes. Please put your donations in the food pantry box in the foyer or take directly there. Please pray for those being served, that they would have relationships with Christ as Savior and continue to grow! This week we are in need of:
Eggs, TP, paper towels, chicken noodle soup, peaches and other fruit, pancake mix and syrup.
*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 .
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