PEG'S PONDERINGS AND TOBY'S THOUGHTS
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
I have been thinking about those who don’t believe in God lately. My first thought is how do they manage, how do they cope without God? To me, God has always been there, as my friend, my companion, counselor and of course, savior. I talk to Him all day; giving thanks for my many blessings, asking questions about things that confuse me, praying for guidance during difficult times, praying for others going through hardships, and always assuring him of my abiding faith in Him, and know that all will work out just fine, according to His will. God fills an emptiness in our souls that nothing and no one else can.
So how do people who don’t believe in Him fill that emptiness? I don’t have the answers to these questions. I would think the loneliness one would feel would be so total and complete. The spiritual emptiness would, I think, lead to confusion, purposelessness and an isolation so profound I can’t even imagine it.
So many scriptures assure us that God’s presence is the antidote to any afflictions that beset us on our human journey. They offer comfort, direction, and lead us to true fellowship that only God can provide us. My heart seeks Him, for only in Him are we never alone. It surprises me that not everyone has this passionate longing to find and commune with God. It’s such an innate longing for me.
What do they do, those that do not believe? Is just our day to day human journey enough for them? They just take what comes in life, thinking they can get through everything on their own? Where do they think the wonders of the world come from? Just a big explosion in the universe with no reason behind it? And, when we die, that’s it, the end, we had no larger purpose in life than to just toil at our careers, have some fun and friendship here and there, and that’s it? That those with faith are just misguided believing blindly in something that happened 2000 + years ago that they never questioned? I can’t even wrap my head around how empty and lonely those type of beliefs must leave someone. Even trying to understand it makes me feel totally bereft. Who do they turn to when those in their lives aren’t there for them?
I have pondered this from time to time throughout my life, and I don’t understand it any better today than I ever did. I can only pray that they find their way to God, however He may will it to happen. I can only pray for them, and wish this for all of you, as Paul told the Romans…
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
For Pastoral Care: Please contact Pastor Richard at 303-828-8263.
Announcements and Opportunities
Happy Birthday
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July 1 - Judy Jensen
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July 6 - Bill Weist
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July 21 - Sue Brown
Spares and Pairs
A fun evening was had by all at the Molden's! Please keep reading to see pictures from the event.
Summer Reading Group
Join us for our COTH Summer Reading Group! This summer we are reading Leap Over a Wall by Eugene Peterson. Our group will meet 3 times on the last Thursday of each month: June 25, July 30 and August 27. Discussions will be led by Pastor Richard. If Interested, please email him at richard@churchofthehills.com. Books are available at the church.
Kirkin O' the Tartans
Mark your calendars! Kirkin O' the Tartans will be on October 25th this year. If you want to get in on the fun and pageantry, but haven't ordered your tartan yet, please see Margi Masquelier after church on Sunday or contact her at 303-885-7775. Orders are due July 26th.
For Your Security
Reminder to all who are the last ones leaving the church building, please check all doors to ensure they are closed and securely latched. We have experienced some incidents recently where the church doors were not properly secured.
Important Choir Info!
The choir will continue to meet every Sunday at 9 a.m.
EChO Food Pantry
Many, many thanks for your generosity. You’ve seen the need. You’ve headed the call. You’ve forged ahead. Over forty-two hundred pounds – more than the weight of six of our Evergreen bull elk – and we’re only in July! You are absolutely awesome!
Truly, what you’re doing is nothing short of incredible. You’re helping EChO feed and supply personal/household items to hundreds of our neighbors. You’re showing God’s love. Thank you for caring.
The next collection will be August 3rd at 11:00 am. A few examples: protein shakes, canned meat, peanut butter, hearty soups, chili and stews, high protein snacks, dishwashing liquid, sugar, coffee and basic spices.
Photos of Church Life
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Have an Announcement?
The deadline for all Church Communication Publications and notifications is Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Please email Peggy.
Additionally, please provide advance notice for any special projects you may have, so that time can be accurately allocated, supplies ordered, and quality and fairness can be provided for all parties concerned.
Please be aware that any items received after the deadline will go into the following week's communication publications and job tasks.
All Committee Chairpersons: Please remember to notify Peggy of any meetings, gatherings, important information or changes so that she can accurately and appropriately keep all necessary people informed.
303-674-6641