This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a meaningful time in which we remember the cost of freedom. Sadly, it is in the nature of humans and nations to strive, and to be in conflict. It’s in our DNA to be greedy for more … to have more power … and to rule over others: That’s true whether it’s Hitler trying to rule over the whole world in the last century or Iran desiring to acquire nukes and wipe out Israel and America in this century.
Unless a nation chooses a pacifist route meaning no resistance to armed aggression, wars and rumors of wars are inevitable in every age. And in the process, the lives of soldiers are lost; men and women who are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives –- all people who are deeply loved and who are sorely missed.
This Sunday we will stop to remember and to pay respect to their sacrifice. And that is good. However, where is God in the midst of all of this war? Is God a pacifist? Does God prefer that we beat all of our swords into plows and convert all of our nuclear silos into grain silos? If God grants to countries the right, and the responsibility even, to defend themselves from outside aggression, how does a loving God justify the killing?
This Sunday morning we will be starting a sermon series that we’ve called “Inbox.” We’re examining a series of questions that people have sent in. Here’s one question that came in:
“If God is a loving God, then why did He command His people to wipe out entire nations?”
On a morning when we will be remembering those who have given their lives in service to our country, I thought it would be an appropriate time to respond to this question that has come up over and over again throughout the course of my ministry and in many conversations from a biblical perspective. Join us Sunday as we worship the living God, honor those who have sacrificed for our country, and pray for our nation and those serving our country today.
God Bless,
Gary
SAVE THE DATE!
Membership Celebration
If you have been visiting The Heights or feel God leading you to make your place among the church family official, plan to attend Membership Celebration Sunday, June 6th from 4-6pm in the Brick. Dinner is served and childcare available by reservation. To sign up or for more information contact Elaine at eesparza@theheights.org or call 972-238-7243 today.
Women's Summer Bible Studies
Ladies, we are beginning signups for 3 different summer Bible studies. Please stop by the Women's Ministry table for information on studies being offered and to sign up. Childcare by reservation only.
New ABF for Single Adults: Wheelhouse
On a ship, the Wheelhouse is where the captain steers his chosen course. In a watermill, it is where the water powers the gears and makes things go. In baseball, it is the sweet spot of a bat that knocks it out of the park every time. At The Heights, “The Wheelhouse” is where Single Adults (40’s, 50’s and early 60’s) meet for fellowship, teaching, and discussion. Join us at The Wheelhouse coming June 13th at 10:50 a.m. in Room 232! For more information, email singles@theheights.org.
The Heights Family VBS—June 28-30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration begins this Sunday! Are you ready for some family fun? Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity for your family to spend valuable time worshipping and playing together. The event is free and is here at The Heights! Bring your friends and neighbors. A meal will be provided each night prior to Family VBS for a small charge. For more information visit the registration booth today at the alcove downstairs, www.theheights.org, or contact Joy Pickering at jpickering@theheights.org.
May 2010 Update
Your Prayers At Work/Praises:
1- Charles, the man mentioned in April's update, prayed to receive Christ as his personal Savior!
2- In Eric and Larry's discipleship group there is a growing passion for the lost. We have seen 7 professions of faith as a result of this group sharing their faith.
3- Colby and Emily have had a good time going out to a nearby orphanage and are slowly beginning to build some relationships with the kids here... [Read More]
Getting ENGAGED in Bulgaria and Uganda
Bulgaria - July 2-11, 2010
Work with Kazanlak Baptist Church and visit the Muglish Orphanage. ENGAGE trip point person - Cookie Slate.
If you have NEW or GENTLY USED ADULT or YOUTH SIZE TENNIS RAQUETS, NEW TENNIS BALLS, and NEW or GENTLY USED SOCCER BALLS along with a couple of AIR PUMPS and NEEDLES, Cookie Slate would love to take them with the team headed to Bulgaria. Deadline for donations is June 13th. Please leave donations at the ENGAGE Center in the Atrium.
For more information contact Cookie Slate.
Uganda - July 23 - August 4 (Aug. 6 with safari option)
Serve in our village, Kyalulangira and serve with Eric and Krisann Pease in Mytiana. A portion of this trip will be medical related. We would love for those in the health profession to consider going, however, this is not a requirement. ENGAGE trip point person - John Wills.
Additional questions, contact Richard Covington or David Rogers.
Children's Summer Music Events
"Zoolapalooza" Tiny Tots and Tunes Mini Camp: June 21-24
Tiny Tots and Tunes is a daily music day camp experience for those age 3 months - 3 years old! Parent/Guardian must accompany the child to this great time of music and movement! Very few spots remain in the 9:30 class for this exciting camp! Deadline for sign up is June 7th.
"Praise Parade" Joyland's Mini Music Camp: June 14-17
Joyland's Mini Music Camp is a daily music camp experience for those age 3 (as of September 1, 2009) through those entering Kindergarten. This year's theme is "Praise Parade" featuring the music of, and a special visit by Miss PattyCake! Those participating in music camp will have a chance to perform with Miss PattyCake at her concert on Thursday evening, June 17. Deadline for sign up is June 7th!
Miss PattyCake in Concert
June 17, 6:30 p.m. The Heights Worship Center
"Under God's Sea in 3D" Summer Music Spectacular: July 19-21
Summer Music Spectacular is a daily music camp experience for those who have completed Kindergarten - 6th grade. This year's camp activities include not only putting together an underwater themed musical production, but taking field trips including the Dallas Aquarium. Extended afternoon camps in drama, dance and art are also available.
For more information and registration, check out the website at www.flipflopsummer.com.
1966-1979 Heights Youth Group Reunion
Were you or do you know a member of the youth group, an adult volunteer or the parent of a youth group member during the years Dickie Dunn was youth minister from 1966-1979? We will hold our reunion over Labor Day weekend. To be included in the contact list email rhbc.reunion@gmail.com.
This Week as We Live Intentionally for Christ...
We Will:
- Worship God with Others
- Grow with Others
- Serve with Others
- Share with Others
