How good it is to have such good weather to get outdoors and stay outdoors as much as possible!  I hope this weekend is enjoyable for you and your family.

Special days in May are part of a fun mix of opportunities in life. Honor from the heart for cherished loved ones is a key part of both Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. In between those and all through May, we get to celebrate graduations, enjoy concerts and cheer on the students in our lives, in every kind of academic track, from pre-school through College and Graduate programs.

With that in mind, I see church life as a catalyst for developing stronger bonds in families, among friends and in the workplace(s) in which most of us spend the largest percentage of time in a given week. The character of a caring congregation is shaped through acts of service.

The warm affection expressed by the Apostle Paul to Philemon is such a classic example of how these bonds of love deepen, even in the midst of tough times.

Paul said it this way “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 1:7 NIV)

Some of the most inspiring ministries are done in obscurity. Others are performed in collaboration with others. We honor those whose impact on our lives has been formidable, and that honor grows stronger with each step we take to encourage others.

Powerful examples of this relationship-empowering ethic are found in all the Epistles of the New Testament.  We may not think of our connection to an ancient church very often. But each time we read of how the Early Church overcame obstacles such as resolving differences of belief and practice while reacting to severe threats of persecution, it’s clear that faith flourished under great pressure.

Their church life, in those days, was like a bright-colored thread woven tightly into the tapestry of the believers’ lives. They loved the church even with its glaring imperfections and in all its diverse expressions.

Challenge Farm Special Offerings: Funds are still needed for the repair and restoration of a kitchen facility on the campus of Challenge Farm.  Any amount of an extra offering that you can give [write CF or Challenge Farm on a check or offering envelope] is deeply appreciated. To help get the kitchen repair costs covered, please write “CF” or “Challenge Farm” on a check or use one of the offering envelopes on the Connections Table.

Hundreds of meals are served in that kitchen as students, staff, guests and families find the faith-empowering grace of God leading young people into great learning and practical training opportunities for their future endeavors.

Tithes and Offerings, including missions-offerings or other designated gifts may be placed in the Offering Box on the Connections Table.

Many thanks to all for your generous support of Liberty’s vision to bring God’s Kingdom life into every arena of life for the glory of our King. “Thanks be to God for HIS indescribable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15)

Friends linking up together in our livestream for worship are cherished here at Liberty Church! Thank you for connecting with us either at 10:15 AM on Sunday or in a time that’s convenient for you. Here are the links: