Greetings to you all
On this beautiful fall weekend, I hope you are thoroughly enjoying the simple pleasures the Lord sends into our daily lives. We’re truly surrounded by beauty, not only in nature but in the amazing gift(s) of people.
This is also such a momentous weekend in the Middle East! Just to think of how intractable the conflicts have been, and how much sacrifice it has required for peace-makers to prevail, makes the achievements of this past week even more remarkable.
For the President of the United State to be addressing the Knesset in Jerusalem en route to the signing in Cairo of Phase 1 of the Gaza peace and rebuilding plan, it’s clear that God’s merciful hand has blessed these endeavors. The unfolding of the current agreement brings such relief to many grief-stricken families across the region.
Skepticism about peace-talks is certainly a natural reaction. So many “plans” and promises have failed in the past. Clearly human wisdom is no match for the evil so often caused by terrorists and their allies. But this is all the more reason to humbly thank God for His mercy in providing leaders in the U.S.A. and in Israel who have paid a high price to “win the peace.”
We pray for all the bold initiatives that are currently moving in a positive direction to result in a lasting peace.
In light of the continuous need to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” as Psalm 122 declares, these events demonstrate that God placed Israel strategically in the globe as a living object lesson that hopeless people need God!
The hope and healing that is so abundantly given in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is needed in Israel as profoundly and urgently as any other location on earth. It’s a perfect time to bring these ancient prayers to our own lips, in anticipation of the mighty things God has in store for the future of Jerusalem:
“May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.
For the sake of my family and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you.'”
(Psalm 122:8 NIV)
We look forward to seeing each of you on Sunday ~ Cafe Liberty from 9:45-10:15 AM in the newly upgraded Cafe Liberty space is such a pleasure. Join us early if you can, to help welcome guests for worship.
A fun surprise yesterday really made my day! Arriving downtown for breakfast with a friend, I was surrounded by Liberty guys! Seems they were on some kind of pastor appreciation mission. Enriching conversation and reflections from the heart mean so much. Thank you, brothers in Christ, for a great time together.
It’s with much gratitude for all who are serving the Lord in many tasks here at church that we invite you all to bring friends and join us.
Our mission focus was updated last Sunday with exciting news that the Challenge Farm goal for all the food supplies in harvest season was reached. That’s huge. So much of the program at Challenge Farm hinges on having a surplus on-hand of those basic staples. Thanks to all who contributed to the project!
Upcoming opportunities for kids and adults to connect for mission and ministries:
FaithQuest ~ A spiritual growth adventure for children ages 3-11 ~ meets on Thursday, October 16th @ 6:30 PM.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall from for stories, games, singing, and fun! Parents, bring children to the office entrance (south parking lot area).
For more information, contact Laken Green.
Also, here’s an announcement for the next FaithQuest evening (November 6th)
Join our newly formed kids’ ministry FaithQuest as we plan our first Operation Christmas Child Packing Night on Thursday, November 6th.
This is our first mission outreach. We will be packing shoeboxes to share God’s love and the good news of Jesus Christ with children across the world.
How can you get involved?
- Purchase shoebox items and leave them in our donation bin at the back of the church.
- Donate money for us to do your shopping for you. Label the check with OCC in the memo line before dropping it in the offering box.
- Attend the packing night to help us pack and pray over the boxes. Sign up for the night on the Connections table, so we know you are coming.
We look forward to partnering with you. Please let Laken or Hannah know if you have any questions.
Saturday, October 18th Alpha Pregnancy Center’s Annual Fundraising Banquet (Silent Auction @ 5:00 PM Dinner @ 5:45 PM)
@ Grace Bible Church 3250 Charmil Drive, Manchester MD 21102
A table sponsored by Liberty Church gives members an opportunity to attend and bring a friend – we’ll add sponsored tables as needed in support of Alpha Pregnancy Center
Please sign on the Alpha Banquet Sign-up Sheet on the Connections Table to help us fill a table (or 2!) to potentially add more LIFE-supporting givers on October 18th!
Update: Eight seats still available at a Liberty-sponsored table – Sign up on the Connections table if you can join us and bring a friend!
2025 Operation Christmas Child ~ Welcome Carroll County Coordinator Joan Spangler this Sunday, October 12th to share about this year’s plan
Serving opportunities abound in the Operation Christmas Child endeavor. Fortunately, there is a simple mission opportunity for everyone in our 2025 mission in support of Operation Christmas Child!
Three doors of serving are open for YOU here at church. Your help will be so appreciated by the OCC Carroll County team.
First, as we’ve done each year, we invite you to fill your own shoeboxes for kids with the easy-to-follow steps provided here.
Secondly, participate in the FaithQuest Packing Night Event detailed above.
Third, to help Coordinator Joan Spangler and friends receiving shoeboxes here at church use Sign-up Genius (below) or the sign-up sheet on the Connections Table.
Joan’s team needs volunteers here at church at various times from Monday, November 17th-24th. The time-slots listed in the link below are either 3.5 or 4.5 hours (depending on the day). Multiple helpers are needed each day. Would you help us get an early start on lining up the volunteer team?
Feel free to share this opportunity with friends, neighbors or co-workers. Volunteers from several area churches will also join us here to support this exciting mission week.
Here is the link to the online sign-up option for the service times here at Liberty Church:
A live stream update: Thanks to Ian and Jonathan for many hours of working on the technical issue of upgrading livestream capability – there appears to be a better continuous livestream now. We love hearing from each of you who join with us during the 10:15 AM EST service. Welcome back! The You Tube upload of each Sunday’s service is another way to access prior services:
- Live-stream via our Live page
- Live-stream via our Facebook Live page
- Past services on our YouTube channel
- Audio podcasts
“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
never faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
and to those who have no might,
He increases strength.”
( Isaiah 40:28-29 NKJV)
In His love,
Pastor Joe
Liberty Church
P.O. Box 295
Westminster MD 21158
Office: 410.857.4313
Pastor’s cell: 410.596.4096