Greetings to you all
For millions of Americans, this week has been torn by grief alongside what should always be a somber and yet grateful remembrance of God’s awesome mercies on this beloved nation.
Observances honoring all whose sacrifices under fire sustained liberty for future generations are good for the soul of the country.
The 11th of September in 2001 was a severe turning point in the American experience. How sad that on the day prior to the anniversary of 9/11, a fresh wound reminded us all of why bold faithful proclamation of the Gospel is so crucial for the nation.
With the brutal and horrific murder on 9/10/2025 of Charlie Kirk as he spoke on the campus of Utah Valley University, waves of sorrow swept across the nation. Millions of Americans grieved this week for Charlie’s beloved wife and children and for the sudden loss of such an effective leader. Alarmed and heartbroken by this tragedy, followers of Jesus see clearly that persecution rises whenever the truth of the Gospel is breaking new ground in a culture.
In words we read aloud together last Sunday, we embrace the ultimate reason that persecution arises, a reason that is vividly demonstrated in the legacy of Charlie Kirk’s life:
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me…Great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
(Matthew 5:11-12 NIV)
The grief of this tragic week is a burden we carry together.
Among many friends of Charlie Kirk, these comments from Jack Hibbs, Pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills CA capture the essence of his legacy:
“I have had the honor of knowing Charlie Kirk well and personally for many years now. I cannot express how incredibly proud I have been of his faithful Christian witness and the way he has honored the Lord Jesus Christ with his life. Charlie was known as an intellectual giant, a very compassionate young man, and one who was tirelessly devoted to this nation’s welfare and our glorious republic.
Whenever Charlie debated anyone, no matter how mean, ugly, or abusive they were to him, Charlie always shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the Cross, and the Hope of eternal life for anyone who would turn to Him in faith.
Charlie has now finished his race, his earthly course, and we celebrate his glorious graduation into the presence of Jesus Christ.
It is now up to us to carry on the love, the defense and the courage that Charlie had in proclaiming Christ in America – his glowing vision that our nation would soon honor God and be great in His eyes by turning back to Him in all things. We will see Charlie soon in the everlasting Kingdom of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
We join millions of believers this weekend in saying “Amen”
Church family and community news and updates
We love welcoming each of you and your guests in Cafe Liberty ~ open from 9:45 AM until Worship begins @ 10:15 AM. And share these invitations with friends:
Liberty Ladies Luncheon on Sunday, September 14th at 11:45 AM (following morning service) Sign up via the Liberty Ladies Group App (or email Marsha Nusbaum)
FaithQuest, a new Kids event begins Thursday, September 18th
Children’s faith-adventure event (ages 3-12) Sept 18th @ 6:30 PM
Starting September 18th, we will gather every 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings in the Fellowship Hall from 6:30 to 8:00 PM for stories, games, singing, and fun!
For more information, contact Laken Green
Fourth, Our next Water Baptism Orientation class will be held on Tuesday September 23rd @ 6:30 PM. Sign up at the Connections Table for either yourself, or as a parent for a son or daughter, to learn more about believers’ baptism and the steps we take to nurture the faith of all worshipers in this vital step of following Jesus.
October special community events:
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The Carroll County Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Dept community hall on Saturday, October 4th ~ 7:30 AM
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October 18th (dinner event) Alpha Pregnancy Center’s Annual Fundraising Banquet @ 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!
Mission: KENYA (East Africa)
Challenge Farm’s Harvest-time Food Supplies
~ Buy a bag of beans or corn…or both! ~
Mornings in the Challenge Farm kitchen in Kitale Kenya:
Three cooks start at 5:00 AM each day to prepare meals for 194 children.
They cook over wood fires using 55 pounds of beans, 199 pounds of corn and 119 pounds of rice!
In the harvest season, all these supplies must be purchased as the crops are gathered, bagged and sent to market
Help us meet the current need for the annual supply of these essentials.
Donate for a bag of corn @ $38 or a bag of beans @ $100 or any multiple of those amounts
in support of Challenge Farm’s inventory for daily food preparation!
For Challenge Farm offerings, use a Liberty Church envelope on the Connections Table – mark CF on “Missions” line and the amount of your gift
Or, designate on any check “CF food”
100% of your designated gifts are applied to the specified project or (if unspecified) to Challenge Farm’s general operating expenses.
A new volunteer care and service opportunity: Carroll Hospital is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join its Volunteer Program. Whether you’re retired, have flexible time, or simply feel called to serve, there are a variety of meaningful opportunities available including greeting visitors, assisting in the gift shops, supporting patients and families, and more.
Flexible shifts and a supportive team make this a rewarding way to serve in your community.
To fill out an online application, go to www.lifebridgehealth.org/carrollvolunteer or call 410-871-6535.
Welcome to all our online friends!
Thanks for joining us via livestream at libertychurchlive.com or via YouTube or Facebook.
Your prayers and participation, whatever the location where you watch is deeply appreciated.
Here again are the links to be with us on Sundays @ 10:15 AM Eastern Time or at a time that works well for you to watch. We love to hear your thoughts and lift your prayer requests. Comment in the Facebook Live feed, text the church @ 410.857.4313 or reply to this email anytime. It’s a joy to hear from you at pastoralcare@libertychurchlive.com
Watch “live” or later via Liberty Church’s website
Liberty Church’s YouTube channel or on Facebook Live
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith
and praying the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus to bring you to eternal life.”
(Jude 1:20-21 NIV)
In His love,
Pastor Joe
Liberty Church
P.O. Box 295
Westminster MD 21158
Email: pastoralcare@libertychurchlive.com
Office: 410.857.4313
Pastor’s cell: 410.596.4096