A Message from Our Elders

The elders believe that one of our roles as shepherds is to seek and give direction.  As a church we have had many discussions and times of discernment over the past two years about God's direction for us at Woodlawn.  With those thoughts in mind, we went on a retreat last March to listen for a word from God about this issue.  We discussed many things, many options.  We began by answering again the questions, "Who are we at Woodlawn?"  And followed that with, "Where is it that God is leading us as a community?"

We want you to hear us clearly: we believe strongly that our greatest desire and clearest vision is that God is asking us to be faithful to the gospel call - that we are in the process of becoming a missional community.  We are convinced if we can keep that vision in clear focus, we will not be hindered, set back or defeated by whatever transition lies ahead.

Woodlawn brothers and sisters, it is God's intention that we be a light to the world (Matt. 5:14-15) and that His light not be hidden beneath a "bushel" of our self-interest, our doubt, or our lies and confusion in our fast-paced world.  It is this that has shaped us at Woodlawn.  We are that community that reaches out - both locally and abroad!

We are told that the church gladly "set apart" Barnabas and Paul for the work of reaching into new lands with the Gospel.  The ceremony of the laying on of hands was symbolic.  It was drawn from the practice of the Jews placing their hands on the head of the lamb that was to be slain.  They identified with the animal and it became a substitute for them.  The laying on of hands was a way for the church to show that they "stand with" these men in their new ministry.  They were behind this work of God.

This summer God has given us Sonny and Eunice Guild in Tanzania, Theron Guild in Honduras, Charles Stelding with Jenny and Ashley Francis in Germany, Sarah Bailey in Italy, Kin and Chrissy Lau in Malaysia, Jeff and Loree Houghton in England, and Dwayne and Julie Hilty in Oregon as vessels to present a different world for people.

Dear Brethren, let us be eager for God to open doors for ministry to those who are outside the church.  May we be excited in seeing people come to a new relationship with Christ!  May we rejoice in knowing that we all participate in exposing our lights when we send forth these brothers and sisters to give life, love and hope to the world.

May the Lord's blessings be upon us as, together, we live out promise --- "I will give you as a light."  What a blessing!

In Brotherly Love,
Your Elders

COOKIE BAKERS AND BUYERS!  It's about time for VBS cookies.  Be planning for it and watch for details of when and where.

TODAY!  Please pick up your dishes from Room 18.  Some have been there quite awhile, so everyone please check.

Please remove the Moreno family information from your membership directory.  They have placed membership elsewhere.

Summer funds are needed for our teens.  Dishrags have been donated for this purpose.  On tables in the foyer you will find dishrags which have been donated for this purpose.  Please donate $1 for each dishrag you take, and help kids to go to camp, etc.

Because of the Memorial Holiday tomorrow there will be no morning Prayer & Share time, and the church offices will be closed.

STATISTICS FOR MAY 23, 2004