News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Aug. 21, 2025
Somerset Bible Chapel
The August 17th worship service opened with Rejean Picard reading the announcements. Brianna and Jamie Small with Kevin Friesen were the music team. Rejean P also served as usher. Clayton Kimber led the Prayer Focus and Michelle Friesen read the scripture lesson from Ruth 1:6-22.
“All Hail the Power”, “Come Thou Fount”, the Chris Tomlin piece “Our God”, “Yes, I Will”, and the new song “Build My Life” were the chosen songs. The closing chorus was “I will Cast All My Cares on You”.
The summer series on the Old Testament book of Ruth is pointing out several recurring themes. Pastor Jeff Peacock noted references in the lesson about the Sovereignty of God in the circumstances faced by Naomi and her daughters in law. In the country of Moab, Naomi had heard that God had visited his people and there was no longer famine in Israel.
Naomi prepares to return to her home community in Bethlehem in Judah (Judea). Both Ruth and Orpah begin the journey with her. Naomi feels she has nothing to offer them and urges them to return to their parental homes. Orpah chooses to turn back, but Ruth makes a pledge of loyalty and commitment to accompany Naomi, to stay with her, become her family, and worship her God.
The lot of most widows at that time usually dictated they continued to work in the fields, in their old age, with no male relative to care for or protect them.
Pastor Jeff applied lessons related to the importance of family relationships, to honour ones parents throughout life, to develop and maintain close relationships, to be open to and willing to follow God’s leading.
Naomi arrives back in Bethlehem. Her name means ‘pleasant’, but she wants to change it to Mara, meaning ‘bitter’. She feels that she went away full and came back empty. Despite her suffering she firmly believes the hand of God is upon her. The suffering of Job, and others of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, all work into God’s plan for His people.
The sermon closed with a number of encouraging and reassuring Bible quotes.
The Vacation Bible School held Aug. 12-14 was organized by the Peacock family with other volunteers helping in various areas. The attendance varied from 8-10 children enjoying Bible storied, games, crafts, singing and snacks. The Theme “Who’s The Boss?” led to the narratives of Joseph, David, and the three friends of Daniel.
Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com