June 20, 2024

News from Isabel Acheson for issue of June 20, 2024

Somerset Bible Chapel 

The beginning of the summer schedule, Fathers’ Day celebrations, and the first outdoor worship service of the season took place Sunday, June 16 at the Somerset 

Sportsgrounds main building. Coffee was at 10 am while the lunch provisions were set up in the kitchen. 

Song sheets were distributed, with the congregation in their lawn chairs or at the picnic tables in the building out of the wind. A P.A. system was set up, however, a power outage mid-sermon removed the benefits of the microphone. 

Jamie Small introduced announcements. Then he and Brianna, along with Kevin Friesen led the worship service. The musical accompaniment was two acoustic guitars. 

The song list included “For God So Loved the World”, “His Mercy is More”, “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord, Oh My Soul)”, “Only a Holy God” and “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us”.

Al Dyck served as usher. Pastor Jeff Peacock led the Prayer Focus. Michayla Peacock read Galatians 5:16-26.

Pastor Jeff began a series on the “Fruits of the Spirit”. The first three listed are Love, Joy and Peace. However, only “Love” made it into the first sermon! All nine Fruits were given as memory work. Pastor Jeff reminded everyone that the Day Campers learn them in a song. He emphasized the value of scripture text set to music for memorizing the Bible. 

The discussion at Mens Breakfast the morning before had been from 1 John 4:7-11, a related text. By the Holy Spirit, those who love God and are born of God can love one another. Both in this text and John 15:12-13 disciples of Christ are commanded to love as Jesus loved. 

Love (Agape in Greek) comes from God. It is a love of choice. It implies respect, devotion, and affection that leads to self-sacrifice for the good of the other. None of us, on our own, can love like God. To love like God implies a purity that “abides by the fine print” of God’s Word.   

Pastor Jeff provided many examples of applying love in relationships. God provides a way to return to right relationships. Love involves forgiveness and reconciliation. Love is willing to give sacrificially to care for another. 

Congratulations to Pastor Jeff and Alanna on their 23rd wedding anniversary on June 16, celebrating with 65 or so of their closest friends over lunch after the church service. 

Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com.