Blameless
There was once a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless–a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Job 1:1
Blameless. . . Does that mean perfect? Apparently not, because the suffering Job cries out in chapter 19:25, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.” Job feared God, shunned evil, prayed for his children, cared for his livestock–and, like the rest of us, was a sinner who needed redemption. Yet the Bible describes him as blameless. It’s what we do about our inevitable sin that makes us blameless and builds integrity. “He who covers his sins will not prosper,” said the wise man in Proverbs 28:13, “but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Here’s a happy reminder of our covenant relationship with God that underlies the moral and spiritual lessons of repentance and the cleansing release of forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). The apostle Paul, encountering Felix, said: “I have hope in God . . . that there will be a resurrection from the dead, both of the just and the unjust. And for this, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God or man.” (Acts 24:15, 16)
When King David hit bottom, confronted by the prophet Nathan about his lurid tumble from one sin to another, and then another, he had no place to go but to stand and look up.
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
For I was born a sinner–yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me–now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
Then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. . . . (Psalm 51:1-17)
This Sabbath
Our Senior Pastor, James Winegardner, continues his sermon series on the book of Mark during our 9:00 and 11:30 Sanctuary worship services. Musicians include Kids Praise (Arianna and Candace Eclar, Melea, Joel and Marcus Hwang, Caleb and Juliana Marquart, Levi and Sophie Weber, with Maydi Weber at the piano; and Aaron and Melva Hwang, Ace and Mikki Eclar, Gigi Marquart, Jacquelyn de los Santos, and Trent Muse serving as our Praise Team. Sherrie Smith will tell the children’s story, Mickey Johnson will offer congregational prayer. Rick Weaver will call for the offering, which will support Southwestern Union Education Endowment. Stave Bradley will serve ad Deacon in Charge.
Continuing the Young Adults’ summer series on Psalms, Pastor Michael Gibson will speak on Psalm 51 at The Middle Service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:15. Elevate is enjoying a great summer! Come and see!
In the Adult Sabbath Schools at 10:15, Rick Weaver will lead in the Sanctuary, followed by classes; Roger Mikesell will lead the Chapel Sabbath School, with a feature by Yddo Ortiz and the lesson taught by Texas Conference Treasurer Randall Terry. Young at Heart Sabbath School will enjoy the Bradwell Sisters’ music and a study about the Holy Spirit by Pastor Tony Torres, with the Lovitts serving as superintendents.
Check our “Life Groups” board near the Welcome Desk and sign up for joyful Wednesdays in July with your Forever Family starting July 3. Bring sandwiches or salad to eat together at 6:00 PM, followed by spiritual small groups at 6:30. At 7:30 we’ll have fun classes. Come add your sparkle!
Visitation – Meet with our Visitation Committee at 217 Mistletoe, Keene, this Sabbath afternoon at 5:00 to visit church members who are lonely and would be blessed by your fellowship. You’ll be refreshed, too, as you share your Christian love!
Our church
In Memoriam – Theresa “Terrie” Wardle-Kibbler passed away June 3. The family invites you to join them in celebrating her life at 2:00 PM Sunday, July 7 in our Chapel.
Kayaking – Enjoy a great time out in nature with others who enjoy kayaking! Bring your own kayak or RSVP and let us know that you need a kayak. Meet at the church parking lot this Sunday, June 30, at 10:00 AM. Info: sharriss59@yahoo.com or 817-933-1341.
Sewing / Quilting – This Sunday at 3:00 PM, bring your favorite project to work on with a group of others who share your interest. Meet at Chisholm Trail Academy where there are sewing machines. Info: sharriss59@gmail.com.
The church office will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 for United States Independence Day. Look for the Keene Church in the Keene Fourth of July Parade on Thursday!
Children’s Sabbath School graduation is Sabbath, July 6, the assigned time of year for children to join the next age level in our Sabbath School divisions. Please confirm as you check in your children next week that their name tag reveals their new Sabbath School home. (Upcoming 6th and 8th graders are typically the only youth to remain in their current class).
A couple of pianists are still needed in the children’s Sabbath School Divisions. Contact Dorie Cruz or Michelle Karmy if you are able to serve.New bulletin announcement / Sabbath School program information deadline starting July 1:
Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
If you visit our website at www.keenechurch.org, there is a new Submit Announcement link at the top of our home page. Our goal is that our website is the primary way to submit announcement requests. If you miss the 5:00 Tuesday deadline we will try to include your announcement the next week.
This week only, because of the July 4 holiday, our bulletin information deadline is
Monday night, July 1. Thank you!
General church potluck is next Sabbath, July 6, after second service. The University cafeteria will be closed for the holiday weekend, so please bring plenty of entrees, veggies, desserts, and friendly conversation!
Our water ministry will begin in July! Please bring any cases of water you’d like to contribute to this ministry to the church office.
Breakfast Club – Women’s Ministry invites you to mingle at our monthly Breakfast Club at 8:30 AM Monday, July 8, Olivia’s Restaurant in Keene. Drop in, buy your own breakfast, and get acquainted with other ladies!
Our Keene Church Visitation team has an urgent need for additional volunteers to visit our members in our community. Days and times are flexible. If you have an interest in helping, please contact Marie Redwine at mredwine217@sbcglobal.net.
A New Life Bible School needs volunteers in the office to open mail or do data entry Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings. We also need teachers to correct lessons at home. Info: Virginia Harder, 817-526-5556.
“Our Kids Eat Free” summer food – Please drop food donations at the church office or look for designated food donation areas in the church.
Oct. 11-13 Church campout, Lake Whitney State Park! Enjoy nature, fellowship, and worship on the lake shore. If you don’t camp, you can still join us Sabbath for worship, potluck and Smores on Saturday night. $24 per night per site + $5 per day per person over 13. Reservations or cancellations required by Sept. 27 to Veronique, vcwiist00@gmail.com.
Job board – Check the job board for new opportunities posted this week! Please post details if you have a job to offer or need a job! The job board is on the wall across from the drinking fountain near the church o
Our schools
Chisholm Trail Academy
- Acro Camp gymnastics at the Academy gym, July 1-4, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for anyone age 10 and up. Camp will have 3 days of clinics culminating with a show for the Keene 4th of July Parade. Fee: $50, lunch included. Payment is due by registration July 1, 7:30 – 9:00 AM. Preregister at 817-641-6626 or 479-233-0964.
- Summer Hoops Camp – July 21-25, 6:00 – 9:30 PM. Students of all skill levels grades 6th – 12th are invited. Students don’t have to be athletes; you’ll be grouped for all abilities. $70 per camper (includes camp shirt). Activities include conditioning, skills training, basketball activities, game play, prizes, guest speakers. Contact CTA office, 817-641-6626, to RSVP or for questions.
Our community
The 30th annual Keene 4th of July Parade starts at 9:00 AM along a new route beginning at Old Betsy Road and 4th Streets, proceeding north to Magnolia. Staging is at Pinnacle Bank for vehicles and at Chisholm Trail Academy for animals. Parade registration ($10) opens at 7:30 AM on the bank’s south entrance. Entries must be registered by 8:00 AM to be judged. Registration is open until 8:50 AM. The parade theme is “Happy Birthday, America.” Judging will take place before the parade. First-place ribbons will be awarded in these categories: All-terrain Vehicle; Decorated 4-Wheel Vehicle; Decorated 2-Wheel Entry; Decorated Antique Vehicle; Decorated Float; Animal Entry (non-equestrian); Horse Entry; Business Entry; Children’s Entry. A special viewing area for veterans will be located along Old Betsy Road in front of Pinnacle Bank.
eBulletin board
Help needed! Want to make extra money house cleaning? Message me: Brent Batla, 817-933-6967
Caregiver needed in assisting elderly residents; part-time days. Text your name and cell number to 817-933-1037.
Housekeeping and cooking assistance needed Monday through Friday near the church. 817-645-9532
Our finances
2018/2019 Ministries and Operations budget: $767,808.00
Donations Needed by June 30, 2019 – $767,808.00
Donations Received through June 22, 2019 – $759,306.86
Amount still needed this month – $ 8,501.14
Sanctuary HVAC (air conditioning) total cost – $550,000.00
Sanctuary HVAC project donations received thru June 22, 2019 – $334,555.32
Amount still needed – $215,444.68
Today’s offering – SW Union Education Endowment; July 6 – Church Budget
In conclusion
God knows you, and He has chosen you for a purpose. Of course you are free to reject Him, but if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you and make you clean (blameless). (1 John 1:9) Remember Jacob, fleeing from home and family on a lonely night, guilt nipping at his heels for deceiving his father and stealing from his brother? Uncomfortably resting his head on a stone, he fell asleep and “dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway. . . . At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and He said, ‘I am the Lord the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants . . . I am with you, and will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.’ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it.” (Genesis 28:13-14, 15-16) God gave the same promise to Jacob as He had to Abraham and Isaac!
Be aware that God is with you, friend! He remembers His covenant with you. Reach out and grasp His assurance today!
Your Keene Church Pastors
Nearer, My God to Thee
Nearer, my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
There let my way appear
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou sendest me
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Or if on joyful wing,
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
(Sarah F. Adams)
