The O is sent in text only form this week since Troy VanLiere and his family are on vacation.  Please show your appreciation to Troy for making the "O" look good each week.


A Spirit of Gentleness

“Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5a).
 
A hunter in the desert was shocked when he saw Father Anthony enjoying himself with the brothers (There remains in every generation the misinformed mindset of those who have more religion than God that His people aren’t supposed to laugh, play or have any fun at all).
 
Father Anthony wanted to show the hunter that it was sometimes necessary to meet the needs of the brothers so he said to him, “Put an arrow in your bow and shoot it.” So the hunter did. Then the old man said again, “Shoot another,” and he did so. One more time, Father Anthony said, “Shoot yet again.” The hunter replied, “If I bend my bow too much, I will break it.”
 
Then the wise spiritual father said to him, “It is the same with the work of God. If we stretch the brothers beyond measure, they will soon break. Sometimes it is necessary to come down to meet their needs.”
 
We are certainly called to stretch one another – but not beyond measure. There are times to be tough and hold each others’ feet to the fire. There are other times to simply sit together along water banks of refreshment – resting together or playfully splashing. These are times of gentleness. Gentleness rests and never forces itself or its ways on another. Gentleness trusts God too bring those we love along the path of spiritual progress. We quit trying to pull them along. We love them for who they are and where they are. We are also authentic enough to let them see us where we are not yet conformed to Him.
 
Is there someone in your life that frustrates you because of their lack of progress? You can choose to be harsh or gentle. Before choosing it may be helpful to remember the words of another spiritual father who said, “We can go a long ways in helping another see the error of his way by first convincing him that we love him.”
 
For More People to be convinced,
 
Chris

Announcements:
The entire church family is invited to join in a night of fun and fellowship as we go to Faith Night at the Nashville Sounds game on July 31.  The cost is $10 which includes a hot dog, drink, ballgame, concert by Stephanie Smith and fireworks.  20 tickets have been purchased and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.  If you and your family would like to participate see Pastor Anita for tickets.
The Women's small group for "Life's Healing Choices" will meet Wednesday June 24 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Orchard Ministry Center. Prepare for discussion of Chapter 6 in the book and workbook.
There seem to be two long tables missing from the church. If you borrowed them and have not returned them, please do so ASAP or contact Pastor Anita with return information.
We want our church family to use the things God's has blessed us with like our building, tables etc. but please do not just assume that you can do that but contact Pastor Anita to schedule its use.
The Children's Ministry (children age 3 - 5th grade) will meet at Chuck E. Cheese's on Thursday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. for pizza and games. Each child should bring $5 toward this opportunity. See you there.
The Ladies Prayer Group meets Wednesday at 9:15 a.m and the Men's Prayer Group meets Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at The Orchard Ministry Center.

Weekly Financial Report

Prayer Focus
Sunday -  Pray for hearts open to worship and ears open to the Spirit's leading
Monday - Pray for the opportunity to share God's love with someone today.
Tuesday - Pray for Philip and Heather Zimmerman's ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ.
Wednesday - Pray for those whose lives seem turned upside down that they may recognize God's hand at work in their lives.
Thursday - Pray for Noemi Hernandez.
Friday - Pray for Linda Jones.
Saturday - Pray for Dianne Jordan.