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A Message from Pastor Kevin DibbeyThis Sunday, we will be studying the apostle Paul’s encounter with the major philosophers of his day in Athens. He encounters a myriad of Greek religious and philosophical ideas. How does he effectively engage them with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our study will be taken from Acts 17:16-33 and it is entitled “Now is the Appointed Time.” I don’t know if you have ever thought about the question, “If you could live at any point in history and any place in history, where would you choose?” We often can have a rather romantic notion of some time in history when we thought the world was a more beautiful, or a more exciting, or more noble time in which to live. We think that our times are the hardest for Christians and the mission of Christ. The doctrine of God’s providence teaches us that God has chosen and appointed the very times and the places for each and all of our lives. That’s what Paul proclaims in Athens. We are living in exactly the right time and the right place for God to do His good work in us and through us for His glory. As we consider how to live as Christians in a world full of suffering and injustice, it is helpful for us to know that God is at work and we don’t have to play God to orchestrate the best scenarios for kingdom life and gospel advancement. God is at work and His purposes cannot fail! My wife’s favorite verse in the Bible is Job 42:2 where the suffering Job declares “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Can you say that? How does our life and mission change when we believe that God has providentially orchestrated everything for our good and the salvation of others? How does that shape our faith and the sharing of our faith in a world that seems so far from Christ? Come Sunday and let’s be encouraged together through the Word and the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hope you can come and hope you will invite a friend. |
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Come Thou Long Expected JesusDo you have a longing heart? As we dive into the Christmas season - with all the beautiful decor, gifts, concerts, family time, and busyness - do you find yourself longing for something more? Come, join the women of Waterbrooke for a festive brunch on Saturday, December 6, as we celebrate the Advent season and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ this Christmas. Join us as we remind each other what is the true "joy of every longing heart". Brunch: 9:30 a.m. (a sign-up will be available soon) Program: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Do you know anyone else with a longing heart?? Invite a friend, neighbor, coworker - let's share the "hope of all the earth" and "dear desire of every nation"! We look forward to sharing this time with you! |
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Donations of StockWe realize that not everyone owns stock, but for those who do, you may not be aware of the tax advantages of making a gift of stock to the church. With the stock market going up recently and with year-end approaching, this is a good time to consider donating stock to Waterbrooke. How it helps you: If you own a stock for at least a year and it has gone up in price, and you give the shares to the church, you don't have to pay tax on the gain AND you get a charitable deduction for the full amount. For example: You acquire 10 shares of stock at $50 a share. It goes up to $170 a share, for a total value of $1,700. If you donate it to the church, you get a charitable deduction for the full $1,700. And you would not pay tax on the profit of $1,200 like you normally would if you sold the stock. How it helps Waterbrooke: When our broker receives the stock, we sell it and use the proceeds as we would any contribution. Questions??? The process is very simple. Instructions are on our website under "Giving" or our Treasurer, Karen Kowalke, can give you more details. |
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Benevolent MinistryEver since Waterbrooke was started 25 years ago, we've made it our philosophy to help others who are hurting, whether spiritually, emotionally or financially. For those who run into financial hardships, others with resources have generously contributed to our benevolent fund so that we are in a position to help when it is most needed. We review each request on a case by case basis to ensure we are wisely stewarding the funds we've been entrusted with. Typically we help only members of our body or close family/friends of our body. Recently, we helped pay a portion of college tuition for a student who had started a new job but didn't yet have a paycheck to make the monthly payment that was due to the university. We also helped a family with high grocery bills via a Costco gift card. These gifts helped ease anxiety about financial resources and showed the recipients that Waterbrooke cares for them. If you'd like to support our brothers and sisters in need, and you're able to give an extra gift for that purpose, you can contribute to the Benevolent Fund either by choosing that option online or by designating "Benevolent" on a check. We're grateful for your generosity! if you find yourself needing financial help, please contact the church office. |
