The Church is: His missional people. 2) His redeemed family. 3) His truth claims. 4) His holy temple. EFCA SOF Article 7– The Church: We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. Applying God's Word to Life Give an example of a place, a team, or group where you felt like you belonged and you felt good about your contribution to the group? Explain. Jesus said, “I will build My church.” How does knowing this change your view of the present and future of the church? What does it look and feel like to be a member of God’s household? What do baptism and communion communicate to family members? What are some practical and healthy ways a church puts the truth of the gospel on display? Why is it important to have a “working model” in the world? Peter describes believers as “living stones” being built together into God's dwelling place. What does it say about God and about us that he is able to make His holy temple from people like us? What is one practical step you can take this week to help build up Christ's church rather than simply benefit from it? How will you say “yes” to the Master builder this week? Announcements No Sunday Service in Glenwood on July 26: Pastor Kelly will be at the Waterama Community Service and Mike Severson will be preaching the same sermon in Starbuck that he preached on July 5 in Glenwood. Waterama Community Church Service: Sunday, July 26 at the Glenwood City Bandshell at 9:30 a.m. Hope’s worship team is leading worship. Bring your own chair. Baptism and Food, Fun & Friends: Wednesday, August 12 at 6:00 pm at Lakeshore Park in Starbuck. If You are Interested in Getting Baptized this Summer: you need to contact Pastor Kelly by August 3. Starbuck VBS Volunteers Needed: Sunday, August 2-Thursday, August 6 5:30pm at Lakeshore Park Family leader who leads kids to all the activities Game leading Craft helper Safety monitor (lake and highway protection) Cook 6 pounds of taco meat for Thursday, Aug. 6. Meal Prep. helper on Thursday, Aug. 6. Contact Vickie (320-805-0450) if you can help. Moms Group is Looking for Childcare Volunteers: They meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays during the school year in the morning at Restoration Church in Glenwood. Contact Mataya Cihlar at (320) 424-1639 if you are able to help all or even some of the Fridays. No Children’s Church July & August: Activity packets will be available for during the sermon. Sermon Based Small Group Glenwood: Tuesdays at 7:00 pm at Central Square, Suite 200. Attend when you are able. Sermon Based Small Group Starbuck: Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. at the Starbuck site. Attend when you are able.