July 4th , 2010

WINTER SOLDIERS & SNOWSTORM PATRIOTS

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, it was in no small part because of a pamphlet distributed years earlier by Thomas Paine titled Common Sense. His words led to a public outcry for what a few were only whispering, that the American Colonies should separate themselves from Great Britain. Declaring independence proved to be the easy part. The war for that independence was not going well. The Continental Army kept losing and retreating. A thousand American soldiers surrendered in August and nearly three thousand in November in what is today New York City during the same year as the Declaration. The Congress that had drafted and signed the Declaration were in retreat as well. Morale around the new nation sank. Many were ready to give up the cause altogether.
In December of that year, Paine published the first volume of another pamphlet. This time, his words helped to shore up the resolve that was needed to persevere. Gen. George Washington found them so motivating that he ordered them to be read aloud during that long, dark winter at Valley Forge. It began famously:

"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God."
- The Crisis, Thomas Paine, 1776

In our own fight for independence from this world and all that is opposed to God, Christians are soldiers, too (2 Timothy 2:3-4). In our spiritual war, just like any physical war, there are seasons. It's quite easy to be faithful to Our Savior when everything is going well, when we are facing no real opposition, when there is no interference with our right to worship God, we can say loudly that we are followers of Him. Christians are plentiful, at least in name, during these sunshine summers.
However, when even mild winters merely threaten to set in, too many are ready to give up and become like those disciples in Capernaum who "turned back and no longer walked with Him" (John 6:66). The truth is that it is during these winters that battles can be won and those who persevere through them are made better (James 1:2-4). Consider the scene of Jesus' great victory; it was on a cross as He was mocked and tortured. As a footnote Paine included in The Crisis read: "The present winter is worth an age, if rightly employed; but, if lost or neglected, the whole continent will partake of the evil; and there is no punishment that man does not deserve, be he who, or what, or where he will, that may be the means of sacrificing a season so precious and useful."
- Neil Emory

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 4:14-21

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We now have an opening on our Monthly fellowship sheet for December. If you would like to host this sign up!
Summer Series: June 9 thru Aug. 11th--each Wed. "What Can the 21st Century Church Learn…?" A sign-up sheet for weekly finger foods is posted on bulletin board Speaker for June 30 will be Dennis Curd, Christiansburg, VA, speaking on "…from the Corinthian church?"
Vacation Bible School: July 15th thru July 17th. The VBS Committee needs to meet with everyone involved with VBS following the evening service for a brief meeting on Sunday, June 27. Cookout will be at 5:00p.m. on the 17th. Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board.
The Directory is being updated. Please contact Neil if you wish to be included.
Pantry Items: Canned goods (meats, fruits), cereals, jelly, spaghetti noodles, pudding. We have been able to help some and the pantry needs to be restocked.
If you know of anyone we could help with food, please let the men know.

PRAYER LIST - ADDITIONS/UPDATES:
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Bucky Anderson, who was killed in Afghanistan
Barb -medical issues
Barb's Mother
Danny, friend of Gary's - Back injury-will be out of work for 6 wks
Brian -8 yr old student of Jan's - terminal cancer
KK's Dad, Health issues
Randa, blood clot in lungs
Lester
Doan, Moorefield Church, is in Lifecare.
Fay Harrisonburg Health & Rehab
Heather's Grandmother suffered a stroke & is in a nursing home.
Family friend of Jerry & Jennifer's: diagnosed with breast cancer
John - health problems. He is improving, but still needs our prayers.
Erica - Leukemia
Edward, Charlene's Grandfather -cancer
Dallas & Margaret: ongoing health problems
Melanie: Friend of Emory's, breast cancer
We are also praying for: Doug & K.K., Tony, Heather, Elliott, Caitlin, Mary Ann, Pam
PLEASE keep Linda updated so we can keep the prayer list current.

FRIENDS/FAMILY SERVING IN THE MILITARY:
Josh-Iraq; Ben-Home temporarily; Grant-Kuwait, Eric Reed-Iraq

OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS:
Kayten, Jan, Heather