Parson to Person by Pastor Eckman:
In a few days we’ll observe our most cherished patriotic holiday – The 4th of July – our day of independence. To millions of Americans it will be a reminder of the freedom won for us by our ancestors over 200 years ago. The possession of freedom is precious to us. It is priceless where it is present, and life can be enjoyed. Where it is absent, life can only be endured. Freedom is liberty within bounds. It is liberty to do what is right – not just anything one pleases to do. Unrestrained freedom is deadly. The American Republic stands for freedom in organized society. Christianity is the religion of freedom. Martin Luther said: “The first freedom is freedom from sin.” You can be politically free but be bound by the chains of sin. John 8:36 states: “If the Son (Jesus Christ), therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Thank God there is hope! Even as a slave may be released, so men may be redeemed (set free) from their bondage to sin. This is God’s wonderful message for you. Receive Christ as your Savior by asking Him in a simple prayer of faith to forgive you and save you and – let freedom ring – in your heart!
Membership Spotlight by Jan Clement:
Summer is here and brings our sunshine by way of Linda Oakes. Linda has recently joined Emmanuel Baptist Church. Her parents, Larry and Sue Oakes, are also members. Linda has 2 brothers, Dennis and Mike, a twin sister, Lisa, and a younger sister, Dena known best as “Binkie”.
Oakland, California is the birthplace of Linda. Presently she lives by Millard where she has lived for about 2 years but has lived in this area longer. Linda has known Christ as her Savior for 9 years. She attended a Life Action Crusade at age 7. One of the singers led her to the Lord. She then started coming to Emmanuel with her mom.
Her favorite Bible character is Moses. Her favorite gospel songs are: The Old Rugged Cross, Fill My Cup, Lord, and last but not least #20 in the blue song sheet, Heaven Came Down!
Recent News at Emmanuel by Pastor:
- Evangelist Joe Mark- The seven services were well attended with an average attendance of 116. We greatly appreciated having brother Mark back for the 4th time. Many decisions were made and all were challenged.
- Bill Austin – Missionary to Wisconsin jails and prisons. Brother Austin spoke the evening of June 22nd. It was challenging to hear of the need in Wisconsin for this ministry.
- Annual Canoe Trip – 36 men and boys paddled their way down 35 miles of the Wisconsin River from Spring Green to Blue River on June 19-21 in spite of sunburn.
Sunday School by Darold Alderman:
When the church doors open on Sunday mornings, the children begin to gather as Mrs. Wright makes final preparation for class. There is always time to hear about and be interested in the children’s special event of the week before class time. Their events vary, but the excitement is always there.
Mrs. Virginia Wright teaches our seven and eight year old second grade class. In her Primary 2 class are: David Eckman, Jody Olcott, Laura Olivas, Kevin Rasmussen, and Matthew Alderman. Their lessons are about Moses and many incidents chosen from his life. They see through his life glimpses of the greatness of God, His guidance, protection, and provisions.
Toddler’s Church by Linda Clement:
Dear Mom and Dad,
I’ve been having so much fun in my class that I thought I’d tell you what we do in Toddlers. Miss Linda and Miss Barb are our teachers and they are very special.
Miss Barb is the artist in our room. She makes many of the handcraft projects we color, especially those with animals. Miss Linda does the stories and the Bible lesson. She makes funny faces sometimes as she makes the stories come to life. She takes time every Sunday to give each one of us a hug and tells us that she loves us.
We have a small snack of juice and cookies at the half-way time in our class. Each of us gets a chance to bring cookies. This teaches us to be good helpers at a very young age. I love my class. We make pictures, sing songs, learn Bible lessons and many principles for our lives. I don’t want to miss a Sunday, wouldn’t you like to join us? We like to share our story circle with visitors.
Love,
The Toddlers’ Class
Library by Denise Knebel:
The library has two new books. One of these is entitled, Bwana Maswa by Fred Dunbar. I assure you, you don’t have to be able to pronounce the title in order to enjoy the book.
It is about the life of Fred Dunbar, focusing mainly on his calling to become a missionary and his work in central Africa. As a missionary in the early 1900’s, civilization had yet to come to the deeper regions in Africa. He entered a very primitive area and encountered very primitive people.
His many experiences among the Pygmies are most amazing and clearly show the dedication and love this man had for reaching the unsaved – those who once were called “animals of the forest”. If you’re wondering what “Bwana Maswa” means and how Fred Dunbar got to be called that, I invite you to check this book out and enjoy its story.
