Hey Church Family,
Welcome to another week filled with blessings and opportunities to grow in faith and fellowship! As we gather together, united in spirit and purpose, we're excited to share the latest news and updates with you. From upcoming events to meaningful reflections, our weekly announcements serve as a beacon of guidance and connection in our journey of faith. Join us as we embark on this enriching adventure together!
In faith and community,
Your Social Media Team
St. Luke Christian Church
www.stlukecchsv.org
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Speaker: Reverend Reginald Johnson
Scriptural Text: Joel 2: 25-27
Text: Joel 2:25-26
Subject: You Can Win Again!
In this life if you live long enough you will suffer some losses. After a few consecutive losses it will cause you to question, "will I ever win again?" I came to tell you after having taken some real big L’s for quite some time I am a witness that you can win again. No, it’s not easy, but you can win again. No, people won’t understand, but you can win again. You may feel like you can’t make it, but you can win again. You might see opposition, but you can win again. You may be in the red, but you can win again. You may feel lonely, but you can win again. You may have to cut some people off, but you can win again. You might not have what you had before, but you can win again. You might not see it right now but there is more to come, and you can win again.
Joel was a prophet of ancient Israel, and he was the second of the twelve minor prophets. We don't know much about him besides being a prophet and the son of Pethuel. God was using Joel to bring about a change in the lives of the people of God during a time where sin was rampant and judgment was near. Joel does not tell us the extent of Israel's sin, but they had disobeyed God and they needed to repent to avoid destruction and devastation. The devastation would be by the locusts and caterpillars for four years and the army of Israel's enemies (represented by the locusts) would come against the people of God. All they needed to do was repent and Joel was letting them know that God would withhold all the things that would come to take them out. In verse 25 God says, "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." Restore means "to give back or to return to bring back to its former state, renew, refresh, rejuvenate". What you thought was lost and was taken away by the locust, caterpillar, cankerworm, and palmerworm (all representing death and destruction, loss of productivity and resources) will be restored. Someone here can rejoice because the enemy thought it was over for you in 2026, but in this eighth month of the year 2026, you are praising God for the things that God restored.
He restored my character, my finances, my peace of mind, my health, my strained relationships, my hope, my joy; and I can stand here today and thank God for what he restored in my life. Then Joel says that after God restored what they lost and then extended grace (He gave them what they did not deserve) and He gave them plenty (abundance / increase) and gave them hope for the future (they could look forward to future blessings). He started by telling them about destruction but ended up telling them about blessings. In verses 26-27 he says, "And he shall eat plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be ashamed." That's abundance/increase!!! Not only is the blessing for you but all connected to you. I want to win but I also want my seed (the next generation) to win.
The future blessings are seen in verses 28-29: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall Prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants, and upon handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit." Restoration has finally come and Jesus shows us we can win again because one Friday on a hill called Calvary where Jesus was crucified and then he died but early Sunday morning he got up with all power in his hands!!!
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The St. Luke Christian Church Music Ministry is excited about presenting music that uplifts and blesses everyone. We are growing and looking for new members for all ensembles. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to Reverend Marvis Moore via 256-721-1294.
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The next Women’s Choir rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 8th at 6:30 p.m. These rehearsals are open to ages 12 and older. For more information, please contact Rev. Boussi Johnson.
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The Medical Ministry monthly topic is Prostate Cancer...this month's focus helps people understand that early detection saves lives. Prostate Cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and is significantly more devastating for Black men...the mortality rate for Black men from the disease is 67% higher as compared to white men. The good news is that the survival rate is over 99% Prostate Cancer is detected and treated in early stages. Obtain testing information from your physician or contact the American Cancer Society today (Hosea 4:6).
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Join the St. Luke Media Team
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Hey family! We are actively looking to grow our media team and need your support. If you have any experience with audio engineering, social media management, photography, videography or have an interest in developing your skills in any of these areas, please contact the social media team at socialmedia@stlukecchsv.org or see the church Secretary for more information.
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We kindly request that you remember and include in your prayers those individuals who are part of our SLCC family. Life can sometimes present us with unexpected challenges and it is during these times that our thoughts and prayers can provide comfort and strength. So, please take a moment to send positive thoughts and pray for our SLCC family members. Please submit prayer requests to: members@stlukecchsv.org.
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Children's Church Volunteers Needed!
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Church Nursery Volunteers Needed!
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We are seeking assistance in the church nursery. If you have a love for children and want to volunteer your time in this ministry, please stop by the nursey and speak with Sister Monica Gray
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Hey, family. We want to introduce the St. Luke photo Gallery which is available on our new Flickr page. Photos of worship services, baptisms, and other church events will be displayed on this site. From the site you will be able to view, download, and share moments captured by our incredible photographers. Please scan the QR code to be directed to this collection of photos and we hope you enjoy these memories for years to come. There will also be a link to access this photo gallery on the church website.
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The food pantry hours are Monday - Wednesday from 9:30am - 2:00pm to serve our community. Donations to the pantry are always appreciated so if you would like to donate, feel free to bring those donations during pantry hours and one of our volunteers will be happy to receive them.
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St. Luke Business Network
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Calling all St. Luke business owners! Join the St. Luke Business Network to showcase your talents to our community. Submit your business info, headshot and services to socialmedia@stlukecchsv.org (see examples below). Let's connect and uplift each other.
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Love Zone Group - Offering temporary housing solutions through corporate leasing. For additional information, please contact us at 256-384-5085 and/or felicia@lovezoneprop.com
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Bold and Fierce Boutique
11041 Hwy 231-431N, Suite K
Meridianville, AL 35759
Website: www.shopboldandfierce.com
Social Media: @boldandfierceboutique on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
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Update Your Membership Info!
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Follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events! Also, check out our NEW flickr page to see photos of previous events and church services!
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If you have any inquiries or wish to have your announcement featured in next week's newsletter, please feel free to reach out to us at socialmedia@stlukecchsv.org
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