Sacrifice and Obedience

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:34-37

Recently, these 2 words have often been on my mind. They are not words that create in me a feeling of comfort or joy. The words make me shrink away. I want comfort and I want things MY OWN WAY! But Jesus words are simple. He asks his followers to take up their cross and follow him. If we look to save our own life, we will lose it, but if we lose it for the sake of his good news, we gain it all.

So, what causes me to turn away from my fear of these words and run with joy towards a life of sacrifice and obedience? We need to rewind approximately 2000 years ago and look at the scaredy cats that made up Jesus' 11 followers. These men went from shivering and hiding, sending women to Jesus' tomb, to imprisoned, abused, rejected, and some, ultimately, murdered for the Gospel. The change came when they realized who Jesus was and what he had done.

When I recognize the weight of my sin spread against the magnificent backdrop of God's amazing grace and mercy, I am overwhelmed by the Father's deep love for me. It pushes me beyond myself, it finds me sacrificing and obeying when I may not want to do something. But first I have to remember all that has been done for me. The great love that has been poured out over me.

Opportunities abound at PTM

Preston Taylor Ministries an afterschool and mentoring program, is in need of more volunteers for this school year. With the addition of a third site beginning this fall and the growing number of children throughout PTM programming, the need for volunteers is greater than ever. No matter what your experience level is, now is a great time to join the amazing staff of PTM volunteers. New Volunteer Orientation will be held on August 20th from 3:30-5:30 at PTM’s Hal and Martha Wilson Center. Veteran Volunteer Check-in will be on August 21st from 11:00-1:00. To register for one of these sessions, or for more information, please call Chan Sheppard at 596-4386.

Nashville Mission Trip

The Nashville Mission Trip is almost here!! August 7th and 8th 8:30-4pm.

You can join us for both days or just do half a day! There are family friendly options, and on August 7th we have a special mom and kid opportunity! Come build community while we support and share the love of Christ in tangible ways around the city.
Hope for Nashville is partnering with 4 of our partner ministries so there is something for EVERYONE! You can sign up by contacting Mikkee at mikkee@westendcc.org or head to the website and sign up there.

Nashville Mission Trip Opportunities:

- Siloam Health Clinic 8:30-Noon: Prayer walk, learn more about their ministry, serving in practical ways
- Daystar Counseling Services 1-4pm: Dress for outdoor landscaping, painting, and cleaning t help their facility look nice

FAMILY FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

8:30-Noon: Mom/Child play time with Moms of one of our partner ministires. More info to come
-Help sort the food we collected from our Charis Food Drive into boxes to be delivered. This is at the church from 8:30-Noon
-Deliver food to families in need with Charis Ministry from 8:30-4

August 8th: Workday at Barefoot Republic camp in Kentucky 8:30-4 (not family friendly)