The Weekly Vine

We are Children of God

August 2, 2026

Each week we gather around the Word of God, the message, and one another. This is where the week’s reflection begins — and you can pick up the latest sermon below.

John 1: 9 - 14

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through
him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that
which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in
his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

A Thought From the Pastor

We are beginning our sermon series on the Gospel of John. It is a true blessing to be speaking about becoming children of God the same day that Safe Families is presenting on their mission to “adopt” children and families during a time of crisis for the glory of God. The founder of Safe Families for Children made this statement on the reasoning for starting Safe Families, “When the Lord gave me the idea for Safe Families for Children, I knew social isolation to be on the most significant factors contributing to child abuse and neglect.”

The opening of John’s gospel presents a sharp, heartbreaking contrast. Jesus walks among His own creation, yet the world looks blankly at him. He is the ultimate reality, the true Light, yet humanity treats Him like a stranger. Yet he still gave us the right to become children of God by believing in Him.

In the ancient Roman world culture where John wrote, adoption was a profound legal and cultural act. A person who was adopted was scrubbed of their old identity, their old debts were legally cancelled, and they received the permanent, irreversible status of a full heir to their new father. A complete reboot!

How does this apply to my life today? It changes everything when you recognize that your past no longer defines your identity. You are not defined by your worst days, your deepest regrets, or the labels the world tries to stick on you. You carry the name of the Creator!

How does this change the way I view my neighbor? When you look at the people you interact this week, reflect the joy of a person that has been redeemed and no longer has to be perfect to earn God’s love. Treat your neighbors and those folks you interact with the patient and fierce love of an adopted sibling. Don’t let judgment enter the picture, but replace it with a joy of someone who was an orphan paralyzed with our brokeness, addictions and hang ups……….yet God did nto leave us to wander in the shadows, but showed us His light. We are on longer in social isolation in the world, but part of the family of God! We are now SAFE! Treat those you interact with this week like you have been saved…….because through Jesus you have!

Prayerful Planning

We are blessed to have Safe Families presenting thier mission today to help children and families in times of crisis. Safe Families is a faith based organization that needs volunteers to act as a safety net for families experiencing crisis. Safe Family volunteers provide housing and care so struggling families get on their feet and their children don’t have to enter the state foster care system.

Plans and Events at PCOC

8/2 - Safe Families Presentation @ PCoC.
8/2 - Food Pantry is open from 12:30 - 1:30 pm.
8/3 - Community Kitchen at PCoC from 11:30 - 12:30 pm.
8/5 - Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies @ 6:30 pm @ PCoC.
8/6 - Church Prayer Group @ 10:30 am @ PCoC.

Purpose For This Week

Pray that we would seek the Gospel in our lives.
Pray that we would live the Gospel in our words and actions.
Pray that we would share the Gospel with others.

Praise Reports & Prayer Requests

Please pray for Tim Harbaugh who will be having serious back and spine surgery on Tuesday, August 4th. Please pray for the medical team involved with this surgery. Please pray that this will eliminate Tim’s back pain and allows him to be more mobile in his walking.
Please pray for Ruthie Eby and her continued health problems. Please pray that they can determine causes and that Ruthie will return to her previous health. Please cover the Eby family during this time as well.
Please pray for Chaning’s continued challenge with her vision.
Please continue to pray for Trent and Myrissa and health related issues and guidance in their next steps in family reconciliation. Please pray for their possible move downstate to be with their kids.

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