It may be hard to remember it clearly in the hubbub of annual picnics and fireworks, but every Fourth of July is designated for the people of this nation to celebrate our Independence from other earthly rulers.  The brain trust that was our Founding Fathers risked everything they had, including their lives, to free this continent of domination from abroad.  Through the past two centuries history has perhaps romanticized many of the details of the birth of our nation, but the truth is that many thousands have continued to fight and die pursuing and protecting this goal of self-determination. 

God has given each of us the gift of free will, or self-determination.  Too many on earth live in countries run by tyrannical rulers with onerous restrictions and perhaps even constant fear for one’s life, whether due to famine or war.  As Americans we value our freedom to choose in all aspects of our lives.  But with each choice comes consequence.  Regarding our spiritual lives, numerous passages in the Bible show clearly that man is always regarded as a responsible being, free to act in harmony with God’s will, or contrary to it. 

In John 8:31-32,37 (NIV), Jesus says “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free … If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Paul said “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2 [NIV]); “I became a servant of the gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power … His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known … according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.  In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:7-12 NIV). 

“Thanks be to God that … you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness … When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.  What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?  Those things result in death!  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” (Romans 6:17-22).

We are privileged to enjoy in the United States a multitude of political and personal freedoms.  But what will you do with your spiritual freedom?

We deeply mourn the passing of our beloved Walter Forren, who died Saturday, June 28, in Lewisburg, WV, after a long battle with prostate cancer and congestive heart failure.  The funeral was Tuesday morning, July 1, at the church of Christ in Lewisburg; entombment was at the Greenbrier Memorial Mausoleum nearby.

Walter was eulogized for his kind and gentle spirit.  He never complained, and he always had a smile on his face!  Walter truly had the heart of a servant and the Lord will reward him for his lifetime of love and service to his King.

Libby remains at The Seasons assisted living facility.  Her mailing address is 331 Holt Lane, Box 104, The Seasons, Lewisburg, WV 24901.  Her phone number is (304) 645-0903.  Our hearts go out to Marshall and the entire family.

Thank you for your prayers, support and kind thoughts and wishes over the past year for Walter Forren as he and we, his family, have gone through this terrible illness.  Though his passing is a tremendous personal loss, we have comfort knowing that he is now with our God and Father.  We especially appreciate those who made the trip to West Virginia and back so that you could attend the memorial service, and we thank you for the beautiful flowers that were sent on behalf of the church here.

I also want to say how much I appreciate Jim Ward and Ralph Hall who have stepped in to take extra turns driving the van so that I could be with my parents, often on short notice.  And to Ralph Himelrick, thank you for all the many times you have taken care of assembling those who serve during worship when I was absent.

There are many others who have made this easier to bear through sometimes small tasks or a concerned word.  God knows who you are, and He will remember.  Thank you.

  - Marshall Forren and the family of Walter Forren

- We will be cleaning out the two rooms at the front of the auditorium to organize storage; the room on the left will be for teaching materials and craft supplies, and the room on the right will continue to be used for communion preparation, baptistery, and cleaning supplies. 

- Several of the Bibles and song books in the pew racks need to be replaced.  A volunteer is needed to check all the racks to remove the damaged books and give a count of how many new books are needed.

- Those inclined to help with some yard work can bring rakes, hedge trimmers, etc.

- The materials will be available for the Card Ministry. 

- Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Jefferson Area Food Bank.

Let’s have another round of applause for Jim Ward, our super-painter, -plumber, -floor specialist, and all-around hard worker for his renovation of the men’s room in the back hallway.  Thanks again!!

Rod and Patrice Grimes are now the proud grandparents of Caleb Preston Grimes born June 19 in Chicago!

“Why wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good?  Use ordinary situations.”   — Jean Paul Richter

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak . . .”   —    Psalm 41:1 NIV

The Elders have recommended Eddie Forren, Jason Morris, and Shane Reeves to the congregation for recognition as Deacons.  The two-week consideration period will end on July 6.  If a member has any objections consistent with 1 Timothy 3:8-13, let this be known first to the nominee, and if not resolved, then to the Elders.

We extend our sympathies to Marshall Forren and his family on the death of his father, Walter, on Saturday afternoon (June 28).  Walter had been suffering from the progression of prostate cancer and congestive heart failure for the past several years. 

Walter and Libby were long-time members of the church here at Rugby Avenue.  They relocated over the mountain to Staunton a few years ago, then a couple of years ago moved to an assisted living facility in Lewisburg, West Virginia, near where their daughter lives.

The family will receive guests between 6-8 p.m. Monday evening (June 30) at the Longanacre Funeral Home in Fairlea, WV.  The funeral will be held Tuesday (July 1) at 11 a.m. at the Lewisburg church of Christ.  Interment will be immediately following at the Greenbrier Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

-  We will be cleaning out the two rooms at the front of the auditorium to organize storage; the room on the left will be for teaching materials and craft supplies, and the room on the right will continue to be used for communion preparation, baptistery, and cleaning supplies. 

-  Those inclined to help with some yard work can bring rakes, hedge trimmers, etc.

-  The materials will be available for the Card Ministry. 

-  Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Jefferson Area Food Bank.