Woodruff Church of God e-Edition Newsletter July 2, 2013

Pastors Notes: This past week, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision that has sent chills down the spines of Christians around the world. However, Im glad to belong to the great Church of God. Following that decision, I received an email from our General Overseer, Dr. Mark Williams. I wanted to share that email with you in its entirety:

Statement on Reaffirmation of Biblical Marriage

This statement was adopted by the Church of God Executive Committee on June 26, 2013, reflecting the position of the denomination regarding the issue of marriage.

The Church of God bases its doctrinal positions and practices on the teachings of scripture. Its statement of Practical Commitments affirms, under the rubric of Family Responsibility, Marriage is ordained of God and is a spiritual union in which a man and a woman are joined by God to live together as one (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). Further, the Church addresses the critical issue of Moral Purity by asserting:
Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and we are to glorify God in our body (Romans 12:1, 2 ; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages of scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelations 21:8). Sinful practices which are made prominent in these scriptures include homosexuality, adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness, and witchcraft.

In response to the imprudent decision of the United States Supreme Court on June 26, 2013, in the case of the United States v. Windsor, the Church reaffirms its historical and

biblical position on marriage. The action of the Court nullifies Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage for purposes of federal law as the union of a man and a woman and, consequently, by this action upholds the legality of same-sex marriage. The Church of God supports a definition of marriage that upholds the truth that sexual difference is a valuable characteristic of the marriage relationship; that the fundamental good of complementarity found in the union of a man and woman is essential for the wellbeing of the family. Abundant research acknowledges the equivalent significance of mothers and fathers to the healthy development of children. We defend an understanding of marriage that reflects centuries of common sense, biological reality, the Bibles definition, the Judeo-Christian tradition, and the wisdom, on this subject, of all the great religions. We sustain a position that argues for the welfare of children and the good of society. We affirm this statement based on two truths: the sacredness of marriage and the sinfulness of homosexuality. The idea of marriage did not originate from the mind of man, but of God. The Bible explains that the Creator made man and woman for each other (Genesis 2:18-24), and this truth is reaffirmed by the Savior (Matthew 19:4-6). It is God who ordained marriage and it was Christ who said What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. This being the case, men cannot legitimately change the definition of marriage to please themselves. A redefinition of marriage would constitute a negation of marriage. Human laws must be judged by the laws of God. Same-sex marriage recognized as legal in effect legitimizes homosexuality, which the Bible declares to be sinful. Homosexuality violates the natural order of sexuality by which the human race develops and continues. It violates scriptural teachings, as demonstrated in Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:25-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; and 1 Timothy 1: 9, 10. It violates Gods plan for marriage and the family, as clarified by Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:3-4; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 John 1:9. Although some distort the scriptures to suggest that the plain meaning of the passages does not apply, the reality is that homosexuality is never viewed as anything but displeasing to God. In recognizing Gods condemnation of sinful practices, the Church affirms its love and concern for the temporal and eternal security of those in this lifestyle, and denounces only their sinful conduct. The Bible assures those who wish to be free of homosexual urges that freedom is possible. After the 1 Corinthians 6 listing of sins, including homosexuality, it declares, Such were some of you. Deliverance is a reality.

In lamenting the Courts decision that we believe may adversely affect future generations by unpredictable demographic, cultural, social, and religious outcomes, we also call upon people who value biblical marriage to take all possible steps to counter family disruption in all of its forms.

Tomorrow evening, July 3rd, our church will be having a fellowship opportunity. Two times a year our church offers such a fellowship. The church will be providing hotdogs, chips & drink, along with some singing and other activities. What a great time to sit at a table with people you have not yet gotten to know and to build relationship. They will begin serving at 6:00 PM and the program will begin by 7:15 PM. Invite your friends to join with you!

Pack the Bus is this Saturday! We need help handing out flyers, ice cream and putting school supplies on the Bus. If you would like to Volunteer, be at Food Lion Saturday Morning at 8:30 meet at the Woodruff Church of God Bus...The school supplies that are collected will go to children in the community that cannot afford school supplies

Prayer List

AMERICA, Lisa Culbertson, Kenneth Hand, Curtis Culpepper, Clyde Roberson, Robin Erwin, Raymond Lowman, Rev. Buster Ball, Kay Simmons, Danny Cooper, Kim Roberson, Sis Durham, Kaye Brandanburg, Carol Hopson, Linda Lida, Jeremy Briggs, Bobby Godfrey, Mary Ann Cox, Rhonda Rhodes, Ashley Layton, Tammy Pierson, Alicia Landurm, Megan Laster, Taylor Baston, Meryl Bryant, Sherry Smith, Pat Chappell, Drew Nabors, Joe Grambling Lopez, Bonita Smith, Vivian Willis, Rhonda Tomia, Jonell Fowler, Jane Rogers, Noah Cheek, Brian Arnold, Lindsey Bennett, Jean Smith, Shannon Jones, Sandy Lowe, Andrew Nabors, Emily, Tiffany Crocker, Tiffany Cartee, Derrick Cooper, Mavis Blackwell, Sarah Nelson, Those needing jobs, Caregivers, Shut-Ins, & Those in nursing homes

No choir practice Wednesday. The choir will wear silver/black/white this Sunday

JOY CLUB It's time again for our annual cook-out and we are looking forward to a great crowd and a great time of fun and fellowship. The sign-up sheet is already on the bulletin board and we would like for you to sign up as soon as possible so we can have a better idea of how much food to prepare. The meat will be provided but you will be asked to bring additional items as well. If you have a large gas grill and would be willing to help cook the burgers and hot dogs, please see Pastor Shealy as soon as possible. We want to make sure that we have plenty of help in place early. We also regret the loss of another of our Club Members. Vernell Simmons put up a valiant fight but the Lord saw fit to take her home this week. Please keep Marion and this entire family in your thoughts and prayers. The service will be Wednesday at 4 PM and SAM will provide the Honorary Escort. Please be in your place.

July 19 will be the first Ladies Fun Friday. We will have a painting class where we will start and finish our canvas painting in one night. Hannnah Vernon, an art teacher from Anderson and a member of High Praises Church of God, will be our instructor for the evening. The cost will be $15 per person and that will pay for all paints, brushes, and the canvas. You must sign up and pay by July 17--NO EXCEPTIONS. A sign-up sheet is in the hall in front of the LM office. You can pay in the LM office. Because our first meeting will be at the church, we are asking everyone to bring a tray of finger foods. GET READY FOR FUN, FUN, FUN!

July 11 - Due to the first Thursday of the month being on July 4, we will move our Band of Brothers meeting to the second Thursday, July 11. Enjoy time with your family and friends this July 4 and we will see you on July 11 for a time of food and fellowship at our next Band of Brothers meeting.

Praise and Worship and Drama practice will start back on June 7 Upcoming KIDZ Events: July 6: Pack the Bus July 11: Greenville Zoo Trip July 13: Frankie Fun Park July 22-26 CSI Jerusalem VBS July 30: Extreme Kidz Skating August 17: LOOK UP LODGE BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Youth June Events July 6 - Girls - Shopping, Guys - Greenville Drive Game July 9 - YLL - 12pm July 23 - YLL - 12pm July 26 & 27 - Youth Mission Days - 9am - 3pm Drama every Wednesday at 4:45pm. Praise & Worship Practice is every Wednesday Night at 6pm.

Ministry Leaders for This Week Greeters- Kathy Arellano & Carolyn Everette Sunday School Greeter Robert D. Sloan CLC Greeter Paul Lundberg Crossing Guard- David Hoyt Head Ushers Charles OShields & Bobby Brown Finance Committee Ryan Ballard & Bobby Brown Usher Team #3 Buddy Arnold, Freddie Bright, Lamar Crowe, Tracy Grant, Clint Letourneau, & Marion Simmons Wednesday Bus Pick Up: Phillip Pruitt and Daniel Johnson Bus Take Home: Clint Letoureau and Daniel Johnson Van 1 Take home: Garren Burdette and Thomas Peebles Van 2: Tim and June Vassey Late workers: Tabitha & Brian NurseryWednesday-Izzy Nichols AM Tanya Tumblin & McKenzie Baumgardner PM-Stephanie Fowler Kiddie Church: Donna & Garren Burdette Youth workers for Extreme Kidz Church: Alexis, Alison, Joshua, & Zack Music Wednesday- Douglas Deakin Sunday AM-Brantley Burnette PM- Mike Peeler Praise Team-White Computer Patrick Guitar Korey, Duck, John