Study Break for Pastor Mike

One of the great strengths here at Laurelwood is our group of dedicated leaders. While Pastor Mike is one of many feeding the church through preaching, teaching, spiritually leading the congregation, protecting the flock, and meeting the many practical needs in our church, he is ultimately responsible for ensuring it all happens. This means that from time to time giving him an opportunity to refresh himself through uninterrupted personal study, seminars, conferences, and classes offered in the area is necessary.

The Elder Council has directed Pastor Mike to focus his attention on working through the new fall preaching series, finishing the Discovery series class on community, and re-working the Men’s Leadership class during the month of August. Therefore, please note that from August 1st through September 1st he will be working away from the office and be unavailable for appointments and meetings. The other staff and Council of Elders will be available during this time to meet with you, pray, and help with any needs or concerns you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call them or the church office. Since Pastor Mike also fulfills the role as our primary preaching pastor, our ongoing summer guest series covers this responsibility.

We are grateful for the love and support of our church family and encourage you to continue to pray for Pastor Mike as he takes this much needed time away.

All Church Prayer Night

Church Picnic and BBQ

Summer Sermon Series "Contemporary Issues"

Click on this link to see the summer speakers.

Women's Ministry, Elizabeth Hightower

Men's Ministry, Pascal Gentile

Men's Roundup 2014

September 5-7th at Camp Tadmor. Cost, including lodging and meals, is $125. Laurelwood has a cabin reserved, but beds are limited. Contact Doug Lundahl or visit the Men’s Ministry kiosk to register or for more information. More info on this exciting event at www.mensroundup.com.

NEW Wednesday Morning/Thursday Evening Bible Study

33 The Series: A Man and His Work
Study begins Wednesday September 17th – 6:00am-7:30am in the Great Room or Thursday September 18th - 7:00pm-8:30pm in Module 3.
Study Guides are $15. Registration will be available at the Men’s Ministry Kiosk beginning August 3rd.

Mission Focus

Vacation Bible School

VBS was absolutely amazing this week!! As of Thursday afternoon 9 children had prayed to receive Christ!!!!!!!! 5 other children prayed to reaffirm their commitment with Jesus!! The children also brought in $395 for Compassion International which is enough to purchase five water filtration systems for families in need!! God is so good! Please continue to pray for the children and that the gospel message will continue to impact their lives for eternity.

Persecuted Church

IRAQ: ISIS' Persecution of Christians Intensifies

The aim of the militant group ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham) to create an Islamic state emptied of all Christians has moved closer to a reality. Last week, ISIS began marking Christian homes throughout the city. The Arabic letter "N," standing for the Arabic word "Nasrani," a name for Christians, was painted on Christians' homes around Mosul. On Thursday 17 July, ISIS released a statement in Mosul laying out the only three options for Christians who had remained in the city following its takeover last month. 1. Islam (to become Muslim). 2. Pay Jizya (which is taking tribute for being Christians). 3. If they refuse, there is nothing for them but the sword. According to Tera Dahl, writing from Erbil, "The last Christian reportedly left Iraq's second largest city of Mosul at 12:00pm on Saturday, ending over 6,000 years of Assyrian history in the city." As hundreds of families were trying to flee before the deadline, ISIS reportedly set up checkpoints and was robbing them of their possessions. Dispossessed of their cars, hundreds of Christians were forced to continue their march of nearly 80 kilometres on foot. This latest stream of refugees joins the hundreds of thousands who fled when ISIS first took Mosul in early June. Ask God to protect and provide for the Christians who have been forced to leave their homes. Pray they will not despair but take heart in the Lord's promises that He will never leave nor forsake them. Pray the Lord will intervene to bring an end to the evil of ISIS.

LBC Family Prayers and Praises

To My LBC Church family: Thank you! As I reflect on the past two years, which includes my husband Doug's illness and subsequent death, I remember with deep gratitude your many, many kind words and deeds of encouragement. Thank you for your prayers, cards, acts of service, Doug's birthday party, gifts, and countless gestures of love. Your supportive kindness has been and is an enormous blessing to me and my children! Judy TenKley

Adult Bible Study

9am Every Sunday Morning

Contemporary Issues

Combined youth and adult Sunday School class. Meeting in the Great Room. June 8th-September 7th.

Upcoming Classes

Discovery Class This is a class about Laurelwood and how you can be a part of what God is doing here. Together we take the time to introduce ourselves to each other, get introduced to God and His Word, and find out His purpose for us and His church. Taught by Pastor Mike: Module 2 (The next class will be September 14, 21, 28, and October 5.) Open to everyone!

S.H.A.P.E. Class We believe that each one of us has a vital role to play in the body of Christ. In this class, you’ll learn about your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality and experiences and discover more about how God has uniquely shaped and prepared you for service in your relationships, home, work, community and church. Sunday mornings at 9 am in module 2. (The next class will be in the fall.) Everyone is welcome!

Financial Peace We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Contact Matt and Tami Smith or Dave and Katy Doel for more information. (Watch the bulletin for the dates of the next class.)

Depression Class taught by Pastor Mike Wilde: Module 2 (Watch the bulletin for the dates of the next class) Call or email the office to be put on the invite list and we will notify you when it is available. Open to everyone

Grief Class taught by Pastor Mike: Module 2 (Watch the bulletin for the dates of the next class) Call or email the office to be put on the invite list and we will notify you when it is available. Open to everyone

Small Groups

At Laurelwood, we believe that all believers need close Christian friends for mutual encouragement as we grow together and overcome the trials of this life. Small groups are a great place for this to happen - contact Pastor Kevin to find a group near you! Men’s accountability groups (led by Pascal Gentile) and women’s mentoring (led by Elizabeth Hightower) are also available.

LBC Budget Update

Budget To Date 190,478

Giving To Date 182,868

Expenses To Date 168,787

Weekly Budget 10,989

Offering Last Week 7,349