IN THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
• Fruit of the Spirit
• Outside the Walls
• Last Week's Insights

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2026
This week we’ll continue examining the Fruit of the Spirit. A companion of kindness and self-control, gentleness will draw our gaze on Sunday. To understand what it is and how it works in our lives, we’ll approach through three distinct proving grounds. Should be a great Sunday to connect with God’s Word and each other.


OUTSIDE THE WALLS
Join us in serving our neighbors at the next Food Bank Mobile Market on Tuesday, August 18, at the Elks Lodge.

Volunteers are needed from 2:45–5:30 PM to help direct traffic, register neighbors, sort and bag groceries, and load vehicles. Everyone is welcome, so bring a friend! Students ages 12 and older can help with sorting and bagging, while students ages 16 and older can assist with loading vehicles and directing traffic.

If you have questions, please contact Sherry. Register here.


LAST SUNDAY'S INSIGHTS
Matt Gordon continued our Fruit of the Spirit series by exploring kindness, reminding us that kindness is far more than being nice. It is the practical expression of God's love, meeting people where they are with compassion, generosity, and grace. As followers of Jesus, we're called to reflect the kindness we've received from God, becoming people who intentionally love our neighbors and point them toward Christ.

Highlights
• Kindness is one of the clearest expressions of walking in the Spirit. It is love put into action through compassion, generosity, mercy, and service.
• The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our neighbor is anyone God places in our path, regardless of background, beliefs, or differences.
• Real kindness costs something. Like the Good Samaritan, we often give our time, comfort, resources, and convenience to care for others.
• God's kindness is the model for our own. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that we love, forgive, and show mercy because God first showed kindness to us through Christ.
• Kindness is one of the most powerful forms of Christian witness. It creates natural opportunities to point people to the hope and love found in Jesus.
• Small, intentional acts of kindness can have an eternal impact. A word of encouragement, a generous gesture, or simply noticing someone in need reflects the heart of Christ.

Takeaway
Kindness is more than good manners. It is the visible evidence of God's love at work within us. As we slow down, notice the people around us, and choose compassion over convenience, we become living reminders of the kindness Christ first showed to us.

OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
• Check out Kidcrest, our children’s ministry HERE
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• Watch services at WoodcrestWorldwide.org
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• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation