Dear Church Family,
A couple weeks ago while driving along in our family van, my five year old daughter asked me, “Dad, what will the stairs look like?” When I asked her what she meant, she clarified by saying, “The stairs to heaven.” Then she asked, “How long will it be before we go to heaven?” and “Can we go to heaven right now? I want to go there right now.”
As you can imagine this led to a brief but very interesting conversation about what will happen when we die. And we agreed that it will be amazing to discover what Jesus has prepared for us whenever it’s God’s timing for us to go heaven. If there’s a staircase, we had to imagine, it would likely be a beautiful one.
As a father, there is nothing that makes my heart happier than to see and hear the expressions of faith that come from my children. There is nothing I pray for more than that God would preserve my loved ones in saving faith unto life everlasting.
But does everyone, everywhere just automatically get to go to heaven? Or is hell, tragically, also a potential destination for some people, perhaps many? Friends, this Sunday we’ll going look at what Jesus himself had to say about this sensitive, yet important subject.
So join me this Sunday as we explore Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 where he says: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Worship in English is at 9:30 AM. The Spanish service is at 11:30 AM. All are invited!
ICYMI – Watch my message from last Sunday where we examined the phrase “Let your conscience be your guide.”
Student Teacher Housing – We have MLC student teachers coming from October 15 until December 21. Please contact Ryan Loberger if you would be willing to host one (or more) of the student teachers during this time. We still need two more host homes.
Church Choir – If you enjoy singing in a choir for church, your next opportunity to do so will be on September 23rd. The choir will rehearse in the high school music room at 10:45 AM (following English service) on September 9th and at 8:45 AM (prior to English service) on September 16th and 23rd. Contact Charis if you have any questions or would like to see the music in advance.
DSYouth—Friday, September 7th, 6:30-8:00 PM. All students 6th-12th grade are invited to meet at church!
Building His House – After church this Sunday Pastor Carl will give a brief presentation sharing with you the latest update regarding our plans and where we are at in terms of potentially getting a loan from the bank.
Public School Confirmation Class – This class is for anyone from our church ages 7th-9th grade who doesn’t attend DSA. Our class is a two-year curriculum. A student can start at any time whether in 7th grade, 8th grade, or 9th grade. Whenever they start they would go through two years of Confirmation Class before being confirmed. Please let me know if you or your child is interested in participating this year. We haven’t yet chosen a day or time for the class to begin. We will wait to see who is participating so we can get your feedback.
Coming Up…
Next Sunday – Pastor Carl’s Retirement Celebration – September 9th. The celebration day will begin with Pastor Carl sharing his farewell message during worship. Also, please consider this a friendly reminder that we are gathering funds for a special gift for Pastor Carl and Connie. See our event page to donate online or use an envelope on the info table at church. Thanks!
Get to Know Us Sunday – September 16th. One bilingual worship service at 10:30 AM in the High School Gym. Special potluck welcome reception to follow for all new Divine Savior Doral campus employees (hired or called). Who are you planning to invite?
Starting September 20th…All Pro Dad’s Days! Team up with other dads and kids for a free breakfast once a month before school starts from 7-8 AM in our High School Commons. Who is it for? Any dads and their kids ages K-6th grade (your child doesn’t have to be a student at DSA). Seating is limited so don’t wait. Find more info and RSVP on our All Pro Dad chapter website for Divine Savior Doral. Email me with any questions.
This Sunday’s Playlist – Check out the YouTube videos, sing along ahead of time, and help fill God’s house with praise on Sunday. Gathering Song: In Christ Alone. Baptism Song: God’s Own Child I Gladly Say It. Hymn of the Day: The Day Is Surely Drawing Near. Solo During Offering: The Answer. Sending Song: Home.
Changing Lives with Jesus,
Pastor Ben
