The Thursday Update

Lakeshore friends—

There is an old saying that goes like this: people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  I think there is a lot of truth to it.

Care is what the world needs right now because increasingly our world is becoming divided by politics, COVID responses, race, and the like.  Sadly, even the church is experiencing some level of division as a result.  But when Peter shared how love covers a multitude of sins, he was reminding us that when we care for people, we tend to overcome even the deepest divisions with others…  not always and not with all people, but with more than if we don’t care.

Honey does attract more flies than vinegar.

I am thankful that our church is filled with so many caring people.  Each Sunday people come to church to learn, to serve, and to give because they care!  They care about God, they care about growing spiritually, and they care about others.

During these divisive times, let’s care for each other.  At the end of the day, that’s one of the many reasons why Jesus created His church.  And it’s why small groups are a critical part of all we do at Lakeshore.

Warmly,
Vince

Lakeshore friends—

This Saturday, we will remember what happened to our country 20 years ago.  It’s hard to believe that the evil and significant terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania occurred when kids who are Sophomores in college and younger were not yet even born!  And yet for those of us in our 30’s and older, we likely know exactly where we were when the news broke.

On Sunday, we will be having special guests from various sectors of our community at church as we remember this day and honor those who serve us in so many capacities.  We will have a segment dedicated to remembering 9/11 that will help us never forget what happened and I will talk about, “The Community We Need” as we begin a new series.

Hope to see you here for an important and meaningful Sunday—
Vince

Lakeshore Friends—

There is power in unity and if you were here for the ROC service, I think you saw it and felt it firsthand.  Regardless of what the make-up of a church, every single Bible-based one has something in common that transcends anything that may be different— faith in Jesus Christ!

Having four churches together for services at Lakeshore last Sunday reminded me of this once again.  There is not only a powerful unity in our diversity, there’s actually a beauty in it too.  And that’s why heaven will be a beautifully diverse place, according to Revelation 7:9:

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

Thanks for being such a great congregation in the way you showed so much love to all the people and pastors of our guest churches.  They were so impressed by your openness and welcoming spirit.  And so was God!

Have a great Labor Day weekend and hope you’ll be here on Sunday for the conclusion to our Emotional IQ series.

Vince

SUPPORTING THE RESCUE OF PEOPLE FROM AFGHANISTAN

Two Sundays ago, we shared how the evacuation of Americans and friendly Afghans who helped our country was not going well, and how American veterans like Chad Robichaux (who served there and has been at Lakeshore twice) went there to rescue people covertly at the risk of his own life.  Some people made donations to his ministry that day, and we pledged to give $2,000 to his ministry (from your giving to Making Waves 2021).  Since then, others have given. If you believe in his efforts and want to support them, you can donate HERE.

And get this: On August 28, Chad texted me that he and his team had rescued an astounding 8,911 people out of Afghanistan that our government would have left behind.  Thank you Chad for your service (again) to our country.

HURRICANE IDA

The hurricane that hit the gulf south and New Orleans on August 29 (16 years to the day that Katrina hit) has caused massive damage to the region.  Many of you know that I have family in the NOLA area and they say that power may be out for up to a month!  Let’s pray for this region.  We will be looking at making a donation to the relief efforts (again, from Making Waves 2021) and will keep you posted.