Greetings to you all
While surrounded by spectacular beauty in the mountains where Becky and I are this morning, we want to thank all of you for your care and support of Liberty Church. We hope you’ll join in on Sunday, October 27th for Cafe Liberty from 9:45 until Worship @ 10:15 AM.
An intense sense of uncertainty is common in most election years, but in many ways, the run-up to the 2024 election is unprecedented. As we all pray for our country, the basic responsibility of voting has never been more crucial.
As you all know, we do not (as a congregation) endorse candidates, although as a pastor I am certainly free to answer anyone who asks me who I support in an election contest. We believe that being in God’s Word as followers of Jesus and evaluating all candidates (and their affiliations) thoroughly before voting is a responsibility that everyone holds as a matter of conscience. However, on a ballot initiative such as “Question 1” on Maryland ballots, we are addressing a specific moral issue that requires an unequivocal response.
For that reason, I want to copy here the explanation Justin has given to constituents about this crucial issue. Voting NO on “Question 1” is surely obvious to everyone receiving my email, but if you have friends, neighbors or loved ones who haven’t yet realized how misleading the language is on the ballot initiative, Justin’s explanation could be very helpful:
“Ballot Initiative:
Vote NO on Question 1
Question 1, or the Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, seeks to add a new section to the Declaration of Rights in the Maryland Constitution relating to an individual’s right to reproductive freedom. Although Maryland voters have already made their voices heard on the issue of abortion, this constitutional amendment goes much much further. It would, first of all, not just say that abortion is legal (which it already is in Maryland and was even before Roe vs. Wade passed in 1973) – but it would also potentially strip away health and safety protections surrounding abortion surgeries and abortion centers. It would remove even the (very very limited) protections against partial birth abortion in the state as well.
However, from my perspective, the worst part of Question 1 passing is that it would strip parents of their fundamental right to be informed and direct their child’s healthcare. Children of any age would have the constitutional right to consent to abortions, puberty blockers, opposite sex hormones, gender surgeries and more, all without parental consent (and your taxes and health insurance premiums will help pay for this).
This has no place in our state Constitution. Vote NO on Question 1.”
[excerpt from Senator Justin Ready’s 10/17/24 email to constituents]
As Becky and I are away, we’re so grateful for all the ways that leaders and members of Liberty care and share responsibilities that are strengthening our church.
I especially want to thank Lou Enoff for ministering the Word on Sunday morning. From his years in ministry and missions as well as his extensive leadership in government and business, Lou inspires and encourages leaders in a variety of fields to compassionate and faithful service for the Lord.
As president of Christian Farmers Outreach, his passion for Christ-centered one-on-one evangelism inspires a vast network of volunteers serving the Lord in many parts of the world. Free CFO magazines are available to take and share from the Connections Table. Invite a friend to join you for worship this Sunday as Lou brings the message God has placed on his heart.
I also want to thank Jerry and Patty Reese for many extra hours of time and attention this week in managing service calls and details related to several maintenance issues at church. Their dedication to these improvements, with a lot of research and evaluation on each of the projects under consideration is such a big help.
Our Wednesday prayer gatherings are at 7:00 PM ~ and all are welcome to come and share in intercessory prayer, individually and as a group. “Praying in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)
Operation Christmas Child is an ongoing opportunity in this season to participate in blessing children in many parts of the world. Take information from the OCC table and share it with friends. There are many ways to participate and/or to donate directly to Operation Christmas Child via the Samaritans Purse website at this link: OCC: Ways to Give
Sunday, November 3rd: Prayer for Persecuted Believers Sunday sheds light on the plight of our brothers and sisters in Christ in many parts of the world.
Voice of the Martyrs of Bartlesville OK informs believers globally about the severe adversities that many followers of Jesus face as they seek to be faithful to God’s call while living under oppressive regimes, where torture, deprivation and assaults upon their lives, homes and families is a brutal reality. We pray in solidarity with fellow believers throughout the world for those who face such opposition, as Hebrews 13:3 says: “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them – those who are mistreated – since your yourselves are in the body also.”
On Sunday November 10th, I’ll share a message on “the household of faith” that includes introducing the role(s) of elders and deacons for our congregation. There are a variety of spiritual and practical duties that we’re defining more specifically in this season. Our goal is for all that we do to contribute to “equipping the saints for deeds of service…” as Ephesians 4:12 describes, but with a fresh application to the times we’re living in today. I look forward to sharing these new steps as I invite your prayers for all who serve in any capacity in the life of our church.
Friday November 15th at 5:30 PM ~ Gratitude Gathering Dinner ~ RSVP Sign-up on the Connections Table
Sunday, November 17th ~ Communion Service during our 10:15 AM Worship
[A special volunteer opportunity ~ we need a team of 3 or 4 for sanctuary Christmas decorating. Let me know if you’re interested in helping. We’ll schedule the decor get-together in late November based on best available times of our volunteers.]
Happy Thanksgiving!
Livestream Friends!
View the service live online
- Directly from our Live page
- Facebook Live: facebook.com/LibertyWestminster
Listen to past services
- Podcast (audio) on our Past Services page
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13 (NASB)
In His love,
Pastor Joe
Liberty Church
P.O. Box 295
Westminster MD 21158
Website: libertychurchlive.com
Office: 410.857.4313
Pastor’s cell: 410.596.4096