The Vision

10 Aug Karen Terry; 5300 Etgen; Snyder 79549 11 Aug Hannah Hull; 5860 W. Hwy 180; Snyder 79549 13 Aug Chiva Pitner; 3003 33rd St.; Snyder 79549 13 Aug Sophia Cerda; 10001 Cherokee Rd.; Hermleigh 79526 14 Aug Kolton Chapman; 3781 Sunset; Snyder 79549 15 Aug Michael Cortez; 4120 Kerville Ave.; Snyder 79549 15 Aug Wanda York; 1212 8th St.; Snyder 79549 15 Aug Ric Allen; 3104 Ave. B; Snyder 79549 16 Aug Brylee Tanner; 311 31st St.; Snyder 79549 18 Aug Reagan Stewart; 2400 32nd St.; Snyder 79549 18 Aug Lane Whitefield; 1601 Hilltop Lane; Snyder 79549 20 Aug Jay Goodwin; 1605 Preston Trl.; Snyder 79549 22 Aug Ryleigh Stewart; 2400 32nd St.; Snyder 79549 28 Aug Logan Whitefield; 2805 36th St.; Snyder 79549 31 Aug Martha Lara; 1021 37th St. #1848; Snyder 79549 August Anniversaries 14 Aug Mark & Trena Whitmire; 2626 CR 317 Snyder 79549 14 Aug Luke & Kathryn Nance; 314 31st St; Snyder 79549 15 Aug Allen & Roxanne Paris; 4009 Irving Snyder 79549 16 Aug James & Janet Wesson; 2201 45th St.;  Snyder 79549 17 Aug Ric & Marcia Allen; 3104 Ave B.;  Snyder 79549

The Scriptures have much to say about not coming to the altar if we are holding something against a sister or brother. We are told that we will be forgiven inasmuch as we forgive. The early church was known for its public confessions of sins. Many traditions of Christianity have practiced public confession, and many great revivals have been sparked by folks beating their breasts and confessing sins to one another. What are some ways we could incorporate confession into our lives? This is commonplace in Celebrate Recovery where we share testimonies, and in confidential small groups share our struggles. But what about at other times? Would confession of sins be a welcomed addition to Sunday morning, keeping in mind that the Apostles commanded us to do exactly that? (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9) What about in small group Bible studies, or with a trusted brother or sister in Christ? One practice used in some communities is called”prouds and sorries,” where each person is given the space to share something they are proud of and something they are sorry about. Just as we confess things that are wrong, we also need to be reminded that we are better than the worst things we do. Reconciliation is one of the fruits of confession, and it is worth thinking about ways of speaking into each other’s lives as we hope to restore whatever may have been broken or lost. (Some communities respond to confessions by saying together, “We proclaim to you God’s forgiveness and ours.”) Confessional prayer assumes that our worship takes place in a deeply flawed community. The church has always been a worrisome and dysfunctional place. But by grace we can take small steps to restore trust. Maybe it is writing a note to someone we have offended or calling up someone we have murmured to (or about) and asking for their forgiveness. Maybe it means each week choosing to do something nice for someone it’s hard for you to like. Seeking to be a blessing to others is not something we do to earn God’s grace; it’s the opposite - because we have experienced God’s grace, we can’t help but do some act of grace toward another person. So whoever you are, and whatever you’ve done, God offers forgiveness through the blood of Christ. And your church family stands ready to support you. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16 NIV (Adapted from “Confession,” from Common Prayer, pg. 411.)

Betty Andress-(mother of Paula Bowden)-health concerns Jim Bob Cave-health concerns Shanna Covington-health concerns Liz & Tommy DeLoera-health concerns Jerry Dever-health Concerns Marc Eilenstein (father of Jennifer Stidham)-health concerns Bertha Gilbert-health concerns Jay Goodwin-health concerns Sam Kitching-health concerns Martha Lara-health concerns Sue Luft-health concerns Eulala Melton-health concerns Collin Mitten-health concerns Darrell Mize-health concerns Patricia Paris-health concerns   Edwin Parks-health concerns  Wilma Prater (mother of Paula Whitefield)-health concerns  Augustine Ramos-personal issues Patsy Roe-health concerns Brantley Stephens-personal issues Jennifer Stewart-health concerns Ryleigh Stewart-health concerns Bruce & Karen Stidham (parents of Matt)-health concerns Vickie Torres (sister of Mike Torres)-health concerns James & Janet Wesson-health concerns Andy & Alissa Whitefield-Foster care & adoption James Whitefield-health concerns Ellen Whitmire-(sister-in-law of Mark Whitmire)-health concerns Evelyn Whitmire-(mother of Mark Whitmire)-health concerns