July Newsletter 2026

From the Pastor:           Why Join a Church?

In Matthew 28:18-20, we are commissioned by Christ to carry on his ministry in the world: ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to the disciples. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.” In Matthew 10:8, Jesus said to the disciples… “Freely you have received, now freely give.” We have received the saving truth of the gospel, the Good News that Jesus saves. It is God’s plan that we carry this message to those who have not heard it, that all may be saved! 

The Church is the universal body of believers in Christ as Savior. It was founded by the work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost on the power and authority of the finished and continuing work of Christ, according to the plan and purpose of God. The Church is the body of Christ on earth, having Jesus as its head. The Church is the Bride of Christ, beloved by Him. The Church is set apart for God’s glory, to give witness to Him! Acts 2:36 assures us: “God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.” Romans 10:13 promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” Paul points out that people cannot believe in the one they have not heard of; they cannot hear about Jesus unless someone tells them about Jesus… this is the job of the Church, to give witness through word and deed to the love of Christ. God has entrusted the gospel message to us. We are sent to carry that message to those who have not heard it. We are placed in the world to be the hands and feet of Christ.

The universal Church includes all people in all ages who respond in faith to God’s covenant of grace. It is God’s desire that his people come together to serve Him and one another. In becoming a member of a particular church, you commit yourself to a formal, covenant relationship with God and agree to work with the body of believers to accomplish God’s holy will. This is pleasing to God, whom we love because he first loved us. The church does not exist for herself alone, but to glorify God and carry on His work of reconciliation through Christ.

We belong to the family of God by virtue of our faith and God’s grace. In a particular church family, we share the love, grace, and mercy of Christ with each other. We are not alone but support and encourage one another. We share resources; we bear one another’s burdens. We work together to reach out to others, so that they may be included in the family as well. The structure of the particular church we join helps us to do this. The church is nurtured and sustained by the things we do together: by worship, by proclamation and study of the word, by celebration of the sacraments, and by the work of ministry together.

Joining a particular church is about committing yourself to be an active disciple of Jesus through the structure of that family. Your commitment and your service, accomplished in Christian unity, are pleasing to God. The Church is God’s tool for accomplishing his mission on earth.

Important Dates to Remember 

Thursday, July 2        Outreach Meal – 5:30 P.M.

Saturday, July 4         Independence Day

Sunday, July 5           Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                   Worship – 10:30 A.M.

                                   Communion             

                                   Noon Meal

Thursday, July 9        Session Meeting

                                   1:00 P.M.

                                   Outreach Meal – 5:30 P.M. 

Sunday, July 12         Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                   Worship – 10:30 A.M. 

Thursday, July 16      Outreach Meal – 5:30 P.M.

Sunday, July 19         Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                   Worship – 10:30 A.M.

Thursday, July 23      Outreach Meal – 5:30 P.M.

Sunday, July 26         Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                   Worship – 10:30 A.M.

Thursday, July 30      Outreach Meal – 5:30 P.M.

Activities You May Be Missing at the Church

We are busy this summer with the following activities. Check our website for more details. www.pinetreecpchurch.org

We invite you to join us in these events:

Technology Help (Phones and Computers)             

                   Select Tuesdays                    3:30 PM

Cooking Class                                                          

                  Wednesdays                  3:30-5:00 PM

Outreach/Fellowship Meal                        

                  Thursdays                       5:30-7:00 PM

Bible Study (Gospel of Matthew)             

                  Sundays                       9:30-10:15 AM

(Additional Bible Study times available).

Traditional Worship                                   

                  Sundays                               10:30 AM

New Moderator Elected at 195^th General Assembly

The 195^th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church met on June 15-19, 2026, at Rogers, Arkansas. The newly elected Moderator of the General Assembly is Rev. Daniel Barkley. Rev. Kim Moore was elected Vice Moderator. The 195^th General Assembly was attended by 41 ministers, 38 elders, and 24 Youth Advisory Delegates. We are thankful to Arkansas Presbytery for their gracious hospitality in hosting the event. A Summary of Actions of the 195^th General Assembly will be shared when it is available.

July Noon Meal at Pine Tree CP Church

Pine Tree CP Church will hold its July Fellowship Meal on July 5, 2026, following the worship service. We will celebrate our nation’s Independence Day with prime rib. Please bring sides and desserts to round out the meal. Join us for fun, fellowship and good food!

A Prayer on the 250^th Birthday of Our Nation

“Throughout America’s history, men and women have turned to God’s Word for wisdom, strength, and encouragement, building their lives on God’s promises. Our early leaders’ faith and dependence on God laid the moral and spiritual foundation that still holds our nation together.” (Faith of America, 250 Prayers for Our Nation, p.5, 6).

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end, Amen.