All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.
Psalm 66:4(NIV)
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
Psalm 71:8(NIV)
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Psalm 86:9(NIV)
Why would I begin this letter to you citing several verses from The Psalms? The Psalms offer us ways to rejoice in prayer, to bow in worship, to exalt God for all he does and for all his blessings to us.
We have an opportunity each Sunday to praise God during our weekly worship service, but there are additional services scheduled during July and August to provide that opportunity in a community, ecumenical setting.
This Tuesday, July 2nd , will be “Worship on the Grounds” hosted by Restore Church. Join area churches at the Ionia Fairgrounds! Last year was a huge success! What is the Lord going to do in 2024? This event is free, open to the public and begins at 7:00 pm. Invite your friends and family and bring lawn chairs.
On Sunday, July 14th, Kayla Epps Wilson will join us for worship and share in worship with her dad, Bill Epps. Members of the LeValley Choir, the congregation, and others will be asked to participate in this service of praise.
Two events are scheduled for the weekend of July 27th and July 28th. On Saturday, July 27th at 11:00am, The Ionia Seventh Day Adventist Church is hosting talented blind musician Neville Peter. You can learn more about Neville and listen to some of his music at www.nevillepeter.com
Western Days-Ionia County Fairgrounds-July 27- 28, 2024
Tickets - $10; Kids 5 & under free. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Cash recommended.
Outside of the Grandstand Saturday 12 PM - 2:30 PM. This is a unique opportunity for families to learn biblical principles in a truly “cowboy” way. Camp will include several learning stations, each complete with life lessons from the Word of God and hands-on activities. Plan to participate in this free, one-of-a-kind camp for all ages. Kids who attend Round' Em Up Bible Camp will receive a free ticket to the bull riding on Saturday night. Saturday 7pm at the Grandstands. Western Days is hosting a National Federation of Professional Bull riders sanctioned Bull Riding at the Grandstands on Saturday night. Hold on to your seats as we watch these cowboys put their lives in God’s hands and attempt to gain a qualifying ride of at least 8 seconds on a bucking bull!
Tommy Brandt is a Country Music Artist that has decided to use his talents and gifts to serve the Lord. His musical roots started back in a bar where he grew up listening to country music on the Jukebox. Later he began singing in a band at bars. Led to the Lord by his future bride. Tommy placed his heart and talent in God’s hands. Tommy has won 29 major Christian music awards, he has had 14 #1 songs on the Inspirational Country Music charts and has been invited to perform on some of the largest stages and churches around the country. He will be performing with his Cowboy Outreach America Band during the bull riding.
Cowboy Church Sunday at 10:00am. We welcome you to join us as we worship the King of Kings. Come encounter the God that can change your life with just one whisper. He will be waiting for you there. You will hear the truth of God's Word shared and join in live worship led by Tommy Brandt. People will be present to pray for your needs. A baptism will follow - remember to bring your towel! For additional information Google Ionia Western Days. There will be free parking at the event.
LeValley will host a joint outdoor worship service with Berlin Center Country Church on Sunday, July 28th at 11:00am in the pavilion. A potluck picnic will follow worship. The Worship team hopes to secure some special music for the worship service. This will also be a send-off for Jacob Bollinger, as he departs on Monday, July 29th for the Army. We will have a special time of prayer and anointing for Jacob during worship.
Last, but not least, LeValley will host a second outdoor worship service with Berlin Center on Sunday, August 25th at 11:00am. Brant and Carol Gielow will join us again to provide the music and the message.
Of course, outside of praise and worship events, I encourage you to support our young people as they show their animals at the Ionia Free Fair scheduled for July 11th until the 20th.
Also, don’t miss the Antique Village. The Nash-Hager family will be honored as the Heritage family at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 13th. A complete schedule can be found at www.ioniafreefair.com
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
Until September, may you be blessed with a relaxing Summer with our Lord, family, and friends.
Pastor Nancy
