IN THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
• Fruit of the Spirit
• Communion Sunday
• Outside the Walls
• Last Week's Insights

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026
We’re in a new series exploring the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t nine-character traits for us to try to improve on but are ways the Holy Spirit is forming one character - the character of Jesus in us. Last week we looked at love, that we are loved to love; we’ve looked at joy throughout our time in Philippians, and coming up this week is peace.

I think it’s safe to say we all want peace. Conflict and hostility don’t energize us personally, socially, or even globally. But what is true peace and how do we get it in the midst of restlessness and strife? Join us this week as look at this section of the fruit of the Spirit.


COMMUNION THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, we will gather around the Lord's Table as we remember Christ's sacrifice, celebrate His resurrection, and give thanks for the grace we have received through Him. Whether you'll be worshiping with us in person or joining us online, we invite you to participate as we share in this meaningful time together. If you're worshiping from home, we encourage you to have bread and juice available so you can join us as we remember the hope we have in Jesus.


OUTSIDE THE WALLS
We need your help with our next Food Bank Mobile Market on July 21 at the Elks Lodge.

Volunteers are needed from 2:45–5:30 PM to help direct traffic, register neighbors, sort and bag groceries, and load vehicles. Everyone is welcome, so bring a friend along! Students ages 12 and older can help with sorting and bagging, and students ages 16 and older can assist with loading vehicles and directing traffic.

If you have questions, please contact Sherry.
Register Here


LAST SUNDAY'S INSIGHTS
Kelly Wright continued our Fruit of the Spirit series with a look at love, the first fruit on Paul's list. Using Galatians 5 and 1 John 4, she showed that love isn't something we manufacture or earn. It starts with God, who loved us first, and it's meant to flow through us to others.

Highlights
• The fruit of the Spirit is singular, one fruit with many parts, because the Spirit is forming one thing in us: the character of Jesus.
• Walking in step with the Spirit means not running ahead in impatience or lagging behind in fear, but trusting God's pace.
• Many of us keep God's love at a distance because we feel unworthy, expect disappointment, or don't feel safe letting it in.
• "I'll be loved if..." thinking, whether tied to what we do, what we have, or what others think, always leaves us empty.
• We are loved to love. God pours love into us so it can pour out to others, even the people who are hard to love.

Takeaway
God's love isn't a reward for the worthy but a shelter for the weary. The question isn't whether God loves you. It's whether you'll receive that love and then let it go to work through you.

OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
• Check out Kidcrest, our children’s ministry HERE
• The Loop: sign up for our student ministry newsletter HERE
• Watch services at WoodcrestWorldwide.org
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• Download the Woodcrest App: CLICK
• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation