IN THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
• Joyride
• Community Luncheon
• Elder Board Affirmation
• It's Summer Party Time
• Outside the Walls
• Last Week's Insights

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026
This week, we’ll be, you guessed it, back in Philippians! But we are moving to chapter 3, so yeah, kind of a big deal.

In this chapter, Paul talks chronology—he works through the past, considers our present, and previews the future. I had a guy reach out to me this week and say he read this chapter and “it hit like a ton of bricks.” It really does.

It's going to be a great reminder of what Jesus has done, what we now do with that, and where it is all headed. It's worth spending some time in it. Also, this is a good chapter to share with a friend . . . so bring them! See you Sunday.


COMMUNITY LUNCHEON
Join us after the service on June 7 for our monthly Community Luncheon. This month's menu will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, all the toppings, chips, baked beans, and a surprise or two.

These lunches are a great opportunity to share a meal, catch up with friends, and connect with others in the Woodcrest family. Whether you're new to Woodcrest or have been here for years, we'd love for you to stay and join us.

As always, volunteers are welcome to help with setup, serving, and cleanup. We look forward to gathering around the table together. Bring a dessert if you'd like!


ELDER BOARD AFFIRMATION
We are pleased to present Marilee Bomar for congregational affirmation as a member of the Elder Board. Marilee and her husband, John, have been attending Woodcrest Chapel since 1998.

After four decades as a nurse, Marilee retired in April 2026. She earned her master’s degree in 1998 and spent her career at the University of Missouri serving in rehabilitation, research, education, care coordination, and leadership roles within outpatient primary care teams. She also authored articles for a health journal, assisted in writing medical-legal briefs, and served on numerous committees both at MU and in the community.

In retirement, Marilee enjoys finding meaningful ways to give back to the church and community. She values time spent with family and friends, good conversations over coffee or lunch, and life with her husband and their beloved pets. Marilee and John live just outside Columbia, where they hope to build their dream home. Together, they also volunteer to transport rescue dogs to their new homes.

Marilee has been actively involved at Woodcrest for many years through teaching, hospitality, and other ministry opportunities. She previously served on the Elder Board and currently serves as the facilitator of Prime Timers, our 55+ ministry, and as a member of the Discipleship and Communications Team.

If you have questions, affirmations, or concerns, please contact the Elder Board via email. Copies of Marilee’s full bio are available at the Welcome Center.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we seek God’s guidance in this process.


THIS SUNDAY - SUMMER PARTY TIME
All Kidcrest families and volunteers: Please plan to join us on Sunday, June 7th, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Mr. Steve’s Pond for our Summer Party! Woodcrest is providing snacks and drinks, so all you need to bring is some fishing gear, lawn chairs, yard games and toys. Email us for more info.


OUTSIDE THE WALLS

LOAVES AND FISHES
Woodcrest volunteers prepared and served a hearty meal of taco pasta, refried beans, tossed salad, bananas, and homemade cookies to approximately 140 of our neighbors at the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen on Saturday evening.

Thank you for your contributions to the Dollar Club, which make these meals possible. Our guests are deeply appreciative of a good meal, a safe and welcoming place to relax for a while, and the opportunity to connect with others through conversation and community.

Our next Loaves and Fishes meal will be served on August 29 at the new VAC Opportunity Campus kitchen. Contact Sherry if you would like more information.

FOOD BANK MOBILE MARKET
We need your help with our next Food Bank Mobile Market on June 16 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
Matt Gordon continued our journey through Philippians by highlighting two lesser-known heroes of the faith: Timothy and Epaphroditus. While neither man carried the spotlight like Paul, their lives demonstrated what it means to become honorable followers of Jesus through steady faithfulness, genuine concern for others, and a willingness to stand out for the right reasons.

Highlights
Paul describes Timothy as someone who genuinely cared for others rather than looking out for his own interests. True Christian maturity begins when we shift our focus from ourselves to the people around us.

Christians are not called to blend in. Jesus spoke of a city on a hill and a light that shines. We are meant to stand out by displaying God's love, kindness, humility, and truth.

Faithfulness is proven over time. Character is not built through a few impressive moments but through ordinary obedience practiced day after day.

Spiritual growth requires effort. While salvation is a gift of grace, discipleship involves intentional participation as we learn, serve, pray, worship, and grow.

The church is designed to be generational. Mature believers help younger believers grow, creating spiritual fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who strengthen one another in faith.

Epaphroditus reminds us that people can be transformed. The gospel does not simply forgive us; it reshapes us into new people who increasingly reflect Christ.

Takeaway
Paul's call to "honor people like these" challenges us to pay attention to the quiet faithfulness all around us. God often works through ordinary people who consistently love others, keep their commitments, grow in character, and finish their race well. As followers of Jesus, we are becoming something every day. The question is whether we are intentionally becoming the kind of people whose lives point others to Him.

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
• Engage on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Download the Woodcrest App: CLICK
• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation