IN THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
• Joyride
• Elder Update
• Summer Party Time
• Last Week's Insights
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
We’ll spend Sunday morning hanging out together in Philippians. This week, Paul introduces a few more examples to follow to round out chapter 2. We’ll track this landing spot for his argument before setting ourselves up to move to the back half of the book. Hope to see you there.
UPDATE FROM THE ELDERS
Members of the elder board were available in the Connection Center after the service on Sunday since the monthly meeting didn't occur.
The search for an additional co-pastor is progressing, and a candidate of interest has been identified. Background checks and references have been received, and the elder board is planning an additional in-depth interview with this candidate in early June.
Our project manager is soliciting bids for the Kidcrest remodel from 8-10 contractors and expects to conduct building tours with interested parties within the next few days. The elder board will be reviewing bids and selecting a contractor to perform the work as soon as possible.
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.
LAST SUNDAY'S INSIGHTS
Guest speaker Luke Neal opened from Philippians 2:5–11 with a story about his high school football coach, Coach Taylor, who once suited up in student pads to join the scout team and bring energy to practice. This act of "becoming one of them" served as a powerful illustration of the incarnation. God’s radical choice to move into our "neighborhood" by taking on human likeness and the nature of a servant.
Highlights
The incarnation is the "in-fleshing" of God, where Jesus chose the lowest social rung, a servant or slave, and a humble birth in a "stinky barn" rather than the comfort of a palace.
Having the mind of Christ literally means learning to "think the same thoughts" as Jesus, specifically regarding his willingness to lay aside status and position for the benefit of others.
Self-sacrifice is an essential component of discipleship, not "extra credit"; we are called to follow Jesus not just on "miracle days," but also through the suffering of "Good Friday".
To avoid burnout, radical service must be balanced with radical rest; as Luke noted, you cannot lay your life down for others if you don't have a life to give.
Takeaway
The path of the servant begins with humility and self-sacrifice, but it does not end in humiliation. Because Jesus descended to the lowest depths of the cross, God exalted him to the highest place, and through our union with Christ, we are being restored to that same intended glory.
OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
• Check out Kidcrest, our children’s ministry HERE
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• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation