St Paul's Reformed Church

06/17/2026

Good morning:

"Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food" (Matthew 10:9-10).

When security is sought in what you can provide for yourself, you can miss the provision that is built into the call. What you do for Christ will be rewarded by Christ. Why would the Lord send you on a journey in His name and then not provide you the means you'll need to complete it? Where is His glory in your floundering? Making a packing list and then pursuing the ministry to the limits of what you could fit on your list; that's just common sense. Right?

Common sense does have an element of security and predictability to it. It helps you cover that gap in your trust of Christ, and still look good doing your thing for Jesus. But is that what Jesus has called you to do, something within the realm of your comfort zone? Who's in control of that?

Think of the Apostle Paul in a dank Roman prison with barely anything unless someone brings it to him. He writes to the Philippian church expressing his gratitude for their provision; while at same time declaring that he would be content with or without these necessary things; Having stuff, even necessary stuff, is not the source of his contentment. He had learned to be full and to live in want, and still find contentment. How?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

He says that the gift they had given did much more to bless them, "the fruit that abounds to your account" ..."an acceptable sacrifice well-pleasing to God" (v.17-18). Paul didn't plan all the details for his trip to a Roman prison. But God did. Provisions came from a church in Philippi. Strength and contentment came to Paul from God.

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (v.19).

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Dennis

06/15/2026

Good morning:

"And when He called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sicknesses and all kinds of disease" (Matthew 10:1).

Spectator or follower? Believer or disciple? Where do you stand with Jesus?

Multitudes followed Jesus. He always drew crowds. Many who heard Him even dared to believe in Him. Some kept their beliefs secret, so as to avoid hostility from the powers-that-be. When Jesus calls, the disciples come.

When you go to a conference or big event, often there is 'swag' given out to the attendees; merchandise or free stuff they can use; free pens, key chains, a cool hat maybe.

But out of the multitude of spectators and followers, Jesus calls His disciples and they come to Him. Not for what they may want from Him, but disciples are drawn by the desire to give what He wants from them. Who receives power over unclean spirits (demons), to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sicknesses and disease"? Not the curious onlooker; not the mere follower or even a believer; but the disciple.

Is Jesus calling you? Are you going to come?

If your faith in Jesus seems to lack power, perhaps it's not because Jesus didn't give it to you. It's because you need to come to Him and receive it.

Believer or disciple-- where do you stand with Jesus Christ?

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Dennis

06/14/2026

Today's Service 06/14

06/13/2026

Good morning:

"Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you--being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-- I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains" (Philemon 8-10).

That descriptive line, Paul, the aged, grabbed me. There's authority that comes with one's title or position. Then there's authority that comes with who you are.

Philemon is a twenty-five verse letter from Paul to a house church leader whose escaped slave Onesimus showed up at Rome, met Paul in prison and received Christ. Onesimus became a valuable servant to Paul and Paul wanted to keep him around; but He convinced Onesimus that he had to return to Philemon and make things right. For a runaway slave this could mean severe punishment or death. Big risk for Onesimus, which for the sake of His allegiance to Jesus Christ, he was willing to take.

Though the Apostle Paul had authority over Philemon's church and Philemon, he didn't want to order Philemon to receive his slave back. More than that, he wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus, not as his property, but as his brother in Christ; a radical suggestion in that culture. And Paul didn't want to 'pull rank'; but he wanted Philemon to do this out of respect for him, Paul the aged.

Reflections:

1. Back in the 19th century and beyond, did the preachers in the southern states skip reading Philemon; or ignored it when they did? Receive a slave as a brother? Could we have avoided a Civil War if we regarded this Scripture and others that command us with regard to how we treat people? Believers will tend to ignore Scriptures that go against what they want to do.

2. Paul the aged: Respect elders who have the mileage and battle scars from living for Christ. Wise elders should be able to expect the respect of their subordinates or younger believers, without having to "pull rank."

3. To the aged among us, the gray head doesn't mean much if there's not much substance beneath it. As we age, are we cultivating a character that looks more like Jesus? Are we becoming a godly person whose presence today is respected because of how we have grown in Christ through all of our yesterdays?

"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves" (1st Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Dennis

06/13/2026

Ernst Market won the Washington County Girls Softball League Middle School Division championship, finishing the season 13-0.

06/12/2026

Good morning:

With the prevalence of social media, multiple 'news' sources, and the 'click bait' that pops up on our cell phones and computers everyday, I rely on this prayer from Psalm 119, which I occasionally repeat in these morning messages. I need this reminder as much as you probably do. This is a powerful prayer; to recenter your mind in the Lord and His word; an intentional course correction in your thinking process that doesn't happen automatically. It requires decisive action:

"Turn away my eyes from
looking at worthless
things,
And revive me in your way" (Psalm 119:37).

Putting on the brakes on the drift of your mind is a plea for help; to call on the Lord to turn your eyes, or the eyes of your mind, away from that spiritual distraction. Being equipped when the distraction comes, makes you strong, and prepared, when it's vital that you turn away.

"Your word I have hidden in my
heart,
That I might not sin against
You" (v.11).

What are you putting in your mind that's stronger than the tempting thoughts and images that draw you away? The word of God flows through your eyes, and takes root in your soul. And living word grows within you; resulting in godly thinking and a closer walk with Christ. You may not consciously remember the words from your Bible reading, but your heart keeps it secure so that your spirit recalls it when your situation needs it.

"Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
The entrance of Your words
gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple" (v.129-130).

"Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have
dominion over me" (v.133).

Enjoy this glorious truth and let it change your life.

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Dennis

06/11/2026

🚨Help Needed With Bagged Lunches🚨

School is out!

With our location downtown, we are the primary spot for kids and teens to get their lunch.

WE NEED HELP meeting this increased demand.

Please consider signing up for a day, using the link for the SignUp Genius calendar below, allowing you to choose your day to make or sponsor bagged lunches.

Any individual, any family, any group, any organization, any business, any church, any and all community partnerships are welcome.

If you could make 25-75 (or more) lunches for us or sponsor the cost of lunch supplies, your community would be grateful.

Easy drop off at St. John's Church
141 S. Potomac Street
Rear of education building (look for our signs)
Monday-Friday 10am-1pm

Call Mama Dee with any questions on the preparation of the lunches. 301-302-9815

Sign up here to help out:

https://m.signupgenius.com/? #!/showSignUp/8050B4BADAC28A6F58-61323542-bagged

Amazon Wishlist:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2S4Q1MU8E4D0F?ref_=wl_share&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcARkTm5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAadDy6zaZUzBfTR7XvE6ieMEqo435M6cU9an_hdoz-LqJUt82NqZupPnhUxhjA_aem_lz71JOT2pEGgDxPFZEhZ2Q

Thank you!!

06/11/2026

Good morning all:

I like reading through the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. The genealogies can be a drag; like jogging on a beach while wearing ankle weights. In 1st Chronicles, the first nine chapters are lists of names, not easy to pronounce. To get through these tongue-twister names, I just abbreviate in my head or give them nicknames.

For instance, take 1st Chronicles 7:18.

"His sister Hammoleketh bore Ishbod, Abiezer, and Mahlah." Of course you won't find these names on coffee mugs at a store, but you can get through them without trying to figure out how they're pronounced. Like this: "Hammi bore Ishie, Abby, and Mal." Sounds like the name of a band.

For Jews, these long genealogies are family credentials; an ancient version of Ancestry.com or a kind of a DNA verification to prove who belongs to the family. And be observant as you zip through the names; sometimes there's an interesting detail among them, a story.

For instance, in 1st Chronicles 7:20-27 during the time when the Philistines occupied the land in Canaan, the families of Jacob also had some connections in the land dating back prior to the Exodus. There's an unflattering account of some of Ephraim's sons. They were attacked and killed by the "men of Gath" because Ephraim's sons had tried to steal their cattle.

"Then Ephraim their father mourned for many days, and his brethren came to comfort him" (1st Chronicles 7:22). Following this incident, his wife gave birth to a son, whom he named Beriah, which means "in tragedy". You won't find that on a coffee mug anywhere either. That name was given to mark that significant loss; a reminder to his parents of a tragic death of one of their sons.

Through his lifetime, Ephraim's pain was ever before him in this child named "In Tragedy". However, decades later, there would be another son who would lead his people into their longed-for hope. Follow the family line forward from that tragic time to the birth of a distant great-grandson named Nun, who had a son named Joshua. This Joshua, son of Nun, was Moses' assistant; who would lead Israel into the Promised Land..

How could Ephraim have known the blessing yet to come? He didn't of course. Likewise you too, in the worst times of your life, can not know what God has planned up ahead. But we have hope to carry us through these days.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us...
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption (resurrection) of our body.
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance" (Romans 8:18, 22-25).

It is God who deals in the realm of unseen things. Trust Him in hope of better days. In Christ we live in anticipation of His return. Till then He is with us.

"I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:6a).

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Dennis

Curious about your family history? You’ve come to the right place. You’ve got questions. We’ve got ancestors.

06/11/2026

As we head into the summer months and with heat indexes rising at times, we wanted to share some simple ways your family can stay safe and cool:

Stay cool
- Use air conditioning if available, or visit public places like libraries, malls, or cooling centers
- Keep curtains or blinds closed to block direct sunlight
- Avoid using the oven and opt for cooler meal options

Stay hydrated
- Drink water regularly, even if you're not thirsty
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks
- Make sure kids and older adults are drinking water often

Limit sun exposure
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat if you go outside
- Apply and reapply sunscreen

Protect children and pets
- Never leave kids or pets in a parked car
- Make sure pets have shade and fresh water
- Keep young children cool and inside when possible

Be prepared
- Know the signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, nausea, and confusion
- Have a list of cooling stations and emergency contacts ready
- Check in on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions

If you or someone you know needs relief from the heat, be sure to check out the water and cooling station locations in Washington County in the post graphics!

06/10/2026

Good morning:

"I will extol You, O God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Everyday I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and
ever.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable" (Psalm 145:1-3).

The Hebrew term David begins with in this psalm of praise is a highly energized verb. To extol is "to hold high" or "to esteem greatly." He is commanding himself to hold God's name up high. To praise Him is to be a lifelong habit; to"bless Your name forever and ever." He says in essence his praise of God will be nonstop; emphasizing this twice.

This is not describing a feeling, or an emotional outburst in song or something. Anyone can pretend to 'praise the Lord.' This is a command of the will. Sometimes you tell yourself to do certain things because they must be done, whether you feel like it or not; or in the mood or not. David declares to God, "I will do this!"

And consider that His greatness is unsearchable. It's bigger and more vastly good than you can even imagine or think. His greatness is beyond whatever is burdening you or how you feel about it. That is so wonderful to consider!. This command-to-self to extol the Lord is a principle for how to live.

Begin and end your days with high praise for God. Let everything that occurs find its place between these twin 'bookends' of praise:

When you awake in the morning, let your first thoughts be "thank You Lord." Praise the Lord who loves you and has given you that day. He is to be extolled, high above your day and whatever happens as it goes along.

Then as you conclude the day, lay your head down upon the pillow, with your last thought being, "Thank you Lord." Praise Him for how good He is; and for His goodness toward you.

On your worst day, you are always a blessed child of the King. As you think from this perspective, you will find your life will flow in "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" which is the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Dennis