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Wednesday 9am - 1pm Sunday 9am - 1pm

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Garrison Church of God, 235 Hancock Way, Garrison, ND (2026)

05/28/2026

May 28, 2026 - A thought: The Bread of Heaven, Psalm 78:24-25

05/28/2026

Here is our Bulletin for May 31, 2026.
Week of May 31-June 6, 2026

Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 am
Wednesday Evening – 6:30 pm
Sunday, May 31 – Guest Speaker: Rev. DeVawn Beckman. Moderator: Patty Fetzer. Devotion: Rick Fetzer.

A special thank you to Rev. DeVawn Beckman for speaking this Sunday.

A Thought from Pastor Alan:
A verse in the Psalms that catches my attention when I am reading Psalms is found in Psalm 78:25: “men ate angel’s food…”. I am not sure what it means. But the image it creates in our minds is intriguing. After all that is what poetry is designed to do. It makes us look at an event or concept from a different perspective,

Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 paints another poetic image (1 Corinthians is full of poetic imagery). It is a metaphor of Christian living built on the wilderness wandering. The passage through the Red Sea is analogous to baptism and the drinking from the spiritual Rock, Christ, is analogous to drinking the cup of communion. The spiritual bread that sustained them corresponds to the bread of communion.

Yet Paul speaks of the Israelite’s failure to respect God’s provi-sion. As a result they died in desert. The warning to the Christian community is profound, we must not offend against the grace of God’s provision.

Later in this same chapter Paul calls the cup and the bread the common ground (“communion”) of our Christian experience. It is a reminder, again and again, of God’s provision in salvation and His sustenance as we traverse this world on our way to God’s promised land.

This why Jesus during the Lord’s Prayer said “Give us this day our daily bread…” This is a recognition when we pray we need God’s provision, each and every day of our lives. Not only His physical pro-vision, but His spiritual provision as well.

When we “eat the food of angels” it should change us. No wonder that bread in the desert was named “manna” or “what is it?” It is hard to comprehend the depth and meaning of God’s provision physically, spiritually and emotionally.

God Bless, have a wonderful Sunday.

Coming Up:
June Series: Psalm 68 – The God I Trust In.

Wednesday, June 3 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 8.

Sunday, June 7 – Message: Arising is Justice. Psalm 68:1-2 (11-17). Thought: God is purposeful in His justice and mercy. Devotion: 2 Thessalonians 1-10. God’s concern about justice for His people.
Sunday, June 7 – Care Facility Services 1-4 pm

Wednesday, June 10 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 9.

Sunday, June14 – Message: Blessed By God. Psalm 68:3-4 (18-25). Thought: God directs our lives toward good ends. Devotion: 1 Peter 1:1-9. We are kept by God’s power in so we might experience His salvation.

Wednesday, June 17 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Obediah.

Sunday, June 21 – Father’s Day. Offering for Dakota Hope Clinic. Guest Speaker: Rev. Hannah Hathaway. Message: A Father & Defender. Psalm 68:5-6 (26-28). Thought: God as Father sets the model of fatherhood. Devotion: John 14:4-11. Knowing the Father. (Pastor Alan will have a small gift for each man present.)

Tuesday-Thursday, June 23-25 – Campmeeting in Bismarck
Wednesday, June 24 – No service due to Campmeeting.

Sunday, June 28 – Communion, Church Conference, Fellowship Meal. Message: The God who Goes With Us. Psalm 68:7-10 (29-35). Thought: God commits Himself to those who are his in every aspect of life. Devotion: John 14:16-20. The Holy Spirit communicates Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Wednesday, July 1 – Fellowship Evening (Campfire?) 6pm.

Saturday, July 4 – Independence Day.

Sunday, July 5 – Message: A Holy Nation. 1 Peter 2:9-12. Thought: God created the Church to display His glory in the world. Devotion: Psalm 22:22-31. The satisfaction of serving God.
Sunday, July 5 – Care Facility Services 1-4 pm

Wednesday, July 8 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 5:1-16 – Our light in the world.

July Series: 4 Chapters of Basic Christianity – Hebrews 1-4
Sunday, July 12 – Message: Who is Jesus? Hebrews 1:1-4 (Chapter 1). Thought: The Deity and Glory of Jesus. Devotion: Psalm 110:1-7. The Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, July 15 – Set up for Rummage Sale.

Friday-Saturday, July 17-18 – Governor’s Cup
Friday-Saturday, July 17-18 – Women’s ministry Church Rummage Sale.

Sunday, June 21 – Message: What is Humanity? Hebrews 2:5-8 (Chapter 2). Thought: The glory and responsibility of being human. Devotion: Psalm 144:1-10. God’s love for humanity.

Wednesday, July 22 – BLC Service 10:15 am
Wednesday, July 22 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 5:17-48 – Living the Law like you mean it.

Sunday, July 26 – Communion, Fellowship Meal. Message: What Defines Our Faith? Hebrews 4:11-13 (Chapters 3&4). Thought: The authority of God’s word is central to our faith. The Word changes things in our lives. Devotion: Isaiah 55:6-13. God’s word gives direction to our lives.

Wednesday, July 29 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 6:1-24 – Our motives.

05/24/2026

May 24, 2026
Living In God’s Sight-Genesis 25:8-11 Thought: The Heritage of those who go before.

05/23/2026

Here is our bulletin for May 24, 2026

Week of May 24-30, 2026
Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 am
Wednesday Evening – 6:30 pm

Sunday, May 24 – Pentecost. Memorial Sunday. Communion. Fellowship Sunday. Message: Living in God’s Sight. Genesis 25:8-11. Thought: The Heritage of those who go before. Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Living our life to provide a Christian heritage.
We will have a called meeting following service to discuss a bid for siding and windows at the parsonage.
A special thank you to Rev. Mike Sayler for speaking last Sunday.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day – please take time to remember those who have given their lives to maintain our freedom as a nation.

Introduction:
Tomorrow, we honor those who have died in service to our country. The heritage they leave to us is our freedom. While the official start of Memorial day is dated to 1868. There were precursors, one of the most moving took place less than a month after the Civil War when freed slaves in Charleston SC, on their own initiative decorated the graves of the union soldiers buried there honoring the sacrifice accomplishing their freedom. As Americans, our freedom rests on the sacrifices of men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Such freedom is their legacy and our heritage, guaranteed by our Constitution.

A heritage is what is passed down to us. But a heritage which is not handled with responsibility is squandered. As Christians we are told by Paul that our heritage is found in Abraham. Our heritage is our faith in Christ. Paul in Romans states that, whether Jewish or Gentile, we are “children” of Abraham due to our heritage of faith in Christ (Romans 4:9-16).

In Genesis 25:8-11. Abraham comes to the end of his life. He had not received Promise but he trusted God. Abraham had lived his life in God’s sight. In Genesis 18 we see one of the most profound experiences of Abraham’s life.

He has lived with to this point (99 years old) a life of unrealized goals. At points he has failed, and at others he succeeded. At times he gave up opportunities to protect a relationship or protect his integrity. He complained to God about the timeliness of His promise. And on occasion he was angry while obedient to God’s will. Yet this process had brought Abraham to the point where God personally vis-ited him. In Chapter 18, three men appear at Abraham’s tent door.

There is dispute how to interpret this “theophany” (appearance of God). Some believe that the 3 “Men” are God and 2 angels. While others believe (I am one of these) that the 3 “Men” are mani-festations of the three Persons of the Trinity. The structure of the conversation between these 3 Men and Abraham is very complex, thus our confusion.

After they had eaten together, Abraham walked with God along His way toward the East. Yahweh speaking to the others asks: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?” (Genesis 18:17). God goes on to give His reasons: Abraham will be a great nation. He will bless all people of the earth. God intentionally developed a relationship with Abraham in confidence he would cultivate this heritage in his descendants. The Promise of the Messiah and the salvation pro-vided for humanity depended on this.

But was this man up to the task? Yahweh tells Abraham about His coming judgement of S***m and Gomorrah. Then Yahweh’s companions continue toward S***m and Gomorrah. Abraham, standing in the presence of the Yahweh, begins negotiating for mercy for the inhabitants of these evil cities. This was proof of the quality of the man who had lived in God’s sight.

No wonder King Jehosaphat called Abraham “God’s friend” in 2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah echoed it in 41:8. James in 2:23 refers back to these verses, having in mind our heritage and responsibility as we live the heritage of Abraham’s faith.

Coming Up:
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day.
Wednesday, May 27 - Service at BLC, 10:15 am.
Wednesday, May 27 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 7

Sunday, May 31 – Guest Speaker: Rev. DeVawn Beckman. Moderator: Patty Fetzer. Devotion: Rick Fetzer.

June Series: Psalm 68 – The God I Trust In.
Wednesday, June 3 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 8.

Sunday, June 7 – Message: Arising is Justice. Psalm 68:1-2 (11-17). Thought: God is purposeful in His justice and mercy. Devotion: 2 Thessalonians 1-10. God’s concern about justice for His people.
Sunday, June 7 – Care Facility Services 1-4 pm

Wednesday, June 10 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 9.

Sunday, June14 – Message: Blessed By God. Psalm 68:3-4 (18-25). Thought: God directs our lives toward good ends. Devotion: 1 Peter 1:1-9. We are kept by God’s power in so we might experience His salvation.

Wednesday, June 17 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Obediah.

Sunday, June 21 – Father’s Day. Offering for Dakota Hope Clinic. Message: A Father & Defender. Psalm 68:5-6 (26-28). Thought: God as Father sets the model of fatherhood. Devotion: John 14:4-11. Knowing the Father. (Pastor Alan will have a small gift for each man present.)

Tuesday-Thursday, June 23-25 – Campmeeting in Bismarck
Wednesday, June 24 – No service due to Campmeeting.

Sunday, June 28 – Communion, Church Conference, Fellowship Meal. Message: The God who Goes With Us. Psalm 68:7-10 (29-35). Thought: God commits Himself to those who are his in every aspect of life. Devotion: John 14:16-20. The Holy Spirit communicates Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Wednesday, July 1 – Fellowship Evening (Campfire?) 6pm.

Saturday, July 4 – Independence Day.

Sunday, July 5 – Message: A Holy Nation. 1 Peter 2:9-12. Thought: God created the Church to display His glory in the world. Devotion: Psalm 22:22-31. The satisfaction of serving God.
Sunday, July 5 – Care Facility Services 1-4 pm

Wednesday, July 8 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 5:1-16 – Our light in the world.

July Series: 4 Chapters of Basic Christianity – Hebrews 1-4
Sunday, July 12 – Message: Who is Jesus? Hebrews 1:1-4 (Chapter 1). Thought: The Deity and Glory of Jesus. Devotion: Psalm 110:1-7. The Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, July 15 – Set up for Rummage Sale.

Friday-Saturday, July 17-18 – Governor’s Cup
Friday-Saturday, July 17-18 – Women’s ministry Church Rummage Sale.

Sunday, June 21 – Message: What is Humanity? Hebrews 2:5-8 (Chapter 2). Thought: The glory and responsibility of being human. Devotion: Psalm 144:1-10. God’s love for humanity.

Wednesday, July 22 – BLC Service 10:15 am

Wednesday, July 22 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 5:17-48 – Living the Law like you mean it.

Sunday, July 26 – Communion, Fellowship Meal. Message: What Defines Our Faith? Hebrews 4:11-13 (Chapters 3&4). Thought: The authority of God’s word is central to our faith. The Word changes things in our lives. Devotion: Isaiah 55:6-13. God’s word gives direction to our lives.

Wednesday, July 29 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 6:1-24 – Our motives.

05/16/2026

Sunday, May 17 – Series: Roman Way -Message: Not Alone. Romans 16:16-20 (1-4 & 25-27). Thought: We are not alone in this endeavor.

05/16/2026

Here is our bulletin for May 17, 2026.
Week of May 17-23, 2026
Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 am
Wednesday Evening – 6:30 pm

Series: The Roman Way
Sunday, May 17 – Guest Speaker: Rev. Mike Sayler. Service Moderator: Rick Fetzer. Devotion: Patty Fetzer, Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. The Importance of teamwork.

It is a wonderful privilege to have Rev. Mike Sayler with us this morning. Mike is a wonderful man of God who will bless you with his message. Terry and I wish we could be there with you. God Bless! Pastor Alan

Mother’s Day Offering to Dakota Hope Clinic - $380.00

Next Sunday: We will have a called meeting following service to discuss a bid for siding and windows at the parsonage.

While I will not be sharing my final message here in Garrison today I did want to give you the basic concept, God bless.

Quite a few years ago I became obsessed with the background people mentioned in the New Testament. I had in the late 1970s read about “the web of influence” we each have around ourselves and how these impacted growth in the church. Of course, this was talking about “relationships”. As Romans 16 pointed out clearly Paul was not alone in ministry. He depended on a great number of people and effectiveness within the church depended on the faithfulness of all.

When I started in ministry in the early 1980s the Church Growth Movement was in its infancy. It has grown and morphed into a multimillion dollar industry which I am not always sure is good. It really began with a group of sociologists who were studying the development of Christian congregations. The 2 things they originally focused on were organization and promotion. This morphed into “vi-sion” meaning direction from a charismatic CEO leader and marketing.

Jesus warned His Church and its leaders about seeing any leader (including one’s self) as a final authority, Matthew 23:1-12. While a focus on charismatic leadership as central to a ministry’s growth allowed rapid development and growth it made the body of believers subject to the whims and vagaries of that person and his desires and appetites. This is one of the reasons I became skeptical of the Church Growth Movement.

The other was the focus on “marketing” to achieve the ends and measure the process. The problem is that we often confuse 2 similar concepts, even using the words interchangeably. The word marketing means in present usage - telling someone what you want him to think about you or your product”. Promotion means - telling someone who you are or what your product is. Do you see the subtle difference?

The apostle Paul forbid us presenting a false perception (2 Corinthians 2-5). Jesus made it clear that as Christians we are “salt” meaning honest, but if we have become polluted with false representation we are worthless except as weedkiller. However, Jesus did use promotion in Luke 10:1.

Marketing is seductive. A Church comes to measure effectiveness due to size, wealth, influence or popularity. To achieve these goals there are temptations to sculpt the message and standards to the desires of the “target audience”. Jesus knew that His Gospel message would not always be received well, so he warned his apostles in Mathew 10 and Luke 10 to expect this reality.

Success can not be measured by such criterion, no one re-members the great mega churches or leaders of mid 1800s or even the early 1900s but they existed. Yet the simple transformation of lives, families and culture accomplished through multitudes of faith-ful Christians and churches is a testament to the power of the Gospel and the importance of relationships.

Coming Up:
Wednesday, May 20 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 6

Thursday, May 21 – Shavuot (Feast of Pentecost) begins at sundown.
Sunday, May 24 – Pentecost. Memorial Sunday. Communion. Fellowship Sunday. Message: Living in God’s Sight. Genesis 25:8-11. Thought: The Heritage of those who go before. Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Living our life to provide a Christian heritage. (Memorial table will be available.) Note: we will have a short Church meeting following service to discuss siding and windows on the parsonage.

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day.

Wednesday, May 27 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 7

Sunday, May 31 – National Macaroon Day. Guest Speaker: Rev. DeVawn Beckman. Moderator: Patty Fetzer. Devotion: Rick Fetzer.

June Series: Psalm 68 – The God I Trust In.

Wednesday, June 3 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 8.

Sunday, June 7 – Message: Arising is Justice. Psalm 68:1-2 (11-17). Thought: God is purposeful in His justice and mercy. Devotion: 2 Thessalonians 1-10. God’s concern about justice for His people.
Sunday, June 7 – Care Facility Services 1-4 pm

Wednesday, June 10 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 9.

Sunday, June14 – Message: Blessed By God. Psalm 68:3-4 (18-25). Thought: God directs our lives toward good ends. Devotion: 1 Peter 1:1-9. We are kept by God’s power in so we might experience His salvation.

Wednesday, June 17 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Obediah.

Sunday, June 21 – Father’s Day. Offering for Dakota Hope Clinic. Message: A Father & Defender. Psalm 68:5-6 (26-28). Thought: God as Father sets the model of fatherhood. Devotion: John 14:4-11. Knowing the Father. (Pastor Alan will have a small gift for each man present.)

Tuesday-Thursday, June 23-25 – Campmeeting in Bismarck

Wednesday, June 24 – No service due to Campmeeting.

Sunday, June 28 – Communion, Church Conference, Fellowship Meal. Message: The God who Goes With Us. Psalm 68:7-10 (29-35). Thought: God commits Himself to those who are his in every aspect of life. Devotion: John 14:16-20. The Holy Spirit communicates Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Wednesday, July 1 – Fellowship Evening (Campfire?) 6pm.

Saturday, July 4 – Independence Day.

Sunday, July 5 – Message: A Holy Nation. 1 Peter 2:9-12. Thought: God created the Church to display His glory in the world. Devotion: Psalm 22:22-31. The satisfaction of serving God.
Sunday, July 5 – Care Facility Services 1-4 pm

Wednesday, July 8 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 5:1-16 – Our light in the world.

July Series: 4 Chapters of Basic Christianity – Hebrews 1-4
Sunday, July 12 – Message: Who is Jesus? Hebrews 1:1-4 (Chapter 1). Thought: The Deity and Glory of Jesus. Devotion: Psalm 110:1-7. The Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, July 15 – Set up for Rummage Sale.

Friday-Saturday, July 17-18 – Governor’s Cup
Friday-Saturday, July 17-18 – Women’s ministry Church Rummage Sale.

Sunday, June 21 – Message: What is Humanity? Hebrews 2:5-8 (Chapter 2). Thought: The glory and responsibility of being human. Devotion: Psalm 144:1-10. God’s love for humanity.

Wednesday, July 22 – BLC Service 10:15 am
Wednesday, July 22 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 5:17-48 – Living the Law like you mean it.

Sunday, July 26 – Communion, Fellowship Meal. Message: What Defines Our Faith? Hebrews 4:11-13 (Chapters 3&4). Thought: The authority of God’s word is central to our faith. The Word changes things in our lives. Devotion: Isaiah 55:6-13. God’s word gives direction to our lives.

Wednesday, July 29 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Sermon of the Mount. Matthew 6:1-24 – Our motives.

05/10/2026

Mother's Day, May 10, 2026 - “A Person of Strength, Abigail” Romans 15:1-5 (7-13) & 1 Sam. 25:18-34
Thought: We are responsible to look out for our fellow
Christians and seek out the best in them.

05/09/2026

Here is our bulletin for May 10, 2026
Week of May 10-16, 2026
Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 am
Wednesday Evening – 6:30 pm

Series: The Roman Way
Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day! Special offering for Dakota Hope in Minot. Message: A Person of Strength, Abigal. Romans 15: 1-5 (7-13) & 1 Samuel 25:18-34. Thought: We are responsible to look out for our fellow Christians and seek out the best in them. Devotion: Gorjean Moll, Acts 16:8-15. The difference a person of conviction makes, Lydia.

Mother’s Day is a wonderful day. It reminds us all that none of us would be here without a mother willing to give us life. This Sunday we take up an offering for Dakota Hope Clinic in Minot. Through this offering we help young women make this life affirming decision of motherhood. To our mothers, Thank You! To those sharing in this offering, Thank You, your offering makes a difference.

Introduction:
Abigail is an interesting name. It means “my father’s joy” or “delight”. Being the father of three girls, I could have named any or all of them Abigail. All 3 are my delight.

In 1 Samuel 25 we have the story of a woman who delighted her father. David was in his mid 20s and led a rebel force of 600 men in a desert area east and south of Bethlehem. Each day was a struggle for survival, but David allocated men to protect the shepherds in the area.

The main owner was a man named Nabal. Nabal was his nickname. Jewish commentators thought that his actual name was Nadab. Nabal is a word for “fool”. It was a person viewed as crude, rude, arrogant, lacking common sense or social decency. The term included the idea of a person with an out of control temperament.

Nabal gives us the sense he grew up a spoiled rich kid. He came from the clan of Caleb of the tribe of Judah. By the time of David this clan was wealthy and well connected politically. Nabal had grown up in a privileged world, viewing himself as superior to his peers. His arranged marriage to Abigail likely cemented an alliance between the powerful Calebite clan of Hebron to the south and Abigail’s powerful family in the north.

It became clear Abigail was the person in this relationship gifted with wisdom, decorum, social skills and common sense. The fact that Nabal’s shepherds came to her rather than Nabal with their concerns was an indication. Nabal intentionally insulted David’s servants when they came to him at shearing time requesting a gift for their overwatch. Nabal not only refused but humiliated them and David.

Nabal’s shepherds and servants watching this were terrified. They knew the ability of David’s men while enjoying their protection from bandits. They sent a delegation to Abigail. Abigail’s quick thinking and humble attitude prevented the pillaging of Nabal’s household and protected David from blood guilt for murdering innocents.

In Romans 15:1, Paul tells us “we who are strong ought to bear with the infirmities of those who are weak”. The words for strong and weak in this verse come from a word meaning “able”. In the first case it indicated one who was in control. In the 2nd it is ne-gated to indicate someone who is not.

Paul tells us that we must make it our personal responsibility to watch out for our fellow Christians who due to circumstances, per-sonal struggles or emotional stress are unable to control themselves. At times it may be necessary for us to metaphorically carry those who are weak.

Abigail could see clearer than her arrogant and headstrong husband. She could understand better than David the consequences of his unbridled anger. She decided that she could, during that critical moment, carry both men’s weaknesses and in the process protect the innocent. Her humbleness, wisdom and common sense not only made her a delight to her earthly father, but to her heavenly father as well. And made her a strong person.

When we choose to act like Christ in difficult circumstances and bear the weakness of others, we delight our Father in heaven.

Coming Up:
Wednesday, May 13 – National Apple Pie Day fellowship evening, 6 pm. Apple Pie and ice cream, bring a something to share.

Thursday, May 14 – Feast of the Ascension

Friday, May 15 – Annual Women’s Ministry Flower Shop Hop. This year Anamoose.

Sunday, May 17 – Guest Speaker: Rev. Mike Sayler. Service Moderator: Rick Fetzer. Devotion: Patty Fetzer, Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. The Importance of teamwork.

Wednesday, May 20 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 6

Thursday, May 21 – Shavuot (Feast of Pentecost) begins at sundown.

Sunday, May 24 – Pentecost. Memorial Sunday. Communion. Fellowship Sunday. Message: Living in God’s Sight. Genesis 25:8-11. Thought: The Heritage of those who go before. Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Living our life to provide a Christian heritage. (Memorial table will be available.)

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day.

Wednesday, May 27 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 7

Sunday, May 31 – National Macaroon Day. Guest Speaker: Rev. DeVawn Beckman. Moderator: Patty Fetzer. Devotion: Rick Fetzer.

Note: Due to an unforeseen event we will need to move our Church Conference to June 28th, we will have a Fellowship Sunday.

05/03/2026

May3, 2026
Series: The Roman Way
“A Tolerable Decision” Romans 14:8-12 (1-7, 16 & 19-20)
Thought: We must be tolerant of fellow Christians.

05/03/2026

Here is our Bulletin for this Sunday.
Week of May 3-9, 2026
Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 am
Wednesday Evening – 6:30 pm

Series: The Roman Way
Sunday, May 3 – Message: A Tolerable Decision. Romans 14: 8-12 (1-7 & 19-23). Thought: We must become tolerant of fellow Christians. Devotion: Phyllis Wiggins, Philippians 2:12-21. Figuring out our own salvation.

Introduction:
We live an age where words are intentionally shifted in a dramatic fashion to convey meanings often different from what they traditionally meant. The word “toleration” is a good example of this. In modern culture there has been an attempt to conflate its meaning with the “acceptance” or even “approval”. But this does not reflect the actual meaning of the word.

It comes from a Latin word meaning “to bear, forbear or allow”. It was used to reflect when a person or an authority allowed or permitted deviation from an accepted norm or opinion. There is a natural human inclination to believe our practices and opinions should be normative for everyone else. This can be especially pernicious in religious contexts.

Paul in 1 Corinthians challenges such a “party spirit” that had grown within the Corinthian church. Various strongly held opinions on practice, authority and interpretation threatened to tear the infant church apart. As Christianity neared its 30 year existence questions about such things began to loom large. Paul had in Corinth called for tolerance among Christians toward the opinions of fellow Christians. In the intervening 4 to 5 years between 1 Corinthians and writing Romans this problem had only grown.

In chapters 14 and 15 of Romans Paul addresses two aspects of this growing problem. The first is tolerance of other people’s views and practice. The second is a refocus on the central purpose of the Church. This perspective allowed unity without uniformity.
Paul and early Christians tolerated a wide variance of Christian practice and opinion as long as basic doctrines of the faith were observed.

We had 2 doctrines inherited form Judaism: 1. Monotheism and 2. The Authority of Scripture. And 3 uniquely Christian doctrines: 1. The Incarnation, 2. The Atonement and 3. The Lordship of Jesus Christ. Each of these basic doctrines had major implications. For example, the doctrine of Incarnation led directly to the doctrine of the Trinity.
In the early centuries of Christian faith there was wide tolerance of opinion and practice. As long as beliefs or practices did not threaten a basic doctrine or doctrines directly derived from them tolerance was practiced.

In England in the early 1600s conflict arose over “toleration” of various Christian sects. Some of these sects played vied for political power leading to nearly 80 years of infighting to control society. Many of these sects when in power demanded complete adherence to their practices and creed. It is surprising that there was little disagreement on basic doctrine but a hard lines on practice and structure. There was little toleration.

The word tolerance came into use in English in the 1500s. It came to be used widely to describe the concept of allowing religious variance within society. It reflected very much the concepts of Paul in Romans 14. It is the concept that Christians can have unity without uniformity. A concept we still struggle today.

Coming Up:
Wednesday, May 6 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 5

Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day! Special offering for Dakota Hope in Minot. Message: A Person of Strength, Abigal. Romans 15: 1-5 (7-13) & 1 Samuel 25:18-34. Thought: We are responsible to look out for others and seek the best in them. Devotion: Gorjean Moll, Acts 16:8-15. The difference a person of conviction makes, Lydia. [Pastor Alan will have a small gift for each woman present.]

Wednesday, May 13 – National Apple Pie Day fellowship evening, 6 pm.

Thursday, May 14 – Feast of the Ascension

Friday, May 15 – Annual Women’s Ministry Flower Shop Hop. This year Anamoose.

Sunday, May 17 – Guest Speaker: Rev. Mike Sayler. Service Moderator: Rick Fetzer. Devotion: Patty Fetzer, Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. The Importance of teamwork.

Wednesday, May 20 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 6

Thursday, May 21 – Shavuot (Feast of Pentecost) begins at sundown.

Sunday, May 24 – Pentecost. Memorial Sunday. Communion. Fellowship Sunday. Message: Living in God’s Sight. Genesis 25:8-11. Thought: The Heritage of those who go before. Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Living our life to provide a Christian heritage. (Memorial table will be available.)

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day.

Wednesday, May 27 – Bible Study, 6:30 pm – Amos 7

Sunday, May 31 – National Macaroon Day. Guest Speaker: Rev. DeVawn Beckman. Moderator: Patty Fetzer. Devotion: Rick Fetzer.

Note: Due to an unforeseen event we will need to move our Church Conference to June 28th, we will have a Fellowship Sunday.

Garrison Church of God

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