Dear Church Family

I am writing to you today to discuss a topic that is of great importance and relevance to our lives as Christians—the concept of "Treasure in Heaven."

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are often reminded of the eternal and spiritual nature of our faith. Our journey on this earth is but a fleeting moment compared to the everlasting life that awaits us in the presence of our Heavenly Father. It is in light of this truth that we must ponder the significance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than solely focusing on earthly possessions and pursuits.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus imparts wisdom to his disciples, saying, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

These words challenge us to reflect upon our priorities and examine where our hearts truly lie. It is not wrong to possess material possessions or enjoy the blessings of this world, but we must guard against allowing them to become our primary focus. Our ultimate goal should be to invest in the eternal and seek treasures that will never fade away.

So, what does it mean to store up treasures in heaven? It involves placing our faith in Christ and living out His teachings. It means loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It means embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It means serving others, showing compassion to the needy, and being instruments of God's grace and mercy in a broken world.

By focusing on these heavenly treasures, we are not only investing in our eternal future but also bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. When we live with an eternal perspective, we recognize the impermanence of worldly wealth and success. We become free from the grip of materialism and consumerism, allowing us to find contentment and joy in our relationship with God.

As a church community, let us encourage one another to pursue treasures in heaven. Let us support and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys, reminding ourselves that the true measure of success lies in our faithfulness to God and our commitment to His Kingdom. Together, let us strive to be a beacon of light, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of a life surrendered to Christ.

May we be a community that values generosity, hospitality, and selflessness. Let us use our time, talents, and resources to further God's purposes and make a positive impact on the lives of others. In doing so, we store up treasures that cannot be tarnished or taken away.

I pray that this message resonates with your hearts and ignites a renewed passion for seeking heavenly treasures. May God bless each and every one of you abundantly as you journey together in faith.

Yours in Christ,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family,

Today, I want to reflect upon the beautiful concept of grace and its significance in our lives as believers. Grace is a fundamental aspect of our faith, and it is through grace that we have received salvation and the unmerited favor of our Lord.

Grace, in its essence, is the undeserved and unearned love and mercy that God extends to us. It is a gift freely given, not because of our works or righteousness, but solely out of God's boundless love for His creation. The apostle Paul aptly described it in Ephesians 2:8-9, saying, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Understanding the depth and magnitude of God's grace is vital for our spiritual growth. It is through grace that we are reconciled to God, forgiven of our sins, and granted eternal life. We are not saved by our own efforts or good deeds but solely by God's grace, demonstrated through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, grace is not merely a one-time event that happens at the moment of our salvation. It is a continuous and transformative force in our lives as believers. It empowers us to live a life pleasing to God and encourages us to extend grace to others. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

In our daily lives, we may stumble and fall, making mistakes and falling short of God's perfect standards. But His grace is always available to lift us up, cleanse us, and restore our relationship with Him. It is not a license to sin but an invitation to grow in righteousness and become more Christlike.

Let us also remember that grace is not a concept limited to our individual lives but should permeate our community as a church. As a body of believers, we must create an environment where people feel welcomed, accepted, and loved, regardless of their past or present circumstances. We are called to be a place of refuge and healing, where God's grace flows freely through our words, actions, and relationships.

In conclusion, let us rejoice in the incredible gift of grace bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father. May we never take it for granted but continually seek to deepen our understanding of His grace and its transformative power. And as we experience the fullness of God's grace, may it overflow from our lives and impact the world around us, drawing others closer to the One who is the source of all grace.

With love and blessings,

Bill Doane

Message are no online at www.Apengrovechurch.com

 Dear Church Family,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a devoted member of our church community, I felt compelled to address a topic that holds great significance for our spiritual growth and collective well-being. Today, I would like to reflect upon the essence of fellowship and its vital role in nurturing our relationships with one another.

Fellowship, in its truest sense, embodies the idea of unity, support, and shared experiences within a religious community. It goes beyond mere attendance at weekly services and extends into the fabric of our daily lives. It is the spirit that strengthens the bond between individuals, fostering an environment where love, compassion, and understanding can flourish.

First and foremost, fellowship reminds us of the importance of coming together as a community. We are all unique individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, but it is through fellowship that we discover the beauty of our collective identity. When we gather in fellowship, we find solace and encouragement, knowing that we are not alone in our journey of faith. It is in this togetherness that we draw strength and find inspiration to navigate the challenges of life.

Additionally, fellowship serves as a platform for us to support and uplift one another. By actively engaging in acts of kindness, empathy, and service, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels valued and cherished. Whether it is through small acts of compassion or participating in outreach programs, fellowship empowers us to extend our care beyond the walls of our church and into the broader community.

Furthermore, fellowship promotes spiritual growth and development. Through meaningful interactions, sharing of testimonies, and studying the Word of God together, we deepen our understanding of the scriptures and ignite a passion for personal growth. Fellowship becomes a catalyst for transformative change, as we sharpen and encourage one another to live out our faith authentically, seeking to reflect Christ's character in our lives.

To enhance the spirit of fellowship within our church, I propose a few actionable steps. First, let us prioritize creating opportunities for communal gatherings beyond regular worship services. This could include social events, small group meetings, or even retreats where we can forge stronger connections with our fellow believers.

Second, we should encourage open and honest communication, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to share their joys, struggles, and spiritual journeys. This can be achieved through small group discussions, mentorship programs, or designated prayer partners.

Lastly, let us embrace diversity and inclusivity within our church family. By actively seeking to understand and appreciate the various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives represented among us, we can cultivate an atmosphere of genuine acceptance and love.

In conclusion, fellowship lies at the heart of our church community. It has the power to nurture our relationships, inspire our spiritual growth, and ignite a passion for service. By actively embracing fellowship in our lives, we strengthen the fabric of our community, drawing closer to God and one another.

May we continually strive to embody the true essence of fellowship, extending grace, love, and support to all who seek refuge in our church community.

Blessings,

Bill Doane

252-531-3892

Sermons are now online go to our website (www.Aspengrovechurch.com)

 Dear Church Family,

As we approach the Fourth of July, a day that holds great significance for our nation, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this occasion and its relevance to our lives as members of the body of beleavers and America.

Independence Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document that declared the United States' separation from British rule and laid the foundation for the birth of a new nation. This day offers us an opportunity to celebrate the values and ideals that our country was founded upon—liberty, equality, and justice for all.

As we come together as a congregation, I believe it is important to remember that our celebration of the Fourth of July goes beyond mere festivities and fireworks. It is a time to reflect on the blessings we enjoy as Americans, as well as our responsibilities to uphold and promote the principles of freedom and justice that our forefathers fought so hard to secure.

We can offer prayers of thanksgiving for the men and women in our armed forces, first responders, and all those who serve our communities and nation selflessly.As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to seek the well-being of others.

This Independence Day, let us extend this love and compassion to all those around us, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. We can reach out to our neighbors, foster unity, and engage in acts of service that promote the common good, for it is in our unity that we find strength.

As we celebrate our freedom, let us not forget to pray for our nation's leaders. They bear the weighty responsibility of guiding our country with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Through prayer, we can support them in making decisions that promote justice, equality, and the well-being of all people.

On this Fourth of July, let us also remember that true freedom is not solely a political or social construct, but it begins in our hearts and souls. Let us seek the freedom that comes from knowing Christ and living in accordance with His teachings. May our celebration of independence be a reminder of the ultimate freedom we find in Him, and may it inspire us to live lives that reflect His love and grace.

May this Fourth of July be a time of joy, unity, and renewed commitment to the well-being of our nation and its people.

With warm regards and blessings,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family,

I write to you today with a heart filled with joy and a burning desire to remind our church family of the profound truth that Christ is Supreme.

In a world that constantly bombards us with distractions, ideologies, and competing voices, it is crucial that we, as believers, hold fast to the central truth of our faith: that Jesus Christ is above all and in all. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.

In the letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul beautifully expresses the supremacy of Christ. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul writes, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

As a church, it is vital that we continually seek to exalt Christ above all else. We must make Him the center of our worship, our ministries, and our daily lives. When we gather for worship, let our focus be on exalting His name, declaring His glory, and surrendering ourselves to His lordship. Let us remember that our purpose as a church is to bring honor and glory to Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and truth to a broken and hurting world.

May the Lord continue to bless and guide our church as we strive to honor and magnify the name of Jesus Christ, the Supreme Lord.

With deep love and appreciation,

[Bill]

 Dear Church Family

As we approach the upcoming Father's Day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this occasion and express my gratitude for the fathers and father figures within our church community.

Father's Day serves as an opportunity to honor and appreciate the incredible role that fathers play in our lives. It is a time when we can come together as a community and acknowledge the significant impact that fathers have on their families, children, and society as a whole. Fathers provide guidance, love, support, and stability, shaping the lives of their children and helping them grow into responsible and compassionate individuals.

Within our church, we are fortunate to have many exemplary fathers who serve as role models and pillars of strength. Their dedication to their families, their commitment to raising their children in faith, and their unwavering love is truly inspiring. On this special day, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of these fathers, expressing our gratitude for their selfless devotion.

In addition to celebrating the fathers among us, let us also remember those who may find Father's Day to be a difficult time. There are individuals within our congregation who may have lost their fathers or may be estranged from them. It is crucial that we extend our love, support, and compassion to these individuals, offering them solace and understanding during this time. Let us ensure that they feel included and embraced within our church family, providing a source of comfort and strength.

Furthermore, I encourage members of our church to take the initiative to reach out to fathers and father figures within the community who may not be part of our congregation. We can extend invitations to them, inviting them to join us in our Father's Day celebration, thus strengthening our ties and fostering a sense of unity within our broader community.

Let us use this Fathers day as an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate their presence and influence, while also extending our support to those who may be experiencing difficulties. Together, we can make this Father's Day a memorable and meaningful event within our church.

May God bless all the fathers and father figures among us, and may He grant them wisdom, strength, and abundant love in their journey of fatherhood.

Yours faithfully,

[Bill Doane]

 Dear Church Family,

I am writing to express my deep appreciation for the recognition of children as a blessing within our church community. I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of cherishing and nurturing the precious gift of children in our congregation.

Children are undeniably a gift from God. They bring boundless joy, laughter, and love into our lives. Their innocence and genuine faith serve as a reminder of the beauty and purity of God's creation. As the Scriptures affirm, "(Psalm 127:3)."Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward."

Within the church, it is essential that we create an environment where children feel welcomed, loved, and valued. They are not merely the future of our faith; they are active members of our community with unique perspectives and gifts to share. Their presence in our worship services, Sunday school classes, and youth activities enriches the spiritual tapestry of our congregation and strengthens our collective faith.

Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of children in His teachings. He lovingly embraced them, saying, (Matthew 19:14).But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven

Jesus recognized their value and reminded us of the importance of embracing childlike faith.

As a church, we have a responsibility to support families in raising their children in the ways of the Lord. Providing resources, guidance, and opportunities for spiritual growth equips parents and guardians to nurture their children's faith. It is through our collective efforts that we can help children develop a strong foundation in Christ and empower them to become the future leaders and ambassadors of our faith.

I want to express my gratitude for the church's acknowledgment of children as a blessing. As we embrace and cherish the children within our congregation, let us remember that they are not only the recipients of God's love but also the vessels through which His love shines brightly. Their presence reminds us of the immense blessings that God bestows upon us all.

May we continue to support and nurture the children in our church, recognizing their inherent value and celebrating the unique ways in which they contribute to our faith community.

Congratulations Class 2023 We are so PROUD of you. My God Bless and Kepp you Always.

Bill Doane