But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
The Remarkable Trees Around Us
Truly, have you ever paused to observe the trees around you? They stand tall, their branches reaching for the sky, and their leaves blowing in the wind. Trees are more than mere plants; they are God’s magnificent handiwork, offering us gifts throughout the seasons.
Deciduous and Evergreen
God crafted two distinct types of trees. Deciduous trees—like the maples and oaks—shed their leaves, teaching us the art of letting go. They remind us that seasons change, and sometimes, we must release what no longer serves us. Evergreen trees, on the other hand, remain steadfast. Their green persists, even in the harshest winters. They symbolize endurance, resilience, and unwavering faith.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Imagine yourself as that remarkable tree. Your roots dig deep into the soil of faith, drawing sustenance from the living stream—the Word of God. Trusting in the Lord anchors you, even when life’s storms rage. Your leaves—your joy, kindness, and hope—remain evergreen, defying adversity.
“It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.”
Fear not, just as the tree stands firm during blistering hot days, so can you. By trusting in God’s grace, your heart will remain steadfast. Even in life’s droughts, you’ll bear fruit—acts of love, compassion, and generosity.
Be a tree, firmly rooted in faith. Let your life flourish, impacting others as you stand tall, like a tree in God’s love.
A better question would be, “What has God Done?” He has been Saving Souls!! He has been working overtime at Altha Grove. Growth, Abundance, and Prosperity! He has blessed AGBC with new memberships, baptisms, baby dedications, and a whole lot of Testimonies about how God is So Good. To take credit (hence the title) would not be the truth. God Does it, He is Doing it, and He has Done it!
Back in May, Minister Trish Flood of The AGBC Women’s Ministry put together Altha Groves, the First Annual Women’s Health Event. The guest list was anointed, and testimonies left you even closer to God. The amazing, heartfelt stories from women who have been Blessed by God, Used by God, and Changed by God, made this event even more special.
If you have ideas for next year’s event, please feel free to share your ideas.
Some may remember when Vacation Bible School was the place to be. I remember growing up attending vacation bible school during our summer vacation when we got out of school for the year. It was so much fun! We learned about the gospel, and we always had fun games and crafts to do. As a kid you make memories and as an adult, you cherish them. Summer 2024 was Outstanding!! Kicking the Summer off with Vacation Bible School was just what the summer needed. Michelle Bennett and her team put together an awesome lineup for vacation bible school. It was blessed with adult, youth, and children’s education classes, fun games, crafts, and a local vendor; just as we can all remember. In preparation for next summer, we invite you to share any ideas to make next year, God willing, a good time!
The Grove Ignite Youth Ministry held a Back 2 School event to prepare for the upcoming year. Check out Grove Ignites Facebook page for all the pictures from the event. The “Caricature Contest” was great. The youth got to show us their cartoon drawing skills! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555905059517
It’s that time of the year!! Homecoming and Revival are coming in September, and it is going to be an Awesome Time! The celebration will be from Sunday 15th through Wednesday 18th 2024. Visit our Facebook page with this link to see who our guests will be. https://www.facebook.com/p/Altha-Grove-Baptist-Church-100064333343480/
Bible Study will be Back as Fall approaches and we invite you to join us for some nourishment. If you are hungry for the word, you will never miss a meal. Bible education feeds the soul, and it opens your heart. Pastor Michael Cherry II deep dives into the scripture every Wednesday to educate all who attend. Check us out on Zoom & Facebook at 7:00 pm for an Hour of Power!!
The old Fellowship Hall downstairs has been rehauled to launch Teen Church beginning 5th Sunday, September 29th, led by Deacon Joe Doswell. We encourage you to invite or bring your preteen/ teens to learn about Jesus. We are excited about this expansion for the youth!
Volunteer of the Week! Marquita Hackley of the AGBC Audio Visual team has been spotlighting volunteers at Altha Grove every week to give thanks and appreciation. Working for the Lord is a full-time job with all the benefits. The acts of great service don’t go unnoticed and although God tells us to not boast or brag, consider this just as a reminder of God's willingness to bless you with amazing people in your life. GOD IS LOVE.
Back in June, our very own Servant of God, Pastor Michael Cherry II was sworn in to serve a 2nd term on the Roanoke City Public School Board. Bible verses Jeremiah 23:23-24, Psalm 129, Isaiah 43:2, and Hebrews 13:5 reference God being everywhere. The scripture lets us know that even when we think God is being taken out of everything and censored from the worldview, He is Omnipresent. There is no place where He is not, and if He Lives In You, it solidifies his presence.
AGBC Music Ministry guest soloist, Professor Daryl Duff sang at The Grove on July 21, 2024. Mr. E. Daryl Duff is a retired Navy Chief Musician who served 23 years as a soloist and vocalist with the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus. Stationed in Washington D.C. from 1990 to 2013, with everything that he has accomplished in his life, there is no comparison to his relationship with God. He shared his story and testified on what God has done and is doing in his life. He graced us with sweet music to our ears.
The Children’s Ministry is looking for volunteers to help with the kid’s church on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in being a part of raising the next generation of God’s souls, please speak with Sis. Jenise Burford. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it". Proverbs 22:6
Stay connected with AGBC’s Recaps, Madeline Jefferson of The Altha Grove Communications Team, keeps you informed and connected to Sunday sermons and Wednesday night bible study. She summarizes and gives you bullet points of the service to give you a little bit of what you might have missed. Check out our Facebook and IG to view the latest.
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