Life of Webster Groves Baptist Church

June 29, 2014

Dear WGBC Family,

You have often heard me say that WGBC is a congregation that can be described as individuals who enjoy having fun, fellowship and food. We are a congregation that host events for the community like the Easter egg hunt, trunk a treat, and coming soon our volunteer effort to pass out water on July 4^th at the Webster Groves parade and our Hymn and Ice cream event on July 20^th. These are all ways that we show our hospitality to the community. In our text on this morning, the writer declares, “Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous.

This promise states that when people receive God’s messenger, they will be rewarded. However, they can only receive that reward if we go to them or provide them opportunities to come to us. As we continue to seek ways to feed the spiritual, physical, and social needs our community, and beyond, we might think what’s in it for us? We might even wonder, what is the return on our investment? These might sound like self-centered questions, but it is often the thing we ask ourselves when we are making important decisions about the direction, we will take our lives and our congregation. As we continue to seek God’s will I would encourage you to know that our reward will be the peace in knowing that our work will result in others receiving God’s salvation, peace, joy and redemption.

Yours in the name of the Risen Christ,

Interim Pastor Jermine Alberty

June 22, 2014

Dear WGBC Family,

This morning our sermon text comes from Matthew 10:35-39. The disciples are challenged to break their old ties and accept the new ties that come in following Jesus. Just like the disciples, the believer is challenged to understand that following Jesus might result in division with those they love most. A decision is required, and the believer must be determined to maintain their commitment to God through thick and thin.

We must understand that the true meaning of life can be found when we follow the example of Jesus. Jesus show us the importance of self-denial, endurance of suffering, service, faithfulness, love, patience, forgiveness of others, gentleness and humility, purity and prayer.  Yes, it is true that following Jesus will or can bring division, but we must also have a blessed assurance that the Prince of Peace will grant us the sincerity we need as we travel on this journey we call life.

Yours in the name of the Risen Christ,

Interim Pastor Jermine Alberty