On a mild June morning 33 members applauded Phil Brougher for his sterling service as President. We welcomed the return of Lee and Carolee Poulsen. Carolee ovecame some medical issues. Also returning to class were Ed and Karen Matheke who had traveled to California to visit their daughter, Heather.
Pat Duncan’s son, Keith had unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, June 25. Funeral services are pending at this time. Please remember to keep Pat and the family in your prayers.
The class expressed lively gratitude to Neil and Jean Corneil (and their committee) for offering their beautiful home and yard/patio for a superb ice cream social! Neil shared his excess crop of zucchini and squash with the 35 members in attendance.
Serving quietly: Over Memorial week, Joe Wine assisted St. Luke’s at the Annual Methodist Conference held at our church and at OCU. Bishop Jimmy Nunn congratulated St. Luke’s at the conference for launching a satellite church in Edmond last November.
Class member medical reports: Our most astonishing news concerns Jeanette Willet. Jeanette left the hospital on June 21 after nearly four weeks of tests and treatments for a severe eating disorder! She is eating soft foods and recovering well. Candy Mosley is doing well after her first circulatory treatment. Also Bill Morris’ sister, Pat, has broken her other hip! Prayers for class members and their families are always welcome.
Ron Howell led discussion on the final lesson from the book of Judges (of ancient Israel.) The final and most infamous of the tribal judges of Israel was Samson (Judges 13-16).
After 40 years under the yoke of the Philistines the Lord sent a messenger to ‘Manoah’s wife who was unable to have children. The Lord’s messenger revealed to her that she was already carrying a son destined to be a consecrated leader (a Nazarite for God from birth). Manoah’s wife trusted and obeyed the specific details that God’s messenger had related for raising her special son.
However, Samson chose not to accept the life of a Nazarite. He was impulsive, violent, arrogant and reluctant to lead. Samson broke many of his Nazarite vows. He was unusually strong, and settled a number of grudges with a desire for revenge.
Yet the Lord remained faithful and loved Samson, even though he was undisciplined, self-centered and impulsive. Through God’s faithfulness Samson was victorious over Israel’s Philistine enemies many times, though Samson’s motives were less than godly. God had larger redemptive purposes for Samson who served as the leader of Israel for twenty years.
The study author concluded, “God gave each of us unique gifts and talents empowering us to do what He calls us to do. God has a larger purpose for us, while giving assurance and confidence. Are we willing to trust what we don’t fully understand?”
Written by: Dixie Galloway
