The Christian’s Garden
“They shall be like a watered garden…whose waters fail not.” – Jeremiah 31:12

The Christian life is much like a garden; a place of growth, care, and beauty. From the beginning, God has desired to walk with us in the garden of our hearts.
Just as a garden needs soil, seed, water, and pruning, so must our spiritual lives be cultivated by the Master Gardener.

First, the soil of our heart must be soft and ready. Hosea 10:12 says, “Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD.” Pride, bitterness, and
distraction must be broken up so God's Word can take root.

Next comes the seed; “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). Though small at first, it holds the power of life. Growth requires time and nurture.
Daily Bible reading, meditation, and obedience help the Word settle deep within.

Water is also essential. Isaiah 44:3 promises, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty.” The Holy Spirit is that water—reviving, refreshing, and empowering us.
Without Him, we are dry; with Him, we flourish.

But every garden has weeds; sin, compromise, and distractions. Hebrews 12:1 says to “lay aside every weight, and the sin.” These must be pulled up
regularly or they will choke out spiritual fruit.

God desires more than religious effort; John 15:8 declares, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” Love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22–23).  Real fruit comes from abiding in Christ.

Pruning is also necessary. “Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it” (John 15:2). God lovingly removes what hinders growth through
trials and correction; not to hurt us, but to prepare us for more fruit.

And finally, there’s a harvest. Galatians 6:9 promises, “In due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” God sees every seed, every act of faithfulness.
The garden will one day flourish; here and eternally.

Let your heart be His garden. Let Him plant, water, prune, and bless. And may others see Christ in full bloom in you.
Pastor Jason

YOUNG AT HEART SUMMER PICNIC
Saturday, July 12th, 5:30 PM
Greene Family Farm
278 Dulaney Rd
Bristol, TN 37620
Cost is $5 for hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings AND bring a covered dish or dessert.
Please sign up with what you will bring and pay at the Welcome Centers.


FUNFEST CHRISTIAN CONCERT
Thursday, July 24th
Tauren Wells & We Are Messengers
Discounted tickets are $10 and are available at the Welcome Centers and in the Church Office.


Tour The Holy Land
with Ralph Sexton and Roy Yelton
March 24 - 31, 2026
Brochures are available at the Welcome Centers

August 4th - Ladies Night Out

September 8th - Ladies Ministry Night

September 14 -Informational Meeting 
(for potential Festival of Tables Decorators)

October 6th - Faith & Fire at the Greene Family Farm

November 8th - Festival of Tables
(Decorators needed - See Teresa Pierson for more info)

December 1st - Ladies Christmas Party
Mark you calendar and join us for these events. More information to come.

We would love for your children to join us:    
Sunday School each Sunday 9:15 - 10:15 am
Kid’s Worship and Nursery 10:15 am  
Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm
K-5th grade classes meet in the Children’s building.
6 weeks - Pre-K classes meet in the Nursery.

Ministers to families who have had a death in their family by providing a meal.
For more information about this opportunity to serve, please contact Teresa at 423-245-3141.

Do you have prayer requests or someone you would like to place on the Nursing Home/Shut-In list? Would like to receive the prayer list by email?
Please contact Teresa at tpierson@higherground.org or call the
Church Office at 423-245-3141.  

Volunteers are needed to greet at the FLC Desk. If you could volunteer a day a week or even a day a month, any time you could volunteer helps.
Contact Teresa in the Church Office at 423-245-3141.

Volunteers are needed for the Security Team. If you are interested in serving on a team,
contact  Jerry Quillen or call 
the Church Office at 423-245-3141.

Join the Media Team! - No experience necessary!
Training will be provided and all ages are welcome
Stop by the Media Center in the church sanctuary
Ask for Amber Price or Theresa McMahan to learn more.

Gym, walking track, and exercise room
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
7:30 am - 10:30 am
Closed Wednesday and Friday