Weekly Update, February 13th, 2026

Hi Church,

In Scripture, God calls his people to stand for life at all stages. Proverbs 24:11-12 says, “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Behold, we did not know this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?” In our nation every day innocent life is taken through abortion. For the Christian, this should be primarily a biblical issue, not a political one. Below you will find information about the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign, an international campaign that has yielded tremendous results around the world. We would love for you to participate.

 

40 Days of Life Prayer

Believing that God calls His church to be salt and light in the community and defenders of the defenseless, we will be participating in the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign. Our church will pray together on Thursday, February 18 from 1 pm - 2 pm and Wednesday, March 4 from 10 am - 11 am. You can choose one or both of those dates to pray on-site, or you could sign up for a different hour.

40 Days for Life is a coordinated 40-day campaign holding peaceful vigils near the Annapolis Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in order to offer hope and alternatives to women considering abortion. The goal is to provide a peaceful, prayerful presence for those who are facing the uncertainty of an unplanned pregnancy. During the campaign, individuals, churches, families, and groups join together to stand vigil and pray sending a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion and the hope of the Gospel.

In order to participate in the prayer vigil, you MUST sign up and complete the Statement of Peace on the 40 Days website. To learn more about the prayer vigil and register, go to https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/annapolis. If you have questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott at scott@weemscreek.com or call the church office.

 

Women’s Retreat/Conference

Join us Friday evening, March 6th and Saturday, March 7 (9am-3pm). Tickets are $45, which includes lunch. As a group, we must register by this Sunday, Feb. 15! Please sign up in the church app where you will be able to register, pay, and choose your lunch option. There will also be a signup sheet at the Connect Center. If you have signed up but haven’t paid, you must do that by Sunday.

Our Women’s Ministry is so excited about this year’s retreat! We will be joining other churches from across the state for a conference at Riva Trace Baptist Church. This conference, Can’t Stay Quiet, is based on Acts 4:20 – “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” It’s designed to encourage and equip you to live boldly for Jesus. There will be keynote speakers, breakout sessions, worship, fellowship, and giveaways. There is something truly moving when a large group of women with the same focus come together in worship.

 

Protestants and Catholics Class

People often wonder about the differences between Protestants and Catholics and does it matter. As part of discipleship, Christians should want to understand. Join us for a 3-week class that will answer these questions. In week 1, we will briefly explore the history that led to the Protestant Reformation and the areas of agreement which are many. In weeks 2 and 3, we will cover the areas of disagreement on essential matters and then the same with secondary matters. Class starts February 22 and meets at 6pm in the multipurpose room. Please sign up in the church app or at the Connect Center. There is a $10 optional book for this class. Register in the church app or at the Connect Center.

 

SonShiners Potluck

The SonShiners (55 ) will be having lunch on Feb. 20 at 12pm in the multipurpose room. The church will provide chili, salad, dessert, and drinks. They are asking a few people to bring chili toppings. The 2026 schedule of activities will also be shared. Please sign up at the Connect Center or in the church app.

 

Widows Walk Gathering

The Widows Walk will be meeting at B.J. & Brenda Hallmark’s home on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1pm for food, fun, and a trip down memory lane. Please bring several wedding photos and a side dish to accompany chicken and steak or a dessert. Sign up in the church app or at the Connect Center.

 

Childcare Needed for Andy’s LIFE Group

Andy Hallmark's Life Group will be meeting on Monday evenings from 7-9pm starting February 23rd and they are looking for 1-2 volunteers to take care of 2 infants and 1 toddler. This is a 13-week commitment and pays $15/hour each week. Childcare will be in the Hallmark home in Arnold. If you are interested in serving in this way, please reach out to Melissa Gardner at melissa@weemscreek.com for more information.

 

New LIFE Groups

LIFE Group 1: How Do We Live as Christians?

Begins: Feb. 17

Time: Tuesdays, 6:30pm

Duration: 6 weeks

Leaders: Shawn & Jenn Wilson

Description: Life as a Christian seems simple enough. After all, “Follow me” (Matt 4:19) is one of the foundational commands we’ve been given. But follow who? And follow where? Surely there’s more to it than that, right? In this six-session series, pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman will help us answer the question, “How do we live as Christians?” While following Jesus is our first and most important marching order, Kyle will help us answer some of the other questions that follow and that are essential to living faithfully as Christians. Regardless of where we’re at on our faith journey, Kyle will teach us what it looks like to live a Christian life. Register here.

LIFE Group 2: Weird Stuff: Old Testament – Part 2

Begins: Feb. 9

Time: Mondays, 7pm

Duration: 6 weeks

Leaders: Jody & Courtney Smotherman

Description: A whale swallowing a man? A city destroyed by fire? A father sacrificing his son? In this six-part series, Dr. Jeff Voth and Hebrew scholar, Dr. Nathan French, are back to discuss and make sense of some of the weird stuff in the Bible. Although these stories appear strange, they all can ultimately point us back to the needed redemption of Jesus Christ. Register here.

 

LIFE Group 3: Experiencing God: Knowing & Doing the Will of God

Begins: Feb. 23

Time: Mondays, 7pm

Duration: 13 weeks, plus breaks

Leaders: Andy & Micelle Hallmark

Description: This is a transformative study that helps believers deepen their relationship with God, learn to recognize His voice, see where He is working, and respond in faith. Experiencing God is a longer study (13 Weeks) than the average life group you may attend. We will take breaks during this time frame. This means the group will run into the summer. 

We want to be clear that to get the most out of this study, participants will need to take some daily time with the Lord. This is not for the faint of heart, but at the same time, we believe you will find yourself more aligned with the Lord’s purposes than ever.

There is a workbook for the group that costs $10. Register here.

 

Cooking with Jenny Follow-up

Everyone who participated in Cooking with Jenny had a great time! If you would like a copy of the recipes, they are available at the Connect Center.

 

Elevator

Well… the elevator is out of order again. It will be a couple weeks before it can be repaired.

 

Upcoming Events

CentriKid Parents Meeting – March 22, 12:15pm

Easter Egg Hunt – March 28, 2pm

Men’s Retreat – April 11

Women’s Tea – May 2, 11am-1pm

One Body, Many Gifts: A WCC Showcase – May 16, 2-4pm

Vacation Bible School – June 28 – July 2

Weems Creek 75th Anniversary Celebration – Sept. 12-13

 

Blessings,

Pastor Bryan

Bryan Sims