Chimings Weekly Email

Pastor Jack's Weekly Chimings Message

Pastor Jack's Chimings message is posted every Friday. Along with the inspirational message, it previews what will be happening at church every Sunday and throughout the upcoming week.

If you would like to receive the Chimings message via email, notify the church office to be added to the list.

Worship with us! In person on Sunday at 8:30 am & 10 am.
Facebook livestream at 10:00 am. Watch in our YouTube archive later.

Friday, October 22, 2021

Today I am reading once again in the book of the Prophet Isaiah. Here is the word from the Lord for me (and possibly for you) today....

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past...
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
(Isaiah 43: 18-19)

When you were a kid did you ever try to reroute a stream of water by building a dam across the water with rocks and stones? Have you ever tried to build a mud dam to collect the flowing water into a pool? These efforts, as I remember them, were never completely successful, were they? The stones and dirt eventually gave way to the rush of water and the mud dam I had built washed downstream.

Every day we meet challenges that can potentially divert us and even temporarily defeat God's purpose in our lives. Failures, poor choices, and fear might derail us for a time. But if we turn to God and ask for God's help, those obstacles will never permanently defeat God's plan for us.

What are you facing today? A life impeded by mistakes, circumstances, even the harm someone else has inflicted on you? Do you feel you will never be able to fulfill your dreams? You just can't give up!

God is the author of miracles. God can take a life - no matter how broken- and make it a beautiful and uniquely new creation. God will push away the stones and allow life-giving water to flow once again. Come to God right now. It's never too late for you to become all that God created you to be.

It's not too late to be what you might have been. --- GOD

+++ Join us on Sunday for worship at either 8:30am or 10:00am in the Sanctuary. The 8:30am service this week is Taize Prayer! And the 10:00am service follow our usual Worship practices. While I am away this weekend attending to the Memorial Service for Becky's parents in Buffalo, you will be blessed to welcome Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding! Bill is our conference Director of Connectional Ministries and the Assistant to Bishop Webb and is looking forward to being in worship with you on Sunday! And, of course, our 10:00am worship service will be available as a "live-stream" on the church's Facebook page and then is uploaded to our YouTube channel, as well.

+++ You'll hear an update from Shelley about our efforts at CROP WALK last Sunday. Even though it was a pretty WET day we did great work to help feed the hungry in our community!

+++ Presale tickets for our annual Election Day Turkey Dinner are going well! Get your presale tickets from Dave this week and ask him to wear his classy new hat for you! We also need people to sign-up to help with the dinner and bake pies, too! Remember only apple and pumpkin pies this year, please. Sign up outside the Fireside Room on Sunday!

+++ Administrative Council members -- please mark your calendars for this year's Charge Conference on Tuesday night, November 9th at 6:30pm. We will welcome Rev. Nola Anderson our D.S. to conduct this important meeting and we really need all our Administrative Council members to be present!

Make this day a great day and open your heart and life to God!
Pastor Jack

Friday, October 15, 2021

After a glorious week weather-wise, I found these words of inspiration in 2 Timothy 3: 16...

"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration
from God and is useful to teach us what is true and
to make us realize what is wrong in our lives."
(2 Timothy 3: 16 TLB)

Abraham Lincoln repeatedly referred to his indebtedness to and regard for the Bible. He began reading it as a boy and its influence over him increased as the years went by.

Whenever he addressed the public, Lincoln quoted from the Bible more than any other book, and his literary style mirrored the style of the Bible, especially the writings of the prophets. His respect for the Bible is also apparent in the ideals he espoused and the principles by which he lived.

Lincoln felt keenly his responsibility to guide our great nation through a time of unprecedented turmoil. His response to that responsibility was anchored firmly in his belief that the Bible is God's Word, penned by the hands of the apostles and prophets. By reading and meditating on its principles, Lincoln believed he could keep himself and the nation squarely on the path of truth.

Take a long look at your life. Are you searching for truth? If so, take time to find a Bible. There are many newer translations that make it easier to read and understand. One of this nation's greatest presidents considered the Bible a priceless weapon in the pursuit of truth. I know you will surely find the same.

"READ THE BIBLE AND PREVENT TRUTH DECAY!" --- GOD

+++ Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary! Remember that we are also "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am! And then we upload the worship service to our YouTube channel, as well! We will save a seat for you in our beautiful Sanctuary and we can't wait to see you on Sunday! If you join us using Facebook leave us a comment and say Hi!

+++ We will celebrate All Saints Day on Sunday, November 7th! At this special service we remember the members of our church family and other families who have gone home to be with the Lord this past year. If you have someone who has passed in the last year and would like to add his/her name to our list, please let the church office know.

+++ Our Election Day Turkey Dinner planning is in high gear now! Sign-up sheets are outside the Fireside Room and we are also looking for pie bakers. Apple or Pumpkin pies only, though! Pie tins are also outside the Fireside Room for your use! See Dave S. for presale tickets! Thanks!

+++ The new Nov/Dec Upper Room devotional booklets are in and ready for you to pick up. We are so blessed by the use of these wonderful devotional materials here at Immanuel!

+++ Have you checked out our church website lately? Our Webmaster has been doing lots of updating and adding new content. Check us out at www.churchofthebells.com! And invite your friends to check it out, as well!

Make this day a great day and spend some time reading your Bible each and every day!
Pastor Jack

Friday, October 8, 2021

As we are getting ready for another exciting time of worship on Sunday... we come across these words from the prophet Isaiah...

"Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name
of the Lord and rely on his God." (Isaiah 50:10)

Almost every kid has experienced the excitement and intrigue of a backyard campout. Mom or Dad helping to put up the tent and pulling together enough snacks to last the eager beavers through the night. And then... armed with flashlights, pocket knives, and the faithful family dog, the campers faced the elements.

If you've ever been on one of those daring adventures, you know the one thing no one counts on is the darkness. The trees in the yard, so innocent by day, cast menacing shadows at night. Unfamiliar sounds, impossible to identify in the dark, begin to wear away at our resolve. The whole thing starts to feel pretty scary. And just when you're about to bolt for the house, you look up and see Mom and Dad watching from the window, ready to rescue you at a moment's notice.

The world can be a dark, scary place too. It can cast long, menacing shadows over our lives and leave us feeling alone and fearful. That's when we need to look up and see our heavenly Father watching, ready to chase away our fears and give us courage to make it through the night.

If your life is shrouded in darkness, know that God is with you. God will be there through the long night to comfort and strengthen you.

YOU'RE ALWAYS ON MY MIND. --- GOD

+++ Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am again this week. Our musicians are working on another great anthem for our 10:00am service and Special Music will also be heard at 8:30am! If you're feeling healthy we hope you'll join us in the Sanctuary! While our 10:00am Facebook page Livestream is fun... it just isn't the same as being with us in person! Rest assured we are using all protocol procedures to keep everyone safe and we believe you just can't get much safer than being in God's house. But we also so appreciate all those who worship with us on Facebook Live or on the church YouTube channel, as well! However you choose to worship.... we pray you will find a closer relationship with Jesus through our worship!

+++ The church office is closed on Monday, October 11th for Columbus/Indigenous People's Day. The office will reopen on Tuesday morning at 9:15! Our Hebrews Bible Study and Knit and Stitch will be meeting on Monday, however!

+++ The Administrative Council meets on Tuesday, October 12th at 7:00pm. And Finance meets an hour earlier at 6:00pm that same night!

+++ See Dave S. for your presale tickets for our Election Day Turkey Dinner! Dave will have the tickets after each service on Sunday morning and the sign-up sheet for dinner helpers will be posted outside the Fireside Room soon! Sign up early for the best jobs!!!

+++ Speaking of signing up... there are lots of available dates to host our Sunday morning fellowship time! It's pretty easy to do and everyone appreciates the opportunity to enjoy a little fellowship following worship!

+++ Contact the church office if you might have lost a ring in church last weekend!

+++ Next Sunday, October 17th is our CROP WALK celebration. So many have responded to the request to help us stamp out hunger in our community and all our walkers appreciate your support. Look for a walker with an envelope on Sunday if you haven't yet had the chance to participate! Thanks!

Make this day a great day and look for the light of God to guide you through the world's darkness!
Pastor Jack

Friday, October 1, 2021

Can you believe it is October? Wait... wasn't it just Memorial Day? Where did the summer go? As we move fully into Fall, here are some words from Exodus for us to consider...

"I will hear, for I am compassionate."
(Exodus 22:27)

Many people I know see God as a stern Judge, just waiting to pounce on those who break God's decrees. Others see God as the supreme power of the universe, distant and remote, uninvolved in their lives. But there are also those who enjoy a loving, open relationship with their heavenly Father.

How we perceive God has a direct impact on how we pray. If we see God as a stern judge, we may not be brave enough to speak to God at all. If we see God as distant and remote, we may dismiss God from our lives completely. However, if we see God as our loving, generous, heavenly parent, we are likely to talk to God about everything.

So... how do you see God? The Bible reminds us that God is filled with compassion toward us and is ready to hear us whenever we cry out for help. Yes, one day God will be the great judge of all the earth. But in the meantime, you have been invited to know God first as Father and friend.

God has made an eternal commitment to love and nurture you. At great personal cost, God has opened the lines of communication so that you can approach the throne of grace without fear. God has promised to hear every word. So... what are you waiting for?

  WANT TO TALK? --- GOD

+++ We worship every Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary! Come and join us once again for worship! We are practicing safety precautions and we are saving a seat just for you! We also "live-stream" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am! Then we upload the finished worship service to our YouTube channel. There are lots of ways that you can worship with the family of Immanuel... but nothing beats being here in person!

+++ This Sunday is World Communion Sunday and we will receive a special, second-mile offering used by our General Church to support scholarships within the US and around the world! Look for the special offering envelopes for your use on Sunday!

+++ At our 10:00am service this week we will welcome little Paisley Jane to the font for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism! Just check out the proud looks on Paisley's parents, Jordan and Nicole and her grandparents, Tom and Joyce this week! We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion with Christians around the world at both services on Sunday.

+++ Our Board of Trustees meets next Wednesday, 10/6 at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room.

+++ CROP WALK is coming! Listen to the announcements each week to hear how you can support our team of walkers!

Make this day a great day and why not spend some time talking to God today?
Pastor Jack

Friday, September 24, 2021

Happy Friday! As we get ready for this weekend's worship, I have been reading in Hebrews. Hear these words from Hebrews 8...

"I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their
sins no more." (Hebrews 8:12)

I remember in 1969, millions of people watched the televised Apollo 11 blast off that launched three men into space. Those three men would be the first to orbit the moon and two of them would become the first human beings to walk on the moon.

But one of the really remarkable facts about this space journey was that more energy was used in the first few minutes, during and after lift off, than was used the next several days traveling half-a-million miles to and from the moon. Tremendous energy was needed to break the spacecraft out of the earth's powerful gravitational pull and set it free to reach its destination.

The memory of our past mistakes and failures can serve as the gravitational pull that slows us down and keeps us from going upward and onward in our lives. That's why it's so important to lay our past failures at God's feet. The Bible says that when we confess our sins to God, God forgives us and casts our shortcomings and sins into a sea of forgetfulness. That's right! God not only forgives, God also forgets.

If your past mistakes are dragging you down and keeping you from being all God calls you to be, ask God to forgive you. Then thank God as you feel yourself breaking free and soaring to new heights.

Remember your sins? I forgot them! --- GOD

+++ We worship at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary each week. Our 10:00am worship service is also "Live-stream" on the church's FaceBook page! Following worship we "upload" the recorded service to our YouTube channel, as well. That means there are lots of opportunities for you and your family and friends to worship with us! Why not invite someone to worship this week? If you are feeling well, we hope to see you "live and in-person" in the Sanctuary!

+++ Planning is well underway for the 2021 CROP WALK. We walk on Sunday, October 17th at Longbranch Park and we are looking for folks to join us in walking and also sponsors to donate to our efforts. CROP WALK benefits those who are hungry in our community so we would appreciate your support of our walkers! See Shelley to get involved by being a walker or a sponsor on Sunday, please!

+++ Our Hebrews study is off to a great start! We had 17 people start the study this past Monday and we continue each Monday throughout October. You can still sign up and grab a book on Sunday! We meet in person at 1:00pm on Monday afternoon and then again on ZOOM at 7:00pm on Monday night! Read chapter 2 for this week's discussion, please!

+++ Next Sunday we celebrate World Communion Sunday at both worship services! We join with Christians all around the world at the Lord's Table on this day. And we receive one of our 6 special offerings, as well. These second mile gifts help to provide World Communion scholarships for young people from both the US and other countries. Thanks for your generous gifts!

+++ And finally, Dave and his team are beginning to work on our annual Election Day Turkey Dinner! Listen to the announcements to get involved and purchase Pre-Sale tickets soon for the Drive-Through Dinner!

Make this day a great day and lay your past failures at God's feet!
Pastor Jack

Friday, September 17, 2021

Happy Friday! As we prepare for worship this weekend, I found these words from Jesus in the Gospel according to John...

"I have set you an example that you should do as I
have done." (John 13:15)

The story is told of a Christian missionary who was lost at sea and by chance, washed up on an island near a remote native village. Finding himself half dead from starvation and exposure, the people of the village nursed him back to health. He subsequently lived among the people for some twenty years. Since he could not speak their language however, he could not confess his faith or preach any sermons to them.

But, when the people were sick, he attended to them. When they were hungry, he gave them food. When they were lonely, he visited and kept them company. He taught their kids and came to the aid of those who were wronged.

One day missionaries came to the village and began talking to the people about a man called Jesus. After hearing what the missionaries had to say about Jesus' ministry and teachings, they insisted that He had been living among them for twenty years.

If you have experienced the miracle of God's love and grace, you may be anxious to share that with others. Just remember that your words will never be as important as your actions. Those around you will know that what you have found is real by witnessing the difference it makes in your life.

Wanna play "Follow the Leader"? --- GOD

+++ We will worship at both 8:30am and 10:00am again on Sunday. If you are feeling well, we invite you to join us in person here for worship! The wearing of masks and physical distancing, while not required, are certainly recommended... for those who have been fully vaccinated. For those not fully vaccinated both of these things are required as we seek to reduce the infection rate in our community. We will be "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then uploading to our YouTube channel following the worship service!

+++ One change we will make this week... we will relocate the 8:30am worship service back to the Sanctuary until the pandemic eases. It simply is not easy to physically distance in the Fireside Room and our "straw poll" taken last week indicated that people would be much more comfortable in the Sanctuary. So we will make this change starting this Sunday!

+++ We will also welcome new members this week at each of our worship services. We hope you will be here to greet our newest members of Immanuel!

+++ Sign-ups are going well for our upcoming study on the book of Hebrews! The study is offered on Mondays in person in the Fireside Room at 1:00pm and via ZOOM at 7:00pm. You can sign up for either session and get your book on Sunday. We start on Monday, 9/20 so sign-up, grab a book and read the first chapter in preparation for Monday's opening sessions! The cost of the book is only $6.00!

+++ Next week ONLY, choir rehearsal moves to Wednesday night 9/22! This is to accommodate a planned trip by Dan and Lisa. We will be back on Thursday night the following week, 9/30! Thanks!

+++ CROP WALK is coming on Sunday afternoon 10/17. We walk at 12:00 noon at Longbranch Park and several of us are looking for "sponsors" to support our walk and the work of Church World Service to feed the hungry in our communities. See a CROP WALK walker to offer your support this weekend! Thanks!

Make today a great day and be a witness to God's love as you live your life!
Pastor Jack

Friday, September 10, 2021

Happy Friday, friends! As this work-week and back-to-school week comes to a close, here are some thoughts from Paul's letter to the Galatians...

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
(Galatians 3:28)

Martin Luther King Jr. said it well: "We must learn to live together like brothers (and sisters) or we will perish together like fools." And, it seems to me, the key to living in harmony is to love your neighbors -- all of them! Sure that's tough, because our tendency is to love only those who look like us, think like us, and act like us.

But God made people different for a reason - just as God made more than one kind of flower, more than one kind of fruit, more than one kind of animal. We greatly limit our understanding and personal growth when we distance ourselves from other people simply because their skin is a different color, their customs seem odd and unfamiliar, or they live in a lower income bracket.

Want to add color and variety and understanding to your life? Want to really please your Creator? Want to make the world a better place? The next time you have the opportunity, reach out to someone who doesn't look like you or live on your block.

God is, after all, the great equalizer. God celebrates the uniqueness and beauty of all of God's children. When you open your heart to God's love, God will help you see your neighbors as God sees them!

That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing.... I meant that. ---GOD

+++ Coming up on Sunday we celebrate RALLY DAY! Here's what that means... We return to 2 worship service opportunities... 8:30am and 10:00am. The 8:30am worship will be back in the FIRESIDE ROOM! At the 10:00am service, in the Sanctuary, Kidz Club returns and the Choir is back to lead us in song! Following each service we'll enjoy a return of Fellowship Time! We hope, if you're feeling well, you'll make a special effort to be here for the celebration! Remember, masks are recommended but not required if you've been fully vaccinated... and required if you have not. Thanks for helping us keep everyone safe!

+++ Our "live-stream" begins at 10:00am on the church's Facebook page! Don't forget to leave us a short comment to say Hi! And the worship service will then be "uploaded" to the church's YouTube channel, as well!

+++ We will start a 6 week study on the Book of Hebrews the week of September 20th! This study will be offered twice each week on Mondays... in person on Monday afternoons at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room and via ZOOM on Monday nights at 7:00pm. The books we'll be using, "Hebrews - Grace and Gratitude" are $6 each and are available starting this Sunday in the Narthex. You can grab a book and sign-up at the same spot on Sunday! You'll want to read the first chapter for our opening session on Monday, September 20th!

+++ Next Sunday, September 19th we will welcome new members at each worship service. If you received a letter please let the church office know if you will be taking membership vows ASAP. If you didn't receive a letter, but want to unite in membership here at Immanuel, please speak to me this Sunday so we can be prepared.

+++ CROP WALK IS COMING! CROP WALK IS COMING!  Save the afternoon of Sunday, October 17th in your calendar and listen for more information in the Sunday announcements!

+++ Next Tuesday, September 14th our Finance Team meets at 6:00pm and the Administrative Council meets at 7:00pm in the Fireside Room. Members please try to attend these important meetings. Thanks!

Make this day a great day and try to really love your neighbors!
Pastor Jack

Friday, September 3, 2021

Happy Friday! And Happy Labor Day weekend! Today, I am thinking about how we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves and I came across this devotion from a recent Upper Room article....

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture,
'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."
(James 2:8 NIV)

Not too long after we got married, my wife and I went to a sandwich shop. We were just about to eat when a man in ragged clothes gazed at us and asked for food. At first, I tried to pretend that I didn't notice him, but my wife looked at him. She gave her sandwich to that man. I pouted and thought, How impractical! It is easier to get rid of this beggar by just giving him a few coins rather than buying him such costly food.

After we went home, I pondered the incident. I felt ashamed of my attitude toward the man. I had been selfish. I thought about my own blessings. Those blessings are God's grace -- not my own achievements. And God wants me to share those blessings with everyone.

When I had the opportunity to share at least one of those blessings, I wanted to share only the leftover part by giving the man a few coins. I failed to practice the royal law of love in the Book of James. Because I gave more importance to my pleasure than to his need, I was not loving him "as myself". God has shown us how to love our neighbors as ourselves through Jesus, who not only taught us the royal law of love but lived it out by giving up his life on the cross.

**** How will you love someone as yourself today?****

+++ We worship in the Sanctuary at 9:00am on Sunday morning. If you are feeling well, you are invited to join us! And, of course, we will be "live streaming" on the church Facebook page at 9:00am and then uploading the worship service to our YouTube channel as soon as it is completed. As we see changes in the community Covid numbers we remind you that, if you are fully vaccinated the wearing of masks and social distancing is currently recommended, but not required. For those not yet fully vaccinated, masks and social distancing are required in our building.

+++ This is the last Sunday of our 9:00am summer worship schedule. Next Sunday, September 12th, we return to two worship services, 8:30am and 10:00am. And our "live-stream" will be available at 10:00am.

+++ Next Sunday is also RALLY DAY... when Kidz Club programming resumes during the 10:00am service and our Choir returns to lead worship at 10:00am! We will also be offering a time of fellowship and refreshments after each worship service but to do this WE NEED YOU TO SIGN UP TO HOST FOR A SUNDAY! The sign-up sheet is outside the Fireside Room and there are lots of available dates! Thanks!

+++ Don't forget our Trustees work day on Saturday, 9/11! We will work from about 9:00am until 1:00pm and we have tasks for all skill levels that need accomplishing. See Jerry or sign-up outside the Fireside Room this Sunday!

+++ CROP WALK IS COMING! CROP WALK IS COMING! You'll hear more about our central NY CROP WALK in the announcements... but we are looking for walkers and pledgers for our October 17th walk!

Make this day a great day and try to love someone as you love yourself today!!!
Pastor Jack

Friday, August 27, 2021

As we prepare for worship this weekend, I am thinking about anger and it's effect on the people around me. So hear these words from Paul's letter to the Ephesians...

"If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't
let the sun go down with you still angry... get over it quickly"
(Ephesians 4:26 TLB)

Anger is pretty destructive, you know. Physicians know it. Marriage counselors know it. Law enforcement officers know it. Anger can cause ulcers, migraines, and even heart attacks. It can destroy marriages and relationships. Our prisons are full of angry men and women who just had to have the last word and then resorted to violence.

That's why God warned us not to hold grudges. Even when you suffer in silence and turn a cold shoulder to a neighbor, a coworker, or spouse, the anger continues to eat away at you like a cancer. It's insatiable. It needs regular feedings of hatred and bitterness - emotions that are the antithesis of God's lovingkindness. It's for our own good that God asks us to treat one another with love, honor, and respect. God knows we're going to get angry sometimes, but God has given us self-control and those beautiful words, "I'm sorry."

Are you angry? Do you resent the way you've been treated by others? Let it go. You'll never be able to look forward to those things God has in store for you if you're always looking at the past. Or have you perhaps hurt someone else? Apologize and go on with your life. They may not forgive you, but God will. Pray about those bridges that you know need building, and ask God to help you build a few today!

"If you must have the last word, make it "Sorry." --- GOD

+++ Coming up on Sunday we have our last LAWN CHAIR worship service outside at 9:00am! Bring your lawn chair and sunscreen and join us as we worship in the beauty of nature this Sunday! We will, of course, be "live-streaming" on our Facebook page and then uploading the worship service to our YouTube channel for those who cannot be here with us in person.

+++ Congratulations and great job to our Mission Team who constructed a new deck at the home of the Camp Director at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center this week. Look for pictures of their work here in church and on our website soon! Great work team!

+++ RALLY DAY is planned for Sunday, September 12th! On that day we'll return to our school year schedule with worship at 8:30am and 10:00am and Kidz Club during the 10:00am worship. The Choir will also return to lead worship on that day, as well! Mark your calendars and be sure to join us on RALLY DAY!

+++ If you are not yet a member of Immanuel and are ready to join us fully, speak to me and plan to be a part of our New Members class on Sunday, September 19th!

Make this day a great day and look for a bridge or two to build today!
Pastor Jack

Friday, August 20, 2021

Happy Friday!

I recently read this devotion in the Upper Room and it spoke to my heart! I hope it speaks to your heart, as well!

"The Lord said to Samuel, "The Lord does not look
at the things people look at. People look at the
outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the
heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)

One time while traveling a woman stopped at a roadside produce stand. After checking the usual fare - tomatoes, melons, etc. - she turned to read the labels on the glass jars displayed on the shelves. She saw pickled vegetables, jellies, and F.R.O.G. jam. Frog jam? The name alone discouraged her from checking into the glass container's brown contents. Later she searched the internet and discovered the F.R.O.G. stands for "Figs, Raspberries, Oranges, and Ginger." Friends told her that F.R.O.G. jam is delicious. She had missed out on the treat because she didn't go beyond the superficial, the label on the jar.

Sadly she realized that she had also missed out on interesting conversations and sweet fellowship opportunities with others because of similar superficial judgements. She was put off by people's grooming habits, attire, or age - all of which can easily become labels - "unkempt," "unfashionable," "elderly." But Jesus cares about the heart and soul of each one, regardless of the more visible exterior.

How are we doing at going beyond the outward appearance with people we meet? What have you missed by focusing on the packaging and not the contents of God's children? It seems that we should all strive to be just a little bit more like Jesus and try to see people's hearts!

+++ Worship on Sunday is in the Sanctuary at 9:00am. We will also be "live-streaming" on the church Facebook page and then uploading to our YouTube channel. After a couple of weeks of challenges, we believe we have solved the problems and will be able to offer a video and audio worship experience for you all! Sometimes, when we are challenged by things like technology, we can only smile and turn it over to Jesus for help! Thanks for your understanding and patience!

+++ The Sept/October edition of the Upper Room is now available on the table in the Narthex. Make sure to pick up your copy!

+++ Remember to sign-up for the Trustees Fall Work Day on Saturday, September 11th. There is a sign-up sheet on the white board outside the Fireside Room! Thanks!

+++ You'll also find sign-up sheets for providing hospitality following worship starting on September 12th, when we return to 2 worship services. We need help for both the 8:30am service and the 10:00am service. The 8:30am service also needs a coordinator for hospitality. Speak to me or Pam in the office if you could serve in this way.

+++ RALLY DAY is coming on Sunday, September 12th! The choir will be back, hospitality begins, and we will worship at both 8:30am and 10:00am. Kidz Club will be a part of our 10:00am service! Mark your calendars as we return to our fall schedule on that day!

Make this day a great day and remember to check below the exterior for the real heart of those you meet!
Pastor Jack

Friday, August 13, 2021

Happy Friday, Friends! As we get ready to worship this weekend, we hear from Paul's letter to the Ephesians...

"Make the most of every opportunity for doing good
in these evil days." (Ephesians 5: 16 NLT)

I am constantly praying that God would help me use my time more wisely! Time, you know, is our most precious, non-renewable resource. It's so easy to take for granted and easier still to squander it. It takes enormous effort to harness and direct it. However, the returns can be equally enormous if we invest it well. We need to remember to rely on the Holy Spirit to prompt us how to best use those "disposable" moments we are given.

What is it that takes up our leisure time? Have we fallen into the pattern that keeps us from accomplishing the things that are in our hearts to do? There is certainly nothing wrong with wholesome entertainment and recreation. But distractions that seem harmless can often become subtle traps that cause us to neglect the dream God has placed in our hearts, or even neglect reaching out to someone in need.

All throughout the New Testament, we are urged to be diligent and disciplined with how we use the little time we have been given by God. Are we "spending" our time foolishly or "investing" it wisely? Often my prayer is, "God help me to use my time wisely when too many demands seem to pull me in different directions and I need to spend time with you." Amen!

+++ Sunday worship is at 9:00am in the Sanctuary. If you are feeling well, we hope to greet you on Sunday. Remember... masks are optional but are certainly welcome if you have been fully vaccinated. If not fully vaccinated the masks and physical distancing is required! We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe and healthy!

+++ Of course, we will be live-streaming on the church Facebook page at 9:00am and then uploading the worship service to our YouTube channel right after it is completed. Last week we had a few "technical difficulties" that affected our audio..... but we believe we have them corrected for this Sunday!

+++ Don't forget that our deadline for articles for the September/October edition of the church newsletter is due in the office on August 20th! It makes it so much easier if the articles arrive by the deadline and we appreciate your help!

+++ We are still in need of a CropWalk coordinator if we are going to participate in the 2021 CropWalk. Speak to me if you can help us in this way, please!

+++ We'll be welcoming new members to our church family in September. The invitations were sent out this week and if you'd like one, and did not receive one, please let us know! It is a wonderful thing to welcome new brothers and sisters to the family of Immanuel!

Make this day a great day and remember to invest your time wisely!
Pastor Jack

Friday, August 6, 2021

On this Friday we hear from the Gospel according to Mark...

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels
in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
(Mark 13:32)

The Bible tells us that God has set into motion an eternal plan - a plan that includes a new Heaven and a new earth. A world devoid of suffering and pain, hate and murder, corruption and death. It is described as a world where the ravages of pollution and decay have been erased and the earth has been returned to the glory of its original creation.

On that earth, God will dwell in sweet communion with all of those who have chosen to make God a part of their lives. The tears of sorrow shed for those who have turned their backs on God's love will by then be in the past. Instead, tears of joy will flow down God's face onto those who have chosen to receive the riches of God's compassion, mercy, and loving-kindness.

Only God knows how long it will before the next step in His divine plan begins to play itself out. The Bible tells us that we cannot even imagine all that God has in store for those who have claimed their place in God's kingdom.

Don't miss out on your opportunity to be part of God's eternal plan. Don't let God's invitation to live forever in the light of God's presence lie on your desk unopened until it's too late. Say yes. Give God your heart!

+++ I'm the only one who really knows what time it is. ---GOD

*** Our Mini Golf tournament for Disaster Recovery Missions is taking place tomorrow at the Fairmount Glen golf course. Be ready for the 9:00am Shotgun Start!

*** Worship is at 9:00am in the Sanctuary on Sunday morning. We, of course, will be "live-streaming" on the church's FaceBook page and then uploading the worship service to our YouTube channel. However you choose to join us, we hope to "see" you for worship on Sunday.

*** Our Kidz Club Wednesday programs started this week and we had a great time! We start at 6:30pm with a light dinner each week and are done and on the way home by about 8:15pm. Speak to Ashley to get involved in the fun!

*** Immanuel is in need of a CropWalk Coordinator this year. The CNY CropWalk is being held at Onondaga Lake Park on Sunday, October 17th and our congregation needs someone to receive materials, solicit walkers, and coordinate our efforts. If this sounds like a ministry you'd like to do please speak to Pastor Jack or Pam in the church office soon! Thanks!

*** Thanks to all at Immanuel who supported our Becky's Blessings team in last weekend's local Ride for Roswell! We peddled 20.6 miles and with your support our team generated over $9,000 to support research and patient care at Roswell Park Cancer Center in Buffalo!

***Check out our News & Events to see pictures of the Ride for Roswell and to view a video of our Kidz Club kids playing bells and singing.

Make this day a great day and we can't wait to see you in worship!
Pastor Jack

Friday, July 30, 2021

This week I was spending some time reading once again the Gospel account of Matthew and I came across this verse:

"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5)

It occurred to me that a large number of households in our nation listen to the national and local news at least once a day. And with the advent of news on our iPhones and 24 hour news channels perhaps it's several times a day! And while we decry the negative messages of most news stories, we seem all but addicted to hearing more and more. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ shines in sharp contrast.

The very word "gospel" is derived from an early Anglo-Saxon word "god-spel". It means "good tidings" or good news and later took on the meaning "God-story" or the story of God's love shown to us through the sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

So when we are watching and re-watching the daily news and begin to feel overwhelmed by the crime, racial tension, war, conflict, catastrophes, accidents, disease, lawlessness and political tensions, try looking upward and thanking God that God did not leave us in this world without hope! God sent God's only Son to help each of us as individuals and all of us as a society to navigate the icy waters of this life and give us the certainty of a future in God's presence, free from wickedness and evil.

When was the last time you fully opened your heart to greet the Savior of the world, God's precious Son? The Bible says that God's Son, Jesus Christ, stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. If we open the door and let Jesus come in, we will never again have to face the confusion and turmoil of this life alone. And friends... that's really Good News!

+++ Our worship is at 9:00am this Sunday morning in the Sanctuary. If you're feeling well we hope to see you in the Sanctuary with us. Remember... for those fully vaccinated the wearing of masks and physical distancing is optional and for those not fully vaccinated, we ask you to keep your physical distance and wear your mask throughout the worship service. If you'd like to join us at home, we "live-stream" worship on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am and then upload it to our YouTube channel after the worship service is over. However you choose to join us... we will be glad to have you worshipping with us this weekend!

+++ If you're wondering how to make a contribution to our ministry work here at Immanuel from afar, just use the handy DONATE button on our church website. This is a simple, safe and secure way to support our ministry, even from a distance! Thanks!

+++ Our Mini Golf tournament supporting Disaster Recovery Missions takes place next Saturday, August 7th at the Fairmount Glen course. We begin with a "shotgun" start at 9:00am! Please make sure you are registered by this Sunday so the teams can be set up! Registration is only $10 and there are "mulligans" available for sale, as well! See Shelley to register on Sunday, please!

+++ Our Knit and Stitch group will not be meeting in August and will resume their gatherings on Monday, September 13th!

+++ KIDZ CLUB WEDNESDAYS begin next Wednesday, August 4th at 6:00pm. See Ashley to make sure you are registered and we hope to have a wonderful time each Wednesday night in August!

+++ A reminder that Immanuel's Shut-in Meal Ministry will take place next Sunday, August 8th! Sam will have a wonderful meal for all and if you'd like to be involved in any way, please call the church office next week!

Make this day a great day and I'm off to prepare for tomorrow's local Ride for Roswell Park! I hope to see you on Sunday!
Pastor Jack

Friday, July 23, 2021

As another work week comes to a close, hear these words that Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia...

"Let us not grow weary in well doing."
(Galatians 6:9 KJV)

You know, most of us are just too busy to add anything more to our already overextended schedules. We cringe at the thought of even one more additional obligation. We are ordinary people with limited time and finite abilities.

Yet, I think every one of us has experienced the exhilaration of being in just the right place at just the right time to bless someone unexpectedly. Being "prepared for every good work" does not always require financial investment or even an additional time commitment... but it always requires a willing heart.

Paul speaks to the Ephesians about the "preparation of the gospel of peace" and that is more of an attitude than it is a skill. Are we willing vessels, yielded to the leading and the prompting of the Holy Spirit? The joy of actually doing the gospel comes from simply allowing God's love to be available through us as individuals and a church community! To "be prepared" is often to simply be available, attentive, and mindful of the precious moments when a spontaneous kindness can free a soul to fly.

Try praying to be a blessing when everyone around you is being negative and you don't know what else to do. When that happens God will direct you to exactly where God wants you and exactly what God wants you to be doing!

+++ We worship on Sunday at 9:00am! We are planning on being outside for a LAWN CHAIR WORSHIP but that is dependent on the weather. Bring your lawn chair and join us. OR... tune in to the church's FACEBOOK page at 9:00am or the YOUTUBE channel a little later.

+++ Pam is on vacation next week so please call me on my cell phone (on the church answering machine) if you need me. Messages will be checked each afternoon during the week.

+++ This Sunday is the final Sunday to support our Becky's Blessings team in our Ride for Roswell. See Phyllis or Robin in the Narthex to get involved!

+++ Our Kidz Club Wednesdays start on Wednesday night, August 4th! It's not too late to register to be a part of the group. Registration forms need to be in on Sunday and you can find them either on our church web page or on the table in the Narthex!

+++ And our Mini Golf tournament to support Disaster Recovery Missions is coming up on August 7th! Please register your team or let us know you'd like to be joined to a team soon! And make sure to buy a good supply of mulligans for the day!

Make this day a great day, and always pray that the Lord would make you a blessing to others!
Pastor Jack

Friday, July 16, 2021

Happy Friday, Friends!

We have been here in Virginia Beach since Monday morning and let me tell you... it's been HOT! Our daily temperatures have been 95-98 degrees and the "feels like" index has been well over 100 degrees for the last 3 days! And while that's been a welcome relief from the rains of central NY... it is still HOT! And I have discovered that I am not a "HOT" fan! A little heat seems to be OK but when the thermometer approaches 100 well.. that's too high for me.

And I'm wondering how many other areas of my life are just like that? It feels easy to say "I'm committed" to this cause and that cause... but when the temperature begins to elevate I think many struggle with maintaining that same level of commitment. And I don't think I'm alone! I remember my mother telling me as a child, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"! But doesn't it seem today like even a slight rise in temperature causes a mass exodus from the heat source? Don't we all know people whose level of commitment, to any cause, seems to be waning of late? Gee, maybe I'm not alone in my dislike of too much heat. And maybe God is trying to remind me that:

Some heat makes life more worth living.
And stepping away from too high a level of heat can be temporary and often a really good thing.

So how is the "heat" you're experiencing right now? Check your temperature and watch where God is calling you to experience a little "heat" on this day!

+++ Our worship is on Sunday at 9:00am and you are invited! We are following CDC guidelines and we believe the Sanctuary is about the safest place anyone could be! But if you're not feeling well or are away from Camillus join us on our "live-stream" on the church Facebook page! We also upload the worship to our YouTube channel after worship... so you can watch it whenever it is convenient!

+++ Thanks to all who have been so committed in your support of our ministries here at Immanuel! We continue to be on solid financial ground and that is a result of many people "seeing" the importance of doing ministry all around the world!

Make this day a great day and wait for God to "turn up the heat" in your life!
Pastor Jack

NOTE:
Don't forget to sign up for our Mini Golf Tournament that will be held on August 7. Registration forms are available at the church and on our website.

Pastor Jack will be Riding for Roswell on July 31. If you would like to make a donation to help fight cancer, please do so before Sunday, July 25. If you would like to write a check, please make it out to "Roswell Cancer Center" with "Becky Blessings" in the memo. If you would like to donate online, here is the link.

Blessings from the church office.

Friday, July 9, 2021

Happy Friday, Friends!

As we get ready for worship Sunday, where we will continue to talk about loving, here are some very familiar words for you from John 3:16...

"For God so loved the world that God gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV)

This week we will look, once again, at what love is. Almost every popular song mentions the concept; most movies and TV shows do as well. But often they aren't talking about real love. The "love" they profess is a selfish feeling, often with no depth at all!

You see, real love isn't merely a feeling... it's a decision, an act of the will. Love determines to care about another person, even if that love is not reciprocated. It's a commitment that doesn't change or fade if the desired result is not gained. It's a sacrifice.

Real love is what God's Son, Jesus Christ, displayed for all the world when he chose to sacrifice Himself for all of us. God did not have to give up God's Son as a sacrifice for us... but God did! God knows we often don't deserve it. God knows the bad thoughts we entertain. God knows every awful thing about us... yet God loves us anyway!

The Lord of absolutely everything, who knew us before we were born, has decided to love us. We mess up again and again; we fall short and still... God loves. God is committed to us, and God will faithfully forgive, unconditionally accept, and perfectly love us always.

Does that change your perspective on love? God has decided to love YOU! What have you decided?

+++ Worship is at 9:00am in the Sanctuary on Sunday! Please remember... if you are fully vaccinated the wearing of face masks and physical distancing is optional. If you are not fully vaccinated these things are required in keeping with CDC and NYS Health Department guidelines. We appreciate your efforts to help us keep everyone safe and healthy!

+++ We will be "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am on Sunday morning and then the service will be "uploaded" to our YouTube channel following worship. If you can't be here in person, we hope you can worship with us "virtually" this weekend!

+++ Lots of meetings this coming week, friends! On Tuesday, the Finance Team meets at 6:00pm and our Administrative Council meets at 7:00pm. On Wednesday, our Trustees meet at 6:00pm. If you are a member of any of these groups, please plan to attend these important meetings!

+++ The 2021 Mini Golf outing for Disaster Recovery Missions will take place on Saturday, August 7th! Get your 4 person team together and register soon! Look for the yellow registration form on the table in the Narthex this week!

+++ The Becky's Blessings bike riding team is in training for our 20 mile Ride for Roswell taking place here in Syracuse on Saturday, July 31st. You can get more information at the table set up in the Narthex on Sunday! Thanks!

+++ Kidz Club Wednesdays are planned for Wednesday nights in August! We will gather for dinner together at 6:00pm and then offer activities for kids and adults before ending our evening around 8:30pm. But all kids need to be REGISTERED by July 15th! The $10.00 registration fee includes all the dinners.... plus a tee shirt for each kid. See Ashley to register TODAY!

Make this day a great day and decide to love someone TODAY!
Pastor Jack

Friday, July 2, 2021

Today we hear some words from Mark's Gospel.....

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children
in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes
me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
(Mark 9:37)

Some people think of God only as the Red Sea-parting, raising-the-dead power behind the universe. And that certainly is a big part of who God is. But God also reveals himself in the form of a helpless baby born in a Bethlehem manger two thousand years ago. The next time you hold a baby in your arms, imagine the Ruler of the universe crying with hunger or shivering from the cold.

God could have come to earth as a full-grown man or an invincible super-human hero. But God deliberately chose to begin God's life as a child. God knows, from real experience, what it's like to be a kid. God the Son probably endured his share of skinned knees, nightmares, and bullies. No wonder the Bible is so full of passages about how much God loves children. God knows how hard it is to be one!

One of the best ways to please the Heavenly Father is to show love to God's kids - regardless of their color, size, and shape. Physically and mentally challenged. From good homes and not-so-good homes. It's difficult for kids to believe that God really cares for them if the adults they encounter don't reflect God's heavenly love.

So the next time you see one of God's little ones, be sure and pass along God's love! God's depending on you!

+++ We gather on Sunday for worship, in the Sanctuary, at 9:00am. If you're feeling well we hope you'll join us! If not, you can watch our "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am and on our YouTube channel later in the day. However you choose to worship, we will be blessed to welcome you to our worshipping community!

+++ THANKS for all your support as we continue to do the work God calls us to do here in our community and around the world! Using the DONATE button on our church website gives us all an easy, safe, and secure way to support our mission! THANKS!

+++ Although the church office is closed on Monday for the Independence Day holiday, Lori tells us that there will be some painting going on in the hallway of the Educational building beginning at 9:00am. And there will be DONUTS! Can you spare an hour or two to help? Just show up at 9:00am ready to paint and have some fun!

+++ For your calendars... this year's Mini Golf Outing for Disaster Recovery Missions will take place on Saturday, August 7th! More details will be coming in the next couple of weeks..... but teams are forming now! Get out your putter, find three teammates, and speak to Shelley Dawson Smith to offer your help!

OK... make this day a great day and look for a chance to pass God's love on to someone else today!
Pastor Jack

Friday, June 25, 2021

Happy Friday Everyone!

Here are some words from Psalm 71 for us today...

"Whoever can be trusted with very little, can also be
trusted with much." (Psalm 71:21 TLB)

Too much to do. So much to think about. So many distractions and urgent things demanding your attention. Small details often don't seem important compared to the weightier matters at hand. How we get to our destination often does not seem as important as how fast we get there. And focusing on the minor details of how we live our lives might just require a major change in our outlooks! However, paying attention to the "means" -- to how we make each step we take along our journey -- can result in our consecration. And that consecration frees us from the world and makes us much more usable by God for bigger tasks.

Learn to care about every step of the process as much as the end product. We can practice a lifestyle of consecration by engaging more fully in the ordinary things we do. Dedicating all we do to the Lord and giving glory to God in all things requires that we do all things worshipfully, mindfully, thankfully, and joyfully. It's in the littlest things, the smallest details, that God observes our faith!

GOD MAKE US FAITHFUL IN LITTLE THINGS. AMEN!

+++ Remember that this Sunday, June 25th we hope to be having our first LAWNCHAIR worship service outside! We start at 9:00am and you are invited to bring a lawn chair and join the fun. Our "live-stream" also begins on the church Facebook page at 9:00am.

+++ This week the congregation received a wonderful THANK YOU note from our friends at Casowasco, thanking us for a donation made by the church in celebration of Casowasco's 75th anniversary of ministry. You'll find the note on the bulletin board across from the office door!

+++ The Upper Room magazine, for July and August, is on the table in the Narthex. Feel free to pick up your copy today!

+++ As NYS Covid-19 numbers continue to improve and the state and CDC change their requirements, we will be doing the same thing. We will no longer be taking attendance at worship each week. But we will continue to recommend the use of hand sanitizer as you enter the building. Our daily sign-in sheet will remain in use (should we need to do any contact tracing) and we are asking all to enter and exit through the main doors by the Sanctuary. Use of masks and physical distancing is OPTIONAL for those who have been fully vaccinated and required by those who have not been fully vaccinated.

+++ Summer office hours, beginning next week, will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 1:00pm. Pastor Jack is available the rest of the week as well, as needed for emergencies.

+++ REMINDER... the access driveway we use each day will be resealed starting today.  PLEASE USE THE UPPER KASSON ROAD DRIVEWAY FOR BUILDING ACCESS ON BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. We anticipate a normal traffic pattern on Sunday... if the weather cooperates! As always... flexibility will be a real asset over the next few days!

Make this day a great day and do all you can to bring a smile to the face of Jesus!
Pastor Jack

Friday, June 18, 2021

Good Friday Morning! Here are some words from the Old Testament book of Judges....

"The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!"
(Judges 6:12 NKJV)

When the angel of the Lord appeared to tell Gideon how God wanted him to save the people of Israel from the Midianites, the first words spoken were, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage" (Judges 6:12 AMP). Gideon showed his true colors, however, when he replied, "But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (v. 15).

Sound familiar? So often, we sense God telling us that God has something big for us to do. But because of a poor self-image, we say, "God, I can't do that. You've got to find somebody more qualified. I don't have what it takes."

It's interesting to note the difference between the way Gideon saw himself and the way God rewarded him. Although Gideon felt unqualified, full of fear, and lacking in confidence, God addressed him as a mighty man of fearless courage. Gideon felt weak; but God saw him as strong and competent to lead God's people into battle and victory. And Gideon did!

And I think God sees you as a champion. God believes in you and regards you as a strong, courageous, successful, overcoming person. You may not see yourself that way, but that doesn't change God's image of you. God sees you exactly as God's Word describes you. You may feel unqualified, insecure, weak, fearful and insignificant, but God sees you as a victor!

+++ "But God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

*** We continue on our summer worship schedule this weekend. We'll be in-person at 9:00am in the Sanctuary and also live-streamed on the church's Facebook page. Speaking of our live-streaming... how do you like the new views afforded by our videographer?

*** We will also be giving thanks to God for our father's on Sunday as we celebrate Father's Day!

*** Don't forget that Lori Zaleski is looking for help with a painting party next Friday, June 25th! It promises to be a fun day of hallway painting in the Education wing! See Lori to offer your help, even if only for a few hours! ALSO... we will want to remember that the golf course driveway will be sealed next Friday and Saturday so the only access to our parking lot will be using the upper Kasson Road driveway. We hope to be back to a normal traffic pattern by next Sunday!

*** Beginning next week this "Chimings" communication will return to a weekly publication schedule on Friday mornings. As we have moved through the pandemic and back into a more "normal" lifestyle, our church workflow continues to change. We will continue with "Family News" communications as might be needed during the week!

Make this day a great day and remember that to God you are always a victor!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Today, our readings speak to us about integrity....

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be
trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with
very little will also be dishonest with much."
(Luke 16: 10 NIV)

God wants us to be people of integrity, people of honor, people who are trustworthy. A person of integrity is open and honest and true to their word. They don't have any hidden agendas or ulterior motives. They don't need a legal contract to force them to fulfill their commitments. People of integrity are the same in private as they are in public. They do what's right whether anybody is watching or not.

If you don't have integrity, you will never reach your highest potential in this world. Integrity is the foundation on which a truly successful life is built. Every time you compromise, every time you are less than honest, you are causing a slight crack in the foundation. If you continue compromising, that foundation will never be able to hold what God wants to build. You'll never have lasting prosperity if you don't first have integrity. You may enjoy some temporary success, but you'll never see the fullness of God's favor if you don't take the high road and make the more excellent choices. On the other hand, God's blessings will overtake us..... if we settle for nothing less than living with integrity.

God will only trust us with more after we have been faithful with a little. Remember, our lives are an open book before God. God looks into our hearts and motives. There's no limit to what God will do in your life when God knows that you can be trusted!

+++ "Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grapevines are all in blossom." (Song of Solomon 2: 15 NLT)

*** Today I noticed once again how beautiful our church yard looks! The salt pots are full of blooming flowers and the entire place looks lived in and loved! Thanks to all who work so hard to make sure that God's house is the nicest looking house on the block!

*** This coming Sunday we will be celebrating Father's Day! Make sure to invite Dad to worship and we will celebrate the ministry of fathers and those who serve as fathers to our kids!

*** Please remember that we are in the Annual Conference gathering this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In case of emergency, my cell phone is on the church's answering machine message.

Make this day a great day and always strive to live as a person of integrity!
Pastor Jack

Monday, June 14, 2021

Happy Flag Day! As we proudly display the colors of our nation, here are some words from the prophet Habakkuk for us to consider....

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be
on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail,
and the fields yield no food; though the flock may
be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the
stalls - yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God
of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3: 17-18 NKJV)

Is somebody mistreating you today? Are you struggling financially?

If you live with an attitude of faith, before long God's favor is going to show up, and that difficult situation will turn around for your benefit. The Old Testament character Job went through one of the most trying times any person could ever endure. In less than a year, he lost his family, his business, and his health. He had boils over his entire body and no doubt lived in perpetual pain. But in the midst of that dark hour, Job said to God, "You have granted me life and favor" (Job 10:10 NKJV).

Now here's the really amazing part of the story: There are forty-two chapters in the book of Job. And Job made that statement of faith in chapter 10. He was not delivered, healed, and set free until chapter 42! But at the very beginning, when his circumstances appeared darkest and most helpless, Job was saying, "God, I don't care what the situation looks like or how badly I feel. You are a good God. Your favor is going to turn this situation around."

No wonder God restored to Job twice what he had before! Friends, you may be in a situation today that looks impossible, but never rule out the favor of God. If you learn to stay in an attitude of faith and declare the favor of God, God promises that good things will come to you.

+++ I would have lost heart, unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Psalm 27:13-14)

*** Those of us who were blessed to worship either in-person or virtually yesterday were reminded once again how truly talented Immanuel's young people are! Great music, wonderful readers and some tremendous accomplishments made for a truly wonderful Children's Day celebration! And, through the magic of technology, you can watch it once again at your leisure! Thanks young people, and those who parent and instruct them for giving us such truly inspiring young people! And thanks to Sam Paventi and the Forward family for providing the wonderful "Ice Cream for Breakfast" treat we enjoyed!

*** We invite your prayers for our Annual Conference gathering this week. Members to the Annual Conference will be meeting virtually on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Immanuel is represented by myself, Pam Kelsey-Gossard and Helen Forward. We covet your prayers as we seek to discern God's will for our Annual Conference!

Make this day a great day and always come to count on God's favor in your life!
Pastor Jack

Friday, June 11, 2021

Happy Friday!

As another work-week comes to an end, we read these words in Paul's letter to the Ephesians....

"Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy
in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still
be standing firm." (Ephesians 6:13 NLT)

Living as God intended us to do is downright difficult sometimes. Many people give up far too easily when things don't go their way or they face some kind of adversity. Instead of persevering, they get all bent out of shape. Before long they're discouraged and down, which is understandable, especially when we've struggled with a problem or a weakness for a long time. It's not unusual to come to a place where we give up.

But you have to be more determined than that. If we have any hope of living up to our potential we need to find strength through our adversity. Our circumstances in life may occasionally knock us down or force us to sit down for a while, but we must not stay down. The good news is, you don't have to stay down. Even if you can't see up on the outside, try to get up on the inside. Have a victor's attitude and mentality. Stay with an attitude of faith.

Set your face like a flint and say, "God, I may not understand this, but I know you are still in control. And You said all things would work together my good. You said you would take this evil and turn it around and use it to my advantage. So Father, I thank You that You are going to bring me through this!" No matter what you may face in life, if you know how to get up on the inside, adversities cannot keep you down.

+++ The step of a good [person] is ordered by the Lord: and [they] delighteth in [their] way." (Psalm 37:23 NKJV)

*** Our summer worship schedule starts on Sunday morning!  Worship starts at 9:00am!  Our "live-stream" will also begin at 9:00am on the church's FaceBook page, as well.

*** And this week we celebrate Children's Day, as our young people take leadership in our worship service! We will award Gordon Williams Scholarships and present Bibles to our second graders. We will also meet our graduates... both college and high school. Come and support the kids at worship this week!

*** Speaking of coming to worship in person, we want you to know that the overwhelming majority of our church family has been completely vaccinated and our Sanctuary is ready to be a safe place for worship! Masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated... as is physical distancing. If you've been fully vaccinated, but want to continue wearing your mask, we say GREAT! We want everyone to feel safe as we praise God together!

*** Don't forget your donations for the summer Lunch Bag program at First UMC in Camillus. You'll find a box in the Narthex for your donations and, of course, gift cards to grocery stores are always helpful for this wonderful ministry!

Make this day a great day and keep looking up for God to work a miracle!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

As I am thinking about Children's Day this coming Sunday, I have come across these words from Proverbs....

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold served in
settings of silver." (Proverbs 25:11)

Whether we realize it or not, our words affect our children's future for either good or evil. We need to speak loving words of approval and acceptance, words that encourage, inspire, and motivate our family members to reach for new heights. When we do that, we speak blessings into their lives, words that carry spiritual authority much like the Old Testament patriarch's blessing of his children (Genesis 27:1-41). We are speaking of abundance and increase declaring God's favor in their lives.

But all too often, we are harsh and fault-finding with our children. Our negative words can cause our children to lose the sense of value God has placed within them and can allow the enemy to bring all kinds of insecurity and inferiority into their lives.

What are you passing down to the next generation? It's not enough to think about it; you must vocalize it. A blessing is not a blessing until it is spoken. Your children and grandchildren need to hear you say words such as, "I love you. I believe in you. I think you're great. There's nobody else like you." They need to hear your approval. They need to feel your love. They need your blessing.

Use your words to speak blessing over people. Spouses, bless your spouse with your words. You can help set the direction for your employees with positive words. Learn to speak blessings over your friends. And why not start speaking those blessings today!

+++ "Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so."
(James 3: 10 NKJV)

*** Don't forget that worship begins at 9:00am starting this coming Sunday, June 13th! We kick off our summer worship schedule with our CHILDREN'S DAY celebration! Live-streaming also will be on our FaceBook page at 9:00am!

*** There are still a few days to get your donations into the plastic tote in the Narthex to support First UMC's Brown Bag lunch ministry. All donations need to be in by Tuesday June 15th! Thanks!

*** And speaking of Children's Day this week.... Here is a two word clue for kids and adults to work on solving together.... We'll have  I _ _ C _ E _ M! If you adults need help figuring this out, ask the kids to give you a hand!

*** Trustees... don't forget we are meeting this evening (Wednesday) at 6:00pm!

Make this day a great day and try speaking a few words of blessing today!
Pastor Jack

Monday, June 7, 2021

Happy Monday! Today's scripture comes from the Gospel of John...

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
(John 8:32)

Today I'd like to talk about being a prisoner of the past. Some people are always dwelling on their disappointments. They can't understand why their prayers aren't being answered, why their loved one wasn't healed, why they were mistreated. Some people have lived so long in self-pity that it has become part of their identity. They don't realize that God wants to restore what's been stolen.

If you're not willing to let go of the old, don't expect God to do the new. If you've had some unfair things happen to you, make the decision that you're going to quit reliving those things in your memory. Instead, think on good things, things that will build you up and not tear you down, things that will encourage you and give you the hope that there's a brighter tomorrow.

Why? Because your life is going to follow your thoughts. If you're constantly dwelling on all the negative things that have happened to you, focused on the mistakes you've made and what you've done wrong, then you're perpetuating the problem. You will never be truly happy as long as you harbor bitterness in your heart.

You may even need to forgive God. Perhaps you've been blaming God for taking one of your loved ones or because your situation didn't work out after you prayed about it. If you don't deal with it, you will wallow in self-pity. You must let go of those negative attitudes and the accompanying anger. Let it Go... and let God!

+++ "You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, and make the entire community livable again." (Isaiah 58:12 The Message)

*** Worship yesterday was great! Wonderful special music, friendly faces, and a great celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion highlighted the worship service. We also debuted an additional camera, which allowed us some different views in the "live-stream". Check it out on either Facebook or YouTube and let us know what you think!

*** Our Board of Trustees meets on Wednesday night at 6:00pm at church. All Trustees should try to make this important meeting.

*** A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary. We will celebrate Jo Hart's time among us and you are invited to join us for the celebration!

Make this day a great day and let go of the bitterness today!
Pastor Jack

Friday, June 4, 2021

Here are some very familiar words from Psalm 23....

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life." (Psalm 23 NKJV)

When you are living with an attitude of gratitude, the Bible says, "God's blessings are going to chase you down and overtake you." In other words, you won't be able to outrun the good things of God. Everywhere you go, things are going to change in your favor. Every time you turn around, somebody's going to want to do something good for you. And it's all due to the favor of God.

The Bible is full of examples of people who were in great need, but then the favor of God changed their situations. With the whole earth about to be destroyed by a flood, Noah "found favor" in the sight of God (Genesis 6:8) and built an ark to save his family, the animals, and himself. Practically starving to death, Ruth found "favor" with the owner of the grain field (Ruth 2:10), and eventually she and Naomi's dire circumstances turned around, and their needs were supplied in abundance. Despite overwhelming adversity in slavery in Egypt, the "favor" of God was upon Joseph (Genesis 39:5, 21, 23), and no matter what people did to him, he continued to thrive.

The favor of God comes in the midst of life's challenges. When you are going through tough times, even if your situation looks impossible, stay in an attitude of faith, and start declaring God's favor instead of being discouraged and developing a sour attitude. One touch of God's favor can turn everything around in your life.

+++ Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. (Psalm 23:6 Message)

*** We worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion and our 10:00am worship service will be "live-streamed" on our church Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel. If you're feeling well, we hope to see you in person in the Sanctuary! We have a large number of our group who have been fully vaccinated and we feel this makes in-person worship a very safe environment.

*** Those of you worshipping in our "virtual congregation" will notice some new views to this worship service as we have added some additional equipment to allow for a more pleasurable worship experience. And... don't forget to leave us a comment to say "Hi"!

*** As we reported yesterday, several pastors, including me, have had emails sent out in our name asking for parishioners to send money or gift cards. THESE EMAILS ARE SPAM! Please ignore and delete them and know that I would never ask anyone to donate to any cause in this way!

Make this day a great day and check out the beauty of God's world all around you!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

As we hit mid-week, we hear from the prophet Jeremiah today...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

We serve the God who created the universe. Never settle for a small view of God. God wants to do big things and new things in our lives. God wants us to be constantly increasing, to be rising to new heights. God wants to increase us in wisdom and help us make better decisions. God wants to increase us financially, by giving us promotions, fresh ideas, and creativity. God wants to pour out "His far and beyond favor." (Ephesians 2:7)
Yet, isn't it interesting that God asks the question, "Do you not perceive it?" In other words, are you making enough room for God in your thinking?
It's time to enlarge our vision. To really live the life God wants us to live now, we must start looking at life through eyes of faith, seeing ourselves rise to new levels. See you business taking off. See your marriage being restored. See your family prospering. You must conceive it and believe it is possible if you ever hope to experience it.
We need to get in agreement with God and if we do so, we will find that this can be the best time of our lives. With God on our side, we cannot possibly lose. God can make a way when it looks like there is no way. God can open doors that no person can ever shut. God can turn our very lives around!
So try to get rid of small-minded thinking and start thinking as God thinks. Think big. Think increase. Think abundance. Think more than enough! You have the God of the universe in your corner!

+++ "For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!" (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)

*** Yesterday we welcomed back the Ladies Tuesday Morning Bible Study group! Yet another return to pre-pandemic ministry! If you'd like to be involved, call group leader Jan Green to find out about the study!
*** Thanks to all who have been working so hard on our salt pot planters in the church yard. They look beautiful and the entire church facility looks great!

Make this day a great day and THINK BIG... like God does !!!!! Pastor Jack

Friday, May 28, 2021

Happy Friday! Hear these words from Job....

"After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous
again and gave him twice as much as he had before... The Lord
blessed the later part of Job's life more than the first."
( Job 42: 10,12)

In the Bible, we read of Job, a good man who loved God and had a heart to do what's right. Yet in a few weeks time, he lost his business, his flocks and his herds, his family, and his health. Things could not get any worse for Job, and I'm sure he was tempted to be bitter. He could have said, "God, it's not fair. I don't understand why this is happening to me."
His own wife told him, "Job, just curse God and die."
But no, Job knew that God is a God of restoration. He knew God could turn any situation around. And his attitude was, Even if I die I'm going to die trusting God. I'm going to die believing for the best. And, when it was all said and done, God not only turned Job's calamity around, God brought Job out with twice what he had before.
Lately I've noticed two kinds of faith - a delivering faith and a sustaining faith. Delivering faith is when God instantly turns your situation around. When that happens, it's great. But it takes a greater faith and a deeper walk with God to have sustaining faith. Sustaining faith is what gets you through those dark nights of the soul when, like Job, you don't know where to go or what to do... but because of your faith in God, you do. Faith tells us that the best is yet to come.

+++ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

*** Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. And, of course, we continue "live streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am. If you're feeling well, we hope to see you in the Sanctuary. If you're not feeling well or away... we will "see" you on Facebook! The worship service is also uploaded to our YouTube channel later in the day, as well!
*** Don't forget your items for the Brown Bag summer lunch program at Camillus First UMC. The basket is in the Narthex for your use, and our friends at Camillus First certainly appreciate the help!
*** After some additional feedback and planning we will modify the summer worship plan announced a few days ago. Most of our summer worship will take place in the Sanctuary each week... but we will worship outside on the last Sunday of the month in June, July and August. So mark your calendars for outside worship (weather permitting) on 6/27, 7/25, and 8/29. And, of course, live-streaming will continue throughout the summer!

Make this day a great day and Keep The Faith! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Today I am reading in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah...

"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the
best from the land." (Isaiah 1:19)

Living a full life now is living with enthusiasm and being excited about the life God has given you. And it is believing for even more good things in the days ahead, while also living in the moment and enjoying it to the hilt!
Let's not be naive, however. The pressures, tensions, and stress of modern life constantly threaten to take a toll on our enthusiasm. You probably even know some people who have lost their passion. They've lost their zest for life. Once they were excited about the future, but they've lost their fire.
The word enthusiasm derives from two Greek words, en theos, meaning "inspired by God." One of the main reasons we lose enthusiasm in life is because we start to take for granted what God has done for us. We get accustomed to God's goodness; it becomes routine.
But don't take for granted the greatest gift of all that God has given you - Himself! Don't allow your relationship with God to become stale or your appreciation for God's goodness to become common. We need to stir ourselves up, to replenish our supply of God's good gifts on a daily basis. Like the Israeli people in the wilderness who had to gather God's miraculous provisions of manna afresh each morning, we, too, cannot get by on yesterday's supply. We need fresh enthusiasm each day. Our lives need to be inspired, infused, filled afresh with God's goodness every day.

+++ "Those who believe in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of their heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38 NKJV)

*** Our donation bin for Camillus First UMC's Brown Bag Lunch program is filling nicely! You can add to the bin on Sunday, as well!
*** We still have one more week to support our United Methodist Church's Peace with Justice Sunday appeal. Gifts will be used to advocate for justice and peace in the US and around the world. Thanks for your generous second mile gifts!
*** Mark your calendars for our annual Children's Day celebration on Sunday, June 13th! We will recognize our graduates, present some Bibles and celebrate our youth on this special day! There may even be a few surprises that day, as well!

Make this day a great day and let the Holy Spirit fill you with enthusiasm for Jesus! Pastor Jack

Monday, May 24, 2021

After a wonderful Pentecost celebration yesterday, we start this new work week with some words from Lamentations....

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because
His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3: 22-23 NKJV)

We live in a society that loves to make excuses, and one of our favorite phrases is: "It's not my fault." But the truth is, if we are bitter and resentful, it's because we are allowing ourselves to remain that way. Sure, we've all had negative things happen to us. If you look hard enough, anyone can make excuses and blame the past for their bad attitude, poor choices, and hot temper.
Now, you may have valid reasons. You may have gone through things that nobody deserves to experience in life - physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. Maybe you've struggled with a chronic illness or an irreparable physical condition. Maybe your dreams didn't work out. And while I don't mean to minimize those difficult experiences, I must tell you if you want to live in victory, you can't let your past poison your future.
It's time to allow emotional wounds to heal, to let go of your excuses and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's time to get rid of our victim mentality. Nobody - not even God - ever promised us that life would be fair. Quit comparing your life to someone else's, and quit dwelling on what could or should have been. Quit asking questions like, "Why this?" or "Why that?" or "Why me?" Let go of those hurts and pains. Forgive the people who did you wrong. And above all... forgive yourself for the mistakes you've made. Today can be a new beginning!

+++ "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 NKJV)

*** Thanks to all who wore their red, orange, and yellow yesterday as we celebrated Pentecost! The Sanctuary was so colorful and you all looked marvelous!
*** Thanks also to Barb and Carl Blanchard.... who do such a nice job with our Altar decorations! The Altar always looks beautiful and they spend many hours working hard so that we can enjoy each week. Thanks!

Make this day a great day and be ready for that new beginning God is sending your way! Pastor Jack

Friday, May 21, 2021

Worship with us!
In person at 8:30 and 10am.
Facebook live at 10am.

As we come to the end of this work week, we turn to some words from Deuteronomy...

"But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in
your heart, that you may observe it." (Deuteronomy 30:14 NASB)

I think our words are vital in bringing our dreams to pass. You see it's not enough to simply see it by faith or in your imagination. You have to begin speaking words of faith over your life. Your words have enormous creative power. The moment you speak something out, you give birth to it. This is a spiritual principle, and it works whether what you are saying is positive or negative.
And in that regard, many times we are our own worst enemies. We blame everybody and everything else, but the truth is, we are profoundly influenced by what we say about ourselves. Scripture says, "You are snared by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2 NKJV).
Statements like, "Nothing good ever happens to me," will literally prevent you from moving ahead in life. That's why we must learn to guard our tongues and speak only faith-filled words over our life. I think this is one of the most important principles we can ever grab hold of. Simply put, our words can make or break us.
Understand, avoiding negative talk is not enough. You must start using your words to move forward in life. When we believe God's Word and begin to boldly confess it, mixing it with our faith, we are actually confirming that truth and making it valid in our own lives. And all heaven comes to attention to back up God's Word, bringing to life the great things God has in store for us.

+++ "Reckless words, pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." (Proverbs 12:18)

*** We worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am in our Sanctuary. We are now under the new CDC and NY Health Dept. guidelines regarding masking and physical distancing. Check out yesterday's Family News communications for more information. And, of course, we will be "live-streaming" on Facebook live and then uploading the worship to the church's YouTube channel, as well. If you're feeling well we hope to see you in person on Sunday!
*** On Sunday we celebrate PENTECOST! Don't forget to check your closets so you can wear something red, orange, or yellow on Sunday!
*** Thanks to all who have begun planting and taking care of the salt pots around our church yard. They are beginning to look so beautiful and we hope you check them out on Sunday!
***We continue to collect items for Camillus First UMC's Brown Bag Lunch program. Donations can be left in the bin in the Narthex.
***Next Sunday, May 23, is Peace with Justice Sunday. This is one of 6 special collections that the larger church does during the year. Gifts will fund programs that advocate for Peace and Justice in the US and around the world.

Make this day a great day and don't be afraid to boldly confess your faith in God the Creator! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Today, I heard once again these words from the prophet Zechariah....

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,"
says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)

I think one of the most common mistakes we make is failing to remember that God has more in store for us! God's dream for our lives is so much greater than we can imagine. If God showed us everything God has in store for us, most of us would have our minds boggled.
So maybe it's time to quit limiting God. Remember: God is our source, and God's creativity and resources are unlimited! God just might give you an idea for an invention, a book, a song, or a movie. God can easily give you a dream. And one idea from God can forever change the course of our lives. God is also not limited by what you have or what you don't. God can do anything, if we will simply stop limiting God in our thinking.
Maybe you hail from a long line of divorce, failure, depression, mediocrity, and other personal or family problems. You need to say, "Enough is enough. I'm going to break out of this cycle and change my expectations. I'm going to start believing in God for bigger and better things."
When God puts a dream in our hearts, when God brings opportunities across our paths, step out boldly in faith, expect the best, move forward with confidence, knowing that you are well able to do what God wants you to do. God wants to do a new thing in your life. But you've got to do your part and get outside that little box you've grown accustomed to. Start thinking BIG!

+++ Friends, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ  Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13-14 NKJV)

*** Don't forget to search your closets for something red, orange, or yellow to wear to worship on Sunday! We celebrate Pentecost and I can only imagine how "red" we can dress!
*** Watch your email for updated information about changing Covid precautions here at Immanuel! NY State's acceptance of new CDC guidelines will probably mean a change for us, as well.
***Please click on the link below for a flyer for a Red Cross Blood Drive at Camillus Elks Lodge on June 10.
https://mcusercontent.com/32a96711c351ca9fd35e7848b/images/7eff22ea-e29b-2a06-4945-495975954433.jpg

Make this day a great day and watch for all the new things God is doing! Pastor Jack

Monday, May 17, 2021

Here we are at the start of another new work-week! Today we hear some thoughts from Job....

"But [God] knows the way that I take; when [God] has
tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

When adversity comes knocking at the door or calamities occur, some people immediately think that they have done something wrong, and that God must surely be punishing them. They don't understand that God has a divine purpose for every challenge that comes into our lives. God doesn't send problems, but sometimes God allows us to go through them.
Why is that? The Bible tells us that temptations, trials, and difficulties must come, because if we are to strengthen our spiritual muscles and grow stronger, we must have adversities to overcome and attacks to resist. Trials are intended to test our character, to test our faith. If we can learn to cooperate with God and be quick to change and correct the areas God brings to light, then we'll pass that test and be promoted to a new and different level.
God often allows us to go through difficult situations to draw out those impurities in our characters. You can pray and resist, but it's not going to do any good. God is more interested in changing us than God is in changing the circumstances. God will put people and circumstances in your path that grate on you like sandpaper, but then God will use them to rub off your rough edges! We may not always like that; we may want to run from it; we may even want to resist it, but God is going to keep bringing up the issue again and again until you pass the test.

+++ "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing was happening to you. (I Peter 4:12 NASB)

*** Thanks to our musicians and all, who led worship yesterday! We enjoyed a wonderful time of worship and we hope you've had a chance to watch and worship with us on either our Facebook page or YouTube channel!
*** Our church staff meets, via ZOOM, at 7:00pm on Tuesday night!
*** We hope you are enjoying this wonderful stretch of weather! The trees and flowers are blooming all over the church yard and we hope you've had a chance to see it. It's beautiful!

Make this day a great day and keep the Faith as you make your journey with God! Pastor Jack

Friday, May 14, 2021

Worship with us!
Sundays in person at 8:30 and 10am. Facebook Live at 10am.
Happy Friday! The weekend forecast looks great and we hope to see you in worship on Sunday! Here are some words from the Book of Hebrews for us to ponder today...

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no
bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
(Hebrews 12: 15)

I think a lot of people are trying to improve their lives by dealing with the external aspects. They are attempting to rectify their bad habits, bad attitudes, bad tempers, or negative and sour personalities. Trying to change the fruit of their lives is noble, but unless they get to the root, they will never change the fruit. As long as a bitter internal root is growing, the problems will persist. You may be able to control your bad behavior or keep a good attitude for a while, but you can't ever really be free.
You have to go deeper. Many people attempt to bury the hurt and pain in their hearts or their subconscious minds. They don't realize it, but much of their inner turmoil is because their own heart is poisoned. The Bible says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23 KJV). In other words, if we have bitterness on the inside, it's going to end up contaminating everything that comes out of us. It will contaminate our personalities and our attitudes, as well as how we treat other people.
If you are harboring anger, ask yourself why. If you have trouble getting along with other people, if you're always negative - about yourself, about others, about life in general - dare to ask yourself why that is. When you get to the root, you'll be able to deal with the problem, overcome it, and you can truly begin to change.

+++ Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned
against us. (Matthew 6:12 NLT)

*** This week is the celebration of Ascension Sunday. If you are wondering what that is all about... check out Acts 1: 9-11! I'll be speaking about the Ascension of Jesus and how difficult a story that is for many people to believe. Worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. Did you know our Sanctuary is cleaned and sanitized each week? It's great to know we are so safe when we worship! Of course, we will be "live-streaming" on our Facebook page at 10:00am , as well! And then the worship service recording is uploaded to the church YouTube channel, as well! Again... if you're feeling healthy we would love to greet you in person in the Sanctuary on Sunday morning!
*** Our Knit and Stitch group meets on Monday morning at 10:00am in the Fireside Room. Talk to Judy O. to get information about this group!
***Don't forget to bring donations for Camillus First UMC's brown bag lunch summer program. There is a bin in the Narthex for donations.
***Sunday, May 30 is Peace with Justice Sunday. This is one of 6 special
churchwide offerings held each year. Gifts fund programs that advocate for peace and justice in the Untied States and around the world. Please make checks out to "Immanuel UMC" and write "Peace with Justice Sunday" in the memo.

Make this day a great day and look for opportunities to forgive yourself and others! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

On this beautiful Wednesday morning, we read these words from the first book of our Bible, Genesis...

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our
likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and
the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth,
and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
So God made man in God's own image, in the image of God
he created him; male and female God created them.
(Genesis 1: 26-27)

Your self-image is much like a self-portrait; it is who and what you picture yourself to be, which may or may not be an accurate reflection of who you really are. How you feel about yourself will have a tremendous impact on how far you go in life, because you will probably speak, act, and react as the person you think you are. The truth is, you will probably never rise above the image you have of yourself in your mind.
God wants us to have healthy, positive self-images, to see ourselves as priceless treasures. God wants us to feel good about ourselves. Despite our faults and weaknesses, God loves us anyway! God created us in his image, and God is continually shaping us, conforming us to God's character, helping us to become even more like the person God is. So consequently, we need to learn to love ourselves, faults and all, not because we are egotists, but because that's how our Heavenly Father loves us. You can walk with confidence knowing that God loves you unconditionally. God's love for you is based on what you are, not what you do. God created you as a unique individual - there has never been, nor will there ever be, another person exactly like you, and God sees you as God's perfect masterpiece!

+++ What is humankind that you are mindful of [them], the son of man that you care for [them]? You made [them] a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned [them] with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:4-5)

*** Have you seen the beautiful flowering tree in front of the church? It is in full bloom and so wonderful to look at. God has, indeed, created something beautiful for us to enjoy!
*** Don't forget to let the office know if you have a young person(s) interested in attending summer camp this year! Our deadline for campership scholarships is coming up in just a few days!
*** Our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary!

Make this day a great day and celebrate the beautiful person that God made you to be! Pastor Jack

Monday, May 10, 2021

Happy Monday! Today we hear some of Paul's words to the Philippians....

"I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me (I
am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient
in Christ's sufficiency). (Philippians 4:13 AMP)

I love what young David did when he faced the giant Goliath. He didn't complain and say, "God, why do I always have huge problems?" He didn't dwell on the fact that Goliath was three times his size or that Goliath was a skilled warrior and he was just a shepherd boy. Rather than focus on the magnitude of the obstacle before him, David chose to focus instead on the greatness of God.
David looked Goliath right in the eyes and changed his whole atmosphere through the words he spoke aloud. He said, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled" (1 Sam. 17:45).
Now, those are words of faith! He didn't merely think them; he didn't simply pray them. He spoke directly to the mountain of a man in front of him and said, "Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air" (v. 46). And with God's help... he did!
Friend, there is also a miracle in your mouth. If you want to change your world, start by changing your words. When you're facing obstacles in your path, you must boldly say, "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. No weapon formed against me is going to prosper. God always causes me to triumph."

+++ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (Romans 10: 10-11 AMP)

*** Our Finance Team and Administrative Council both meet on Tuesday evening in the Fellowship Hall. Finance begins at 6:00pm and
Administrative Council starts at 7:00pm. Members... please plan to be with us to complete this important work!
*** Two important deadlines are for campership scholarships and for the Gordon Williams scholarship. We need campership requests by May 15th and the applications for the Gordon Williams scholarship by May 21st. Thanks for honoring these deadlines so we can do our  work!

Make this day a great day and don't be afraid to take on one of your giants! Pastor Jack

Friday, May 7, 2021

Worship with us!
In person at 8:30 and 10am.
Facebook live at 10am.

In the Amplified Bible translation, we hear these words from Paul's letter to the Romans...

"Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor be aglow
and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord."
(Romans 12: 11 AMP)

God's people should be the happiest people on earth! So happy, in fact, that other people around us notice. Why? Because we not only have a fabulous future, we can enjoy life today! That's what living life to the fullest now is all about.
Don't just go through the motions in life. Make a decision that you are not going to live another day without the joy of the Lord in your life; without love, peace, and passion; without being excited about your life. And understand that you don't have to have something extraordinary happening in your life to be excited. You may not have the perfect job or the perfect marriage or live in the perfect environment, but you can still choose each day to be aglow with God's presence.
Friends, if you want to really see God's favor, do everything with your whole heart. Do it with passion and some fire. Give it your all. Not only will you feel better, but that fire will spread, and soon other people will want what you have. Wherever you are in your life, make the most of it and be the best you can be.
Raise your level of expectancy. It's how we live out our faith that most activates the power of God. Let's quit limiting God with our small-minded thinking and start believing God for bigger and better things. God will take you places you've never dreamed of, and you will be living life to it's fullest right now!

+++ "Stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the gracious gift of God, the inner fire that is in you." (2 Timothy 1:6 AMP)

*** In person worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am again this week. And it's MOTHER'S DAY! Why not join Mom for church this weekend? And, of course, we'll be live-streaming the worship service at 10:00am on our FaceBook page for those who are a part of our "virtual" congregation! If you're feeling well we hope to see you on Sunday!
*** Those interested in camperships this summer and applying for the Gordon Williams scholarship please make sure you meet the deadlines for applying. We need to know on campership needs by 5/15 and the deadline for the scholarship applications is 5/21. Thanks for getting your requests in to allow us to do the work we need to do!
*** Next week will see a return to both Camillus Ridge Terrace and Brookdale Summerfield for worship services. Both facilities are in the process of re-opening and this is one of the first steps in that process. Hopefully, in a month of two we'll be able to invite congregation members to join the residents for worship!

Make this day a great day and live this day and everyday in the joy of the Lord! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Friends! Today, as we think about following God, hear these words from Mark's Gospel....

"Everything is possible for [those] who believe."
(Mark 9: 23 NIV)

God is constantly trying to plant new seeds in our hearts. God's constantly trying to get us to conceive, to give up our antiquated ideas, and spawn new bursts of creativity within. God is trying to fill us with so much hope and expectancy that the seed will grow and bring forth a tremendous harvest.
This is our time for increase. We may have been sick for a long time, but this is our time to get well. We may have been bound by addictions and bad habits, but this is the time to be set free. We may have been struggling financially, but this is the time for that promotion. The key, I think, is to believe and let the seed take root so it can grow.
God is saying to you something similar to what the angel told the Virgin Mary - that she would conceive without knowing a man. In other words, God was saying it would happen through supernatural means. What God wants to do in your life is not going to happen by your power or might. It's going to be by God's Spirit. The power of the Most High God shall come upon you and cause it to happen.
Will you allow that seed to take root? It can happen without a bank loan or even having the right education. It will happen in spite of your past and what the critics might be telling you. Will you believe that with God, all things are possible?

+++ "It shall be done to you according to your faith." (Matthew 9:29 NASB)

*** Our Board of Trustees meets tonight at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.
*** Thursday night our Bell Choir rehearses at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary.
*** THANKS to all who have worked so hard doing ministry at Immanuel over the last few months! As we slowly re-start our ministries and programs we appreciate all your help, as we strive to keep everyone safe.

Make this day a great day and be ready for God to do a miracle in you today! Pastor Jack

Monday, May 3, 2021

Happy Monday! In Luke's Gospel we read these words...

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be
forgiven." (Luke 6:37)

In the Old Testament, King David prayed and fasted for seven days, and nevertheless his newborn baby died (2 Sam. 12: 1-25). Although David had been extremely distraught, he did not get bitter or question God. Instead, he dared to trust God in the midst of his disappointment. He washed his face and moved on with his life.
Don't waste another minute trying to figure out why certain evil things have happened to you or your loved ones. You may never know the answer. But don't use that as an excuse to wallow in self-pity. Leave it alone, get up, and try to move on with your life. Trust God and accept the fact that there will always be some unanswered questions. Just because you don't know the answer doesn't mean that one doesn't exist.
Each of us should have what I've started calling a "I Don't Understand It" file. When something happens for which you have no reasonable answer, instead of dwelling on the "why", simply place it in this file and try not to become bitter. We should all try to walk out of any emotional bondage in which we have been living. Try to learn to do what David did: Just wash your face, keep a good attitude, and move on. If you will stay in the attitude of faith and victory, God has promised that God will turn those emotional wounds around. God will use them to your advantage, and you will come out better than you would have had they not happened to you.

+++ "Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed". (James 5: 16 The Message)

*** We enjoyed a great time of worship yesterday! If you weren't able to be with us in person, check out the worship service on either the church's FaceBook page or YouTube channel. And always remember to share this worship opportunity with your friends! It's a great way to do evangelism by inviting someone to "worship" with you!
*** As we make small steps toward returning to "normal" we are thrilled to report that our Knit and Stitch group will be meeting this morning for the first time in over a year. Wear your mask, and gather in the Fireside Room for this "re-start" ministry!
*** Our Board of Trustees meets on Wednesday night at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall!

Make this day a great day and by following Jesus you can become better... instead of bitter! Pastor Jack

Friday, April 30, 2021

Worship with us!
In person at 8:30 and 10am.
Facebook Live at 10am.

Happy Friday! As we get ready for worship this Sunday, here are some words from 1 Samuel....

"David was greatly distressed because the people spoke
of stoning him... But David strengthened himself in the
Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:6 NASB)

To really live life to the fullest, often you must act on your own will, not simply your emotions. Sometimes you have to take steps of faith... even when you are hurting, grieving, or still reeling from an attack by the enemy.
Before David became king of Israel, he and his men returned home to find their city had been attacked, their homes had been burned, their possessions stolen, and their women and children kidnapped. Instead of sitting around devastated and mourning over what had been lost, David encouraged himself in the Lord and convinced his men to attack the enemy. As they persevered, God supernaturally helped them to recover everything that had been stolen.
Right now you may be sitting around waiting for God to change your circumstances.  Then you're going to be happy; then you're going to have a better attitude; then you're going to give God praise. But God is waiting for you to get up on the inside like David did. It will take courage; it will definitely take determination, but you can do it if you decide to do so.
A pastor friend reminds us that God wants us to be winners... not whiners! Don't allow yourself to wave the white flag of surrender. You must show the evil forces of this world that you are more determined than they are! Shout it out loud if you must, "I'm going to stand in faith even if I have to stand my whole lifetime!" When you do your part, God will begin to change things and work supernaturally in your life.

+++ "Do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded." (Hebrews 10:33 NASB)

*** In person worship on Sunday is at 8:30am and 10:00am. And, of course, we live stream the service on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am. After that look for the finished product to be uploaded to our YouTube channel! If you're feeling well... we hope to see you in person for worship. If not... please stay home and recuperate as you worship with us "virtually"! We are celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, so if you're worshipping from home.... have your communion elements ready!
***  Immanuel is so blessed with folks who work so hard to support our ministry! This week we've seen so many people working on the Garage Sale, Tuesday Men's Group, and on our SPRC team. Thanks to all who do such great ministry here in Camillus! And THANKS for your continuing support for our financial help, as well!

Make this day a great day and make the decision to life a Faith Filled life today! Pastor Jack

Monday, April 26, 2021

Garage Sale is this week!      Click Here for Hours and Details!
Today we hear some wonderful words from Lamentations.....

"The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for
him and seek him." (Lamentations 3:25 NLT)

One of the most important keys to moving fully into the great future God has for you is learning how to overcome the disappointments in your life. Because disappointments can pose such formidable obstacles to letting go of the past, you need to be sure you have dealt with this area before taking the next step to living into your full potential.
Often, defeating disappointments and letting go of the past are the flip side of the same coin, especially when you are disappointed in yourself. When you do something wrong, don't hold on to it and beat yourself up about it. Admit it, seek forgiveness, and move on. Be quick to let go of your mistakes and failures, hurts, pains, and sins.
When you suffer loss, nobody expects you to be an impenetrable rock. When we experience failure or loss, it's natural I think to feel remorse or sorrow. That's the way God made us. But you must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won't happen automatically, however. You will have to rise up and say, "I don't care how hard this is, I am not going to let this get the best of me."
Don't live in regret or remorse or sorrow. They will only interfere with your faith. Faith must always be a present-tense reality, not a distant memory. God will turn those disappointments around. God will take your scars and turn them into stars for God's glory.

+++ "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor, He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted... to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah 61: 1-3 NKJV)

*** This week is Garage Sale week. Helpers are always needed and welcomed! And of course... you'll find some wonderful treasures on the sale days!
*** Our SPRC meets, via ZOOM, on Tuesday night at 7:00pm!
*** THANKS for all of the gifts you provide that help us continue serving here in Camillus and around the world!

Make this day a great day and be ready to forgive yourself so God can use you to be all that the world needs! Pastor Jack

Friday, April 23, 2021

Worship with us on Sunday.
In person at 8:30 or 10am.
Facebook Live at 10am.

As we end this work week, I am thinking and reading about the practice of Breath Prayer.  Are you familiar with this practice? It involves praying several times (almost like a repeated chant) a short prayer to God. This prayer should be short, in fact that it can be prayed in ONE breath and can be repeated throughout the day. Let me offer you one for today....

"Lord, help me to hear your voice."

The loud voices of the world yell out for our attention. The little voices in our heads are whispering (or yelling) their opinions. Choruses of voices pull us in every direction. None of us lack for a choice of the voices to listen to. The challenge, however, is focusing on the right voice. Which voice will we heed? Which of all those voices will you engage in conversation? Which will you allow to speak into your life?
I would suggest that there is but one voice we must follow -- the voice of our God in heaven. Recognizing God's voice shouldn't be too difficult for us.... if we know God. How easy it is to distinguish the voice of our earthly parent who calls out to us from a crowd of people. It's a comforting, protective voice of authority that you trust and recognize. And friends, God wants nothing more than for you to know, hear, trust, and follow God's voice.
So on days when there are so many competing voices in my life, I can pray the breath prayer.... "Lord, help me to hear your voice..." And I can pray this when there seem to be too many voices vying for my attention or when I'm seeking God's perfect will on any occasion. I can pray it when I don't know what else to say or when following my heart means taking great risks. Or I can pray it when several good opportunities present themselves or I need wisdom, not advice. "LORD, HELP ME TO HEAR YOUR VOICE..."

+++ "You, O God, will give me greater honor than before and turn again and comfort me." (Psalm 71:21 TLB)

*** We worship on Sunday in person at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. The 10:00am worship service is also "live-streamed" on our church FaceBook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel. So there are lots of ways to worship every Sunday here at Immanuel! If you're feeling well, grab your face mask and join us here in person! And if you're under the weather or out of the area, we hope to see you in our "virtual congregation"!
*** There are lots of opportunities to help with the Annual Garage Sale next week! Check out the Family News emails this week to get involved. And then please sign up in the Narthex at church!
*** Our SPRC meets, via ZOOM on Tuesday night at 7:00pm. Members... please be ready to join the meeting on your computer, ipad, or iphone!

Make this day a great day and remember the breath prayer... "Lord, help me to hear your voice...."    Pastor Jack

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Hear these words from Paul to the Ephesians long ago... and to us today...

"Making mention of you in my prayers... that you may
know what is the hope of God's calling, what are the
riches of the glory of God's inheritance in the saints,
and what is the exceeding greatness of God's power
toward us who believe." (Ephesians 1: 18-19)

The really good news is that it's not a lack of resources on God's part or God's unwillingness to show you incredible favor that prevents you from prospering. All too often the problem lies within us. You may have assumed that you have met your limits in life, that you will never be more successful or do something more meaningful or enjoy the good things in life that you've seen others do.
Sad to say, you are exactly right... unless you are willing to change your thinking and start believing for something bigger. Interestingly, when Jesus wanted to encourage His followers to enlarge their visions, He reminded them, "you can't put new wine into old wineskins." He was saying, I think, that you cannot have a larger life with restricted attitudes. Will we stretch our faith and vision and get rid of those negative mind-sets that hold us back?
We do not have to be bound by the barriers of the past. Start making room in your thinking for what God has in store for you. We must conceive it in our heart and mind before we can receive it. The key is to believe that God is placing seeds in your life so that they can grow. Expect God's favor to help you break out of the ruts and rise to new heights. We should always expect to excel in whatever we do for Christ!

+++ "Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Matthew 9:17)

*** Our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. If you are interested in getting involved please speak with Lisa or Dan and let them know!
*** There will be one more chance for you to support our United Methodist Church's Native American Ministries special offering appeal. Look for the envelopes in the Narthex this Sunday if you would like to participate in the second-mile offering!  Thanks for all your gifts that allow Immanuel to do all of the important ministry work we do!

Make this day a great day and open your heart and mind to all that God is doing in YOU! Pastor Jack

Monday, April 19, 2021

Welcome Home Pastor Jack and Becky!
Greetings, Friends! We are back from a couple of weeks of R & R in the sunny, warm Florida environment and I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon! Vacation is great... but being back home is even better yet! Here are some thoughts from Colossians for us on this Monday morning...

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord
rather than for [people], knowing that from the Lord you
will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ
whom you serve." (Colossians 3: 23-24 NASB)

For many people, mediocrity is the norm; they want to do as little as they possibly can and still get by. But God did not create us to be mediocre. God doesn't want us to just barely get by, or to do what everyone else is doing. God has called each of us to be people of excellence and integrity. Indeed, the only way to be truly happy is to live with excellence and integrity. Any hint of compromise will taint our greatest victories and our greatest achievements.
A person of excellence and integrity goes the extra mile to do what's right. They keep their word even when it's difficult. People of excellence give their employers a full day's work; they don't come in late, leave early, or call in sick when they're not. When you have an excellent spirit, it shows up in the quality of your work, and the attitude with which you do it.
God's people, you and I, are called to be people of excellence. Remember: You represent Almighty God. How you live, how you conduct your business and do your work, is all a reflection on our God. If you want to live your life to the fullest, start aiming for excellence in everything you do. Whatever we do, we should give our best effort and do it as if we were doing it for God. If we'll work with that standard in mind, God promises to reward us, and many others will be attracted to our God!

+++ Do you see a [person] who excels in [their] work? [They] will stand before kings, [they] will not stand before unknown men. (Proverbs 22:29 NKJV)

*** Thanks to all who helped to lead worship during the last 2 weeks! From the music to the preaching it was a great time to be together in worship! THANKS!
*** Don't forget that tomorrow is the deadline for articles for the May/June edition of our newsletter. All articles need to be into the office by Tuesday! Thanks!

Make this day a great day and try to always live with excellence! Pastor Jack

Friday, April 2, 2021

Celebrate the Resurrection with us on Sunday, April 4!
Worship in the sanctuary at 8:30 and 10am. Facebook live at 10am.
Overflow seating available.

On this Good Friday, we hear from the Gospel According to John...

"When Jesus had received the wine, he said,
"It is finished." (John 19:30 NRSV)

When Jesus' life drew to a close, John tells us that his final words were, "It is finished." What do you think Jesus meant by this? In one sense his words were like "The End" --- they simply marked the conclusion of the horrific story of his suffering and death. But I think he meant more than that. The Greek word for "finished" (teleos) signifies an end toward which one had been working, a goal that has been accomplished or completed. I think Jesus' dying words tell us that he did not understand himself simply to be the victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice. Instead, in his death he had accomplished the mission for which God had sent him.
But what was the mission Jesus fulfilled by his death? Theologians have devoted volumes to answering this question. There are at least 3 broad directions for their answers to take. And these 3 are not mutually exclusive but more likely complimentary.
Today I only want to think about one of these 3. It is sometimes called the "subjective" understanding of the Atonement. According to this view, the suffering and death of Jesus was meant to affect the human race deeply. Remember that John began his Gospel by saying that Jesus was God's Word become flesh. Jesus revealed God, and God's will for humanity, to us. As we have already seen, his suffering and death held a mirror to the human race to show us our brokenness and sin. But these events also revealed to us the love of a God who willingly suffered on our behalf.... in order to save us from ourselves and to win our hearts to him. Jesus' death changed how we see ourselves, God, and the world around us.
A few years ago I was in a movie theatre and when the screen faded to black and the words The End appeared, no one moved or spoke. Listening carefully I could hear the sound of people weeping. When we rose to leave, somehow we were different because we had seen that film. The people in the audience left with a deep desire to be more courageous; to live selflessly and sacrificially; and to speak out for those who cannot speak. And today, the cross of Jesus moves us to understand the depths of God's love and the costliness of Jesus' work to save us.
As we imagine Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, how does the story affect you? What does it demand of you?

A Prayer for this Good Friday........
Lord, may I see in your crucifixion my sin, the depth of your love, and the costliness of your grace. Move me, that in my response to your suffering I might learn to lay aside my sin and follow you with my whole heart. Help me to love sacrificially and to live faithfully as your disciple. Amen.

*** Easter morning worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. Overflow seating is available at the 10:00am service in the Fellowship Hall. The 10:00am service is also being "Live streamed" on the church's Facebook page. And we will upload the service to our YouTube channel shortly after the worship service ends. If you are feeling well, we hope to see you in person!   DON'T FORGET YOUR GRATITUDE BOXES TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY!
*** Thanks to all who have worked so hard to provide our Lenten and Easter worship opportunities. Our musicians, liturgists, ushers, Trustees and a whole host of other people have been working, behind the scenes, to help us provide meaningful and safe worship each week. Thank you all!
*** One final note -- "Chimings" will be taking a break for the next couple of weeks while I am away on vacation. Look for a return in a few weeks!

Make this Good Friday a Great Friday as you respond to Jesus' going to the cross! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Here are some great words from Psalm 145.....

"The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are
bowed down." (Psalm 145: 14 NASB)

You know friends, life is just too short to trudge through it depressed and defeated. No matter what has come against you or what is causing you to slip and fall, no matter what is trying to push you down, you need to keep getting up on the inside. If you really want to give your enemy a nervous breakdown, learn to keep a good attitude even when the bottom drops out! Learn to be happy even when things don't go your way.
When many people face adversity, they allow their doubt to cloud their determination, thus weakening their faith. They don't persevere; they don't keep a good attitude. Ironically, because their spirits are not right, they remain in bad situations longer than necessary. Medical science tells us that people with a determined, feisty spirit get well quicker than people who are prone to be negative and discouraged. That's because God made us to be determined. We were not created to live in depression and defeat. A negative spirit dries up your energy; it weakens your immune system. Many people are living with physical ailments and emotional bondages because they are not standing up on the inside.
Get rid of the mind-set that's saying you can't do it; you can't be happy; you have too much to overcome. Those are all lies from the enemy. Learn to tap into the can-do power that God has placed inside you. Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith.

+++ In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB)

*** Have you had a chance to check out our website to hear and sing along with our Easter hymn sing? I think we have most of your favorites there, with the words for you to sing along! And you can repeat it whenever you'd like! Just click on New/Events page from the front page of our website!
*** Maundy Thursday worship is in the Sanctuary tomorrow at 7:00pm and will also be "live streamed" on the church's FaceBook page. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion together and then preparing the Sanctuary and ourselves for Good Friday! Speaking of Good Friday... don't forget the Sanctuary is open for your private devotions on Friday from 12:00noon - 3:00pm.
*** Resurrection Day worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. We will have overflow seating, with viewing on FaceBook, at 10:00am in the Fellowship Hall! Our Ushers will do the best they can to get as many people as possible into the Sanctuary while maintaining our Covid-19 guidelines. Don't forget your Gratitude Boxes to support the community Food Pantry!

Make this day a great day and watch where God is working in your life today. Gotta' love those GOD SIGHTINGS! Pastor Jack

News from the Hart Family:
Hope all is well with everyone. Tom and I would like to share some “Hart Family” news with our church family, beings we haven’t seen a lot of you in a while.

Our daughter, Karissa became engaged December 20th right before Christmas!!! She and fiancé Staff Sergeant Tyler Pledger are starting to plan a July “2022” wedding. Tyler served 10 months recently in Afghanistan and came back in the middle of covid. Karissa looked for almost a year for a house and purchased one in Homer as she teaches in Groton, NY. She finally closed on the house in January.

Our daughter, Nicole and her husband Jordan are in Camillus and are expecting their first child (Our FIRST Grandchild) this summer!!!!! Jordan is a nurse at Upstate in Syracuse. Nicole is due June 26, 2021! She is teaching with 3 months to go till her due date!

We hope you all had a nice Palm Sunday and are looking forward to Easter!

See you soon!

Joyce Hart

Monday, March 29, 2021

Today we hear from the Book of Deuteronomy....

"For the Lord will vindicate His people, and will have
compassion on His servants." (Deuteronomy 32: 36 NASB)

Being cheated in a business deal, betrayed by a friend, walked on by a loved one - certainly, these kinds of losses leave indelible scars, causing you to want to hold on to your grief. It would be logical for you to seek revenge. Many people would even encourage you to do so. The slogan "Don't get mad, get even!" is a commonly accepted principle in America today.
But that is not God's plan for you. God has promised that if you will put your trust in God to bring about the justice in your life, God will pay you back for all the unfair things that have happened to you (Isaiah 61: 7-9). That means you don't have to go around trying to pay everybody back for the wrong things they have done to you. God is your vindicator. Let God fight your battles for you. Turn matters over to God and let God handle them in God's own way.
When you truly understand that you don't have to fix everything that happened to you, you don't have to get all upset and try to get even with people for what they did or didn't do. You don't have to try to manipulate the situation or control the circumstances or people involved. When you leave it up to God to pay you back, you take the high road, respond in love, and you get to watch what God will do. Remember, God always pays back abundantly.

+++ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (Romans 12: 19 AMP)

*** We enjoyed a wonderful Palm/Passion Sunday worship service yesterday! It was so good to be able to sing once again in worship! Check out the service on either our church's Facebook page or YouTube channel.
*** This coming Sunday, Easter Sunday, is when we return our Gratitude Boxes. We will be helping our local food pantry at St. Joseph's to restock their shelves with the gratitude gifts in these boxes. If you'd like to join us in our support of hungry people here in Camillus.... you can always write a check to Immanuel and mark it FOOD PANTRY in the memo line. Thanks!
*** We are hearing lots of stories about our GOD SIGHTINGS all throughout Lent. Keep those stories coming as you work to notice God's movement in your life each day!

Make this day a great day and consider letting go and letting God!
Pastor Jack

Friday, March 26, 2021

Worship with us this Palm Sunday!
In person at 8:30 and 10am.
Facebook Live at 10am.
Happy Friday! Here are some words Paul wrote to the Galatians...

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the
proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
(Galatians 6:9 NASB)

You and I don't always understand God's methods. God's ways don't always make sense to us, but we have to realize that God sees the big picture. Consider this possibility: You may be ready for what God has for you, but someone else who is going to be involved is not yet ready. So God has to do a work in another person or another situation before your prayer can be answered according to God's will for your life. All the pieces have to come together for it to be God's perfect time.
But never fear my friends: God is getting everything lined up in your life. You may not feel it; you may not see it. Your situation may look just as it has for the last ten years, but then one day, in a split second of time, God will bring it all together. When it is God's timing, all the forces of darkness can't stop God. When it's your due season, God will bring it to pass.
To truly live your life to the fullest, you must learn to trust God's timing. You can rest assured that right now, God is arranging all the pieces to come together to work out God's plan for your life. God has been working in your favor long before you encountered the problem. Don't grow impatient and try to force doors open. Don't try to make things happen in your own strength. The answer will come, and it will be right on time.... God's time!

+++ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB)

***This Sunday is Palm Sunday! We will also hear the reading of the Passion Story as part of our worship this weekend. We gather in the Sanctuary at 8:30am and 10:00am and we have about 70 seats available. We will also offer "overflow" seating in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00am. If you're feeling healthy we hope to see you! And, of course, we will be "live streaming" on our church's FaceBook page at 10:00am. We will then upload the worship service to our YouTube channel for additional viewing! There are many ways to worship with us here at Immanuel on Sunday!
*** Our Holy Week worship schedule is on our church webpage. Check out the many opportunities to worship this week!

Make this day a great day and watch for God to work on God's timetable! These are your GOD SIGHTINGS! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

A look at being compassionate like Jesus.....
"When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,
because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without
a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is
plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.' "
(Matthew 9: 36-36)

If you really study the life of Jesus, you will discover that He always took time for people. He was never too busy with his own agenda, with his own plans. He wasn't so caught up in himself that He was unwilling to stop and help a person in need. He could easily have said, "Listen, I'm busy. I have a schedule to keep". But no, Jesus had compassion on people. He was concerned about what they were going through, and He willingly took time to meet their needs. He freely gave of his life. And I believe He demands nothing less from those who claim to be his followers today.
If you want to experience a life filled with God's grace, you must start taking time to help other people. Sometimes if we would just take the time to listen to people, we could help initiate a healing process in their lives. So many people today have bottled up pain inside them. And they have nobody they can talk to; nobody they can trust. If you can open your heart of compassion and be that person's friend -- without judging or condemning -- and simply have an ear to listen, you may help lift that heavy burden.
More than our advice, more than our instruction, people need somebody with whom they can be honest, a friend they can count on. You will be amazed at what a positive impact you can have if you will just learn to be a better listener!

+++ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. (Mark 1:41)

*** My GOD SIGHTINGS gratitude box is getting pretty full! Thank goodness someone reminded me that a bill or a check also fit into the little slot on the top! And it's easier on the folks who count our gifts, as well! However you choose to fill your gratitude box... we know that the community Food Pantry will be blessed by our gifts!
*** HOLY WEEK begins on Sunday... as we celebrate Palm/Passion Sunday at both services. Overflow seating is available for the 10:00am worship service in the Fellowship Hall!

Make this day a great day and remember to practice compassion as Jesus taught us to do! It will change the world! Pastor Jack

Monday, March 22, 2021

On this Monday here are some words from Mark's Gospel....

"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken
up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart,
but believes that what they say is going to happen, it will be
granted to them. Therefore I say to you, all things for which
you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and
they will be granted you." (Mark 11: 23-24 NASB)

You know, our words have tremendous power and are in many ways similar to seeds. By speaking them aloud, they are planted in our subconscious minds, take root, grow and produce fruit of the same kind. Whether we speak positive or negative words, we will reap exactly what we sow. That's why we need to be extremely careful what we think and say.
The Bible compares the tongue to the rudder of a huge ship (James 3:4). Although the rudder is small, it controls the ship's direction. Similarly, your tongue will control the direction of your life. You create an environment for either good or evil with your words, and you're going to have to live in the world you've created. If you're always murmuring, complaining, and talking about how bad life is treating you, you're going to live in a pretty miserable world. However, God wants us to use our words to change our negative situations.
The Bible clearly tells us to speak to our mountains. Maybe your mountain is sickness, or a troubled relationship, or a struggling business. Whatever your mountain is, you must do more than think about it, more even than pray about it; you must speak to that obstacle. The Bible says, "Let the weak say, 'I am strong' " (Joel 3:10) Start calling yourself healed, happy, whole, blessed and prosperous. Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are, and start talking to your mountains about how big your God is!

+++ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:221 NASB)

Friday, March 19, 2021

Worship with us Sunday!
In person at 8:30 and 10am
Facebook live stream at 10am
Today I am thinking about JOY! And this is what Proverbs tells us...

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful... the
cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15: 13,15)

The apostle Paul wrote more than half of the New Testament while incarcerated, often in prison cells not much bigger than a small bathroom. Some historians and Bible commentators believe that the raw sewage system of that day ran right through one of the dungeons in which he was imprisoned. Yet Paul wrote such amazing faith-filled words as, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13 NKJV). And, "Thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph," and "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4 NKJV). Notice that we are to rejoice and be happy at all times. In our difficulties, when things aren't going our way, we are to make the decision to stay full of joy.
We need to understand that the enemy is not really after our dreams, our health, or our finances. The enemy is not primarily after our family. The enemy is after our JOY. Scripture reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10 NKJV), and our enemy knows that if we can be deceived into living down in the dumps and depressed, then we are not going to have the necessary strength -- physically, emotionally, or spiritually -- to withstand his attacks.
When we rejoice in the midst of our difficulties, we're giving the enemy a black eye. You see, he just doesn't know what to do with people who keep giving God praise despite their circumstances. Make your choice to enjoy your life to the fullest today!

+++ A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

*** This Sunday is the 5th Sunday of Lent and we worship in person at 8:30am and 10:00am. We also will be "live streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am. And shortly after the service is over, we will upload to our YouTube channel, as well. So... There are lots of ways you can worship with us here at Immanuel. We hope to see you this weekend in worship!
*** We will also receive any additional gifts to support our United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR) this weekend. Many have given so generously and we just wanted to give everyone one last opportunity to support this wonderful mission opportunity!
*** CHILDREN'S TIME RETURNS THIS SUNDAY! If you're watching on-line or attending in person, we will be re-introducing Children's Time during the live stream. So make sure the KIDS are watching for this special time!
*** Don't forget to be thinking about your GOD SIGHTINGS for sharing this Sunday! God has been moving among the family of Immanuel and we can't wait to celebrate that this Sunday in worship!

Make this day a great day and REJOICE IN ALL THINGS THIS DAY!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Make sure you are wearing something green today! Here are some words from Deuteronomy...

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and
cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your
descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV)

Today I'd like to think about transforming our thinking. Let's be real, friends. If your thoughts have been running in a negative pattern for month after month, year after year, it's as though they have been eroding a deep riverbed, and the negativity can flow in only one direction. With every pessimistic thought, the riverbed gets a bit deeper and the current stronger. It is, unfortunately, possible to program your mind into a negative thinking pattern.
Fortunately, we can cause a new river to flow, one going in a positive direction. When you dwell on God's Word and start seeing the best in situations, little by little, one thought at a time, you begin redirecting the flow of that river. It may not look like much at first, but as you continue to reject negative thoughts and redirect the flow, as you choose faith instead of fear, expecting good things and taking control of your life, that negative stream will dwindle and the new positive river will flow with positive, faith-filled thoughts of victory.
Friends, don't sit back and allow negative, critical thoughts to influence your life. The Bible tells us to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Keep in mind, though, that river of negativity wasn't formed overnight, nor will it be redirected without some conscious, strenuous effort on your part. God will help you. Stay full of faith. Stay full of joy. Stay full of hope. If you will transform your thinking, God will transform your life.

+++ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. (Psalm 46:4 NASB)

*** The deadline for ordering Easter flowers is this Sunday, 3/21! See Phyllis after worship or find the order form on our website. But either way, Sunday is our ordering deadline. Thanks!
*** We will receive any additional offerings for UMCOR on Sunday, as well. Many folks made second-mile gifts last week and we are so thankful for all those gifts. We will complete this special offering appeal on Sunday, as well!
*** Today we learned that you can turn on Closed Captioning on our YouTube channel. If you might be having trouble hearing the worship service on YouTube (only at this point) just click on the "CC" icon and you can turn on the closed captioning. We're checking now to see how to do the same thing on Facebook. More to come as we continue to learn this new technology!

Make this day a great day and as they say in Ireland... "Top o' the Morning" to you all! Pastor Jack

Monday, March 15, 2021

In Matthew's Gospel we read these words....

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one
of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."
(Matthew 25:40 NKJV)

You may not realize it, but it is extremely selfish to go around always dwelling on your own problems, always thinking about what you want or need, and hardly noticing the many needs of others around you. One of the best things, I think, we can do if we're having a problem is to help solve somebody else's problem. If we want our dreams to come to pass, help someone else fulfill their dreams. Start sowing some seeds so God can bring you a harvest.
We were created to give, not simply to please ourselves. If we miss that truth, we will miss the abundantly, overflowing, joy-filled life that God has in store for us. But when you reach out to other people in need, God will make sure that your own needs are supplied. If you're down and discouraged, get your mind off yourself and go help someone else's needs. Sow the seed that will bring you a harvest.
Perhaps you feel like you have nothing to give. Sure you do! You can always give a smile or a hug. You can do some menial but meaningful task to help someone. You can reach out to someone who is lonely or make a meal for a person who is shut in. You can write an encouraging letter. Somebody needs what you have to share. Somebody needs your friendship. God created us to be free, but God didn't make us to function as "Lone Rangers". We need one another, friends!

+++ "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." (Proverbs 11:24 NKJV)

*** Yesterday we welcomed a new staff member, Stephen Long who is our new Videographer. Check out our worship service on either Facebook or YouTube if you haven't yet had the chance. Our "virtual worshipping community" will continue to grow and evolve over the next few months! And make sure you say Hi to Stephen next Sunday!
*** Next we start looking for a Website Manager as Tom Turton prepares to finish his time in this important ministry at the end of April. You'll hear more about this in the next few weeks!
*** Many people are sharing their GOD SIGHTINGS this Lent! How about you? Where have you seen God at work in your life?

Here is a God sighting shared with us yesterday after worship. During worship, we did a centering prayer where we imagined ourselves in a dark place and while there we imagined the light of Jesus joining us. Lily R. (Jamie LaCombe's daughter) who is around 9 years old told Pastor Jack and Pam that she did the prayer and while she was imagining the light, she saw "the real Jesus" and she drew a picture of him. She was so excited! She gave the picture to Pastor Jack to hang up in the Narthex for all to see, but we thought we couldn't wait to share, so click on the link below to see Lily's picture of Jesus (and check it out next time you are at church):
https://mcusercontent.com/32a96711c351ca9fd35e7848b/files/bb010e5f-9e08-48c2-95eb-6314872eb69c/Lily_s_picture_3.14.21.pdf

And on another positive note, Lily's new brother, Rhett Franklin LaCombe was released from the hospital yesterday and is now home with his family. God is good!

Make this day a great day and look for someone to help today! Pastor Jack

Friday, March 12, 2021

Worship with us! In person on Sunday 8:30 and 10am or via Facebook live at 10am.

We read these words in 1 Peter, chapter 3.....

"Live in harmony with one another, by sympathetic,
love as brothers [and sisters], be compassionate and humble."
( 1 Peter 3:8 AMP)

It seems that everywhere you go today people are hurting and discouraged; and many have broken dreams. They've made mistakes; their lives are a mess. They need to feel God's compassion and God's unconditional love. They don't need somebody to judge and criticize them. They need somebody to bring them hope, to bring healing, to show God's mercy. Really, they are looking for a friend, somebody who will be there to encourage them, who will take the time to listen to their story and genuinely care.
Our world is crying out for people with compassion, people who love unconditionally, people who will take some time to help their fellow sojourners on this planet. Certainly, when God created us, God put God's supernatural love in all of our hearts. God has placed in you the potential to have a kind, caring, gentle, loving spirit. Because you are created in God's image, you have the moral capacity to experience God's compassion in your heart.
If you want to live a full and happy life, you must make sure that you keep your heart of compassion open. We need to be on the lookout for people we can bless. We need to be willing to be interrupted and inconvenienced.... it it means we can help meet somebody else's need. You have the opportunity to make a difference in that person's life. You must learn to follow that love. Don't ignore it. Act on it. Because somebody needs what you have.... the compassion of Christ!

+++ If anyone... sees their fellow believer in need, yet closes their heart of compassion against them, how can the love of God live and remain in them? (1 John 3:17 AMP)

*** Don't forget that this Sunday is UMCOR Sunday! We get the chance to be apart of the vital, life-changing ministry of UMCOR! Look for the special, second-mile offering envelopes when you arrive for worship and celebrate the important work of church does throughout the country and world! THANKS for your support!
*** What comes right after the Benediction this Sunday? The arrival of those who forget to push their clocks AHEAD one hour on Saturday night! Don't be those people!  SPRING AHEAD before you go to bed on Saturday night!
*** If you are feeling healthy... we hope to see you in person on Sunday morning at 8:30am or 10:00am in the Sanctuary. We will also be "live streaming" on the church's FACEBOOK page at 10:00am on Sunday! And if you're joining us on either Facebook or YouTube... leave us a comment to say Hi!!!

Make this day a great one and look for somebody to bless today!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

On this Wednesday morning we hear some great words from Paul to the Ephesians...

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each
other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you."
(Ephesians 4:32 NASB)

If we really want to live our lives to the fullest, we must be quick to forgive. You need to forgive so you can be free, out of bondage and happy. When we forgive, we're not doing it just for the other person, we're doing it for our own good. When we hold on to unforgiveness and live with grudges in our hearts, all we're doing is building walls of separation. Oh... we think we're protecting ourselves, but we're not. We are simply shutting other people out of our lives. We become isolated. alone, warped, and imprisoned by our own bitterness. Those walls don't merely keep people out; those walls keep you penned in.
But do you realize that those walls can also prevent God's blessings from pouring into your life? Those walls can stop the flow of God's grace and keep your prayers from being answered. They'll keep your dreams from coming to pass. You must tear down the walls. You must forgive the people who have hurt you so you can get out of prison. You'll never be truly free until you do. Let go of the wrongs they've done to you. Get the bitterness out of your life. That's the only way you're going to truly be free.
You may experience genuine and emotional healing as you search your heart and are willing to forgive. You may see God's grace in a fresh, new way. You'll be amazed at what can happen when you release all the poison!

+++ "For if you forgive people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15 NASB)

*** REMINDER TIME... we turn our clocks AHEAD one hour on Saturday night! Yes, we lose an hour of sleep... but it will be lighter longer into the evening! If you should forget, you'll be an hour early for worship on Sunday! Remember... we SPRING AHEAD on Saturday night!
*** How are your GOD SIGHTINGS going? I've seen God moving in so many places over the last couple of weeks. And I'm sure God hasn't been more active.... I've just been more diligent about seeing God work! Thanks be to God!
*** Our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday evening at 6:30pm here at Church. Speak to Dan or Lisa if you'd like to get involved in making beautiful music for the Lord!

Make this day a great day and find someone who needs forgiving today! You'll be so glad you did! Pastor Jack

Monday, March 8, 2021

Happy Monday! Today we hear from the prophet Habakkuk....

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end
it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for
it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
(Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV)

Human nature tends to want everything right now. When we pray for our dreams to come to pass, we want them to be fulfilled immediately. But we have to understand, God has an appointed time to answer our prayers and to bring our dreams to pass. And the truth is, no matter how badly we want it sooner, it's not going to change God's appointed time.
When we misunderstand God's timing, we live upset and frustrated, wondering when God is going to do something. But when you understand God's timing, you don't need to live all stressed out. You can relax knowing that God is in control, and at the "appointed time" God is going to make it happen. It may be next week, next year, or 10 years from now. But whenever it is, you can rest assured it will be in God's timing.
God is not like an ATM machine, where you simply punch in the right codes and receive what you requested. Prayers are not always answered within 24 hours. No, we all have to wait and learn to trust God. The key is, are we going to wait with a good attitude and expectancy, knowing God is at work whether we can see anything happening or not? We need to know that behind the scenes, God is putting all the pieces together. And one day, at the appointed time, we will see the culmination of everything that God has been doing.

+++ Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

*** We had another wonderful worship service yesterday. Our Bell Choir, re-born out of the necessity of the pandemic, is really starting to sound great and doing a wonderful job of praising God through music!
*** Remember our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. And then our Administrative Council meets at 7:00pm that night via ZOOM!
*** We started taking orders for Easter flowers to adorn the Altar on Resurrection Day, yesterday. If you'd like to order flowers from home or wherever you might be.... just check out our church website for the order form and mail it in to the church office.
*** Speaking of our website, did you know there is a DONATE button there that allows you to make a safe and secure donation directly to the church? We are so thankful for each and every gift that has allowed us to continue our ministry during these pandemic times!
OK... make this day a great day and keep looking for your GOD SIGHTINGS each and every day! Pastor Jack

Friday, March 5, 2021

Worship with us! Sundays at 8:30 and 10am in person or Facebook live at 10am.
As we approach another weekend, we turn to the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis for today's scripture.....

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant
it for good in order to bring about this present result, to
preserve many people alive." (Genesis 50:20 NASB)

If anybody has a right to return evil instead of love, it was Joseph. His brothers hated him so much they purposed to kill him but then sold him into slavery. Years went by, and Joseph experienced all sorts of troubles and heartaches. But Joseph kept a good attitude, and God continued to bless him. After thirteen years of being in prison for a crime he didn't commit, God supernaturally promoted him to the second highest position in Egypt.
When Joseph's brothers came to Egypt and suddenly found their lives were in Joseph's hands, can you imagine the fear that gripped their hearts? This was Joseph's opportunity to pay them back. Yet Joseph extended his mercy. Is it any wonder he was so blessed with God's favor? Joseph knew how to treat people right.
You may have people in your life who have done you great wrong, and you have every right to be bitter and angry. You may feel as though your whole life has been stolen away by somebody. But if you will choose to let go of your grudge and forgive them, you can overcome that evil with good. You can get to the point where you can look at the people who have hurt you and return good for evil. If you can do that, God will pour out God's favor in your life in a fresh new way. God will honor you; God will reward you, and God will make those wrongs right.

+++ Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful, it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. (I Corinthians 13:5 AMP)

*** Sunday worship is in the Sanctuary at both 8:30am and 10:00am. We also continue "live streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am. Following the completion of worship, we then upload the worship service to the church YouTube channel. So you have many opportunities to worship with us this weekend! Please remember... if you're feeling under the weather to join us "virtually" for worship from home. And if you're joining us virtually.... leave us a comment to say Hi!
*** Next Tuesday night, March 9th our Finance Team meets in person at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall and then our Ad. Council meets, via ZOOM, at 7:00pm.!
*** For Palm Sunday and Easter worship... please remember that we are limited to 70 people in the Sanctuary to keep physical distancing requirements. We will have "overflow" seating available in the Fellowship Hall for the 10:00am service on both Palm Sunday and Easter. We know this might present some challenges for folks... but we continue to do all that we can to keep everyone safe and healthy as the vaccine process continues in our community. To make sure you have a seat you might want to plan to arrive a little earlier for these worship services!

We received an email from Nancy Aureli, Community Living Advocates with a one page newsletter for persons 55+.
Nancy Aureli BS, RN

Community Relations, Community Living Advocates
(315) 409 - 9361  |  nancy@communitylivingadvocates.com
Address:  Liverpool, New York
Website:  www.communitylivingadvocates.com

Please click on the link below to access the newsletter:
https://mcusercontent.com/32a96711c351ca9fd35e7848b/files/4a8e8613-f02b-4b05-b129-f331f129a9dd/March_2021_Community_Living_Advocates_Newsletter.pdf

OK... make this day a great day and always try to return good for evil... just like God asks us to do! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Paul wrote these words to the Corinthians...

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets
itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take
captive every tongue to make it obedient to Christ."
( 2 Corinthians 10:5)

When the Bible says, "Set your minds on things above" (Col.3:2), it means that we must continually choose, twenty-four hours a day, to keep our minds on the positive things of God. And the apostle Paul provides a great list by which we can evaluate our thoughts: "whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious... if there is anything worthy of praise, think and weigh and take account of these things (Phil. 4:8 AMP).
So, I wonder, how do you ascertain the source of a thought? Easy. If it's a discouraging, destructive thought; if it brings fear, worry, doubt, or unbelief; if the thought makes you feel weak, insecure, or inadequate, I can guarantee you that thought is not from God. You need to get rid of it immediately. If you dwell on the enemy's lies and the negative takes root, it creates an enemy stronghold in your mind from which attacks can be launched.
You must make a quality choice to keep your mind focused on the good things of God and experience God's best for your life. And we must especially be on guard during times of adversity, in times of personal challenge. When troubles strike, often the first thoughts that come to mind are not positive thoughts. Negative thoughts and fear bombard us from every possible angle. Right there, we must choose to trust God and know that God has great things in store for us.

+++ Strip yourselves of your former nature... and be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]. (Ephesians 4: 22-23 AMP)

*** Coming up later this week.... our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary!
*** Currently over 70 people have taken up the Lenten discipline of filling their Gratitude Boxes as we celebrate our GOD SIGHTINGS each day! Our community Food Pantry will be so blessed when we return these gifts on Easter Sunday. If you would like a box, we'd be glad to mail one to you. Just send the church office an email and we'll put a box in the mail to you! THANKS!
*** Don't forget to pick up your Upper Room devotional on the back table. Many of us use this resource each day to help guide our daily studies and prayers. Your donations help us to support this very worthwhile ministry tool!

Make this day a great day and keep your eyes open for God moving today! And then share your GOD SIGHTINGS with others!
Pastor Jack

Monday, March 1, 2021

On this first day of March we turn to the Psalms for some words of wisdom...

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times
are in your hands. (Psalm 31: 14-15 NASB)

David had a big dream for his life. He had a desire to make a difference, but as a young man he spent many years as a shepherd, caring for his father's sheep. And I am sure that there were plenty of times when he was tempted to think that God had forgotten him. He must have thought, God, what am I doing here? There's no future in this place. When are you going to change this situation?  But David understood God's timing. He knew that if he was faithful in obscurity, God would bless him at just the right time. He knew God would bring his dreams to pass in due season.
Well, you know the story. God brought David out of those fields, he defeated Goliath, and eventually he was made king of Israel.
Now maybe you too have a dream in your heart - a dream to have your own business, to have a better marriage, to help hurting people - but like David, you don't really see any human way your dream could ever happen. And... you are RIGHT!
But I have good news for you! Our God isn't limited to natural, human ways of doing things. If we will trust God and keep a good attitude, staying faithful right where we are and not getting in a hurry and trying to force things to happen, God will act at just the right time... in our due season. God will bring our dreams to pass. Rest in God!

+++ I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)

*** We enjoyed a wonderful worship service yesterday and we are so blessed to have so many joining us in person and virtually. The worship service is on our church's Facebook page and YouTube page for you to watch if you haven't yet done so. And leave us a comment to let us know you joined us, please!
*** This new month brings lots of new things happening at Immanuel! We complete our 8 week study of the Gospel according to John this week and, after a short break, you will be hearing about our next Bible study starting up on ZOOM!
*** Our SPRC meets on Tuesday night, 3/2, via ZOOM at 7:00pm! Members have already received their ZOOM invitation.
*** How are your GOD SIGHTINGS going?

OK... make this day a great day and remember that contentment starts in your own attitude! Pastor Jack

Friday, February 26, 2021

Worship with us! In person on Sunday at 8:30 and 10am;
On Facebook live at 10am Sunday or on our YouTube channel.

Here are some of Paul's words to the church in Philippi.....

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ." (Philippians 4:6-7)

I think it is unrealistic to pretend that nothing bad ever happens to us. Bad things happen to good people. Pretense is not the answer; nor is playing semantic games to make yourself sound more spiritual. If you are sick, admit it; but keep your thoughts on the Healer. If your body is tired, if your spirit is weary, fine: but focus your thoughts on the One who has promised, "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)
Jesus reminds us that "in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV) He wasn't saying that troublesome times wouldn't come; He was saying that when they do, we can choose our attitudes. We can choose to believe that He is greater than our problems.
But the first place we must win the victory is often in our own minds. You can't sit back passively and expect this new person to suddenly appear. If you don't think you can be successful, you never will be. If you don't think your body can be healed, it never will be. When you think thoughts of mediocrity, you are destined to live an average life. But when you align your thoughts with God's thoughts and you start dwelling on the promises of God's word, you too can be propelled toward greatness!

+++ As he thinks within himself, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7 NASB)

*** We can't wait to see you in worship this weekend! Whether you are joining us "virtually" or in person at 8:30am or 10:00am, we are blessed to have you as a part of our worshipping community! From home look for us "live streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then the worship will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. And if you're worshipping "virtually" don't forget to give us a comment and let us know that you are with us! And, if you're feeling healthy, we will look forward to seeing you in the Sanctuary on Sunday morning.
*** Next week is the final week for our Gospel of John study on ZOOM. We complete this study on Monday night at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. via ZOOM!
*** Our SPRC will be meeting on Tuesday, 3/2/21 at 7:00pm via ZOOM, as well. SPRC members look for the link in your email in-box on Monday!

Make this day a great day and watch for your GOD SIGHTINGS every day!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

This reading has been a part of our Gospel of John Bible Study....

"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that
he had been in this condition for a long time, he
asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
(John 5:6)

A man in Jerusalem had been crippled for thirty-eight years. He spent every day of his life lying by the pool Bethesda, hoping for a miracle (John 5). This man had a deep-seated, lingering disorder similar to what many people have today. Their maladies may not be physical; they may be emotional, but they are deep-seated, lingering disorders nonetheless. They may stem from unforgiveness or holding on to past resentments, and they affect your personality, your relationships, and your self-image. Just as the man lying by the pool, some people sit back for years, waiting for a miracle to happen that will make everything better.
When Jesus saw the man lying there, he asked a simple, straightforward question: "Do you want to be made well?" The man's response was very interesting. He began listing all his excuses, "I'm all alone. I don't have anyone to help me." Is it any wonder he hadn't been healed?
Jesus looked at him and said, in effect, "If you are really serious about getting well, if you want to get out of this mess, get up off the ground, take up your bed, and be on your way." When the man did what Jesus told him to do, he was miraculously healed.
If you're serious about being well, you can't lie around feeling sorry for yourself. Stop making excuses. Trust God, get up, and step into the great future God has for you.

+++ Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with confidence the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12: 1 NASB)

*** Our Trustees meet this evening at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall!
*** Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday evening at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary!
*** THANKS for all the gifts which support our work here at Immanuel. We are changing lives in Camillus and around the world and we appreciate each and every gift that allows us to continue our ministry!

Make this day a great day and watch how God is moving each and every day! Pastor Jack

Monday, February 22, 2021

Today we hear from the Book of Acts of the Apostles...

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he
said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
(Acts 20:35 KJV)

Many people we know today are blatantly and unashamedly living for themselves. Society teaches us to look out for number one. "What's in it for me?" We readily acknowledge this is the "me" generation, and that same narcissism sometimes spills over into our relationship with God, our families, and one another. And ironically, this selfish attitude often condemns us to living shallow, unrewarding lives. No matter how much we acquire for ourselves, we are never satisfied.
One of the greatest challenges I think we face in our quest to enjoy our lives, is the temptation to live selfishly.
Because we believe that God wants the best for us, and that God wants us to prosper, it is often easy to slip into the subtle trap of selfishness. Not only can we avoid that pitfall, but we will have more joy than we dreamed possible when we live to give, which is an important step to living to our full potential.
God is a giver, and if we want to experience a new level in God's joy, if we want God to pour out God's blessings in our lives, then we must learn to be a giver and not a taker. We just were not made to function as self-involved people, thinking only of ourselves. No friends, God created us to be givers. And we will never be truly fulfilled until we learn the simple secret of how to give our lives away.

+++ For God so loved the world, that God gave his only Son. (John 3:16 KJV)

*** How are your GOD SIGHTINGS coming? Each day we are pausing to see where God has been sighted in our daily lives. We're hearing lots of GOD SIGHTINGS stories. Send us yours today!
*** Our Bible Study looking at the Gospel according to John meets on Monday night at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00 am via ZOOM. We have 2 weeks to go in this study and we are enjoying both the study and the fellowship!
*** Our Trustees are meeting on Wednesday night at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. And our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary!

Make this day a great day and watch for God moving in your life today!
Pastor Jack

Friday, February 19, 2021

Worship in person on Sunday at 8:30 and 10am.
Worship on Facebook live at 10am or on our website.

Today we hear from Philippians 4, as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in "The Message" .....

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds
and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic,
compelling, gracious -- the best, not the worst; the beautiful not
the ugly; things to praise not things to curse. Put into practice
what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.
Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work
you into God's most excellent harmonies." (Philippians 4:8-9 MSG)

You know, life is tough. We all get knocked down occasionally and get discouraged, but we need not remain there. We can choose our thoughts. Nobody can make us think a certain way. If you're not happy, nobody is forcing you to be unhappy. If you're negative and have a bad attitude, nobody's forcing you to be sarcastic or sullen. You decide what you will entertain in your mind.
We must take the responsibility for our minds and our actions. As long as we keep making excuses and blaming the family tree, our environment, past relationships with other people, our circumstances, and attributing blame to anyone or anything else, we will never really be truly free and emotionally healthy. To a large extent, we can control our own destinies.
Maybe it's not your circumstances that have you down; it's your thoughts about your circumstances that have you down. It is possible, I think, to be in one of the biggest battles for your life and still be filled with joy and peace and victory - if we will simply learn how to choose the right thoughts!

+++ "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 2:5 NKJV)

*** After a meaningful Ash Wednesday service we now find ourselves in Lent. This Sunday we gather in person for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am for this First Sunday in Lent. We will also be "live streaming" worship at 10:00am on the church's Facebook page and then it will be uploaded to our YouTube page. We hope to see you in the Sanctuary or on social media on Sunday morning! Remember... if you're not feeling well please stay home and recoup and join us for worship "virtually"!
*** How are your GOD SIGHTINGS going? Where has God been active in your life today? Many of us are pausing each day to look for God's activity in our lives and making a gratitude gift for the support of our local food pantry. If you'd like a gratitude box let the office know and we'll be glad to mail one right out to you so that you can be a part of this mission opportunity!
*** Did you know how easy it is to make a gift for Immanuel using the DONATE button on our church website, www.churchofthebells.org? This offering platform is safe and secure and we are blessed to have so many people supporting our ministry work.  THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
*** Don't forget.... our church newsletter deadline is tomorrow, the 20th of the month. News articles for the March/April newsletter need to be in the office on Saturday. Thanks!

Make this day a great day and keep watching for God in your life!
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

On this Ash Wednesday, we read these words from 2 Chronicles...

"This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid
or discouraged because of this vast army. For the
battle is not yours, but God's.'" (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Another step toward living life to it's full potential is to discover the power of our thoughts and words. Whether or not we are aware of it, a war is raging all around you, and the battle seems to be for your mind. The enemy's number one target is the arena of our own thoughts. If evil can control how you think, evil will be able to control your entire life. Indeed, our thoughts determine our actions, attitudes, and self-image. Really, thoughts determine destiny, which is why the Bible warns us to guard our minds.
Almost like a magnet, we draw in what we constantly think about. If we dwell on depressing, negative thoughts, we will be depressed and negative. If we think positive, happy joyful thoughts, our lives will reflect that and attract other upbeat, positive people. Our life follows our thoughts.
Set your mind on the right course. Start every day agreeing with the psalmist, "This is the day the Lord has made, and I'm going to be happy. I'm going to be productive. This is going to be a great day!" Magnify your God, and go out each day expecting good things.

+++ "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

*** ASH WEDNESDAY worship is tonight at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary and "live streamed" on the church's Facebook page. We will be offering the Imposition of Ashes in the Sanctuary and you'll hear more about our Lenten theme, GOD SIGHTINGS. If you are feeling healthy we hope to see you tonight at 7:00pm!

Make this day a great day and keep watching for God to do amazing things this day! Pastor Jack

Monday, February 15, 2021

Happy Presidents Day!
Paul wrote these words to the Galatians and to us...

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they
should take pride in themselves, without comparing
themselves with somebody else, for each one should
carry their own load. (Galatians 6:4-5)

Today I am thinking about how each one of us should be happy with who we are right now. Many social, physical, and emotional problems stem from the fact that most people just don't like themselves. They are uncomfortable with how they look, how they talk, or how they act. They don't like their personality. They are always comparing themselves to other people, wishing they were something different.
But we were not created to mimic somebody else. You were created to be YOU. You can be happy with who God made you to be, and quit wishing you were something different. If God wanted you to look like anyone else, God would have made you look like them. If God wanted you to have a different personality, God would have given you that personality. When you go around trying to be like somebody else, not only does it demean you, it steals your uniqueness.
But God doesn't want a bunch of clones. God likes variety, and we should never let people put pressure on us to be like someone else. Be an original, not a copycat. Dare to be different; to be secure in who God made you to be and then go out and be the best you can be. You don't need anyone else's approval. God has given us all different gifts, talents, and personalities on purpose. Learn to be happy with who God made you to be!

+++ I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for God is right beside me. (Psalm 16:8 NLT)

*** We had a great worship service yesterday and were blessed with a beautiful anthem by our Bell Choir. Thanks to all who played and provided this wonderful time of praise!
*** Ash Wednesday worship is in the Sanctuary at 7:00pm on Wednesday night. We will also be "live streaming" the worship on our church's Facebook page for those of you worshipping with us at home. We will be offering the Imposition of Ashes (in a Covid-friendly way) in the Sanctuary at this service.
*** The church office is closed TODAY for the President's Day holiday. We reopen at 9:00am on Tuesday morning!

Make this day a great day and be happy that God made you exactly as you are! Pastor Jack

Friday, February 12, 2021

Worship in person Sunday 8:30 and 10am or Facebook live at 10 or on our website.
As we get ready for another weekend, here are some words from Psalm 118...

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice
and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24 NASB)

I think it is a simple yet profound truth: Happiness is a choice! We don't have to wait for everything to be perfect in our family or our jobs. You don't have to delay happiness until you lose weight, break some unhealthy habit, or accomplish all our goals. One of the keys to enjoying our life now is to choose to be happy today.
Given the choice you might as well choose to be happy and enjoy your life right now! When we do that, not only will we feel better, but our faith will make room for God to show up and work wonders. But to do so, we must learn to live in today, one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment. While it's good to set goals and make plans... If you're always living in the future, you're never really enjoying the present in the way God wants you to.
We need to understand that God gives us the grace to live today. God has not given us tomorrow's grace, and we shouldn't worry about it. We need to try to learn to live one day at a time. We can choose to try to start enjoying our lives right now. Learn to enjoy your family, friends, health, and work; enjoy everything in your life. Happiness can be a decision we make, not only an emotion we feel. God gives us peace on the inside, but it's up to each of us to tap into God's supernatural peace. Happiness is our choice!

+++ "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27 NASB)

*** On this Transfiguration Sunday we worship in person at 8:30am and 10:00am. Our Bell Choir is playing at the 10:00am service and all of our songs, on this Valentines Day, are about love... specifically the love of and for God! We will also be "live streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am. Remember... if you're not feeling well or worried about joining us in person either the Facebook page or our YouTube page is the place for you to worship with us!
*** Next Wednesday, February 17th as Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. We will worship, in the Sanctuary, at 7:00pm that night. And, YES, we will also be live-streaming that worship service on our Facebook page!
*** Our theme for Lent 2021 is "God Sightings". Will you join us in committing to look, each day, for where God is active in your life? You'll hear more about this during Lent!

Make this day a great day and choose happiness! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Today we hear some words from Paul to the Ephesians...

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
(Ephesians 1:3 NIV)

I think one of the most important aspects of seeing ourselves God's way involves developing a right-minded mind set. Understand, God has already equipped you with everything you need to live a prosperous life and to fulfill your God-given destiny. God planted "seeds" inside you filled with possibilities, incredible potential, creative ideas, and dreams. But we have to start tapping into them. We've got to believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we have what is needed to be successful people. God created us to excel, and God's given us the ability, insight, talent, wisdom, and God's supernatural power to do so!
For instance, in Romans we read that "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). Now that text doesn't say we will become conquerors; it says we are MORE than conquerors right now.  I think if we start acting like that, talking like that, and seeing ourselves as more than a conqueror, we can live happy, prosperous and victorious lives. Because the price has already been paid for us to have joy, peace, and happiness.
Can we start looking more through our eyes of faith and see ourselves doing even greater things for God? Can we keep that image in our heart and mind? We may live in less than desirable circumstances right now... but we don't have to let those circumstances live in us. The Bible is full of stories of God taking pleasure in the prospering of God's children. And as God's children prosper spiritually, physically, and emotionally, their increase brings pleasure to God!

+++ "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:21 NKJV)

*** TODAY is the deadline for your snowman photos! Ashley is chomping at the bit to come and shovel your driveway for the next snow and we need your photos! E-mail them to the church (or add them to our Facebook page) TODAY!
*** Our Wednesday morning Bible Study group meets today at 10:00am on ZOOM!
*** Remember that Lent starts next Wednesday, February 17th, when we gather for our Ash Wednesday worship service at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. We will also be "live streaming" this service on the church's Facebook page. During Lent we will be keeping our eyes wide open for GOD SIGHTINGS in our everyday lives!

Make this day a great day and try seeing yourself as God sees you!
Pastor Jack

Monday, February 8, 2021

On this sunny, Monday morning we hear from Luke's Gospel....

But he said, "The things which are impossible
with people are possible with God."
(Luke 18:27 NKJV)

In the New Testament, there is a fascinating account of two blind men who heard that Jesus was passing by, and faith began to rise in their hearts. They must have thought, We don't have to stay like this. There's hope for a better future.  So they began to cry out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David! (Matt. 9:27)
When Jesus heard their cries, He posed an intriguing question, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (v. 28 NASB). Jesus wanted to know whether they had genuine faith. The blind men answered, "Yes, Lord; we believe." The Bible says, "Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance [on the power in Me] be it done to you; and their eyes were opened" (v. 29-30 AMP).
Notice that it was their faith that brought them the healing.  The Message says, "[Jesus] touched their eyes and said, "Become what you believe.'" What a powerful statement, huh? Become what you believe! What are you believing? Are you believing to live in health, abundance, healing, and victory? Are you believing that you will rise above your obstacles? Through faith in Jesus you will become what you believe.
We don't have to figure out how God is going to solve our problems or bring good things to pass. That's God's responsibility. Our job is to believe. What we believe has a much greater impact on our lives than what anybody else believes.

+++ [God said to Abraham,] "I will bless you and make your name famous, and you will be a blessing to many others." (Genesis 12:2 TLB)

*** Our Monday night Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday night, this week only! And our Wednesday morning session remains unchanged. Look for your invitation in the email today!
*** Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is next Wednesday, 2/17/21. We will worship in the Sanctuary at 7:00pm that evening. And we will also be "live streaming" the service on our Facebook page for those worshipping at home. We even have a COVID-safe way to offer the imposition of ashes, as well! We hope to worship with you then!

Make this day a great day and believe that God is doing great things in your life! Pastor Jack

Friday, February 5, 2021

Sunday worship in person 8:30 and 10am, Facebook Live or on our website.

On this Friday, we hear from Paul's letter to the Philippians...

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you will continue
until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of
His return) developing (that good work) and perfecting
and bringing it to full completion in you."
(Philippians 1:6 AMP)

An important factor in seeing yourself God's way is to understand your intrinsic sense of value. And your sense of value cannot be based on your successes or your failures, on how somebody treats you, or how popular you are. It is not something we earn. God built the value into us when God created us! As God's unique creation, you have something to offer this world that nobody else has, that nobody else can. Your sense of value is based solely on the fact that you are a child of the Most High God.
The scripture reminds us "that we God's workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10). The word workmanship implies that you are a "work in progress". Throughout our lives, God is continually shaping us into the people God wants us to be. The key to future success is not being discouraged by your past, or your present, while you are in the process of being "completed".
Friends, God knows your value and loves you unconditionally. God sees your potential. You may not understand everything you are going through right now. But hold your head high, knowing that God is in control and God has a great plan and purpose for your life. Even if everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with God's arms open wide!

+++ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV)

*** How are you feeling? If you are feeling well... you are invited to join us for worship in person on Sunday morning. We gather at 8:30am and 10:00am in our beautiful Sanctuary. This week we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at each service! If you're NOT feeling well.... you will want to join us on Facebook Live at 10:00am on Sunday morning for live-stream worship. The recorded service will be available on YouTube around 12:00noon, as well. Thanks for following our guidelines designed to keep everyone safe and healthy each week! And you all look marvelous in your facemasks!
*** Lent begins in less than 2 weeks when we gather for our Ash Wednesday worship service on Wednesday, February 17th at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. And, don't worry, this service will be live streamed as well!
*** Looking to have your driveway shoveled one Sunday morning? We have a Snowman Building Contest going on! Just build your best snowman, take a picture and send it in to Ashley (or add it to our Facebook page) and the winner will receive a driveway shoveling by Ashley! But the deadline is coming up for your pictures. They need to be in by FEBRUARY 10th!
*** And don't forget our ongoing collection of "gently used" shoes and sneakers in the Narthex. We deliver them to "Ralph the Shoe Guy"... who refurbishes them for the Rescue Mission in downtown Syracuse. Thanks for your contributions to help people throughout central NY!

Make this day a great day! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Hear these words from Paul to the Romans....

"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31 NIV)

Ten of the twelve Hebrew spies sent out by Moses in the Book of Numbers, came back from Canaan with this observation about the Canaanites... "It is a land flowing with milk and honey, but there are giants in the land. Moses, we were in our own sight as grasshoppers. They're too strong. We'll never defeat them" (Numbers 13). Compared to the giants, the mental image they had of themselves was as small, helpless grasshoppers. The battle was lost before it even started.
But Joshua and Caleb had a different report. "Moses, we are well able to possess the land. Yes, there are giants there, but our God is much bigger. Because of God, we are well able. Let's go in at once and possess the land." Faced with the same giants, Joshua and Caleb believed God and refused to see themselves as grasshoppers. Instead, they saw themselves as God's men, led and empowered by God.
And what a tremendous lesson this is for us! You and I are called to be "well able" people. Not because we are so powerful, but because God is so powerful. Friends, God already has enough "grasshoppers". He wants us to be "can do" people, people who are willing, ready and "well able" to do what God commands. We all need to learn how to cast off negative thoughts and begin to see ourselves as God sees us. We need to try to reprogram our minds with God's Word; change that negative, defeated self-image, and start seeing ourselves as being successful disciples of Jesus Christ!

+++ "If the Lord is pleased with us, the Lord will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." (Numbers 14: 8-9)

*** Happy February! This month we will start our journey of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. We will worship at 7:00pm that evening in the Sanctuary and we will offer the imposition of ashes... in a "Covid-friendly" way! Mark your calendars to join us for this special evening of worship.
*** Our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary!

Make this day a great day and work on developing your "well able" attitude! Pastor Jack

Monday, February 1, 2021

On this Monday we hear some words from Paul to the Corinthians...

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph
in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of God's
knowledge in every place." (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

I have come to realize that God loves to use ordinary people just like you and me, faults and all, to do extraordinary things. So I wonder: Are we allowing our weaknesses and our insecurities to keep us from doing our best? Are we letting feelings of inadequacy keep us from believing God for even bigger things? God wants to use us in spite of our weaknesses. Maybe we should spend less time focusing on our weaknesses and more time focusing on God.
Maybe today you don't feel capable in your own strength, but that's okay. Paul wrote to the Corinthians... "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). God's Word reminds us that God always causes us to triumph. God expects us to live abundantly. God is really disappointed when we mope around with our "poor me" attitudes. When we do that we allow our self-image to keep us from exercising our God-given gifts to change the world for good.
But we can change that image we have of ourselves. And to do that we need to start agreeing with God. Because God sees us as strong and courageous, as a person of great honor and valor. God sees us as being more than a conqueror. So start seeing you as God sees you. We should instead, step out in faith, doing what God calls us to do!

+++ But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (Proverbs 4: 18 NASB)

*** Our Bible Study on the Gospel according to John meets this evening at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. If you'd like to join the group just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your ZOOM invitation!
*** We continue to pray for all those affected by the Corona Virus pandemic. We pray for those who are suffering physically, emotionally or financially during this time of pandemic. And we continue to try to reach out to others as we do ministry in Jesus' name! Thanks for all your gifts that continue to support the ministry and mission of Immanuel!

Make this day a great day and take that step out in faith when Jesus calls today! Pastor Jack

Friday, January 29, 2021

Worship with us!
In person on Sunday at 8:30 and 10am, Facebook live at 10am and on our website.

On this Friday we hear from Genesis for our scripture reading...

Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in
our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea
and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the
earth, and over all the creatures that move along the
ground." So God created mankind in God's own image,
in the image of God he created them; male and female
God created them. (Genesis 1: 26-27)

Your self-image is a lot like your self-portrait; it is who and what you picture yourself to be, which may or may not be an accurate reflection of who you really are. And how you feel about yourself will have a tremendous impact on how far you go in life, because you will probably speak, act, and react as the person you think you are. The truth is, you will probably never rise above the image you have of yourself in your mind.
I think God wants each of us to have healthy, positive self-images, to see ourselves as priceless treasures. God wants us to feel good about ourselves. Despite our many faults and weaknesses, God loves us anyway. God created us in God's image, and God is continually shaping us, conforming us to God's character, helping us to become even more like the person God intended us to be. But often we need to learn how to love ourselves even better! Each of us can walk with confidence knowing that God loves us unconditionally. God's love for us is based on what you are, not on what you do! God sees you as God's special masterpiece!

+++ YOU were made in the image of God!

*** We worship in person at both 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday. We also will be "live streaming" the worship service on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am. And then it will be uploaded to our YouTube channel for additional viewing. Please remember... if you're not feeling well...join us on-line from home. Thanks for all your cooperation with our safety guidelines designed to keep us all safe!
*** I know it's hard to believe but, as we come to the end of January, I am realizing that LENT starts on Wednesday, February 17th when we celebrate Ash Wednesday! This year we'll be talking about "God sightings" throughout Lent! More details to come in the weeks ahead!

Make this day a great day and remember to bask in God's unconditional love! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Bible Study continues today at 10:00am!
Another great thought from the Psalms.....

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life." (Psalm 23:6 NKJV)

You know, the BIble is chock full with examples of people who were in great need, but then the favor of God changed their situations. With the whole earth about to be destroyed by a flood, Noah "found favor" in the sight of God (Gen. 6:8) and built an ark to save his family, the animals, and himself. Practically starving to death, Ruth found "favor" with the owner of the grain field (Ruth 2:10), and eventually she and Naomi's dire circumstances turned around, and their needs were supplied in abundance. Despite overwhelming adversity in slavery in Egypt, the "favor" of God was upon Joseph (Gen. 39:5, 21, 23), and no matter what people did to him, he continued to thrive.
For us, when you are living "favor-minded", the Bible says, "God's blessings are going to chase you down and overtake you." You won't be able to escape all the good things from God. Things will change to your favor, situations will turn around and it's all due to the favor of God.
And the favor of God comes in the midst of life's challenges. When you are going through tough times, even if your situation looks impossible, stay in that attitude of faith, and start looking for God's favor... instead of becoming discouraged and developing a sour attitude. Because just one touch of God's favor can turn everything in our lives around!

+++ Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. (Psalm 23:6, The Message)

*** Our winter Bible Study on the Gospel according to John continues today via ZOOM. It's not too late to join the
group. Just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and I'll be glad to send you the invitation.
*** End of the year giving statements will be mailed out this week. Look for your 2020 statement in the mail soon!
And THANKS for all your gifts to support the ministry and mission of Immanuel!

Make this day a great day and watch for God's favor in your life! Pastor Jack

Monday, January 25, 2021

Happy Sunny Monday!
Today we get to hear a word from the Prophet Isaiah....

"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains
of your habitation be stretched out; spare not; lengthen
your cords and strengthen your stakes, for you will
spread abroad to the right hand and to the left."
(Isaiah 54: 2-3 AMP)

When God led the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt, the relatively short journey to the Promised Land took forty years. God wanted them to move forward, but they wandered in the desert, going around the same mountain, time after time. I think they were trapped by a poor, defeated mentality, focusing on their problems, always complaining and fretting about the obstacles between them and their destiny.
And similarly, no matter what you've gone through in the past, no matter how many setbacks you've suffered or who or what has tried to thwart your progress, today is a new day, and God wants to do something new in your life. We can't let our past determine our future.
Isaiah promises us that "instead of your [former] shame" God will give us "a twofold recompense" (Isaiah 61:7 AMP). I believe that that means that if we keep the right attitude, God will pay us back double for our trouble. But we are reminded that we need to do our part and start expecting good things!
We were born to be successful; we were born for greatness; we were created to be happy in our lives. That's why our God is El Shaddai, "the God of more than enough." He's not "El Cheapo", the God of barely enough!

+++ "You have dwelt long enough on this mountain... Behold, I have set the land before you; go in and take possession of the land which the Lord swore to your father, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them and their descendants after them". (Deuteronomy 1: 6, 8 AMP)

*** Our Bible Study group meets tonight and Wednesday morning, again via ZOOM. We are reading together and studying the Gospel according to John. Just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your ZOOM invitation! We have lots of room in our ZOOM meeting room!
*** We had a few live streaming problems yesterday... but the full worship service is now available on both our church Facebook page and our YouTube page. Thanks for your patience as we try new ways to communicate the Good news of Jesus!

Make this day a great day and watch for the blessings God is about to send your way! Pastor Jack

Friday, January 22, 2021

Today's scripture comes to us from the Book of the Prophet Zechariah...

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,"
says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)

I think God has more in store for each of us! God's dream for our lives is so much greater than we can imagine. I think if God showed us everything God has in mind for us it would probably boggle our minds!
But I also think it is time for some of us to quit limiting God! We need to remember that God is our source and God's creativity and resources are unlimited! God might give you an idea for an invention, a book, a song, or a movie. God can give you a dream. And one idea from God, acted upon by us, can change the course of our lives. You see, God isn't limited by what we have or what we don't have. God can do anything, if we would simply stop limiting God in our thinking.
When God puts a dream in your heart, when God brings opportunities across our path, step out boldly in faith, expect the best, move forward with confidence and know that you are well able to do what God wants us to do. God wants to do a new thing in our life. But we have to do our part and get outside of that little box we have become accustomed to. We have to start thinking bigger!!!

+++ "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind me and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13-14 NKJV)

*** We worship in person at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday. And the 10:00am service will be "live streamed" on the church's Facebook page! By going to the page at 10:00am you can watch us LIVE! And then, when the worship service is completed, we will upload it to our YouTube page. So please remember... if you're not feeling well stay home and join us "virtually"! And if you join us in person.... wear your face covering, use the hand sanitizer and please observe physical distancing.
*** And don't forget to pick up your 2020 year end statements from the Ushers Table. By doing so you'll save the church the cost of postage. But don't worry... any statements not picked up by Wednesday 1/27 will be mailed out that day. Thanks for all your gifts that support the ministry work here at Immanuel!
*** And if you are a team or ministry leader.... your Annual Reports are overdue to the church office. This is the last call for reports to be included in our Annual Report booklet. Thanks!

Make this day a great day and open your eyes to what God has planned for you! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Listen to these words that Paul wrote, from his prison cell, to the Colossians...

"Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the
higher things), not on the things that are on the earth."
(Colossians 3:2 AMP)

I think God is extremely interested in what you see through your "spiritual eyes". If you have a vision for victory in your life, you can probably rise to that new level. But as long as your gaze is on the ground instead of on your God, you risk moving in the wrong direction and missing out on the great things God wants to do in and through you. It is a spiritual, as well as a psychological fact: We move toward that which we have in our minds.
So our lives will follow our expectations. What we expect is often what we will get. If we dwell on positive thoughts, our lives will move in that direction; if we continually think negative thoughts, we will move in that direction as well! If we expect failure, disappointment, or loss our subconscious minds will make sure that happens. And conversely, if we raise our level of expectancy, our vision will be enlarged.
That's why it's so important that we try to program our minds for good things. We need to be thinking positive thoughts so God can shower us with God's blessings! Each day we get to make the choice to live with an attitude that expects good things to happen. And we do that best by starting our day in prayer with God. We need to believe in and talk to God about rising above life's challenges. Believe in God for a great future. And you just might find you have good things coming!

+++ Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

*** Our Bell Choir rehearses at 6:30pm on Thursday in the Sanctuary. Talk to Dan or Lisa to get involved!
*** Annual Reports are due in the church office ASAP. If you are a team ministry leader please get your reports into
Pam soon! Thanks!
*** And speaking of thanks... We are so thankful for each and every gift that supports the ministry work here at
Immanuel. We have such a generous congregation who "sees" God's vision for our church. And all our gifts allow that important work of ministry to happen. Thanks again!

Make this day a great day and watch for God's hand of blessing on your day! Pastor Jack

Monday, January 18, 2021

In the ninth chapter of Mark's Gospel account we read these words...

"Everything is possible for the one who believes."
(Mark 9: 23 NASB)

I think God is constantly trying to plant new seeds in our hearts. God's constantly trying to get us to open our minds, to give up our antiquated ideas, and to spawn new bursts of creativity within. God is trying to fill us with so much hope and expectancy that the seed will grow and bring forth a tremendous harvest.
God is trying to say to you the same thing the angel said to young Mary - that she would have a child without knowing a man. In other words, God was saying that it would happen through supernatural means. What God wants to do in our lives is not going to happen by my might or power or yours. It's going to happen by God's Holy Spirit. The power of the Most High God will come upon you and cause it to happen.
Will we allow the seed to take root? You know... it can happen without a bank loan or having the right education. It can happen in spite of our past and what our critics might be telling us. Will we believe? Remember... with God all things are possible!

+++ "It shall be done to you according to your faith." (Matthew 9:29 NASB)

*** On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of service could I suggest a few ways in which you could serve others and honor Dr. King's memory? How about... making an appointment to donate blood at the Red Cross? Or doing something to surprise and brighten the day for a shut-in? Or going through your closet to put together a donation box of good, unused clothing you no longer wear? Or spending some time with your kids or grandkids to explain how important Dr. King's ministry was? Make this a day of service as we honor Dr. King! And let me know what other ideas you have planned for today, please!
*** Our winter Bible Study group meets on Monday night at 7:00pm and then again on Wednesday morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. We're looking at the Gospel according to John and just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your ZOOM invitation.
*** The Church office is closed on Monday but will re-open at 9:00am on Tuesday morning!

Make this day a great day and let God's seed take root in you! Pastor Jack

Friday, January 15, 2021

Worship with us in person on Sunday 8:30 & 10am and on Facebook live at 10am
Today we hear from the Prophet Isaiah...

"For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already
begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through
the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create
rivers for them in the desert! (Isaiah 43: 19 NLT)

We serve the God who created the universe. So we should never settle for a small view of God. God wants to do big things and new things in our lives. God wants us to be constantly increasing, to be rising to new heights. God wants you to increase in wisdom and to help you make better decisions. God wants us to grow... by giving us new opportunities, fresh ideas, and lots of creativity. God wants to pour out "God's far and beyond favor." (Eph. 2:7)
And yet isn't it interesting that God asks the question, "Do you not perceive it?" In other words, are you opening up your thinking to allow God to help you see it?
Maybe this New Year is the time for you to expand your vision. To do that you must start living your life through eyes of faith, seeing yourself rising to God's new levels. Can you envision your business growing? Can you envision your marriage being restored? Can you envision your family prospering? Can you envision being healed of that illness? If we ever hope to experience it... we must first envision it and believe it's possible. This is an invitation to get rid of small-minded thinking and to start thinking as God thinks. Think bigger. Think increase. Think more than enough. Because... our own wrong thinking can keep us from God's best!

+++ "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

*** This week's worship will be in-person at 8:30am and 10:00am and on the church's Facebook page, live-streamed at 10:00am on Sunday morning. After that look for it on our YouTube channel as well! Please... if you're not feeling well stay home and watch us on-line. We appreciate all your help in keeping Immanuel's people safe and healthy.
*** We also will receive our Human Relations Day offering on Sunday. This second-mile offering helps the United Methodist Church to build beloved communities through faith-based volunteer programs, community developers and programs that work with at-risk teens. For more than half a century, United Methodists have observed and supported this special offering program to demonstrate, as Jesus did, that each of God's children is equally important. Special offering envelopes are available on the Ushers Table this weekend. Thanks!
*** Over 65 and looking to schedule a Covid-19 vaccine? Check out this website... https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. I've also become aware of a couple of tech-savvy people here in our congregation who might be willing to help you out. Contact the office if you are needing assistance!
*** It's not too late to join our winter Bible Study group meeting on ZOOM. On Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am we are reading and looking at the Gospel according to John. Send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) to join the group!

Make this day a great day and envison God working miracles in your life and the world! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Here are some words from John's Gospel for us today...

"To all who received Him, to those who believed
in His name, He gave the right to become children
of God." (John 1: 12 NIV)

We have just completed Advent and Christmas and many people decorate their homes with candles, decorated trees and lights. And although the lights are quickly disappearing in my neighborhood, I am reminded that Jesus is the Light of the world! And these lights are a way of symbolizing Jesus coming into the world -- eternal light breaking through the darkness and opening up the way to heaven. And, even as the lights disappear, nothing can reverse this glorious plan of salvation. All who trust in Jesus as Savior are adopted into His royal family forever!
Jesus' light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overpower it. No matter how much evil and unbelief you see in this world, Jesus continues to shine brightly - a beacon of hope to all who have eyes to really see. So it is crucial to look toward the Light as much as possible.  Fix your eyes on Jesus, beloved!  Through thousands of good thought-choices, you can find Jesus - "see" Jesus - as you journey through your life. Jesus' spirit can help you persevere in the delightful discipline of keeping your eyes on Him. As Jesus said, "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will always have the Light of Life".

+++ When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)
+++ And the light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it. (John 1:5 NIV)

*** We are looking to get Annual Reports from all of our teams and committees! And we need them into the office ASAP, please!  We appreciate your help so that we can complete our statistical reports for the Annual Conference.
*** This weekend we will receive your second-mile gifts for our Human Relations Day offering. This church-wide offering allows the United Methodist Church to do community work designed to improve relationships and develop understanding between ethnicities. Thanks for your support of this mission opportunity!

Make this day a great day and keep seeking the Light in our world! Pastor Jack

Monday, January 11, 2021

Zoom Bible study starts this week
Here are some words from the Prophet Isaiah for us today...

"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my
God. For God has clothed me with garments of
salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and
as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
(Isaiah 61: 10 NIV)

Jesus is preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in His presence so that God can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with Jesus. So many people think that time spent with Jesus is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result they live and work in their own strength -- until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to God for help or turn away in bitterness.
But how much better it is to walk close to God, depending on God's strength and trusting in God in every situation. If you live in this way, you will find that you will do less... but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age. Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness. Walk in the Light with Jesus, and you will reflect Him to a watching world.

+++ Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4 NIV)

+++ "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in Me and I in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 NIV)

+++ For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psalm 16:9 NIV)

*** Lots of meetings this week..... SPRC on ZOOM on Monday at 5:00pm; Finance in the Fellowship Hall Tuesday at 6:00pm; Administrative Council in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday at 7:00pm!
*** The Gospel According to John study starts tonight at 7:00pm and then again on Wednesday morning at
10:00am. These are ZOOM gatherings! Reading assignment is John 1:1- 2:1 for the first session!
*** Our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary! Talk to Lisa or Dan to get involved!

Make this day a great day and walk in the light with Jesus! Pastor Jack

Friday, January 8, 2021

In John's Gospel Jesus says....

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No
branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in
the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain
in me." (John 15:4)

Worship God in the beauty of holiness. There is a great deal of beauty in our world, but none of it is perfectly holy. So the beauty of holiness is something we know only in part - for now. Someday we will know it fully, even as we are fully known. Even now, though, awareness of Jesus' holiness stimulates our worship. Pondering God's perfection - untainted by even a speck of sin - delights us and fills us with awe. We are invited to join our voices with the angels in proclaiming: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"
Worshipping God well transforms us - changing us more and more into the one God designed us to be. Genuine worship requires that we know God as God truly is. We cannot comprehend God perfectly or completely, but we can strive to know God accurately, as God is revealed to us in the Bible. By deepening our understanding of God, we can be transformed and God can be glorified -- in beautiful worship.

+++ Give to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV)
+++ Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (I Corinthians 13:12 NIV)
+++ One [seraphim] cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6:3 NKJV)

*** Our worship will be available on our church website this weekend, as well as in person at 8:30am and 10:00am. This week we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. We will be remembering and reaffirming our own baptism, as well. If you are feeling well join us and remember your face coverings! We'll have plenty of hand sanitizer for your use! If you're feeling under the weather, please stay home and join us on line! We are also "live streaming" the worship service on Immanuel's Facebook page at 10:00am on Sunday morning. Join us "live" there as well!
*** Our winter Bible Study on the Gospel according to John starts next week. We will be gathering, on ZOOM, on Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. Just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your ZOOM invitation.

Make this day a great day and look for chances to serve God through others! Pastor Jack

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Today's scripture comes to us from the Psalms once again...

"Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!"
Psalm 144:15 (NKJV)

Don't be afraid to be happy. Because you are God's, you can expect to experience some happiness -- even in this broken world. Yet anxiety sometimes intrudes on your carefree moments. We start wondering if there are things we should be doing or plans we should be making. Our underlying feeling is that it isn't safe to let down our guard and simply be happy in the moment. How wrong this is, Child of God!
God has called us to cease striving - let go, relax - and know that He is God. You may think you need to have all your ducks in a row before you can relax and enjoy His Presence. But consider instead the overall context of this command: though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. The psalmist who penned these words was describing a terrible catastrophe. So you don't need to wait till you've solved all the problems of your life; this very moment is the right time to enjoy Jesus. Come boldly into His Presence, saying, "Jesus, I choose to enjoy you - here and now."

+++ Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.   (Psalm 46: 10 NASB)

+++ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV)

*** We received this beautiful note of thanks.... "A BIG thank you to all who participated in the Angel tree mission project this year. The Big Brothers / Big Sisters organization was thrilled as were the kids! The Peace Inc. organization was also very thankful to all who participated in their virtual Amazon gift giving effort. In such a difficult year it was so nice to fulfill all their wishes" -- Angela Keida. And Immanuel thanks Angela and all who made the holidays just a little cheerier for those in our community!
*** Immanuel's Board of Trustees meet tonight for their organizational meeting. Thanks to our Trustees who provide such wonderful care for our church facilities!
*** Our Bell Choir resumes rehearsals on Thursday night at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. Dan and Lisa have more beautiful music planned and we are always looking for new ringers!

Make this day a great day and take some time to rejoice in the Lord today! Pastor Jack

Monday, January 4, 2021

Today's word from the Scriptures comes from Psalm 16.....

"You will show me the path of life; in your presence is
fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures
forevermore." Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

As we come to the start of another New Year, take some time to look back -- and also to look ahead. Ask Jesus to help you review the highlights of the past year: hard times as well as good times. Try to see Jesus in those memories, for Jesus has been close beside you - every step of the way.
When you were clinging to Jesus for help in the midst of the tough times, Jesus comforted you with his loving Presence. And Jesus was also richly present in the circumstances that filled you with great Joy. Jesus was with you on the mountain peaks, in the valleys, and everywhere in between.
Now your future stretches out before you all the way to eternity. Jesus is the companion who will never leave us, the Guide who knows our every step of the way ahead. The Joy that awaits us in paradise is inexpressible and full of Glory!  As we step into this New Year, let heaven's Light shine on you and brighten the path that stretches out before you!

+++ "For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

+++ You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV)

+++ For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14 NIV)

We experimented again yesterday with Facebook Live for our worship service and then we "uploaded" the worship service to our YouTube page! If you haven't seen it yet... check it out. We continue to try to move in the direction of LIVE worship for all! Keep listening for updates... we are sure there will be more! And in the meantime, make sure you SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube page and LIKE our Facebook page.
Our winter Bible Study group is now a week away! We will gather, via ZOOM, on Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am as we read and look at the Gospel according to John. NO need to buy a book... but you do need to email me (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for the ZOOM invitation!
Our Trustees meet, for their organizational meeting, on Wednesday night, 1/6 at 6:00pm. Trustees please try to attend this important meeting!

Make this day a great day and, to quote an old TV show,... "Don't be afraid to move boldly into the future!"
Pastor Jack

Friday, January 1, 2021

Welcome 2021!
Happy New Year! Here are some words from the Apostle Peter for us today...

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and
though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him,
you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of
glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the
salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1: 8-9 NASB)

Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! As you begin a fresh year, rejoice that Jesus is continually working newness into your life. Don't let recent disappointments and failures define you or dampen your expectations. This is the time to make a fresh start! Our God is a God of unlimited creativity; expect God to do surprising things in this year that stretches out before us.
Today is a precious gift. The present moment is where Jesus meets with you, His beloved. So seek Jesus' face throughout this day that God has made. God has carefully prepared it for you -- with tender attention to each and every detail. God wants us to rejoice and be glad in it.
Search for signs of God's loving Presence as you journey along the path of Life. Look for the little pleasures God has strewn alongside your pathway -- sometimes in surprising places -- and thank God for each one. Your thankfulness will keep you close to Jesus and help you find Joy in your journey.

+++ Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43: 18-19 NIV)

+++ This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 ESV)

*** We worship this weekend on our website (www.churchofthebbells.org) and in person at 8:30am and 10:00am. This week is the Feast of the Epiphany and we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion, as well. Please remember... if you're not feeling well to stay home and watch on the website. If you are joining us in person please wear your mask, maintain physical distance and use the hand sanitizer provided. Thanks for helping to keep everyone healthy and safe!
*** Our Trustees will meet on Wednesday, 1/6/21 at 6:00pm for their organizational meeting to start out the year. Trustees... please make sure to attend this important meeting!
*** Our new Bible Study group begins the week of January 11th. We'll meet, via ZOOM, on Monday evenings at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am as we study the Gospel according to John. There is some reading for each session... but it is all in your Bible so there is no need to purchase a book for this study. Just send me an e-mail (pastorjackk@gmail.com) to let me know which session you'd like to attend and I'll send the ZOOM invitations out next weekend!

Make this day a great day and watch for the new things God is going to do in 2021! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Some words from the Psalms for today....

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be
exalted above the nations, I will be exalted
in the earth." (Psalm 46: 10 NIV)

As this year draws to a close, receive Jesus' Peace. This is still, after all, our deepest need, and Jesus, our Prince of Peace, longs to pour himself into our neediness. In fact, Jesus' abundance and our emptiness are a perfect match! God designed each of us to have no sufficiency of our own. God created us as jars of clay, set apart for sacred use. And God wants us to be filled with Jesus' very Being, permeated through and through with God's Peace.
Thank God for God's perfect peaceful presence, regardless of our feelings. Whisper God's name in loving tenderness. God's Peace, which lives continually in our spirits, will gradually work its way through our entire being.

+++ But we have the treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)

+++ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14: 26-27)

*** Remember that the church office is closed on Thursday and Friday as we celebrate the New Year holiday. Emergency numbers are on the church's answering machine.
*** This Sunday, January 3rd, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi at the feet of Jesus. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion this weekend.

Make this day a great day and open your heart to God's presence in this coming New Year! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, December 28, 2020

Happy Monday!
On this Monday we hear from Paul's letter to the Hebrews....

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before
him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat
down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in dazzlingly bright Light!  Jesus is also our Shepherd, Companion, and Friend - the One who never lets go of our hand. Worship Jesus then, in His holy Majesty; come closer to Him, and rest in His Presence. We need Him both as God and as Man. Only His Incarnation on that first, long-ago Christmas could fulfill our neediness. Since Jesus went to such extreme measures to save us from our sins, we can be assured that He will graciously give us all we need.
Nurture well your trust in Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Friend. He has held nothing back in His provision for us. He even has decided to live within you! Rejoice then, in all the He has done for you, and His Light will shine through you into the world.

+++ Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. (Psalm 95:6-7 NIV)

+++ He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 NIV)

*** Yesterday we tried an impromptu test of live broadcasting the worship service on Facebook and then uploaded it to our YouTube channel. We think it was successful and we appreciate the feedback we have heard as we try new and different ways of providing worship during these pandemic times!
*** Don't forget about our upcoming Bible Study on the Gospel according to John. This ZOOM study will begin on Monday 1/11 and Wednesday 1/13. Times are Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am. The study will run for 8 sessions. Send me an e-mail (pastorjackk@gmail.com) to sign up for one of the sessions!
*** This week the office will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from about 9:00am - 12:30pm. The office will be closed on Thursday and Friday as we celebrate the New Year holiday.

Make this day a great day and be a mirror for the light of Christ in the world! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Friday, December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! After a couple of wet gatherings in the parking lot last night, Christmas Day has arrived. A Baby has been born for us!
"Thanks be to God for God's indescribable gift!"
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

Jesus is our Savior, the Mighty God! Much of the focus during Advent is on the Baby in the manger. Jesus did indeed begin his life on earth in this humble way. Jesus set aside His Glory and took on human flesh. But Jesus also continued to be God... able to live a perfect, sinless life and perform mighty miracles. Jesus, our God, is with us - mighty to save! Be blessed by this combination of His tender nearness and His Majestic Power.
When Jesus entered the world, He came to that which was His own, because everything was made through Him. But His own did not receive him. Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave us the right to become children of God. This gift of salvation is of infinite value. It gives meaning and direction to our lives - and makes heaven our final destination. During this season of giving and receiving presents, remember that the ultimate present is eternal life through Jesus. Respond to this glorious gift by rejoicing in Jesus always!

+++ The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in YOU, he will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing! (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)

+++ He came to that which was His own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1: 11-12 NIV)

*** Just a reminder you'll find Sunday's worship service on our website, www.churchofthebells.org. Our in-person gathering is at 10:00am ONLY this Sunday, 12/27. We resume our usual schedule for worship next Sunday, January 3, 2021!
*** A new winter Bible Study is starting up the week of January 11th on ZOOM! We'll be looking at the Gospel according to John and gathering on Monday evenings at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am. Please send me an e-mail (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and let me know which session you'd like to join! No need to buy a book, just bring your favorite version of the Bible for this study. And... weekly sessions are identical so if you schedule requires it, you can always pop into the other group, as well!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again... REJOICE! (Philippians 4:4 NIV) Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Come, O Come, Emmanuel
"Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid,
for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which
will be for all people. For there is born to you this day
in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2: 10-11 (NKJV)

In Isaiah's prophet about Jesus' birth, Isaiah referred to Jesus as Eternal Father. There is unity of essence in the Trinity, even though it is comprised of three Persons. When the Jews were questioning Jesus in the temple, Jesus went so far as to say: "I and the Father are one." Later, when Phillip asked Jesus to show the Father to the disciples, Jesus said: "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father."  So we should never think of Jesus as just a great teacher. Jesus is GOD, and the Father and Jesus live in perfect unity.
As you come to know Jesus in greater depth and breadth, realize that you are growing closer to the Father. Don't let the mysterious richness of the Trinity confuse you. Simply come to Jesus, recognizing that he is everything you could ever need Him to be. Jesus - our only Savior - is sufficient for us!
As we near the end of this busy Advent season, keep bringing your focus back to Jesus' holy presence. Remember that Immanuel has come, and rejoice!

+++ For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NASB)
+++ "I and the Father are one". (John 10:10 NIV)
+++ Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Phillip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" (John 14:9 NIV)

*** Our complete Christmas Eve worship service will be available on our church website on Thursday morning. You can watch it any time and as many times as you would like! Be ready with your home supplies... as we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion and lifting candles as we sing Silent Night together!

*** In person worship on Christmas Eve will be OUTSIDE in the parking lot at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. These 15-20 minute gatherings will retell the Christmas Gospel, allow us to sing some carols together and, at 6:00pm enjoy a Living Nativity scene. Dress warm, bring your umbrella, and wear your face coverings, please!

*** In celebration of the Christmas and New Year holidays the church office will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. The answering machine will be on and I am available in any emergencies.

Make this day a great day and always live looking for Jesus! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, December 21, 2020

On this Monday we turn to the book of Psalms for our scripture reading...

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my
heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher
than I." Psalm 61:2 (NIV)

Jesus is the Rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Jesus is YOUR Rock, in whom you can take refuge --- any time, any place. Come to Him, Beloved; rest in the Peace of His presence. Take a break from trying to figure everything out. Admit that many, many things are beyond our understanding -- and our control.  Jesus' ways and thoughts are higher than ours, as the heavens are higher than the earth.
When the world around you looks confusing and evil appears to be winning, remember this: Jesus is the Light that keeps shining in all situations. And light always overcomes darkness whenever these two opposites meet face to face.
Since you are Jesus' followers, Jesus wants you to shine brightly in this troubled world. Whisper His name; sing songs of praise. Tell others good tidings of great Joy -- that Jesus is the Savior, who is Christ the Lord!  Jesus is also the One who is with you continually. Keep looking to Jesus, and Jesus' presence will illuminate your path.

+++ The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

+++ "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

*** We've had a great Advent season, despite re-inventing the wheel almost each and every week! Our worship leaders and staff have really stepped up to keep Immanuel moving forward in our mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ! Thanks to all for all your efforts!
*** Immanuel has once again supported the Angel Tree mission, Mitten Tree Mission, and Heifer Project Mission. Thank you all for your continuing support of our Advent Mission opportunities!
*** Our recorded Christmas Eve worship service will be on the church website on Christmas Eve. We will also gather OUTSIDE at 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Christmas Eve. Dress warmly and bring whatever weather-gear you might need! We'll have a Living Nativity at 6:00pm.... including animals in the manger! This will be a great time for the kids and young at heart!

OK... make this day a great day and take refuge in the Presence of Jesus! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Friday, December 18, 2020

Here are some thoughts from the Apostle Paul for our weekend...

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is
unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Jesus is with us is all we do, even in the most menial tasks. He is always aware of us, concerned with every detail of our lives. Nothing escapes His notice --- not even the number of hairs on our heads. However, our awareness of Jesus' presence often falters and flickers; as a result, often our life experiences seem fragmented. But when our focus is broad enough to include Jesus in our thoughts, we feel safe and complete. When our perception narrows so that problems or details fill our consciousness, we feel empty and incomplete.
Learn to look steadily at Jesus in all your moments and all your circumstances. Though the world is often unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of His presence.  Fix your gaze on what is unseen, even as the visible world parades before your eyes.

+++ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)

+++ By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the King's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
Hebrews 11:27 (NIV)

Worship for this weekend, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, is available on-line on our church website (www.churchofthebells.org)... and in person at both 8:30am and 10:00am. We appreciate you all following our Covid precautions to keep everyone safe!
The Heifer Project collection concludes on Sunday, as well. See the table in the Narthex to support this important mission work!
Christmas Eve plans are firming up! We'll gather OUTSIDE at 6:00pm and 8:00pm for a short time of singing, and scripture. We'll also be ringing bells welcoming the Christ Child! The 6:00pm time will include a Living Nativity complete with some live stable animals!  The kids will love this, for sure! Each gathering will be about 15-20 minutes in length. Dress warm, wear your face mask, and try out this new and different way of Christmas Eve worship. We will also have a complete Christmas Eve worship service available ON-LINE for you to enjoy from home with family and friends. You can even join in the singing of the carols of Christmas right at home!
Make this day a great day and keep looking for Jesus in all you do!
Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Here are some words for us today from Proverbs...

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans
will succeed." Proverbs 16:1 (NIV)

Do not be weighed down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can, it seems, eat up as much time as we are willing to devote to them.
Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind so Jesus can be at the forefront of your awareness. Remember that your ultimate goal is living close to Jesus, being responsive to Jesus' initiatives. Jesus can communicate with us most readily when our minds are uncluttered and turned toward Him. Seek Jesus' face continually throughout this day. Let Jesus' presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing peace into your entire being.

+++ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6: 33 (NIV)

+++ When you said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek." Psalm 28:8 (NKJV)

*** I've heard that we will have some live animals to complete a Nativity scene joining us on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm in the parking lot. What a great experience for the kids (of all ages!). We gather at both 6:00pm and 8:00pm in the parking lot on Christmas Eve. We'll still need our face coverings and to keep physical distance.... but we can SING some carols of Christmas outside!
*** Look for our complete Christmas Eve service on our church website, www.churchofthebbells.org, on Christmas Eve. There will be lots of music you can sing along with in the comfort of your own home.

Make today a great day and don't let your To-Do list get the best of you or distract you from keeping an eye on Jesus! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, December 14, 2020

Ponder this today...
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved." Romans 10:13 (NIV)

Jesus invites us to rest in Him, forgetting about the worries of the world. Focus on Jesus - Immanuel - and let Jesus' living Presence envelop you in Peace. Tune in to Jesus' eternal security... for Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. If you live on the surface of life by focusing on ever-changing phenomena, you will probably find yourself echoing the words of Solomon: "Meaninglessness! Meaninglessness! Everything is meaningless!"
Living in collaboration with Jesus is the way to instill meaning into your days. Begin each day alone with Jesus so that you too can experience the reality of His Presence. As you spend time with Him, the way before you opens up step by step. Arise then from the stillness of your communion with Him, and gradually begin your journey through the day. Hold Jesus' hand in deliberate dependence on Him, and He promises to smooth out the path before you.

+++ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, 'God with us'. Matthew 1: 22-23 (NIV)
+++ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

+++ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

*** Tonight is our last session of Book Study on the book, "So You Want to Talk about Race". ZOOM invitations have already been sent out to our participants. We'll look to start another study group in January after the holidays!
*** Don't forget that next Sunday, Dec. 20th is the 4th Sunday in Advent and also the deadline for Jan/Feb. newsletter articles!
*** Christmas Eve OUTSIDE worship is at 6:00pm and 8:00pm in the parking lot. Dress warmly for this short time of worship on Christmas Eve. And be sure to check out our complete Christmas Eve worship service, available on our church website, on Christmas Eve!

Make this a great day and stay in the Presence of the Savior! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Friday, December 11, 2020

Hear these words from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians...

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor,
so that you through his poverty might become rich."
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Never take for granted Jesus intimate nearness. Instead marvel at the wonder of His continual Presence with you. Even the most ardent human lover cannot be with you always. Nor can another person know the intimacies of your heart, mind, and spirit.  Jesus knows everything about you - even the number of hairs on your head.  You don't need to work at revealing yourself to Jesus.
Many people spend a lifetime or a small fortune searching for someone who understands them. Yet Jesus is freely available to all who call upon His name, who open their hearts to receive Him as Savior. That simple act of faith is the beginning of a lifelong love story.  Jesus, the Lover of your soul, understands you perfectly and loves you eternally.

+++ The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NKJV)

+++ "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows."  Luke 12:7 (NIV)

+++ Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1: 12 (NIV)

*** This weekend's worship will be on the website (www.churchofthebells.org) or in person at either 8:30am or 10:00am in the Sanctuary. Please remember... if you're not feeling well to stay home and join us on-line! If you're joining us in person, wear your face covering, be prepared to use hand sanitizer and maintain physical distancing in the building.
*** Last call for Mitten Tree donations this Sunday! And check out the table with the Heifer Project information, as well! Thanks for all your generosity and support of the mission work here at Immanuel!
*** Our last Book Study session is this coming Monday night, Dec. 14th at 7:00pm via ZOOM. Look for your invitation in your email on Sunday evening.

Make this a great day and take time to notice how close at hand Jesus really is!
Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Check out these words from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians....

"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"
made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

As we await attentively in Jesus' Presence, the Light of the knowledge of Jesus' Glory shines upon us. This radiant knowledge transcends all understanding. And it transforms every fiber of your being: renewing your mind, cleansing your heart, invigorating your body. Open yourself fully to Jesus' Presence; be awed by His glorious Being.
Try to imagine what Jesus gave up when He came into our world as a baby. Jesus set aside His Glory so that He could identify with humankind. He accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions -- a filthy stable. There was nothing glorious about that setting, though angels lit up the sky proclaiming, "Glory!" to awestruck shepherds.
When we sit quietly with Jesus, the process He went through is reversed in our experience. As we identify with Him, heaven's vistas open up before you - granting you glimpses of Jesus' Glory. Jesus became poor so that we can become rich. Sing hallelujahs to Jesus' holy Name!

+++ [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2: 6-7 (NIV)

+++ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest." Luke 2: 13-14 (NIV)

-- The Mitten Tree project wraps up this coming Sunday, 12/13. Please have all gifts in by this Sunday! THANKS!
-- Our January/February newsletter deadline is coming up on 12/20. Please have all articles in the office by that date.
-- The Heifer Project table is set up in the Narthex for your gifts. Immanuel has supported the Heifer project for many years and we thank you for your continuing support!

Make this day a great day and spend some time in Jesus' presence today! You'll be glad you did! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, December 7, 2020

Today we hear about a visit from Jesus that occurred after the Resurrection....

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples
were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus
came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The
disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus
said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am
sending you." John 20: 19 (NIV)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. And as he said to his disciples, so he says to each of us: "Peace be with you." Since Jesus is our constant companion, His Peace is steadfastly with us. When we keep our focus on Him, we experience both Jesus' Presence and Jesus' Peace. We are asked to worship Him as King of Kings, Lord of Lord, and Prince of Peace.
Each of us need His Peace each moment to accomplish God's purposes in our lives. Sometimes we are tempted to take shortcuts in order to reach our goals as quickly as possible. But if the shortcut requires turning our backs on Jesus' Peaceful Presence, we must always choose the longer route. We should walk with Jesus along paths of Peace and try to enjoy the journey in Jesus' Presence.

+++ For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) NIV

+++ Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. (Psalm 25:4) NKJV

A couple of updates...
The Angel Tree project was completed yesterday and we are so thankful for each person who supported this Mission project! We have one more week on the Mitten Tree! Please make sure your gifts of mittens, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. are on the table by this coming Sunday, 12/13! Thanks!
Watch for a Family News about the Heifer project that is also going on now! Everything you need is right on the table in the Narthex for this wonderful ministry project which we have supported for many years!
Our Administrative Council meets tomorrow (Tuesday,12/8) at 7:00pm via ZOOM. Invitations have already been sent out and members should look for an email tomorrow morning with needed information!

Make this day a great day and live in Jesus' Peace! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Friday, December 4, 2020

Today's thoughts and an Important Announcement!
Today's word from scripture comes from Paul's letter to the Philippians...

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Jesus is the greatest gift imaginable! When you have Him, you have everything you need - for this life and the next. Jesus has promised to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches. Yet we, his loved ones, sometimes fail to enjoy the riches He provides because of an ungrateful attitude. Instead of rejoicing in all that we have, we long for what we do not have. And as a result we become discontented.
Jesus is training us to practice the sacrifice of thanksgiving - thanking Him in all circumstances. First, give thanks for the blessings you see in your life. Then stop and ponder the awesome gift of knowing Him. Jesus is our living God, our loving Savior, our constant companion. No matter how much or how little you have in this world, your relationship with Jesus makes you immeasurably rich. So whenever we are counting our blessings, be sure to include the infinite wealth we have in Jesus. Add Jesus to the equation, and your gratitude will grow exponentially. Whatever you have + Jesus = an incalculable fortune!

+++ I will offer You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:17 (NKJV)

+++ Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND is on-line on our church website (www.churchofthbells.org) or in-person at 8:30am or 10:00am. in the Sanctuary. Please remember... if you're not feeling well to stay home and join us on-line. If you do join us in person, please remember your face covering and keeping physical distancing guidelines! Thanks!
2021 COMMITMENT CARDS can still be returned this weekend. Thanks to all who have made a commitment to support the ministry at Immanuel both this year and next!

COVID-19 AND CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP After lots of discussions and prayer, our Administrative Council has decided that we will not be schedule Christmas Eve worship in the Sanctuary this year. As Covid-19 numbers in our community continue to increase, and we face uncertain NYS Department of Health restrictions, we have made the decision to change our Christmas Eve offering as follows:
We will offer a complete, professionally recorded Christmas Eve worship service on our church website. You'll be able to sing all the Christmas carols, light candles, see the beautifully decorated Sanctuary, and celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at home on your computer.
We will also gather outside in the parking lot for a short time of celebration at 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Christmas Eve. With our face coverings on we'll hear the Christmas Gospel, sing a few carols, light candles, and sing "Silent Night" together. These gatherings will take place rain, snow or shine... but they will only be held outside. Dress warm and we will spend 15-20 minutes together that night.
Since the pandemic situation began, our church leadership has offered programs that are designed to keep everyone safe and healthy. We feel that this decision, although disappointing to many, follows that parameter. And we look forward to returning to our usual Christmas Eve schedules next year, when we pray this virus is behind us!

Make today a great day and prepare to receive God's greatest gift.... Jesus the Savior of Bethlehem! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Jesus Brings Joy!
Some very familiar words for us today from John's Gospel...

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but
have eternal life." John 3: 16 (NIV)

When an angel announced Jesus' birth to shepherds living in the fields near Bethlehem, he told them: Do not be afraid. I bring you news of great joy. The instruction to not be afraid is repeated in the Bible more than any other command. It is a tender, merciful directive.... and it is for YOU! Jesus knows how prone we are to fear, and Jesus never condemns us for it. However, Jesus does want to help us break free from this tendency.
Joy is a powerful antidote to fear! And the greater the Joy, the more effective the antidote is! The angel's announcement to the shepherds was one of great joy. Don't ever lose sight of what amazingly good news the gospel is! We should repent of our sins and trust Jesus as our Savior. Jesus says that he forgives all our sins, changing our ultimate destination from hell to heaven. Moreover, Jesus gave himself to each of us - lavishing His love upon us, promising us His Presence forever. Take time to ponder the angel's glorious proclamation to the shepherds. Rejoice in Jesus, beloved.

+++ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not
be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people". Luke 2: 8-10 (NIV)
+++ How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The
reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
+++ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

This Sunday is the completion of the Angel and Mitten Tree Projects. Please make sure all gifts are here on Sunday for distribution next week! Thanks!

Make this a great day and always hold on to the Joy of Jesus! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, November 30, 2020

Welcome to Advent!
We are in Advent! Yesterday was the First Sunday in Advent... so today we look at some familiar words from the prophet Isaiah.....

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... And he
will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

When Jesus entered our world as the God-Man, he came to that which was his own. Everything belongs to Him! Most people think their possessions are their own, but the truth is, we --- and everything we possess--- belongs to Jesus. Though we may feel isolated and alone at times, this is only an illusion. Jesus bought each of us at an astronomical price, so we are His -- His treasure. The colossal price He paid shows us how precious we are to Him. Ponder this powerful truth, whenever you start to doubt your own worth. You are God's cherished one, saved by His grace through faith in Jesus, our Savior.
Because you are precious to Him, why not take good care of yourself: spiritually, emotionally, and physically? Make time for pondering Scripture in your mind and heart. Protect yourself, both emotionally and physically, from those who would take advantage of you. Remember that your body is the Holy Spirit's temple. Jesus also wants us to help others discover the glorious good news -- the free gift of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

+++ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:11)
+++ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
+++ Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20)

Special Edition Friday, November 27, 2020

We Are Forgiven!
Today, as we prepare for the start of Advent this Sunday, we turn to the Psalms for a word from David...

"You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love
to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy." Psalm 86: 4-5 (NIV)

You know, no matter how well we try to live our lives... no matter how much we try to focus on living by God's word... no matter how much we strive to be the people God calls us to be... WE FAIL! It's a completely human thing. We humans fail! Some days we fall well short of being the people God intends for us to be.
And while this realization can be a crushing experience for us... it can also serve to remind us that only God is perfect and without blemish. And that can give us great comfort because God does not ask us to be perfect... God asks us to be working toward perfection. As we live our lives each day with God, we are truly "works in progress"!
And when we fail David reminds us that God, who abounds in love, hears our cries for mercy. And in that mercy God offers us the chance for forgiveness and healing each day. Thanks be to God!

+++ Worship this week is available on-line on our church website (www.churchofthebells.org) and in person at both 8:30am and 10:00am. This week we will try moving the 8:30am service into the Sanctuary and some of our friends will help to guide us as we worship. We will be lighting Advent candles and I'll be starting my series of sermons on "Coming Home"... our Advent theme.
+++ Please remember... if you're not feeling well... stay home and worship on-line. We do not want to be a part of increasing the spread of the virus and we all can help that happen!
+++ The Angel Tree and Mitten Tree (table) are going on in the Narthex. These mission projects only go for about another week so now is the time to get involved.

Enjoy this day that God has made and give thanks for God's forgiveness! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Looking for God's Grace!
On this day before the Thanksgiving holiday, our scripture finds us in Paul's letter to the Ephesians and thinking about grace...

"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ
apportioned it." Ephesians 4:7 (NIV)

Did you ever have a day or time in your life when you weren't quite sure about God's grace? Maybe it was some difficult situation... a diagnosis, a job loss, or an ending of a relationship and you began to question God's grace in your life.
I will confess that I know I have had exactly those times in my life. There have been days... few and far between thanks be to God... when I wondered "where is God's grace in all of this?" These times were often painful times, I was experiencing a time of depression or a time of dryness in my soul. And those were certainly difficult days.
But Paul reminds the church in Ephesus (and me) that God has bestowed on each one of us grace, as God believes we need it. Paul's use of the word "apportioned" reminds me that while we do not all have the same grace... we all have grace! Each and every one of us has exactly the kind and amount of grace God knows we need. We were created by a God who knew and knows exactly what we need and makes sure we have just that! Today, as you move through your life remember that God gave you exactly what you too need to enjoy life! And be thankful for all of God's grace!

+++ As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday... but I am available by phone if you need me.
+++ Thanks to all who have brought in or mailed in their 2021 Commitment cards. If you haven't yet had the chance, please do so today! Our Finance Team is hard at work preparing our 2021 church Spending Plan. Thanks!
+++ Don't forget that the Mitten Tree (table) and Angel Tree are up and ready for your use. We will be wrapping up these 2 mission projects in early December so act now to get involved! Thanks!

Enjoy this day and don't forget to look around for God's grace at work in your life! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, November 23, 2020

Happy Thanks-Giving!
Greetings, Friends!
This week we pause to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. So it is fitting that our scripture comes from Psalm 106...

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love
endures forever." Psalm 106:1 (NIV)

I love to look through the scriptures and I have noticed that almost every time the word THANKS is mentioned in the scriptures, the word GIVE or GIVING is in the same sentence. It seems the writers of Scripture closely linked these two concepts together.
Now the word thanksgiving is a compound word. There are 3 different kinds of compound words... Open compounds like ice cream, two word compounds like mother-in-law, and single word compounds like doorknob. And, obviously, thanksgiving falls into the single word compound category.
And, as interesting as this discussion is... I note that you just can't be really thankful without some element of GIVING. Whether it is in giving back to God or giving to others... Giving is key to being truly thankful! Without giving our thanks seems to me to be a theoretical concept. Oh, it's good to be thankful... but adding the element of GIVING to thankfulness is really key!
And that is also true in each of our lives, as well. We enhance our thankfulness... we move it into practice... we become truly thankful... when we GIVE. Maybe today you can find a way to add GIVING to your thankfulness? Just watch what happens when you do so!

+++ Our newest Book Study group meets again tonight. We are reading the book, "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo and you are invited. We meet, via ZOOM, at 7:00pm on Monday nights and by just sending me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com), I can get you the invitation with the ZOOM link enclosed.
+++ Pastor Pam continues her recovery and hopes to be back in the office in a few weeks. In the meantime feel free to contact me for any needs you might have!
+++ The Angel Tree and Mitten Tree projects are underway in the church narthex. We so appreciate your support of these seasonal mission projects!

OK... make today a great day and look for the opportunity to not only be thankful... but to GIVE! Pastor Jack

Pastor Jack Keating

Special Edition Friday, November 6, 2020

Enjoy the Gorgeous Weather!
Today we turn to John's Gospel account for a word about grace...

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who
came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1: 14 (NIV)

So when, in your life, have you been aware of the glory of the One and Only shining around you? When did the glory of Jesus make itself known to you? Can you remember it happening to you?
I think most of us live with the glory of Jesus shining around us and just fail to take either the time or the notice of this glory. We shuffle through our daily existence without even noticing God's glory around us. Let me share with you a recent moment of realization for me.
A few weeks ago in our worship service at 10:00am I was starting the service feeling hurried and kind of disorganized about all I had to do. I was trying to think about the parts of the worship service and how I hoped they would be received. I was deep into thinking all about myself, when I stood in the pulpit and looked to my left to see the tree outside in the back courtyard area. And that tree was absolutely breathtaking! The leaves were bright pink and orange and the sun was shining on the tree almost illuminating it before my eyes. After catching my breath at the glorious sight, I stopped the service and invited folks to look out the window with me. And I did that because I was aware of the glory of God in the beauty of that tree. And even though every leave is now off that tree.... I will never forget that beautiful sight and how God's glory shined that morning.
So when did you last experience that kind of a glory-sighting? Don't let the day-to-day existence of life distort your vision of God's glory. God has some visions of glory just waiting for you to notice!

+++ We worship on-line and in person this weekend. Our 10:00am service is nearing capacity, and we have plenty of room at our 8:30am worship service. Or check us out on-line on our website: www.churchofthebells.org.
+++ Door Spray orders start this Sunday! See Shelley to order a beautiful door spray for your holiday decorating!
+++ "Chimings" will be taking a break for a couple of weeks, as I head off on vacation next week. During this time news updates will be available on our web site or Facebook page! Pastor Marcia Wickert at First UMC in Camillus will be providing emergency pastoral coverage while I am away.

OK... let's all look closely for God's glory today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Happy Wednesday!
On this day, we turn to the Psalms for a word from David...

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great
is [the Lord's] love for those who fear him; as far as the east is
from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions
from us." Psalm 103: 11-12 (NIV)

Whenever I read these words of David I can't help but wonder... exactly how far above the earth are the heavens and exactly how far is the east from the west? I then think about these words being written in a time when travel was much less the thing to do. Most people didn't journey more than a few miles from home during their entire lifetime and so hearing these words must have been mind-boggling to them!
Today we know the exact distances of the world in which we live. But that wasn't the case in the time when David was writing. And that makes me wonder "Have we lost something by having these precise measurements of our world?" Is it too easy for us to define these measurements of David? And, in having those measurements, have we lost much of the sense of awe that David describes?
Regardless of the measurements, David knew that our God is a God of love and forgiveness. And today, we still serve that same God. How are we doing at helping the world to know the God of such great love and forgiveness? Are we taking the Good News of Jesus to the world? Or are we "keeping that light hidden under a bushel"? I encourage you to share both love and forgiveness with others so that they too will be awestruck. And when they ask how you do it... just say you learned it from Jesus!

+++ It's hard to believe but the Turkey Dinner is now history! We had a great turnout and we are so blessed with so many willing and dedicated helpers! Thanks be to God for all of you and by Sunday we can give you precise numbers about how we did!
+++ DOOR SPRAY ORDERS start this weekend! See the table in the Narthex to order your beautiful door decorations for the holidays. All profits benefit our mission work at Immanuel! If you can't be in church... you can always call Shelley to order directly!
+++ This Sunday we will observe a special moment to honor and thank our Veterans as we come to the Veterans Day holiday! I'm also going to be speaking about how important the service of our veterans has been!
+++ And don't forget our new Book Study starts on Monday, November 9th at 7:00pm. Ashley Davis is leading this study and we are reading and discussing the new book, "So You Want to Talk about Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. Send me your request for a ZOOM invitation to join the group at pastorjackk@gmail.com.

OK... make this a great day and spread the love and forgiveness of Jesus with the world! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, November 2, 2020

It's the start of a BIG week!
Today we find our scripture coming from the second book of the Old Testament, Exodus....

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3: 5 (NIV)

When have you been aware that you were on holy ground? Sure... when you are in worship but where else? Perhaps in a funeral worship service or standing at the grave side of a saint who has finished the journey of faith here among us? Or maybe in a hospital room after a child or grandchild has been born or a tricky surgery has been successfully completed? Or how about at your place of employment after a project is completed after many days of hard work?
I had the experience of being on holy ground just a few days ago. And it wasn't in any of these locations. It was over a cup of coffee as a friend poured out their heart, soul, and troubles to me. As we talked and prayed, I realized that I was, in fact, on holy ground. I was honored to be spending time with a friend as we talked about just a few of the trials and tribulations of living life as a Jesus-follower. And sometimes that can be hard work. Because the world is often not ready for a Christian's perspective on situations! But I was so honored to be invited to visit this holy ground with my friend. And I am convinced once again of Jesus' teaching... "Learn to listen to Me, even while you are listening to others." By doing so... you too will find yourself on holy ground!

+++ We enjoyed a wonderful All Saints celebration yesterday! We were blessed to have some family members join us as we remembered and thanked God for the lives of the saints who we have known and loved along the journey of our faith lives!
+++ Tomorrow is Election Day and every person needs to make sure their vote is cast. Many have voted by absentee ballot or early voting.... now the rest of us should head to our polling place to make our voice heard in this process. Remember the words of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln who said: "Elections belong to the people."
+++ And after you vote tomorrow, stop by Immanuel for our Election Day Turkey Dinner. This dinner will be a take-out meal served to you at curbside! Thanks to all who have worked so hard to allow us to continue this Immanuel tradition!

Make today a great day and keep your eyes open for the holy ground to which you are invited! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, October 30, 2020

Happy Friday!
Today we hear about God's amazing grace from Paul's letter to the Romans...

"But God demonstrates [God's] own love for us in this:
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5: 8 (NIV)

Does God really need to demonstrate God's love for us? Are people somehow not fully convinced that God loves them? Have you ever been in doubt of God's love?
I guess that there are people whose lives bring them to the point where they question whether God loves them. Perhaps after a series of "bangs" from the world around us, we might begin to doubt the love of God. Maybe after the loss of a loved one, an unexpected career change or job loss, or a diagnosis from your doctor people might begin to question not only the love of God, but God's very existence. But I must admit this is not a concept I am familiar with. Because I have never doubted God's existence or God's love.
If I were to have those questions however, I would be comforted to read these words from Paul to the Romans. Because Paul reminds us that God loved us so extravagantly that God sent Jesus to die for us... when we were still sinning away to our hearts content! And that gift of Jesus, given for us, is proof once again and for all time that God loves us in the most extraordinary way! As you move through your daily life, always remember how much God loves you and celebrate that love daily in all you do!

+++ Don't forget to turn your clock BACK one hour on Saturday night! Otherwise you will be very early for worship on Sunday morning! We gather at 8:30am in the Fellowship Hall and 10:00am in the Sanctuary and we'll have a worship service on our website (www.churcofthebells.org) for you, as well!
+++ Our Election Day Turkey Dinner is Tuesday. Check out Thursday's Family News for details on how it will work this year. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids 5-12! Dave S. has advance sale tickets for you on Sunday! And we're still looking for a few pies! Thanks!
+++ Annual Charge Conference is Wednesday, 11/4 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Charge Conference members... we look forward to seeing you for this important meeting.

Make this a great day and share God's love with everyone around you today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Happy Wednesday!
Today's scripture has us thinking about God's grace once again...

"Each one should use whatever gift they have received to
serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's
various forms." 1 Peter 4: 10 (NIV)

The writer of 1 Peter is using a pretty new and revolutionary concept in this writing!
Imagine that each one of us, you and I, are given specific gifts from God. No two of us have the same exact gifts. Yours are different from mine and no one else is exactly gifted as you are!
Now that in itself is a revolutionary concept but the text goes on to remind us that the reason we have these gifts is not to make ourselves happy or make us look good in a crowd! They are not even given to make us feel better about ourselves! These gifts are given us, by God, for the purpose of serving others! So often, when I get down on my current lot in life or some situation that is beyond my control, I find that the way out of that slump is to use a God given gift to serve someone else! How about you? Do you find joy in serving others? What gift did God give you that you can use to serve someone else? A listening ear? A note of encouragement? An unexpected blessing being shared? There are lots of ways, I think, to share our gifts!
And when we use these gifts to serve others we are part of administering God's grace! Now that's an awesome thought, huh? Be a part of spreading God's grace today as you share a gift with someone else. You will change the world!

+++ If you're not following Immanuel on our Facebook page... why not start today? Just search for Immanuel United Methodist Church in Camillus, NY (There are lots of Immanuel's!!!) and don't forget to LIKE our page. New information is posted often on this page and it's a great way of being part of the family of Immanuel.
+++ And, if you're watching worship on YouTube, don't forget to click the SUBSCRIBE button and then ring the little bell. When you do this you'll get a reminder each time we upload something to the YouTube channel! It's yet another great way to stay connected to Immanuel!
+++ Anticipation is building for our Election Day Turkey Dinner. It's a take-out meal that will be served at curbside and the cost is Adults (13 and over) -$12.00 and kids 5-12 are only $5.00! See Dave S. for tickets on Sunday or email him at Bevdave925@gmail.com. And we are still looking for a few helpers to join the fun on both Monday and Tuesday! Sign-up in the Narthex on Sunday!

Make this a great day and use your gifts to serve others... it's a God-honoring thing to do! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, October 26, 2020

Happy Monday!
As we move into another new work week, here are today's thoughts about forgiveness from the Gospel According to Luke...

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be
forgiven." Luke 6: 37 (NIV)

These words seem so simple and the concept behind them seems so simple... but so often the words are completely forgotten!
Now... in case you haven't noticed... There is an election in our near future! And for many the thought of not judging and not condemning is a difficult one. As I have watched the millions and millions of TV commercials over the last 5 months I've noticed that judging and condemning seem to be at an all time high! Very few of the candidates have talked about their own accomplishments or future hopes for their districts. Instead... we have witnessed people tearing each other down and doing everything they can to destroy the name and reputation of their opponent! There has been lots and lots of judging and condemning. In fact... it's about all I've seen most days!
But Jesus reminds the great, gathered multitude that those who follow Him are not called to judge or condemn... but to forgive! To forgive in the same way we would hope to be forgiven. And if we spend our time judging and condemning that is the same thing we shall receive.
Me... I'd rather be forgiven myself! In fact... I'm counting on it! Because without forgiveness I know I'm in pretty big trouble! How about you?
If you're like me come on over to the "forgiving side" of the plan! It's a much better way to live... for sure!

+++ We enjoyed wonderful worship this weekend! Great special music, good fellowship and wonderful opportunities to be in relationship with our Creator. Thanks to all our worship leaders and musicians for your efforts!
+++ Turkey Dinner preparation is well underway! Our sign-up list for helpers looks pretty good and we are getting pies signed up for as well! Thanks! Now we need to push the Pre Sale tickets this week friends! Dave S. has the tickets and he can "hook you up"! We're trying to get as accurate a count as possible for this fundraising event!
+++ Don't forget that next Sunday, November 1st we will be celebrating All Saints Day! Bring a candle from home to add to our collection on the Altar as we celebrate the saints triumphant! This will happen at each of our worship services on Sunday, although many families will be joining us at the 10:00am service!

Make this day a great day and turn up your forgiveness quotient today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, October 23, 2020

Worship this Weekend!
As we prepare for another weekend, the Letter of James has some words for us about God's grace...

"But [God] gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
James 4: 6 (NIV)

The authorship and date of this letter is not really too well known. While some might think it was penned by a man named James, the brother of Jesus, we really do not have any proof of that assumption. We know that it was written by someone with a knowledge of Greek, who also had a sense of vivid metaphor usage. But the Letter is really a sermon, written in the form of a letter. It is also apparent that the writer of this letter had read and been familiar with 1 Peter.
So near the end of the letter or sermon the writer begins a discussion about the grace of God... the grace the letter's receivers were only beginning to become familiar with.
Imagine a God who gives even more grace to those who are humble! And a God who opposes the proud! What a novel concept, huh?
So often today our world seems so full of people who bask in their own accomplishments. We live with the thought that we need to be self-taught and, as the old saying goes..."pull ourselves up by our boot straps". But we serve a God who especially loves the humble. The lowly. The downtrodden. Those desperately seeking justice. Those are the folks who God promises to shower with grace. And those are the folks we are called to minister to and seek to become more like. Now that is a revolutionary concept, for sure!
Maybe today you could join me in trying to become a little bit more humble and less proud? Imagine what would happen in our world if we all tried this together!

+++ Our on-line worship service will be available on Saturday night again this weekend. Thanks to Tom and Ashley for all your hard work on making this happen each week for all these many months. Check it out at www.churchofthebells.org and click on On-Line Worship. You'll also find a convenient DONATE button on the web page for friends who might like to make a donation to support our ministry work. The DONATE button is safe and secure and includes easy to follow instructions.  THANKS for all your support as we continue making disciples for Jesus to transform the world!
+++ In person worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am. Wear your face covering and be prepared to be offered some hand sanitizer when you enter. We'll have some great special music again this weekend and if you're feeling well... join us on Sunday morning!

+++ Turkey Dinner preparations are well underway! Dave has a great crew signing up to help and presale tickets are selling well! We are encouraging people to consider presale tickets this year.... to help us know exactly how much food to prepare for this take out only dinner. And we'll serve you right at the curb! Now that's convenient!

Make this a great day and join us in worship this weekend... either on-line or in person! We'll be looking for you!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Happy Wednesday! Today we hear from 1 John for our scripture lesson...

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus,
his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

We are invited to be people of the light and, in fact, to walk in that light as we live each day of our lives. And sometimes staying in the light is a lot of work! It requires us to often turn from the dark and reorient ourselves again to the light.
But this scripture also reminds us, I think, that we are called to not only walk in the light.... but to let the light of Christ shine through us. And that's even a taller order, huh?
I have a watch that has indigo paint on the surface of the hands and the numbers. This is so that as I spend my day in the light the paint can soak up the light and then be illumined in the dark of evening. It's really pretty handy and it always reminds me that we are called to do the same thing. We are invited to spend so much time in the light that we actually soak up the light and then can illuminate the dark places of the world. But the only way that can happen is if we dedicate ourselves to staying in the light as much as possible.
What might that look like, you ask? Maybe following one or more of the spiritual disciplines of our church. Staying always in the Word, developing our prayer lives, serving others in mission and ministry, or growing in our commitment to actively worshipping on a regular basis. When we do these things, we have the chance to soak up even more of the light of Christ to illuminate our own dark places. And then, we too can be shining with the light of Christ for the world around us! Sounds like a good plan for this Wednesday and every day!

+++ Today is the newsletter deadline for the November/December issue of our church newsletter. Please get any articles into the office email (churchofthebells@gmail.com) ASAP so the newsletter can be prepared. Thanks!
+++ Our Book Study group is now reading the book, "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. We start discussing the reading on Monday night, November 9th at 7:00pm via ZOOM. Make sure you pick up a copy of the book and start reading for this interesting study.

Make this a great day and soak up some of the light of Christ this day! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, October 19, 2020

Happy Monday! On this Monday morning we look into the Psalms for a word about forgiveness...

"Blessed is [the one] whose transgressions are forgiven, whose
sins are covered. Blessed is the person whose sin the
Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit
there is no deceit." Psalm 32: 1-2 (NIV)

David, the writer of this Psalm, is expressing his thanks to God for the gift of forgiveness. Remember that in Old Testament times disease was commonly regarded as punishment for sin so it could have been that David had been healed of some infirmity that was interpreted as forgiveness.
Regardless of the reason for David's thanksgiving, he acknowledged a God who bathes each of us in forgiveness.
And like most people, I know I count on that forgiveness to get me through each and every day. I am seldom perfect!!! But I know and love a God who is.... and thankfully, doesn't expect me to be! Each of us spend so much time disappointing and grieving the heart of our God that we too should be thankful for God's gift of forgiveness! Otherwise the weight of our own sins would bury us into lives of inactivity and depression.
So today... why not join me in giving thanks to God for the gift of God's forgiveness? Thanks be to God! Amen!

+++ OK... first a correction to last week's Chimings... there will be NO book sale or Bake Sale at the Election Day Dinner! Since we will be outside we will have to postpone these elements of the event until next year. Sorry for the confusion!
+++ As our Sunday attendance begins to increase please remember that we are limited to 50 people per worship service. We were close to that number at 10:00am yesterday... but we had plenty of room at the 8:30am worship. Whenever our attendance hits that 50 number we will try to set up an overflow area where the service can be heard... if not seen. Thanks for your understanding as we move through these interesting times!
+++ The Bell Choir did an excellent job yesterday and we are looking forward to hearing them again in a few weeks!
+++ Thanks to all who supported our CROP walk group on Saturday. It was a beautiful morning and we had a delightful walk. We are totalling up the money raised now and will let you know as soon as we have a total. Also... thanks to all who walked to feed the hungry in central NY!

Enjoy this day that the Lord has made and rejoice in God's forgiveness! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, October 16, 2020

Happy Friday!
Today we look at the Gospel according to John for a word about grace....

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one
blessing after another." John 1: 16 (NIV)

During this time of year my thoughts normally turn to blessings and the many things I have to be thankful for in my own life. I think it is a seasonal thing and it gets even more into my brain as we move into November and closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.
It is, I think, a natural thing for us. But this year... 2020 has been very different. I am aware (sometimes painfully so) that I have spent most of this year complaining about the conditions of my world! We have endured pandemics, a dramatic loss of income as our economy sags and a political situation that seems to be toxic at best. We've seen neighbors turn against neighbors, people of color continue to experience injustices and even families torn apart by the sheer pressures of life in 2020. It has indeed been a difficult year!
But then John reminds us that, despite all that is happening in the world... from the fullness of God's grace we have received so many blessings. I think we need that reminder often today! Just take a few moments to look, not at the challenges facing you, but the blessings you have received. When we do this, suddenly the mountains before us seem to shrink in our view. And the joys of living in our community appear to grow. And that, I think, is a variation on the old adage about looking at a glass being half full or half empty. Why not commit today to spending a few moments looking at your blessings and see what happens? It just might change your perspective on everything that is before you!

+++ You have your choice of worship options again this weekend. You can catch us on line at www.churchofthebells.org or in person at either 8:30am or 10:00am. If you attend the 10:00am service this Sunday you'll have a chance to hear our Bell Choir offer us special music! This is a relatively new venture for us and the sound is beautiful. And we still have many more bells if you are feeling the call to join the group. See Dan or Lisa for more information!
+++ Turkey Dinner planning and sign-ups are well underway. This take-out only meal will be held on Election Day and serving starts at 3:00pm that afternoon! We need some more pie bakers (pumpkin or apple ONLY this year) and advance sale tickets are available from Dave S. on Sunday morning! We understand that there will be a Bake Sale that day BUT NO BOOK SALE THIS YEAR! Save your books for our 2021 Garage Sale!
+++ A new Book Study group will be starting up on Monday November 9th at 7:00pm via ZOOM! We will be reading, "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. Purchase your books now and start reading for the upcoming study group!

OK... off to start counting your blessings today! It will change your world, for sure! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Book Study this Morning!
Today's scripture reading takes us into the Gospel according to John....

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true
worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth,
for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.
God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in
spirit and in truth." John 4: 23-24 (NIV)

The words are spoken by Jesus, immediately after encountering the woman at the well. After Jesus had told her more about her life than she was prepared to have heard, he instructed this Samaritan woman on how true worship should occur.
Many of us have attended worship services or other events at Hendricks Chapel on the SU campus. The building is beautiful and majestic and in it's nave you can read these words of scripture painted into the very walls of the building. It is a moving and majestic sight for sure. If you've not yet seen it, stop by the building some day and check it out.
When I sat there a few years back for our Annual Conference's Ordination Service, I pondered these words of Jesus and thought about how exactly I worship. Maybe you are like me and often moving so quickly through the worship rituals that you miss the extraordinary movement of God's Holy Spirit? And I think this is especially true when serving in worship leadership. Those who lead.... choir members, liturgists, pastors, teachers, etc. often speak about missing out on truly worshipping.
But Jesus is instructing this Samaritan woman in the true elements of worship... worshipping in spirit and in truth. Jesus reminds us that true worship is not about hitting the perfectly pitched note, pronouncing every word of scripture effortlessly, or clicking every powerpoint slide at just the right moment. It's about coming to God in spirit and in truth... as vessels waiting to be filled. So I am going to put Jesus to the test.
"Rest in my loving gaze, and you will receive deep Peace. Respond to my loving Presence by worshipping Me in spirit and in truth."

+++ Our Book Study Group meets at 10:00am this morning to complete our study of "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo. Listen for our next group that will start soon!

+++ Our annual Charge Conference with DS Nola Anderson is coming up on Wednesday 11/4 at 6:30pm. Listen for details if you are a member of our Charge Conference, please.

Make this a great day and take some time to worship, however you are able, in spirit and in truth!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, October 12, 2020

Book Study Group Tonight!
Greetings on this Monday, friends! Our scripture for today comes from Paul's second letter to Timothy....

".... join me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because
of anything we have done but because of [God's] own
purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ
Jesus before the beginning of time..."
2 Timothy 1: 8-9 (NIV)

Paul is instructing Timothy in this letter that it is only by the power of God that we are saved and called to live lives of holiness. And this calling comes, not because of anything we have done! Wait... Paul do you mean my own holiness is not dependent on anything I've done? You mean all my good works are not the reason I was saved? Well.... how can that be? After all I've led my whole life thinking I was actually earning something here!
But Paul remind us that own lives become holy only because of God's grace and desire. And I love the word GRACE, friends! That word always reminds me that... no matter how high my opinion of myself might be... God has placed a call on my life because of God's grace not my deeds! And this grace existed even before I did!
And that's where John Wesley first discovered Prevenient Grace... the grace that existed even knew to look for it! The grace that was present before "the beginning of time". Folks... that kind of grace is available to each and every one of us! As you live out your call and personal holiness today... look around for God's Amazing Grace! And then give thanks for this gift from the Creator available to every one of us!

+++ Our last Book Study session is tonight at 7:00pm via ZOOM. We will be finishing the last 3 chapters of the book "White Fragility" by Robin Diangelo. Look for a new study starting up soon!
+++ We had a good response to the first day of sign-ups for help with our Election Day Turkey Dinner! Look for the sign-up sheet on the white board in the Narthex and make sure you get the job of your choice! Also... please purchase your advance sale tickets from Dave S. so we are prepared with just the right amount of food for this "take-out" only meal!
+++ Administrative Council meets on Tuesday night at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Members.... please make sure you are in attendance as we prepare for our upcoming Charge Conference!

Make it a great day and spread some Grace around today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, October 9, 2020

Worship on-line or in person this weekend!

On this 9th day of October, our scripture reading comes to us from Paul's letter to the Hebrews..

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever"
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Consistency and steadfastness seems to be something that is sorely lacking in our world today. Things change SO quickly! Whether it is the expectations of our jobs, families, or our entire society... every time I turn around it seems like something has to be re-invented! Does it seem like that to you, as well?
Certainly a pandemic fighting this unknown virus makes that seem even more so! One day it's spread by contact and the next day it's spread through droplets in the air. Masks are required whenever we leave the sanctity of our homes and then masks are needed when we are unable to physically distance. One day we can have 1/3 of our seating capacity in attendance and then next day it's a maximum of 50 people in attendance!
Now I have to tell you... I consider myself a pretty flexible person but this is getting old even for this flexible person! Sometimes I long for the "good old days" (a phrase I thought I'd never use!). I want to shake someone's hand, hug a friend, and sing next to a choir member. But alas...these good old days will not be back for some time to come.
But Paul reminds the Hebrews that Jesus Christ remains a constant! Because Jesus "is the same yesterday and today and forever". So, in the midst of all that is changing around me, Jesus remains my constant companion. And Jesus still loves me... no matter what! I imagine Jesus reminding all of us... "Let My Love flow out of you continually. Your need for Me is as constant as the outflow of My Love to you." Now that's a solid, steady Rock upon which I can stand! How about you?

+++ We are beginning to experience some financial strain on our church budget after so many months of being on solid footing because of your gifts. If you might be a bit behind in your commitment, could you help us by trying to bring things current? Our Finance Team and Administrative Council are so thankful and appreciative of all your gifts that support our ministry work here at Immanuel.
+++ Worship will be on-line for you again this weekend, as well as in person at 8:30am and 10:00am. If you are feeling healthy (and we pray you are!) and are joining us in person.... thanks for wearing your face coverings and maintaining physical distancing requirements! We are trying to make sure that everyone stays safe during this pandemic time!
+++ The Turkey Day dinner sign-up sheets are up! Sign up early for the best choice of jobs. Speak to Dave S. with any questions you might have about this take-out dinner on Election Day! Apple and pumpkin pies only this year!
+++ Our 2020 Charge Conference will be held virtually on Wednesday, November 4th at 6:30pm. Charge Conference members... please make sure this important date is on your calendars!
Make this a great day and celebrate the Lord Jesus... the true constant in our lives! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Book Study today at 10:00am!
Happy Wednesday, friends!
Today we look into John's Gospel account for this scripture reading...

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have
come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:10 (ESV)

Living life to the fullest is God's greatest hope for God's people! We go through a series of daily "living experiences" and God wants us to live each and every day to the fullest. But how are we doing in this attempt?
I see so many people who live their lives in fear and trepidation of what will happen each day. Many are fearful of the Covid-19 virus (rightfully so), many are fearful about their employment and the safety of their family and friends. Many have other fears I can't even comprehend.
And this fear gets so intense that we find ourselves unable to function in even the most simple ways. We must, I think, continue to find ways to live with these fears as we live our daily lives. How can we creatively survive in this Covid-19 world? Can we continue to be in a relationship with others in perhaps new and different ways? Can we use technology to live in the world? Social media, Facebook, ZOOM and other tools can, I think, help in this way. We can (and must) stretch our comfort level to help us remain in the world. And God knows that. That's why God sent Jesus to remind us of these words from John's Gospel. I imagine Jesus saying to each of us.... "I want you to live this day, abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don't be distracted by future concerns."

+++ Our Book Study group meets this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM!
+++ The Trustees meet tonight at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.
+++ Pastor Pam did well with her surgery and she is home recuperating now. Keep praying for a full and complete healing after surgery!

Enjoy this day that God has made and live life to it's fullest whenever possible! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, October 5, 2020

Book Study Tonight 7:00pm!
Today, as we start another work week, our scripture takes us to a familiar part of our Advent readings....

"The virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and
they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us")
Matthew 1: 23 (NIV)

How often do we stop and think about the fact that God is close to our sides that God can always hear us? Now for some that is a pretty scary proposition, I think! Maybe we aren't all that comfortable with a God who hears our every word and watches our every action. And as far as thinking our every thought... yikes... we could be in some trouble here!
But in the midst of all that we go through each day, isn't it also so comforting to know that God goes with us? And God has promised to never leave our side, never to leave us alone, and without companionship from the Creator of the universe. To me that is assurance...blessed assurance indeed!
So as you move through your day today then, why not look around for where God is in your life? If God makes good on God's promise to be with us always, you can be sure that God is always with you. And God will guide and direct you through each part of your day! Thanks be to God!

+++ Our Book Study group meets tonight via ZOOM at 7:00pm. Readers.... check your inbox for your ZOOM invite!
+++ Today we hold Pastor Pam in prayer as she undergoes some out patient surgery. She will be back in the office in November and until then we will keep her in our prayers as full healing takes place!
+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night at 7:00pm and our Trustees meet on Wednesday night at 7:00pm. Members of these ministry teams... please mark your calendar for these important gatherings.

Make it a great day and keep your eyes open for God as you go through your day this day! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, October 2, 2020

Worship in person at 8:30 and 10am Sunday
Worship online at www.churchofthebells.org

Hello Friends! As we come to another Friday, we have arrived in the month of October! Cool nights (and maybe days) are now a part of our routine and we prepare for other changes in the weather, as well.
Today's scripture comes from the first book of our Bible, Genesis...

"By the seventh day God had finished the work God
had been doing; so on the seventh day God rested from all
God's work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it
holy, because on it God rested from all the work of creating
that God had done." Genesis 2: 2-3 (NIV)

So I'm wondering... how exhausting do you think it was to do all this creating? How much of a sweat did God work up in putting all that is together? How tiring was it to form the world out of the void before creation existed?
I would imagine it was a pretty big piece of work. After all... not only did the beauty of this world need to be formed... but then God needed to fashion humankind in God's own image! And that was probably even a bigger job since we know there are no two of us exactly alike! Each one of us is a "one-of-a-kind" piece of art! And folks... all that creating has to be exhausting!
So it is no wonder that God needed a day off to rest! And in the same way... all of us need a day off as well! Now I know how tough that is, as a person who frequently forgets to observe a day off and a sabbath day myself. I find I can go 7 days a week for a few weeks pretty successfully. But then... I hit that wall and my effectiveness grinds to a halt! Maybe you're like me?
Today I think God's message is... "I want you to relax and enjoy this day. It's easy for you to get so focused on your own goals that you push yourself too hard - and neglect your need for rest." If not today... do you have a plan for a regular day off? And do you follow that plan? I think you'll find that you can accomplish so much more the other 6 days of the week... if you observe one day of rest. It's amazing to me how quickly our batteries can be recharged with just a little time of dedicated rest. Try it out soon!

+++ We worship on-line and in-person again this weekend. At 8:30am we worship in our Fellowship Hall and 10:00am sees us in the Sanctuary. Don't forget your face coverings and please observe physical distancing to keep everyone safe. If you're not feeling well, or are unsure about returning to our in-person worship, just look us up on our web page at: www.churchofthebbells.org. Then click on the link for On Line Worship. Whichever way you attend... we'll look forward to worshipping with you this weekend!
+++ Next week sees the Finance Team meeting on Tuesday night and the Trustees meeting on Wednesday night here at church. If you're a member of either team, please make sure you are here for these important meetings!
+++ Pastor Pam will be having a medical procedure on Monday that will have her away recuperating for the rest of the month of October. Please keep her in your prayers and join us in trying to allow her to have the time away to make a full recovery! I am always available on my cell phone (315) 935-7659 and by e-mail if you need me. I will be checking the office voice mail a couple of times each day as well! Thanks for your understanding as we await Pastor Pam's full recovery!

Enjoy this day and be sure to schedule a time of rest to recharge your batteries soon! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, September 30, 2020

For today's scriptural words I've turned to my book of simple Breath Prayers. So hear these words from Luke's Gospel...

"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1 (KJV)

When we come to the Lord in prayer, we often wonder if we're approaching the throne acceptably. It may seem cavalier the way we talk to God as if God were our best friend, or come running to the throne of grace at any hour unannounced. We come as we are - dirty, dusty, tired, or hurting - we come when we're excited, expectant, frustrated, or angry. We come running like children - messy, transparent, and trusting. And that's just as God wants it!
Jesus related several parables about the nature of prayer in Luke eleven. He described prayer as a type of knocking and seeking that demands a response. Even the man who is asleep in bed will rise to answer, if only to appease the knocker. But we are also shown that if we ask for bread from our Father in heaven, will God, who loves us, give us a stone? It's not a matter of how we come to God in prayer, but that we come.
So we can pray a short breath prayer, Teach me to pray, when we're not sure what to say, when we or our kids are sick, when our problems seem overwhelming, or when we are discouraged.

+++ Thanks for the wonderful donations of coats! An amazing amount of outwear was picked up today to be distributed in Syracuse starting this weekend!
+++ Our Book Study group meets this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM!
+++  SPRC also meets tonight at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall!
+++ And our Bell Choir rehearses on Thursday night at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary! Speak with Lisa Miller with any questions!

Make today a great day and offer a prayer to God for all your needs!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, September 28, 2020

Book Study tonight at 7:00pm!
Another work week begins! And our scripture reading comes from Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians....

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you; so that in
all things at all times, having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

Today we hear Paul's words about grace... a concept the early Corinthian church was still trying to figure out. This church sure had some problems! Factions threatened to split the church often, some followed false teachers and unity among the family was still a virtue they were attempting to learn!
Now, it could be argued, that not much has changed in many churches! Many congregations experience difficulties... probably because the church (a divine institution) is made up of people who also often happen to be sinners (a man-made situation). And so we struggle mightily in many churches today!
But God is able to supply us with grace in abundance... so that we can accomplish awesome work. Works inspired by God, who calls us perform this ministry. And without God's all-supplying, some would say even amazing grace, we know that we have very little hope of doing God's good work.
So, as some churches are unfortunately struggling, let us look always to God's grace so that we can do all God calls us to do, as individuals, as a congregation, and as a community of believers! Amen!

+++ Our Book Study group meets tonight at 7:00pm via ZOOM. We are looking at the 5th and 6th chapters of Robin Diangelo's book, White Fragility. Send me an email if you'd like to join the group!

+++ THANKS for a great collection of coats, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and socks! Your generosity will be a big help in keeping people warm throughout central NY this winter! Well done friends!

+++ Please don't forget that if you have to come into the building we all need to sign in and out in case we need to do contact tracing at any point. We also need to be wearing face coverings, and using hand sanitizer often to prevent spreading any illnesses! Thanks for helping us comply with NY State and CDC guidelines!

Make this a great day and celebrate God's grace today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, September 25, 2020

Happy Friday!
The author of 2 Peter has today's scripture for us...

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!"
2 Peter 3: 18 (NIV)

For many years theologians have been questioning whether this letter was actually written by the apostle Peter or someone else. It seems that the "guest author" routine was pretty popular in some of our scriptures. While this debate rages on, there is one thing of which we can be sure... the author was at least one who was very devoted to Peter and published the letter under Peter's name early in the second century.
What I really like about this text is the use of the word "grow". Because growing is not something usually accomplished.... but rather something that remains on-going. As human beings I don't believe we ever complete our growing process. We never really stop growing... until we go home to be in the arms of the Creator. In fact, we are life-time learners if we are living in the faith. God is always in the process of helping and encouraging our growth.
And there can be no more worthwhile growing than "growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". What a great subject to study... each and everyday. Perhaps you will join me in trying, everyday, to learn something more from Jesus? Imagine how your life and the lives of others around you would change if we all committed to doing just that!

+++ Worship is on our website and in person this weekend! Join us in person at 8:30am or 10:00am and don't forget your face covering. If you're worshipping on-line... drop us an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and say Hi! Either way... worship with us this weekend!
+++ We'll complete our coat collection project on Sunday. We're assisting our friends at Beautiful Mess ministries to provide warm coats, scarves, gloves, mittens and socks for people living on the streets in Syracuse this winter. Bring your donations of good, clean items to the plastic bin outside the Sanctuary by Sunday, please! Thanks!
+++ We are so blessed by all the gifts you continue to provide to fund the ministry work we are doing here at Immanuel and around the world! We have begun to fall a bit short over the last few weeks and, if you're like me, maybe you've noticed you're a little behind in your offering support. Any help you can provide to this situation is greatly appreciated by the hard working folks in our Finance Ministry. Thanks!

Make this day a great day as you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Book Study at 10:00am today!
On this Wednesday morning, we turn to Paul's letter to the Colossians for our scripture reading....

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you
may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you." Colossians 3: 13 (NIV)

Sometimes it seems as if God has a message in mind for me (us) and God just won't let up until we get it!
The Sunday scripture readings since September 6th have all dealt with forgiveness in one way or another. And now the daily readings are also on this topic. So... what might it be that I (and you) might be missing?
While I know the "forgiving as the Lord forgave you" is the most important part of this text, I also hear loudly the part of "bearing with one another". I think most of us are just not very good at "bearing with one another." I find that I am often quick to judgement (and most times my judgement is 100% WRONG) about others. We even have trite sayings about this situation. Ever heard "I do not suffer fools well"? Or "that person will probably pass with a push"?
We make judgements all day long.... each and every day. We often base these judgments, not on fact, but on our limited vision of either the person or the circumstances. Without knowing the complete story, we make decisions based on just a few facts. Without knowing, or even trying to understand others, we rush to judgement and our minds become set like dried concrete.
But Paul reminds us to "bear with each other". And bearing means accepting, trying to understand others motivations, and attempting to show patience toward others. But that is often a lot of work. Work we do not have the patience to complete. And we can become judgemental and unforgiving people. I thank God that my heavenly Father isn't that way with me! And I pray that I might not be like that with others. Will you join me in that prayer?

+++ Our Book Study group meets this morning at 10:00am. We sure are having some lively discussions about this book, White Fragility by Robin Diangelo!
+++ The bin of coat donations continues to fill up in the Narthex! Sunday is the last day for this collection to help people living on the streets in the city of Syracuse. Remember coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks need to be in good condition and clean for this donation project.

Enjoy this day... "bear with one another" and make it a great day with Jesus! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Monday, September 21, 2020

Book Study Tonight at 7:00pm!
Greetings, Friends!
Today we look at Paul's letter to the Colossians...

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working
for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that
you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3: 23-24 (ESV)

Do you know of anyone in your life who has all the ability in the world, but who just won't put forth the effort needed to complete a task? Maybe it's someone you remember from your school days or someone you've worked with? Maybe it's someone in your family or a friend in your life?
I think we all know people who could change the world so much for the better, but who just can't quite seem to get into the action phase! Oh, they can often talk a good game and even sound like action is coming.... but they never quite get into gear to get going!
Paul warns the Colossians not to be like those people. He exhorts the Colossae church to work whole-heartedly at everything we do.... as we do it all for the Lord. And in this way, not only will quality things get done, but we will reap the reward of an inheritance from Christ. Because truly everything we do, even things in our secular life, should be treated as things we do for the Lord. And Paul would remind us that only a vibrant relationship with Jesus can keep our lives from coming unraveled. You see, it really is good to do everything as if we were doing it for Christ. Maybe that will change the things you do today???

+++ Our book study group meets on Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. We are reading the book, "White Fragility" by Robin Diangelo. We meet on ZOOM so just send me an e-mail for your ZOOM invitation.
+++ Coffee Chat will be taking a few weeks off, as people seem to be returning to life just a bit. We'll let you know when we are ready to restart the group!
+++ One week left for our Coat collection to assist people in the inner city of Syracuse. Please make sure coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks are in good, clean condition. Look for the plastic tub in the Narthex.... but all donations need to be in by Sunday, 9/27!
+++ As Pastor Pam is away on vacation this week, please give me a call for any needs you might have. I will also be checking the voicemail box each day during the week. Office hours this week are Wednesday from 9:00am-1:00pm by appointment ONLY. Thanks!

Make it a great day and serve as if you were serving Christ in each person you see this day! Pastor Jack

Special Edition Friday, September 18, 2020

As we prepare to start another weekend, we turn to Matthew's Gospel account for today's scripture.....

"For if you forgive [people] when they sin against you, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you. But of you do not forgive [people]
their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6: 14-15 (NIV)

Coming on the heels of Jesus' teaching his disciples how they should pray, these two verses state Jesus' thoughts on forgiveness in no uncertain terms.
The forgiveness we hope to receive is directly linked to the forgiveness we extend to others. Don't you just love it when Jesus just lays it on the line? When he states the obvious with no mystery at all? When he doesn't use a parable to explain the teaching.... but just says it like it is?
Now for some these words come as no surprise and bring no alarm...because they have mastered the area of forgiveness. But for others.... These words are all but terrifying. Because we have not yet figured out the process of forgiveness, much less mastered it! Or maybe we haven't even tried to learn how to forgive. And so, when we read this passage, we are filled with fear and worry. But the good news is... it's not too late! There is still time... lots of it... to work on forgiving others so that we can be forgiven by our heavenly Father, as well. It is never TOO late! And that's the message I think Jesus wants us to hear this day. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! Thanks be to God!

+++ We worship at 8:30am and 10:00am in person on Sunday morning. Make sure you have your face covering and plan to arrive a couple of minutes early if you can. We are limited to 50 people per service so don't be late! We will be taking attendance and trying to enforce physical distance to keep everyone safe and healthy!

+++ Worship is also available on-line on our church website, www.churchofthebells.org. Thanks to Ashley and Tom the service is available on Saturday night for you to join us, as well. If you are experiencing any symptoms, have been exposed to anyone who is, or are just concerned about being around others... on-line worship is for you! Check us out!
+++ Our Coffee Chat will take a break for a few weeks starting this week. It appears people are getting busier doing other things and we are thankful for that! We will look at resuming after the weather makes it's turn in a few weeks!

+++ Don't forget we are collecting winter coats, scarves, hats, and gloves for our neighbors in need in the city of Syracuse. There is also a big need for socks, as well! We are supporting our friends at Beautiful Mess Ministries in this effort. Use the plastic tub in the Narthex for your donations on September 20 & 27! Thanks!

+++ And speaking of THANKS, we are so appreciative of your efforts to remain current in your church donations! If you might be a few weeks behind... we pray you might be willing to try to catch up so that we can remain current on all our church obligations! Thanks!

Make this day a great day and we are looking forward to seeing you in worship, either in-person or virtually this weekend!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Zoom Book Study today at 10am.
Trustees Work day Saturday 9.19
On this Wednesday morning, we look at some words from Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus...

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4: 32 (NIV)
Over these last few weeks we have heard lots about forgiveness, as we have been moving through our Sunday lectionary readings from the 18th chapter of Matthew's Gospel account. We have heard about church members sinning against one another, how often we must forgive, and this coming week about a master who forgives a debt for his servant.
This is a pretty intensive course in the curriculum on forgiveness. And now Paul's words to the Ephesians remind us that forgiving each other requires kindness and compassion. You see, you just can't have forgiveness without those two things! Who could imagine forgiving without being kind? Or who could try to forgive without first showing compassion? Forgiveness is a recipe that has really important ingredients, it seems. And we can also easily see that when those ingredients are missing there just isn't much chance of true, Christian, forgiveness.
Today, as you go about your day, look for opportunities to practice kindness and compassion. Who knows... you just might find your way to offering forgiveness, as well!

+++ Our Trustees fall WORK DAY is Saturday morning. Many hands might light work, as the saying goes. Please speak with Jerry or any of our Trustees to get involved and lend a hand for a few hours!
+++ We have started a new book study group. We are reading "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo.   We meet on ZOOM on Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am. Just send me an email at pastorjackk@gmail.com for your ZOOM invitation!

Make today a great day and offer forgiveness..... as God forgives YOU! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, September 14, 2020

Church work day Saturday September 19 at 9am.
Happy Monday!
Today's scripture reading comes from Isaiah and I'm using the Message version of the Holy Scriptures...

"That's how much you mean to me!  That's how much I
love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you." Isaiah 43:4 (MSG)

I think when Pastor Eugene Peterson was rewording the scriptures he did a marvelous job in this text. That wasn't true in all his interpretations but, I think, this one is right on target!
The prophet Isaiah is relaying God's word to the people of Israel about how much they are loved by the Creator. And you just can't get an awful lot more loved than to have the Holy One, who created all that is, be willing to give it all up just to get your attention and to get you back. Is there anything you might be able to think of that you love enough to give up everything you have to get it back???
But here is God... the God who promises to love us always... offering to give up everything that has been created for YOU! And ME! I can't even fathom a love that is that strong. And I can't fathom being loved that much either! And then I am reminded that no one will ever be able to love you as much as God loves you. And with that assurance we can live as people of God each and every day! Thanks be to God!

+++ Our Monday morning COFFEE CHAT starts at 10:00am this morning. It's not too late to send me a request for an invitation to this ZOOM gathering! Bring your own coffee and treat and we will look for you at 10:00am on your computer in our ZOOM gathering!
+++ Our Trustees are waiting to hear from you about helping out for a few hours at next Saturday's work day. You don't need to be a finished carpenter or a master electrician to help. Please contact Jerry Sabattis or one of our Trustees to let them know you'll be there to lend a hand for a few hours! It'll be fun!
+++ Inside worship yesterday went very smoothly! Thanks to all who worked so hard to allow this to happen safely for all of us! In particular our church staff, Trustees, and Tuesday morning group really helped with the organization to make it happen! Thanks again!

Make this day a great day and try to love like Jesus loves!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, September 11, 2020

Worship in person Sunday Sept. 13 at 8:30 and 10am or online at www.churchofthebells.org
19 years! Most of us who are older than 25 can remember this day 19 years ago in pretty vivid detail!
At the time I was pastoring a small, non denominational church in northern Onondaga County and, after spending the day glued to our television sets, the United Methodist pastor in town and I opened the church for a time of prayer and lament. We had about 40 people from our two congregations show up that evening and I remember seeing the stunned look on people's faces as we gathered. Even though the events of the day were less than 12 hours old, I remember feeling things in our world might never be the same again. We had been attacked! I knew then how Americans felt on the morning of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. In these times of raw emotion and intense grief.... life changed.
And these intense times of change continue all throughout human history. You see, the period of the pandemic in which we are living is very similar... except it's a lot longer! We have been at this now for more than 6 months! And without a vaccine or proven treatment yet in place, the period of change shows no point of ending anytime soon.
But just like all those other periods in history, God has never left us alone to fend for ourselves. In the darkest of times, God is standing by our side offering the light of Jesus to the world. We are not alone! God is with us! Today... if you are doubting this at all I would encourage you to go to YouTube and search out a song I heard again recently. Search for "We Are Not Alone" by Pepper Choplin. Everytime I hear it I am reminded that there is nowhere we can ever go that God isn't with us. And... Thanks Be to God... none of us will ever have to face the rocky days of human history without our Creator accompanying, guiding and loving us through it!

+++ Check out our on-line worship this weekend. You'll find us at www.churchofthebbells.org. And maybe you'd like to invite family and friends from around the world to check out our worship?
+++ We move our in-person worship back into the building on Sunday. Worship is at 8:30am (in the Fellowship Hall) and 10:00am (in the Sanctuary). CDC and NYS Dept. of Health guidelines have been sent out.... but face coverings (both nose and mouth), physical distancing, and attendance taking for contact tracing are parts of our reopening plans. We will be taking slow and deliberate steps as we move forward and, if for any reason you are not comfortable worshipping in the building....join us on-line!
+++ Coffee Chat and Book Study invitations will be sent out on Sunday night. We meet each week via ZOOM and you are invited!

Make it a great day and look for God's hand at work in your life this day! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Our building is opening for worship Sunday 9.13 at 8:30 and 10am or worship online at www.churchofthebells.org
Today we turn to John's Gospel account for our scripture reading...

Jesus said, "You are my friend if you do what I command.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master's business. Instead I have called you friends, for
everything that I learned from my Father I have made known
to you." John 15: 14-15 (CEV)

Jesus tells us that when we follow his command, we experience a change in relationship with him. Our obeying changes us from servant to friend. Man I like that change, don't you? But what does it mean to be Jesus' friends?
Does it mean that we live our lives obeying because we get to... not that we have to? I think so. Might it mean that we need to stand up for Jesus and his teachings...even when it isn't always comfortable? I think so. And might it mean that we need to re-orient our very existence to more closely follow and pattern our lives after Jesus' teachings? I think so.
You see, Jesus is not only our King... he is our best Friend! And that means that his friendship is practical and down to earth. Just like our friendship with folks in our community and church, Jesus calls us to live differently because of who he is and who we are. Will you join me in trying anew each day to live up to that calling?

+++ When we enter the building for worship this weekend expect things to be a lot different than they were when we ceased inside worship in March! We'll be counting worshippers (we are limited to 50 per service), wearing face coverings, and still refraining from singing. But there will be some other changes, as well. The 10:00am choir will become a Bell Choir, spots for seating have been marked off, and physical distancing will remain in effect. But... we will make it! Because we can be flexible we will move through the process of re-opening the building with everyone's help.
+++ AND.. Worship will continue on our website each week! We know there are folks who are not yet ready to enter the building and so we'll continue to offer on-line worship each week. And... on-line... you can sing as loud as you'd like at home!

Make it a great day and celebrate your faith today!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, September 7, 2020

Greetings, Friends! Here is an announcement many of you have been waiting for...

Re-Opening our Church Building

Immanuel UMC Camillus, NY

The Administrative Council at Immanuel UMC is ready to re-open our church building for
worship and other events in the life of our congregation and community. To continue to comply with
CDC and NY State Dept. of Health guidelines, the following parameters will remain in force as we re-
open:
1. The wearing of face coverings, maintaining of physical distancing, use of hand sanitizers and a
sign-in and sign-out system will continue to be our operating procedure. During the week we
will use the current sign-in sheets with health questions and for worship we will gather names
and contact info. of attendees only.
2. We will continue to maintain a single entrance/exit near the Sanctuary for building access and
we will need to continue to refrain from singing and serving food of any kind.

Worship
With these parameters in mind, we will resume worship inside the building beginning on Sunday,
September 13th. Our service schedule will be:
1. 8:30am worship will take place in the Fellowship Hall.
2. 10:00am worship will take place in the Sanctuary.
Each service will have a total attendance capacity of 50 people. This will be done on a “first come-first
seated” basis. After reaching the maximum of 50 people in the room, we will attempt to accommodate
others in an “over-flow” area. An attendance log (from the sign-in sheets) will be maintained in the
event contact tracing for a Covid-19 situation is needed.

Other Usage by Groups
Other groups who wish to resume their ministry are invited to do so but we are requesting that
the CDC and Health Dept. Guidelines (shown above) be followed as well. Groups that are unable, or
unwilling to follow those guidelines should probably continue their ministry in a virtual way.
These plans are in force as of the date of their publication, but the situation may change if community
circumstances warrant.
We desire everyone to make the best possible choice for themselves about attendance and we will
continue to build our “on-line” worshipping congregation, available through our church website,
www.churchofthebells.org. Look for some enhancements to this in the coming months, as well!

Enjoy this Labor Day holiday and make it a great day!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, September 4, 2020

Happy Friday! Another weekend... a long holiday one at that is at hand! Here is the scripture reading for today...

"But he (the Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on
me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in
insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when
I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 (NIV)

So... Paul realizes that when we have weaknesses, we have room for Christ's power to rest upon us. Well... that means I'm giving Jesus lots of room! Because lately I've become more and more aware of the weaknesses I have. Some of these I've noticed myself and some of them have been pointed out to me by others. But either way, I'm giving Jesus lots of room to work in my life!!
But Paul says that not only should we notice our weaknesses... we should delight in them! Now that's going kind of far, don't you think Paul? I should delight in the weaknesses I find within myself? That gives me a lot to delight in!
Paul goes on to explain why we should rejoice when he reminds us that when we are weak... then we have room for Christ to make us strong. And without giving Jesus that room our strength is stifled! So today... When you think about your weaknesses, join me in remembering that you, too, are giving Jesus lots of room to make you stronger in those weaknesses. Because living in dependence on Jesus is always a glorious adventure!

+++ Worship this weekend is on line (www.churchofthebells.org) and in-person in the parking lot at 9:00am on Sunday morning. This is our last outside service prior to moving back into the building next weekend, September 13th! Don't forget your face covering and lawn chair! We'll be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion together this weekend!
+++ Our Trustees are organizing a Fall Workday on Saturday, September 19th! (Rain date is Saturday, September 26th). See Jerry Sabattis (jsabatti@twcny.rr.com) or Pam Blocklin (pblocklin@twcny.rr.com) to get involved and find out what tasks the trustees have on their list. Many of the tasks needing completion are outside tasks and family friendly!

Make it a great day and we'll hope to see you, either on-line or in person, on Sunday! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Today our scripture reading finds us in the Gospel of John....

"I told you these things so that you can have peace in me.
In this world you will have trouble. But be brave... I have
defeated the world!" John 16:33 CEV

Sometimes I have this image in my head of Jesus saying to us..."Slow down! Just take time to be with Me. Sit quietly and think about Me."
I know I often fail to do just that. I get running... trying to accomplish many, many things on my daily "To Do" list and never once during the day taking the time to sit quietly and think about Jesus. Nevermind speak to Him!
And after a day (or maybe a couple of days) I start to feel pretty worn out. I start to feel like the hamster running on the wheel in his cage.... although the scenery might be nice... I'm never really getting anywhere! Are you like that, as well?
As we start this new month and move into a fall mode, why not try to find a specific time each day to spend a few minutes with Jesus? Take some time to be with Him. You'll soon be amazed at how much more productive your life becomes!

+++ Due to some problems from the publisher our Upper Room devotionals have been delayed. We will let you know as soon as we receive the shipment. Sorry for any inconvenience this situation might be causing you!
+++ Thanks to all who worked on last weekend's Mini Garage Sale. We realized over $800 profit to support our ministry work and we were able to make some room in cleaning out and reorganizing the Garage Sale room. Thanks to all!
+++ And speaking of thanks... We are blessed by all of you who continue to support our General Fund and 3M funds during these "Pandemic Times". We have been able to remain current on all our obligations during these past months and we are so blessed by all who allow this to happen! THANKS AGAIN!

Make this a great day and take a few minutes to spend with Jesus... you'll be amazed at how great it feels! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, August 31, 2020

Zoom coffee chat at 10am today.
Happy Monday! Today our scripture reading takes us to Paul's Letter to the Romans...

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope
at all. Who hopes for what [they] already have? But if we hope
for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Romans 8: 24-25 (NIV)

Today is the last day of August! Tomorrow we turn another page on the calendar and arrive in September. That is hard for me to believe! Soon the
pool cover will go on, the patio furniture will be put away and we will enter Fall.
Now I like fall! I enjoy the cooler nights, the crisp air, and the thoughts of fall traditions. But what I do not like... is what fall leads us to! Because I know that the cold winter months lie ahead. But this year fall and winter will be seasons filled with hope for me. Hope for a vaccine, hope for an effective treatment, hope for continued low testing numbers, and hope for everyone I know staying safe and healthy until these things become a reality. The part I'm struggling with, however, is the waiting patiently part!
Like most of us I am ready to put this virus behind us. And when thinking about my current mood I'm not thinking patient is a word that comes to mind. It seems like it's been an awful long 6 months now. I'm tired of re-thinking everything I'd like to do. I'm tired of wearing a face mask. And I'm tired of seeing people afraid to leave their own homes because of something they can't even see! So patience is not exactly in my vocabulary at this moment.
But then I stop to think that in God's time, 6 months is but the blinking of an eye! And I read about so many people who endure far, far worse than this.... for much, much longer! And somehow they have found the gift of patience. Maybe it's because they are better at hoping for what they do not yet have or see. To me, that's the word about this scripture... keep the faith in the things that we cannot yet see... the love of a Creator who loves us with such extravagance. And always keep hoping!

+++ Our Monday morning Coffee Chat is today at 10:00am via ZOOM. Watch for your invitation to join our coffee fellowship! Or... if you haven't yet been a part of our group, send me an email to pastorjackk@gmail.com for your invitation!
+++ There are some printed copies of our September/October newsletter available in the bucket outside the church door if you need one!
+++ Thanks to all who worked so hard at our MIni Garage Sale this weekend! Great work done by all!

Make this a great day and let's keep working at spreading God's love to all around us! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, August 28, 2020

Mini Garage Sale today 8.28 and
tomorrow 8.29 9am-2pm
Today' scripture reading comes from 1 John....

"We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love
God,' yet hates their brother, they are a liar. For anyone who does not love their brother who they have seen, cannot
love God, whom they have not seen." 1 John 4:19-20 (NIV)

Tonight I will join with a young couple, Maracia and Doug, to celebrate their love and lead their wedding worship by the side of Oneida lake. It will surely be a beautiful setting... but it will also be very different than the celebration they had planned. Their wedding with 180 guests has been postponed 3 times now and tonight only their immediate families will be present as they commit to love one another for the rest of their lives.
But I will still remind them that we love because God first loved us. And had God not first loved us.... none of us would have the capacity or ability to truly love one another. And that's a pretty mind-blowing thought! We can only truly love because God first loved us.
But being right with our brother (or sister) or others around us is a necessary prerequisite for us to love God. You see, we need to come to God with clean hearts... not hearts that are bearing ill will against others. So many people struggle with that idea, however. Today... let's all try to love others so that we can love God fully, as well! And remember to lift up Maracia and Doug in your prayers as they start their married life together this evening!

+++ Don't forget to bring your school supplies for Brown Memorial UMC students to worship on Sunday. Just place them in the box by the offering plate, please. The list of requested items was in Wednesday's Chimings! Thanks!

+++ Our worship will be on the church website on Saturday night and we will gather in the parking lot at 9:00am on Sunday morning. Don't forget your lawn chair and face covering and this week we will also get to hear a special faith sharing from one of our church staff!

+++ Our next Book Club will start up during the week of 9/14 via ZOOM. We'll be reading the book, "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo. We meet on Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. If you'd like to be part of the group just grab a copy of the book (Barnes and Noble and electronic availability) and let me know you'd like to be part of the group!

Make this a great day and celebrate God's love with the world around you!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Zoom Book Study 10am today.

Today's scripture reading comes to us from the prophet Isaiah...

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no
compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget,
I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms
of my hands; and your walls are ever before me."
Isaiah 49: 15-16 (NIV)

Isaiah's message from God is that a mother might be more likely to forget her baby....than God is to forget each of us.
Now, I know of very few mothers who would forget their own children. Especially one being fed at her breast. But I know of even fewer Creator's who will forget us. That's what Isaiah is reminding the people of Israel.
You see, Israel was going through a tough time in their existence, and despite the challenges of life, they needed to be reminded that God does not forget them. And so do we! As we weather a pandemic, as unemployment soars, as parents and students face uncertainty about returning to classrooms, we need to remember that God is with us always. Sometimes we feel so alone... without clarity about our futures, without confidence about our todays, and without peace about our yesterdays... God remains with us! We do not have to go through the bumpy roads of our lives alone. For that we should each be thankful and expectant that God is still with us!

+++ Our August mission project is to help supply needed school supplies for students at the Brown Memorial UMC in Syracuse. The list of needed items is: Backpacks, hand sanitizer, masks, loose leaf paper, 1 subject notebooks, 3 subject notebooks, composition notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, crayons, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, folders, and dividers. Maybe if you're picking up some supplies for your own kids... you could purchase a couple of items for the kids at Brown Memorial? We will have a collection box by the offering plate at this Sunday's worship service. All donations need to be received by this Sunday so we can get them to Brown Memorial next week. Thanks!
+++ Our August book study group meets via ZOOM again this morning at 10:00am. We are finishing looking at the book, The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. I'll be glad to send you a ZOOM invitation if you just send me an email requesting it!

Make today a great day... and love as Jesus loves and who Jesus loves! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, August 24, 2020

Zoom coffee chat at 10am
Zoom Book study at 7pm

Today's scripture comes to us from 1 John...

"No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another,
God dwells deeply within us, and [God's] love becomes
complete in us -- perfect love!" 1 John 4:12 (MSG)

Every single time I read this text, I am overwhelmed by the second sentence. OH, I'm fine with the God dwelling deeply within us part.... but that next part always starts my thinking in motion.
"God's love becomes complete in us -- perfect love!".... yeah that's the part! Because if this is true (and I surely believe it is) the corresponding part is also true.... without us God's love cannot become complete! And I surely believe this is also true.
You see, you and I are the creatures who complete God's love. Any one of us who is a parent knows this to be true. Our children, our offspring, our descendants are the completion of our love as parents. And without kids there just isn't any way to fully demonstrate the completion of our love.
The same is true of God. Even though God created all that is... the evidence of the completion of God's love is US! You and me! We are the evidence of how much God loved this world. We are the ones who carry God's love to completion. When we love as Jesus loved, and live as Jesus lived, we complete God's love for humankind.
Now... I know that's a pretty heavy responsibility. And as weighty as that can be... I rejoice that we get a brand new, fresh start at it each and every day! Maybe yesterday you did almost nothing to complete God's love... but today you get yet another chance! So today... forget about yesterday... it's gone... and today lays directly ahead. So commit yourself to completing God's love today. Be people of love and watch the world change before your eyes!

+++ COFFEE CHAT is this morning at 10:00am. Bring your coffee and join our ZOOM gathering!
+++ Week 3 of our BOOK STUDY group also meets tonight at 7:00pm via ZOOM. To join either group just send me an email to pastorjackk@gmail.com and I'll send you back an email with the ZOOM link enclosed!
+++ Thanks to Warren, Melissa and Carol who have filled in for our musicians the last two Sunday mornings. Dan and Lisa should be done with quarantine and back with us next Sunday!

Make it a great day and remember how much you are loved.... PERFECTLY LOVED! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, August 21, 2020

Worship online at www.churchofthebells.org or in person on Sunday at 9am
Today it is 152 days since we closed our Church building on March 15th! Just imagine, if you can, what you would have said about the likelihood of any church surviving for this long without access to their Sanctuary for worship! But... Thanks be to God... Immanuel has survived! Generous people have continued their support of our work and we have "morphed" into different expressions of worship and ministry. Our worship has been a mixture of virtual and outside and we have marked Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost! We celebrated Children's Day and, instead of giving them gifts in worship, we delivered ice cream and craft supplies to our Kidz Club kids. We have had a Senior Parade and celebrated the accomplishments of some great young people. We have continued to support our community Food Pantry and maintained our building. And we have worshipped in our front parking lot since June12th! Many of us have used talents we did not know we had and all of us have pitched in to keep Immanuel a growing and vibrant body of believers. I wonder how many churches received New Members into their fellowship during this pandemic? And in all of this we have lived out today's scripture reading.....

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

You see, we have lived out lives of love over these 152 days! We have put our faith into action... by loving God, each other, and the world around us! And that is what this text is really all about. As we continue to be people of love, God will surely continue to bless our congregation and the world through us! Thanks be to God!

+++ Worship is on our website this weekend and also in the parking lot at 9:00am on Sunday. Remember your face coverings and lawn chairs. And also remember... if it's raining we will all stay home and watch worship on-line!
+++ We've welcomed 6 new members in the last 2 weeks and we rejoice that Joshua, David, Julie, Jane, Lois and Irv are now "officially" part of our family! Welcome friends!
+++ Please join us in praying for teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents as Back-To-School time approaches. There are certainly lots of issues and uncertainties for all at this moment.... and we can lift these folks up to God each day!

Continue to live out your love for the world each day! And you too will be a part of carrying the light of Christ to the world!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Zoom book study today at 10am
On this Wednesday, we turn to 1 John for today's scripture reading...

"We love because [God] first loved us." 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

After some 2000 years scholars are still debating the author and intended audience for 1 John! I think that's amazing! Although we traditionally call this work a letter, it lacks many of the grammatical parts of a letter. The author never identifies themself and the intended audience is also never identified!
But the work has a dual purpose... to deepen the spiritual understanding of it's readers and attempt to correct some heretical views about God's Son, Jesus the Christ. The author weaves together doctrine, ethics, behavior and theology and, I think, in form it more closely represents a sermon in it's composition.
Despite all of that, the author recognizes that the only way to truly love one another is to recognize FIRST that God loves us! And only in that understanding and acceptance of God's love can we find the ability and tools to be able to love others. And conversely... without the empowering love of God, we are utterly incapable of truly loving others.
When I look around the world I can see so many people who do not practice the skills of loving others. Some people are just mean by nature and when I witness this I am pretty sure that these folks do not yet recognize the love of God in their own lives. So I pray for these folks and for those they encounter on the journey of their lives. Will you join me in these prayers?

+++ Book Study group meets this morning at 10:00am. We're reading  "The Hate U Give"  by Angie Thomas and you are invited to join our discussion on ZOOM. Just send me an email for your ZOOM invitation.
+++ Our September/October newsletter deadline is tomorrow, Thursday 8/20. Please make sure all articles are into the church office by tomorrow's deadline!

Love like Jesus did... and who Jesus did, as well! That means everybody! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, August 17, 2020

TODAY: Zoom coffee chat at 10am.
Zoom book study 7pm.
On this Monday morning here is today's scripture reading...

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and
Christ's perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV)

When Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica he spent most of the letter encouraging the members of that community to stand firm and hold onto the teachings the community had heard from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. I guess the community had become easily distracted by the world around them and hence, Paul felt the need to talk to them about standing firm.
Of course that would never happen today... right? There really isn't much that's trying to distract us from following Jesus... is there?
The dictionary defines perseverance as..."persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success." You see, when things aren't going the way we wanted or planned, when the results are seeming to take forever to come about, when we're having trouble seeing that proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" ... that's when we need a large dosage of Christ's perseverance. That's when we need to fully depend on Jesus to see us through the storms. And when Jesus directs us and shows us how to live with perseverance.... then we are promised that our hearts will be full of God's love. Today... when the world tries to distract you, try to more fully depend on Jesus to see you through to enjoying God's love. I promise... you won't be disappointed!

*** Our COFFEE CHAT group meets this morning at 10:00am on ZOOM. We've got lots of room for you to grab a cup of coffee and join us. Just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and I'll send you a link to join the group!
*** Book Study group meets tonight at 7:00pm via ZOOM, as well!
*** Remember our newsletter deadline for articles is Thursday 8/20. All articles should be into the office by that day! Thanks!

Make it a great day by loving and staying focussed on Jesus! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, August 14, 2020

Worship with us online at www.churchofthebells.org or
in person on Sunday at 9am
Today's scripture lesson comes from Paul's letter to the Ephesians...

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you
with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Ephesians 3: 16-17a (NIV)

Paul tells the church in Ephesus that when we are strengthened through the Holy Spirit... Christ is able to dwell in our hearts. Would that mean that Christ wouldn't be able to move into our hearts without the Holy Spirit's help? I believe it does!
You see, the human heart just doesn't have room for the indwelling of Christ, without the help of the Holy Spirit. Because our untreated human hearts are often way too full of ourselves! We are constantly tempted to move through life living as we desire. The world calls us to "be all that we can be" and rise to our fullest potential. But friends, that potential can never be fully realized until we open ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit. Until that happens we are always limited to living according to the limitations of human understanding.
But when the Holy Spirit helps us make room we are promised the faith to let Christ take up residence in our hearts. There is a great Christmas hymn that reminds us that we need to make room in our hearts for Christ. Let's think about that room today... as we seek to be completely the people God calls us to be.

*** Remember that we are welcoming more new members to our fellowship this Sunday morning at our 9:00am service! Don't forget your lawn chair and face covering!
*** If you're watching on the church website (www.churchofthebells.org) check out the new DONATE button which makes it really easy to be a part of supporting the work of Immanuel. We are so grateful for all of your support as we do important ministry all around the world.
*** We are currently seeking a part time Technology Coordinator to join our church staff. A job description has been developed and we are anxious to hear from qualified candidates who would like to join our ministry team!

Make this day a great day and may the Spirit of Christ dwell in each of our hearts! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Zoom book study postponed to next week
On this Wednesday we look to 1 John for our scripture reading.....

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we
should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
1 John 3: 1 (NIV)

John's definitive words remind us that we are, indeed, children of God! What a wonderful title that is to carry through our life. As our days move along (seemingly faster as we get a few more of them behind us!) it is such a great joy to remember that we are God's children!
Sometimes we might be tempted to forget that fact. We get down on the circumstances of our daily existence and we lose sight of the fact that God has put each of us here for a specific reason. And like our own children... Each one is so different! And so are we in God's eyes. We are given different talents, interests, and abilities and God asks us to use these gifts for the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ and changing the world. How are you... as a child of God... using the gifts God has lavished on you?
John reminds his readers that this lavishing of love from God helps us to remember that we are called children of God. Today... live into that love and as you lavish in it... use your God-given gifts to transform the world by telling somebody about Jesus. And in this way you too will change the world! Thanks be to God!

*** Our Book Study group will not be meeting today but will resume next week on both Monday night at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. Grab your copy of the book "The Hate U Give" and join us in the ZOOM study group next week!
*** We will welcome New Members again this Sunday at our 9:00am in-person worship. It's a beautiful time in the parking lot as we worship together. Bring your lawn chair, coffee and face mask and join us on Sunday morning!
*** Becky and I thank you for all your prayers over the last few days. Her Dad, Ed Heintz completed his earthly journey and has joined her Mom, Ruth in heaven. After 64+ years of marriage they are together once again and we appreciate all your prayers and words of support!

Make this a great day and share the love of God with someone around you today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, August 10, 2020
Zoom Pastor chat 10am
Zoom Book Study 7pm

Happy Monday! Our scripture reading for today comes from Paul's letter to the Hebrews...

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our
faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 2

Jesus calls us to make Him the focal point as we move through this day. Just as a spinning ballerina must keep her eyes on a given point to keep her balance, so we must keep our focus on Jesus. Circumstances are in flux, and the world sometimes seems to be whirling around us. The only way to keep our balance is to FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS, the One who never changes. If we gaze too long on our own circumstances, we will get dizzy and confused. Look to Jesus, refreshing yourself in His Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure.
Welcome problems as perspective-lifters. Many kids sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them. If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down. You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. And this will surely take you down into a pit of self-pity. Or, the problem can be a ladder, enabling us to climb up and see our lives from God's perspective. Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated us becomes only a light and momentary trouble. Once our perspective has been heightened, we can look away from the problem all together. Turn toward Jesus, and we can see the Light of His Presence shining on us!

*** Our Coffee Chat group meets this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. There is still time to email Pastor Jack (pastorjackk@gmail.com) with your request for a ZOOM invitation. Bring your coffee and enjoy some fellowship time with us!
*** Our August Book Study group meets tonight at 7:00pm and again on Wednesday morning at 10:00am. The weekly sessions are the same... so join us whenever it is more convenient for you. We are reading the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
*** Limited office hours continue this week. Pastor Pam is in the office on Tuesday and Friday from 10:00am-12:30pm and Pastor Jack is in the office on Wednesday from 9:00am-1:00pm. Please make an appointment to see us as we continue to practice physical distancing and sanitizing to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Make it a great day and keep your eyes always fixed on Jesus!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, August 7, 2020

Worship online at www.churchofthebells.org
Worship in person at 9am on Sunday

It is a beautiful, sunny Friday morning here in central NY! Here is our scripture for today...

"However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who
love [God] --- but God has revealed it to us by [God's] Spirit."
1 Corinthians 2: 9-10 (NIV)

This scripture reminds me that God has always been and still IS in the business of preparing great things for us... who love God.
Paul was writing to a church in Corinth that was badly divided and in this section of the letter he stops to remind the Corinthians about the wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit. And because of the Holy Spirit people would never again have to wonder whether God loved them and was present with them. But the Corinthians (and the people of the church in every age) often need to be reminded to be on the lookout for God's Holy Spirit. And when we recognize the Spirit at work in the world, we come to realize that God has always been working to prepare for us! Without the Spirit's guidance, we too will be among those whose eyes have not seen, whose ears have not heard and whose minds have not been able to conceive of God's plan.
Where do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your life and world? Where has God and where IS God attempting to let you know that you are not alone in this journey we call life? Today, why not try to take a few minutes to think about and answer these questions for yourself? When you do.... I believe the Holy Spirit will show you even more of what God has prepared for you! And you too will be saying.... Thanks be to God!

*** This weekend's worship service will be available on our website (www.churchofthebells.org). And you'll also find the new DONATE button available for you on the front page of the web site. It's an easy and secure way to support the work of Immanuel throughout our community and the world. We are so appreciative of all your support as the expenses of the church have gone on over this time of pandemic. Through your gifts we have remained on solid financial ground and been able to continue doing the job of making disciples for Jesus Christ! Thanks!
*** We will also worship in-person in the parking lot at 9:00am on Sunday morning. Bring your lawn chair and face covering and this week we will be receiving new members into the fellowship of Immanuel!
*** Our August Book Study is off to a great start! We are reading Angie Thomas' book, "The Hate U Give" as we look at and discuss racism in our society. It's not too late to join this ZOOM group... just start reading and send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your invitation to join us. We meet for identical sessions on Monday night at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am via ZOOM and YOU"RE INVITED TO JOIN US!
*** And, of course, our Coffee Chat meets via ZOOM on Monday mornings at 10:00am. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for this ZOOM fellowship time.

Enjoy this day and weekend and be on the lookout for the Holy Spirit at work in your life! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Zoom Book Study 10am today.
Today we turn to John's Gospel account for these words...

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15: 12 (NIV)

Whenever I read this verse I feel so inadequate in the "loving others" department! How it is even possible for us to love others as Jesus loved us? What hope might we ever have of living into that kind of love? When I think of how Jesus loved us I realize that the problem I have with feeling inadequate comes from my misunderstanding of Jesus' words.
You see.... I think Jesus was talking more about the quality of the love we show others.... not by the quantity. I will completely fail if I try to mirror the amount of love that Jesus bestowed on the world. It just isn't possible for me to love others as widely as Jesus loved others. But we can certainly strive to love others with the quality of love Jesus' exhibited. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that he will no longer call them servants but now he will call them friends! Now that's a marked difference in the quality of the love he shared. And that, I think, is how we are also called to share with others. And Jesus knows we won't have the ability to love everyone. And... he doesn't ask us to do that. He asks us to love one another as He loves us.... with a quality kind of love that turns people from acquaintances into friends. And that's a tall enough order for me! How about you?

Our Summer Book discussion group continues this morning at 10:00am, as we repeat the study from Monday night. We're reading Angie Thomas' book, "The Hate U Give". It's not too late to join our ZOOM group discussion. Just send me an email for your ZOOM invitation!
Sunday In-Person worship continues outside at 9:00am on Sunday morning. Bring your lawn chair and face coverings and this week we'll get to welcome New Members to our church fellowship!

Make it a great day and remember to love others as Jesus loves you! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, August 3, 2020

Zoom Coffee chat 10am
Zoom Justice Book Study 7pm
A new week! A new month! A new chance to be a better person! Here is today's scripture reading:

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be [people] of
courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 (NIV)

Paul reminds the church in Corinth that they are to do everything in love. Friends... that's a tall order!
I will admit (al be it) not proudly, that not everything I have done, or even do today, is done in love! Maybe you are like me and you struggle with some issues and some people? Maybe things haven't been going for you as you hoped they would at this point in your life. Maybe you are in the midst of some conflict or some really trying times and the whole idea of doing everything in love seems like an impossible measure to attain.
And yet here is Paul admonishing the Corinthian church to do everything is love SO THAT they can be firm in their faith, live in courage, be strong and always be on guard. You see... if things aren't done in love it becomes almost impossible to fulfill all those other commands. Unless we are willing to love those we might not like, we don't have much of a hope of attaining the other goals. Love is the necessary ingredient to make all those other characteristics reality.
Would you join me in the challenge to love all you encounter today... even if you might not like them? Because it's only through love that we can ever hope to become the people God calls each of us to be!

COFFEE CHAT WITH THE PASTORS is this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. Bring your coffee and spend some great fellowship time with us. Just send me an e-mail to pastorjackk@gmail.com for your ZOOM invitation!
AUGUST BOOK STUDY begins today, as well. We're reading Angie Thomas' book, "The Hate U Give" as we look at the issue of racism in our world. Identical sessions are offered on Monday evenings at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am via ZOOM.
LIMITED OFFICE HOURS BEGIN THIS WEEK. Pastor Pam will have office hours on Tuesday and Friday from 10:00am -12:30pm and Pastor Jack will be in the office on Wednesday's from 9:00am - 1:00pm. All office hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! Please call us to schedule a time if you need us. Masks and physical distancing will be required, as well.
NEW MEMBERS will be received into membership on August 9th and August 16th. Let Pastor Jack know if you think you might be ready to take membership vows and unite with our congregation!

OK friends... to whom can you demonstrate Christian love today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, July 31, 2020

Outside Movie Night Tonight!
See News and Events Page for details

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries,
and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)

When writing about the importance of love, Paul points out that, in spite of possessing all the wonderful gifts of prophecies, knowledge, and faith ... without the ability to love we are counted as nothing. And I certainly think all of those other gifts are very important. But LOVE ... the ability to see it and to deliver it ... outweighs all the other gifts.
The world we live in seems, so often, to be full of people who have either not yet learned this or forgotten it from earlier days. They seem to place so much value in things other than loving. We get all wrapped up in things ... instead of loving others. But Paul calls the church in Corinth and the church in Camillus and the church everywhere else to be people of love ... not people of other things. I'm trying especially hard to remember these words each day as our world seems to sometimes be spinning out of control. Will you join me in trying to be more effective people of love?

*** Worship this weekend is available on-line on our church website (www.churchofthebells.org). We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion so make sure you have your elements ready as you join our worship time! You can also now make a donation, to support our ministry work, through the DONATE button on the front page of the website!
*** Our outside worship service at 9:00am in the parking lot also includes the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We welcome Marietta Licata, daughter of Emily and Anthony and granddaughter of Annette and Dan Patriarco to the family of Christ at Immanuel through the waters of Baptism. In order to welcome Marietta, we have devised a RAIN PLAN FOR MOVING INTO THE SANCTUARY THIS WEEKEND! Masks will need to be worn and physical distancing will continue to be in effect both outside and inside.
*** Our Movie Night is tonight! Join us at 9:00pm on the back patio for an outside movie, "Finding Nemo". Bring your own snacks, blankets and lawn chairs. A little bug spray might be in order as well!

Have a great day and weekend as you too, work on spreading more love in the world! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Happy Wednesday!
Our mid week scripture reading brings us to Paul's letter to the Romans...

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another
above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12: 9-11 (NIV)

In this portion of Paul's letter, I absolutely love his request that the church "never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor." Don't you know someone, or maybe many people who seem to have lost their zeal? The last 5 months have certainly done that to many people I know. The side effects of a worldwide pandemic seem to have worn them down. Their zeal has been sapped from them and there sure isn't an awful lot of spiritual fervor left! Who knows..... maybe this describes where you feel you are at right now!
But Paul instructs the church that by being sincere in the way we love others... our zeal will become stronger by the day! And this has me thinking that loss of zeal might not be a result of the world wearing us down... but rather our forgetting to be sincere in our love! Sometimes, you see, we just go through the motions of loving one another. We do it.... because we're supposed to! And most anything done out of obligation does not encourage sincerity. So today... Can you look for ways to sincerely love one another? Can you reach out a hand to help another in need? Can you live out your desire to love? Sure, these are big challenges... but when we follow through and cling to that which is good I believe our zeal will return and, we too, will rediscover our spiritual fervor!

Our church website (www.churchofthebells.org) now offers a DONATE tab to help you continue to support the ministry work here at Immanuel. We are blessed to be part of an active and growing congregation and continuing to support our mission helps us all to serve joyfully. Just click on the DONATE tab and follow the easy instructions to help with the important work we are doing. Thanks!
Friday Night Movie Night is this week at 9:00pm outside on the back patio. We'll be showing "Finding Nemo" so bring the kids and your chairs and snacks for a fun evening of fellowship!
We have 2 shut-in members (one on Baldwinsville and one in Camillus) whose families are looking to try to find some companionship for. If you might be interested in helping out by agreeing to visit with these two ladies, please speak to Pastor Jack for more information.
Our August Book Study on the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas begins next Monday evening and Wednesday morning on ZOOM. Send Pastor Jack an email at pastorjackk@gmail.com for your ZOOM invitation. And start reading!

Make it a great day and change the world by loving someone sincerely today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, July 27, 2020
COFFEE CHAT TODAY AT 10AM!
We start another new work week with our scripture from 1 Peter...

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude
of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
1 Peter 4: 8-9 (NIV)

I think it's really interesting that this section of Peter's letter starts out with the words "above all". These words are near the end of the letter in which Peter has given instructions for how to live in community to the followers of Jesus. And his instructions were pretty detailed. And then... he gets to these concluding words that start out "above all."
To me that explains the importance of loving each other. Peter is saying that loving each other is even more important than all the other positive qualities by which people should strive to live. Loving really is that important! Today let's all try to be more loving to others around us. You'll be amazed at how the world will be changed!

A few updates and announcements for today...
1. Our family movie night is coming up on Friday, 7/31 at 9:00pm. The movie is "Finding Nemo" and it should be a really fun night. Bring your snacks, blankets or lawn chairs!
2. Our Coffee Chat is this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. Send me an email to pastorjackk@gmail.com and I'll send you the invitation with the ZOOM link.
3. We are trying to help out our friends at 1st UMC in Camillus. Their summer lunch program will provide over 7,500 lunches for families in our community. The items they need are: breakfast bars, Capri-Sun drink boxes, Strawberry jam, Ziploc sandwich bags, and creamy peanut butter (along with Wegmans or Walmart gift cards). You'll find a blue bin near the table with the offering plate on Sunday! This is our second and last week of collecting. Thanks!
4. Starting next week, August 3rd, Pastor Pam and Pastor Jack will begin to offer limited office hours as follows: Pastor Jack - Wednesday's mornings from 9:00am-1:00pm. Pastor Pam - Tuesday's and Friday's from 10:00am-12:30pm. To maintain safety these times are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call us to make an appointment. Face coverings and physical distancing will need to be maintained, as well.
5. Hope you are all reading your copy of "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas. We start discussing this book on Monday nights at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am beginning next week, August 3rd. This is our August book study group. Send me an email if you'd like to be a part of this ZOOM group!

OK... make it a great day and love someone extravagantly today!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, July 24, 2020
On this last Friday of July our scripture takes us to Paul's letter to the Ephesians...

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
another in love." Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians from his prison cell at roughly the same time as he wrote his letter to the Colossians. And the purpose of this letter was to help in establishing and completing the church of Jesus Christ in Ephesus.
I am really interested in the words, "......bearing with one another." I think the original intent of these words was to encourage the Ephesians to "live together with..." But today I am kind of feeling they might be better translated as "Putting up with one another....."! I have met some folks over the last few months who I would probably never be able to live together with. There are just so many opinions about EVERY subject out there! And I realize agreement may never come to be between us. But I can and must learn to "put up" with others! And I think agreement remains out of reach because agreement often requires compromise. Two opposing sides each give a little to meet in the middle of the particular issue for the good of all. But today compromise often remains an unreachable goal. Nobody wants to give an inch, it seems, to reach that middle spot of agreement. And in light of that hesitancy to give up anything, the best I might be able to do is "put up with" someone.
But even in putting up with others....we are commanded to do so with love. And that is what allows us to agree to disagree. It is in loving that we can exist together with different opinions and outlooks on any given subject. And then, even in our disagreement, God can be honored and praised in our lives. Will you join me in trying to be more loving today? In doing so you'll put a smile on the face of Jesus!

****** Weekly Worship will be on our church website (www.churchofthebells.org) this weekend and in-person in the parking lot on Sunday morning at 9:00am. Don't forget your face covering and your lawn chair on Sunday morning!
****** Our outside Family Movie Night is on Friday, 7/31 at 9:00pm on the church's back patio. Bring your own snacks and lawn chair or blanket for a fun night of fellowship!
****** Food donations to help 1st UMC's Summer Lunch Program can be brought to the blue bin by the offering table on Sunday morning. Especially needed this week is Smooth Peanut Butter and Strawberry jelly. Thanks for your help!

Make it a great day today and spread the love of God wherever you go!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Zoom Justice study 10am

Today's scripture takes us to 1 John......

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God
is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in
[them]." 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

I often use this scripture when I am conducting wedding worship and watching two people commit the living of their lives to one another. But that wasn't the intent of the letter's author when it was first written.
The author of 1 John (believed to be the disciple John) was hoping for a deepening of the spiritual life of the letter's readers. Like many congregations of the time, this group of Christians had been increasing in it's following of gnostic leaders. Seems like false teachers have been a problem for many more years than we might think!
But distinct characteristic of this letter is that the author does not argue his points, but instead, affirms those points. That subtle difference comes from knowing and sharing of the faith... not just teaching the subject matter.
I hope that's how we too look at love! As something lived and shared.... not just some syllabus to be learned. We teach love best, I think, when we live it out. That's why the author of the letter reminds his readers that when we live in love, God lives in us. And I like that a whole lot better than making loving just an academic exercise! But living love requires a much higher level of commitment, as well. As you live this day why not think about how you are living in love? Will you join me in trying to move loving from an academic exercise to a way of life? What a difference you will notice in the way you move through your day!

Our summer Bible Study, "LIving in a World of Justice" meets this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. Send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your invitation with the ZOOM link.
We are planning an outside Family Movie Night for Friday night, July 31st at church. Bring your own snacks, lawn chairs, and/or blankets and join us in a night of fun! We start at 9:00pm that night with a great movie for all to enjoy. Mark your calendars now!
Look for the blue bin near the offering table on Sunday for your donations of lunch supplies to help out the summer lunch program at 1st UMC in Camillus. Our friends there are looking to provide 7,500 lunches this summer and they could use our help. Of particular need are smooth Peanut Butter and Strawberry jam. If you're heading out to shop why not pick up an item or two to try to help our friends out?

OK... will you join us in changing the world today? Just try really loving others and watch what happens!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Monday, July 20, 2020

ZOOM
Coffee chat at 10am
Justice Bible Study 7pm

Happy Monday, Friends! Here is our scripture for today...

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around
your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will
win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."
Proverbs 3: 3-4 (NIV)

What wonderful words and a great charge for each of us! Imagine letting love and faithfulness never leave us! So often we get discouraged and can lose heart but in this text we are reminded that we should always hold tight to faithfulness and love. So tight in fact... that we bind them around our necks! Now, I don't know about you, but lately anything I want to make sure I remember, I need to tie around my own neck! I guess that is why lanyards came into being! And a final word of suggestion is that we write these things in our heart.
As these months of "physical distancing" have stretched on, I think many of us might tend to forget this command. We can get short of temper and ill of tongue, saying and doing things that we really don't want to do. I know I have! I have not always lived with the convictions of love bound around my neck. And behavior like this has often made a bad situation even worse! So I am thankful for this reminder to always hold tight to love and faithfulness as I journey through each day. Will you join me?

Our Monday morning COFFEE CHAT will begin at 10:00am this morning. It's not too late to send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) for your invitation to this ZOOM gathering!
Tonight our summer Bible Study, Living in a World of Justice, gathers at 7:00pm again via ZOOM. Lots of room still exists in our meeting room. Just send me an email for your invitation!

Make this a great day and reach out in love to those around you! Let's all work on changing the world, shall we?
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, July 17, 2020
Worship online or in person Sunday at 9am
On this Friday morning our scripture lesson comes from Paul's letter to the Colossians...

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all
together in perfect unity." Colossians 3: 14 (NIV)

This scripture verse comes at the end of Paul's addressing a long list of rules for holy living. It seems the church in Colossae had strayed from the teachings of Jesus in the way they were living their lives. It seems the church had been "taken over" by the influence of false teachers..... who claimed to possess superior knowledge in matters of life and the faith. Imagine that, huh?
Paul wrote this letter from his prison cell to call the church back, once again, to the teachings of Jesus. And I think his point in this particular scripture is to remind the church that love truly binds together all other areas of our lives. Don't we all yearn for some unity? Our world seems so divided, on so many fronts, almost daily. The extreme ends of our society now seem to outnumber the people willing to work together, through compromise, to improve the conditions of our world. It seems not at all possible to disagree without becoming disagreeable!
But Jesus calls us to live our lives full of love. A love that will bring about unity even in our division. A love that looks first to care for and respect one another and later to debate and disagree. I believe there is still the call to love one another within our society and within the body of Christ... the Church. As we seek to find a little more unity would you join me in trying to be even more loving this day? You'll be amazed at what might happen!

Worship will be on our website this weekend! Ashley and Tom do a great job of having it ready for us to enjoy from our homes each weekend. We will also be worshiping in the parking lot (weather permitting) on Sunday morning at 9:00am. Don't forget your lawnchair and your face covering as we "physically distance" at worship! And remember... in the event of rain we will all be worshiping in front of our computers!
Our summer Bible Study, Living in a World of Justice continues on Monday evening at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. We have plenty of room in our ZOOM meeting room. Join us!
We are also getting ready to welcome new members into our community during the month of August. If you are ready to move into membership here at Immanuel, please speak to one of the pastors so we can get you the information!

OK... let's see how really loving each of us can be during this day! You'll change the world for sure! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Living in a world of Justice Bible study 10am

Today's scripture takes us to Psalm 143.....

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have
put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you
I lift up my soul." Psalm 143: 8 (NIV)

I think one of the coolest things about living a life of faith is that each and every day we get the chance for a fresh start! When the morning arrives, and we start out the new day... it is the perfect time to reorient our perspective. Somehow each long day has a way of causing us to lose perspective and the challenges we face can weigh us down. But the morning... Oh, the morning gives us a chance for a fresh start. And that fresh start allows us to see clearly once again the unfailing love of God.
As you start this new day look for God's love to come shining through to you. Because God is always waiting, so very patiently, to remind you how much you are truly loved!

Our summer BIBLE STUDY, Living in a World of Justice, meets this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM. If you'd like to join the group just send me an e-mail for your invitation with the ZOOM link!
The weather forecast is again calling for a stretch of hot and dry days ahead. Don't forget to check in on your friends and neighbors to make sure they are holding up in this intense heat.

Look around this morning for how God is showing you how much you're loved! You'll be amazed at what you see! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam.

Special Edition Monday, July 13, 2020
As we start another new week, our scripture takes us to 1 Corinthians today...

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast;
it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 (NIV)

Did you ever read a scripture and feel that feeling of self-conviction? Like... Oh Boy, this one was written just for me!
I think many of us have that same reaction to a lot of scriptures. Like this one! We think we are living as perfect examples of love and then... BOOM we get hit with the actual description of how love really looks and acts! And it just might be painful for some. When Paul lists all of the things that love is NOT.... I start to realize how much I still have to learn about Christ-like love! We are not always patient or kind. Sometimes we are proud and boastful. And, unfortunately, sometimes we love out of self-seeking motivations.
And that is exactly the time we need to be reminded about how true Christian love operates. That's when words written almost 2000 years ago can call us back to a time of self-examination. And that examination can lead us to more fully understanding and living out the principles of true, Christian love. Today... as you go about your day... hold these words close to your heart. See how you're doing with radiating the love of Christ for those around you and for the whole world. Each moment of contemplation will bring you closer to being the loving person Jesus asks us to be!

We are COFFEE CHATTING today at 10:00am. Bring your coffee and gather around your computer as we spend some fellowship time together. If you need an invitation to this ZOOM event, just email me (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and I'll send the invitation your way!

"Living in a World of Justice" session 2 is tonight at 7:00pm and repeated on Wednesday at 10:00am. Again... send me an e-mail for your ZOOM invitation! We have lots of room in our meeting for you!

The Administrative Council meets on Tuesday night at 7:00pm. Agendas and the ZOOM invitation will be in your inbox later tonight!

Make it a great day... love someone extravagantly and look for Jesus in the face of people around you today! And remember... you are loved! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Friday, July 10, 2020
Today's scripture comes from Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth...

"And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power
is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather
boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may
dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

I really like the idea that because God's grace is sufficient for us, God's power becomes perfected in our weakness(es). I often see and feel a lot of weakness... in myself and in those around me. I see people who are unable to control urges of the flesh or mind and I visit with others who struggle with great physical challenges. In fact, sometimes it seems life is all about just trying to control and manage our own weaknesses.
Some people do this with relative ease and others of us struggle mightily. But through it all God promises to be with us through God's amazing grace. And not only to be with us... but to make us more full of God's power through it all! So the next time it seems to you like your weaknesses are about to overtake you... try to remember that God's power is also trying to fill you. Acknowledge those weaknesses and turn controlling them over to the One who created you and loves you just as you are... weaknesses and all!

Worship this week is on our church website (www.churchofthebells.org) on Saturday night and in-person in the church parking lot on Sunday morning at 9:00am. Those who gather in the parking lot... remember your lawn chair and face coverings and we so appreciate your maintaining the physical distancing. If you wake up to a rainy Sunday morning, outside worship is cancelled and we'll all be worshiping via the church website. Wherever you worship... know that God smiles when you bring praise to God's Holy Name!
Thanks to all who have kept so regular in the support of our church. We have been able to stay current on our obligations and that is because of your generosity. Offering envelopes can always be mailed to the church's secure post office box or electronic giving options are used by many of our families! Either way you give... WE THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY WORK DONE AT IMMANUEL!
Our summer Bible Study, Living in a World of Justice, continues on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings via ZOOM. Just send me an e-mail (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and I'll send you an invitation with the ZOOM link to allow you to join the group. You should also feel free to invite family and friends from far and wide to join this study group!
Our COFFEE CHAT group will meet, via ZOOM, on Monday morning at 10:00am for some fellowship time. Look for your invitation to this ZOOM gathering in your inbox on Sunday night!

Remember you are loved and made stronger each day as you walk with God! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Living in a world of Justice Bible Study 10am today!
Today's scripture comes from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. And it's one of my favorites.....

"... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Isaiah reminds us that hope produces a renewal of our strength. And I am finding my strength failing quite often of late! While I try to keep up my strength (at least on the outside)..... some days the inside is feeling as weak as a kitten!
Although I can't always determine the cause for this weakness, I have discovered that the way through it is to seek out and identify signs of hope in my world. That might be a new flower appearing in the garden or a visit from grandkids or a telephone call from someone I am missing. Or it might be a simple observation that God is still active in my world! But always, it produces a feeling of hope. And that feeling of hope causes me to feel stronger in all that I am trying to do!
Today... look around you for signs of hope! See what God is doing in your part of the world! And give thanks that God always promises that we will not be left alone. And pretty soon, you too, will feel a new surge of strength as you live out your day! And just watch for all the soaring you will do!

Our Wednesday morning edition of "LIving in a World of Justice" is this morning at 10:00am. We have lots of room in our ZOOM meeting room so just send me an email requesting the link to come on in!
Thanks to all of you who have been so lovingly taking care of our church yard and all the flowers in the salt pots! They are beautiful. If you haven't seen them lately..... take a ride through the parking lot and see the beauty!
Our Midweek Worship Service will be taking a break until September. We'll start up again after Labor Day! Watch for the announcement.
As the thermometer climbs don't forget to check in on your neighbors, especially those who need a little extra help! Make a phone call or two today to check in on someone you know who might be needing some contact.

Enjoy this day that God has made for us and keep looking for those signs of hope! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

  Special Edition Monday, July 6, 2020

Today: Coffee Chat 10am/Justice study 7pm
Today's Scripture comes to us from Paul's letter to the Colossians....

"We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his
will... being strengthened with all power according to his
glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience." Colossians 1: 9,11 (NIV)

How are you at waiting? I find that it is not a skill that I excel at! Some days my faith is strong, and I have felt fired up. Other days, I have let fear creep in and cause me to doubt and then I have slipped into a deep sense of sorrow. And I continued with this cycle of highs and lows until I re-read the scripture above from Colossians.
In this passage, Paul prayed that the believers in Colossae would be strengthened with patience and joyful longsuffering. The very word patience refers to being able to accept or tolerate delay without getting upset or angry. It can also mean cheerful or hopeful endurance. Paul was acknowledging that at times heaven will be silent and we will have to wait.
As difficult as that may sound, God wants us to wait with an attitude of joy. The scripture suggests to me that while we wait for an erring child to come home, we can rejoice. While we pray for our spouse to show up, we can rejoice. While we wait for a baby to be conceived, we can rejoice and give thanks to God who has already given us far greater blessings than what we desire for the future. And while we wait, God is right beside us.

"Dear God, strengthen us so we can wait patiently with a sense of grateful expectation." Amen.

*** Our Coffee Chat is this morning at 10:00am via ZOOM! If you'd like to join, e-mail Pastor Pam for your ZOOM invite prior to 10:00am! Bring your coffee and spend some time with friends from Immanuel.
*** Our summer Bible Study, "Living in a World of Justice" begins today at 7:00m. The session will also be offered on Wednesday morning at 10:00am. ZOOM invitations are available with just an e-mail request!

Enjoy this day and we'll hope to see you at 10:00am via ZOOM!
Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

  Special Edition Friday, July 3, 2020

"We live by faith, and not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
For many years we vacationed at Sylvan Beach, the poor man's French Riviera, in Oneida County. We rented a small cottage right on the beach in the center of the village. We used to tell people that the sunsets there were among the best anywhere in the world! Every night it looked like the sun was sinking right into the water over the western horizon.
As our family grew we needed to move to larger accommodations and we relocated to North Bay at the Three Pines Marina. The cottages were much nicer but, unfortunately, the location took us along the north shore of the lake and that meant the sunsets were totally obscured by the trees. And, even though we couldn't see it any longer, we knew from our former experiences how beautiful the sunsets were and how brilliant the sky looked.
And so often it seems it's the same way for me as I try to live faithfully each day. When I am going through trials, it can be hard to see God at work in the situation. My eyes can be so focused on my needs, that I do not see an answer or a way through my struggles. But reading God's promises in scripture, and my past experiences of seeing God's work in my life, reassure me that God is present.... even though I can't see God because of all the obstructions that are blocking my view.
As we recall God's blessings and answers to our prayers in the past, we can trust and envision that God is at work in our lives right now.
"Creator God, help us to remember your answers to our prayers and to trust that you are always at work in our lives. Amen."

*** Our worship service will be available on our website, www.churchofthebells.org, on Saturday night. This weekend we'll be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion... so you'll want to have a piece of bread or cracker and some juice ready for the worship time. Our In-Person worship is at 9:00am on Sunday morning in the parking lot. Don't forget your face covering and a lawn chair as we gather for worship! At this service we'll celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion in a way you might never have done so before!
*** Coffee Chat with the Pastors will be on Monday morning at 10:00am. Look for your ZOOM invitation in your inbox on Sunday night! If you have not attended but would like to... just send me an email (pastorjackk@gmail.com) and I'll make sure you get the invitation with the ZOOM link.
*** Our June contest has ended and we congratulate Janet Williams and her great niece, Cassandra Moore. Cassandra has been worshipping with us from Prague, Czechia at Janet's invitation. Although we had several responses, the Chech Republic takes the prize! Who have YOU invited to our on-line worship services?
AND DON"T FORGET our new Summer Bible Study, Living in a World of Justice, begins on Monday, 7/6. Identical sessions on Monday evenings at 7:00pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am each week! Send Pastor Jack an e-mail to get your ZOOM invitation!

Enjoy this Independence Day holiday and stay safe and healthy! Wash your hands, wear a face covering and practice good physical distancing! We love you all and each of you are irreplaceable! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam

Special Edition Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Midweek worship and Praise 2pm Today!
Happy July! We change the page on our calendars and move into another new month of the journey of our faith! Here is today's scripture...

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out
[God's] love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom [God] has
given us." Romans 5:5 (NIV)

At the end of his discussion about how they might find peace and joy, Paul reminds the church in Rome that hope will never disappoint us. We know that there are surely many things in our lives that will disappoint us... but hope is not one of those things!
As the uncertain times in our lives threaten to overwhelm us, God promises us the Holy Spirit will pour love into our hearts. And there are so many places and people who need to hear these words and realize how much they are loved by God. Like you, I encounter so many hurting people each day. People who have great tensions within their families, people who have suffered such terrible losses, and people who desperately need to know how much God loves them. And our job, as followers of Christ, is to take that Good News to the world.
So today, when you meet that person who seems to be living without any hope, would you share with them the way God loves us all? In this way, we can change the world... one person at a time!

Our MIdweek Worship and Praise gathering is this afternoon at 2:00pm. Just send me an e-mail and I'll be glad to send you the invitation to this ZOOM gathering!
Remember our new summer Bible Study... "Living in a World with Justice"... begins next Monday, 7/6. Identical sessions will be offered, via ZOOM, on Monday evenings at 7:00pm and Wednesday morning at 10:00am. Again... send me an email for your invitation!

Make today a great day and bring the love of God to someone today! Pastor Jack and Pastor Pam