Friday, August 16, 2024

As we are preparing for another beautiful Central NY weekend, I read these words from Psalm 91....

                             "He ordered his angels to guard you wherever
                               you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you;
                                  their job is to keep you from falling."
                                           (Psalm 91: 11-12 MSG)

There they go. You watch your children get on the school bus. You wave goodbye as your spouse drives off for work. You call out after them "Be careful!" as they walk down the street on their way to school or a friend's house. You release them to the care of the Lord as they get on the plane. There seems to be so little you can do once they are out of your sight.
   
As you attempt to put your concern for them out of your mind, you breathe a prayer: "Keep my children safe, Lord." You pray that God's angels would encamp around them and that the Holy Spirit would direct their steps to safety; that they would be blessed in their going and coming. What a comfort it is to know that God hears our prayers and God's Word does not return to Him void. (See Isaiah 55:11)
   
So, when your children head off to school, or your spouse goes on a business trip, or family and friends serve in the military, join in praying "Keep them safe, O Lord.  Amen. 

+++ We continue with our 9:00am worship time on Sunday as we celebrate the 13th Sunday after Pentecost. I will be continuing my summer sermon series, "What Would Jesus Do?" This week I will be talking about Jesus' Formula for Success. What makes a person successful? And how would Jesus have us each be successful people? I think Jesus has a pretty easy formula for us to follow. Let's talk about it in worship on Sunday. This week we'll enjoy some Special Music from Colin and Melissa, and I'll have a Children's Time for the kids, as well. Look for us on the church Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 9:00am and then we will "upload" the completed worship to the church's YouTube channel as well. However you join us, we hope to "see you" on Sunday morning for a great time of praise and worship!  

+++ We hear that a new leader, Ursula Snow, will step in to help lead the Chair Yoga group in Barb's absence. So, the class will continue at 9:30am on Tuesday mornings! Thanks, and welcome Ursula!   

+++ I'll be offering worship at Summerfield Village on Wednesday 8/21 at 9:30am if you'd like to join us!

+++ Plan ahead... your articles for the Sept/Oct edition of our church newsletter need to be in the office by 8/20. Thanks for helping us to keep to our publishing deadlines! 

+++ Our Vacation Bible School continues on Wednesday nights at 6:00pm for the next 2 weeks! Everyone has been enjoying our Food Truck Party theme and there are still 2 sessions to go. Talk to Lorlie to get involved... it's not too late!

+++ Remember our Sleep In Heavenly Peace bed build in the parking lot on Saturday, September 14th. See Shelley for details and remember everyone must sign up on-line for this year's build! Work shifts are from 9:30am - 11:00am and from 11:30am to 1:00pm.  

+++ We have received a supply of information about Senior living services from the Onondaga County Office of Aging. Check out the table across from the office door to pick up this information.   

+++ Our Saving Grace course is coming in late September! Watch for future details in the upcoming announcements and newsletter!

Make this day a great day and pray always, Keep them safe, O Lord.  Amen.    
​Pastor Jack