Friday, December 5, 2025

Hello Saints!
   
On this first Friday of December, we hear from Proverbs for a word from the Lord...
 
                   "Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them."  (Proverbs 24: 17-18  NLT)
 
One of the toughest tests of Christian character is to love our enemies. These include God's enemies in the broad sense of all those who haven't yet received Christ's gift of salvation (a position we also once held), and personal enemies, those who are against us for whatever reason but especially if we have been obedient to God and are hated because of it.  
   
Proverbs 24:18 makes it clear: rejoicing when an enemy falls displeases God. It reveals un-Christlike character, forgetting that Christ has overcome our default setting --- revenge. He wants no one to waste their lives without Him and then suffer the ultimate destruction.  
   
Even harder is that it may invite God's mercy on that person, if only to show you that you have fallen to their level. An enemy rejoices when you stumble, but God only sees someone who is suffering the consequences of mistakes as one who may be drawn to Him through these errors. Crowing over an enemy's fall only says you don't appreciate what God rescued you from --- your own sin. As God's adopted child, seek to bless where others curse.    
 
                  Lord, revenge is Yours, and so is perfect justice.  Help me to forgive, to pray that my enemies would come to know Your powerful, cleansing love. Amen. 
 
+++ Sunday worship continues at 8:30am and 10:00am but WITH ONE CHANGE starting this week.WE WILL RELOCATE THE 8:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE TO THE SANCTUARY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS. It's a wonderful problem when the group outgrows the available space and with all the holiday decorations this has happened! So join us at either 8:30am or 10:00am in the Sanctuary starting on Sunday! On this 2nd Sunday of Advent we will continue our Advent theme, "Our Dear Christ Enters In" and this week I am thinking about how sometimes "Home Hurts". We will meet Zechariah and Elizabeth and hear about how, sometimes, there can be great pains in our homes. Join me as we explore this together! We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday and light the second of our Advent candles. If you can't join us in the beautifully decorated Sanctuary look for us on our Facebook live-stream at 10:00am or later on the church's YouTube channel.

+++ Following worship our United Methodist Youth will be meeting with Lorlie at 11:00am.

+++ You can also participate in our Advent mission projects after worship as the Mitten tree, and Heifer International Project displays are ready for your visit. Thanks to all who supported the Angel Tree project and the kid's lives will be changed because of your generosity!  

+++ Poinsettia orders can be placed following worship this Sunday and next week, as well. These beautiful flowers will adorn our Christmas altar and can then be taken home or donated to a veteran at the Veterans Hospital on Christmas morning. See Julie to place your order in memory or in honor of loved ones this week. 

+++ We are going Christmas caroling at 1:00pm Sunday at Summerfield Village on Velasko Road. We need carolers and bell ringers and you can meet us at the Summerfield Cafe room at 1:00pm. Then we'll also make a stop at the Brookdale Bellevue residence before heading home. Bring your singing voice and experience the joy of visiting with the residents as we share Christmas songs!  

+++ Our Advent Study group continues on Monday at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room. Bring your lunch and your Bible as we examine a little more closely the scripture texts of our Advent theme. 

+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night at 6:00pm and then our Administrative Council meeting follows at 6:45pm. 

+++ Our Living Nativity takes place next Saturday night, December 13th at 6:00pm in the parking lot. Dress warmly, bring some friends and be prepared to see our young people retell the story of Jesus' birth. We'll also welcome some barnyard animals for this celebration! And then hot chocolate and Christmas cookies for all!  

+++ Next Sunday, December 14th is our Second Sunday Luncheon after the 10:00am worship service. Please SIGN UP this week so that we can prepare lunch for all! Thanks!  

+++And Christmas Eve worship will take place at 4:00pm and 7:30pm again this year. Both worship services will include candle lighting and the Sacrament of Holy Communion so we hope to see you for worship on Christmas Eve.  

+++A reminder that all gifts to be included on your 2025 giving statements need to be in the church office by Sunday, December 28th. This allows us to close the books in one year and start the books on the new year in a timely fashion. Thanks!  

+++ And a final reminder about winter weather! When the West Genesee Central School District is closed due to weather (pray for our School Superintendent who has to make these decisions!) the church office will also be closed. Staff will be working from home on these days but the office at the church building will remain closed.  
 
Make this day a great day and set about the work of forgiving an enemy today... it will really put a smile on Jesus' face!   
​Pastor Jack