Friday, February 17, 2023

Happy Friday!  As we get ready for another weekend, here are some thoughts for us to consider:

                    "I will maintain my righteousness and never let go
                     of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long
                                         as I live."   (Job 27:6)

In his book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers wrote, "Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul that looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. The question is, will I obey?"
 
"God does not speak with a voice like thunder -- God's voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to God is the habit of being open to God on the inside.  When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don't ask, 'Why can't I do this?' You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is -- drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear."  
   
When we do things that we sense are instinctively wrong, we unleash a storm of conflict and emotion within our own souls. We lose our way.
   
Your conscience then is your gift from God, designed to help you build a life of peace and contentment. Have you been listening to that still, small voice within? 

             SLEEPLESS?  A CLEAR CONSCIENCE IS A GREAT PILLOW!   
                    --- GOD

+++ In our worship on Sunday we celebrate Transfiguration Day.  We will hear the Transfiguration story from the 17th chapter of Matthew's Gospel account. Come and hear all about Jesus' appearance being "transfigured" on the mountain. My message is "The Transfiguration Experience" and I'll be thinking about how much changes from this week's Transfiguration event... to next week's Lenten journey. We worship at both 8:30am and 10:00am and, of course, the 10:00am service is "live-streamed" on the church's Facebook page.  And then, if you are someone who prefers the church YouTube page, we "upload" the completed worship as soon as the service ends. However you are able, be sure to join us for the fun of worship this weekend!

+++ Our church office is closed on Monday, 2/20 for the celebration of President's Day. We will reopen the office at 9:00am on Tuesday.

+++ The deadline for articles for our March/April edition of the church newsletter are due in the office on Monday. Thanks for helping us keep our publication deadlines!

+++ Ash Wednesday worship is next Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00pm in the church Sanctuary. We will begin our Lenten theme, "Amazing Grace" as we meet King David in worship that evening. We will also offer the Imposition of Ashes to start Lent.  

+++ Our Lenten Study Group begins on Thursday, 2/23 at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room. We will be looking at the new book, "Finding Jesus in the Psalms" by Barb Roose. We need you to sign up outside the Fireside Room and get your copy of the book today. For our first session you will want to read the 1st chapter of the book. Books can be paid for ($14) at the first session. We are also looking to see if there is a group that would like to do the study on Wednesday evenings, on ZOOM. We need 6 people to sign up to make a ZOOM discussion group possible. Please sign up on Sunday! 

+++ We are preparing an order for more church name tags from our supplier. If you would like a church name tag, please send the office an email by Monday letting us know that. Thanks! 

+++ Beginning in March we will add a new worship opportunity to our monthly worship schedule. I will be offering a Service of Healing Prayer and Anointing on the 2nd Sunday of each month, at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room. This time of worship is designed for those seeking the healing of a physical, emotional, or relational affliction. It will include scripture, a short meditation, the celebration of Holy Communion, and a time of individual anointing and prayer. If you have such a situation in your life I hope you will join us for this holy time together.  

Make this day a great day and always work to keep your conscience clear!
Pastor Jack