Friday, February 21, 2025

After a week away in southern California, it is good to be home... even if the weather does not match that which I enjoyed in Palm Springs! Today's scripture reading takes me into the book of the prophet Jeremiah...

              "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you,
                        says the Lord."       (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)

Most of us have wondered about our unique purpose ever since we were very young. Who are we in this world? Were we born at a particular time and place for a reason --- with our own particular set of gifts and talents? These are the questions most of us have churning around in the back of our minds. Are we moving closer to -- or farther away from -- God's plan for our lives? And how can we know it?
 
"I know the plans I have for you," the Lord told Jeremiah. And God's plan is that we must seek the Lord with all our heart, and the Lord will make himself known to us. (See Jeremiah 29:11-14.) We know that when we seek God with our whole hearts the Lord directs our steps. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 KJV). Seek first God's heart and purpose, and there you will find your own.  
   
So when you feel like you are lacking direction, or don't know which way to go, or need to prioritize your commitments, join me in praying, 
 
              O Lord, open my heart to your plans for my life. Amen.  

+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am and, hopefully this week, we will be able to welcome Diane Sokolowski, who will help to lead our worship. I will be here and I am looking forward to hearing Diane's thoughts about "Having Faith". Make sure you wear your nametag and introduce yourself to Diane in worship. We will be "live-streaming" worship at 10:00am on the church's Facebook page and then "uploading" the completed worship to our YouTube channel when it is completed. However you join us for worship, we look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

+++ Our parking lot continues to be icy so please use caution on Sunday. And pray for a warming trend that will help the melt to begin!  

+++ I will be leading worship at Camillus Ridge Terrace on Wednesday morning, 2/26 at 11:00am!

+++ Our Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday worship on Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. We will offer the Imposition of Ashes as we begin looking at our Lenten theme, "Savior, Servant, Friend". Each week we will look at another of the roles Jesus fills in our lives (forgiver, listener, protector, comforter, etc.) We will also have materials for each family to take home to remain focussed on our theme.  

+++ Our Lenten Bible Study group will meet on Mondays at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room each week beginning on 3/3! Bring your lunch, a pot of soup will be available, and be a part of our Lenten learning experience. Please SIGN UP outside the Fireside Room and get a copy of the free study guide from me for this exciting time of learning.    

Make this day a great day and join me in praying, O Lord, open my heart to your plans for my life. Amen.    
Pastor Jack