Friday, February 28, 2025

As we come to this last day of February, the good news is SPRING IS COMING! And while there still may be some winter weather left... warm sunshine is closer every day! Today, I read these words in Psalm 71...

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

Scorned. Humiliated. Laughed at. Ridiculed. Have you ever been in a situation where others looked at you with disdain? It could be the result of some failure on your part, or the fact you don't fit in with the crowd, or because you have been abused. Or perhaps you have been falsely accused of something. Any of these situations would cause you to hang your head in shame.
   
But this is not the stature of a child of God. This is not the end of your story. No situation is beyond the help of God. God will cleanse you if you need cleansing. God will restore your reputation. God honors you and places great value on you because you are God's child. God loves you and surrounds you with favor as a shield. Instead of being bowed down then, stand up and hold your head up high. You are a child of the King!   
   
So when you have failed, or been rejected, or are ashamed of yourself, join me in praying, Restore my honor, O Lord. Amen.    

+++ On Sunday we will gather for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am on our usual worship schedule. This week we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, when Jesus' appearance changed in front of his disciple's eyes! My message, "Just A Glimpse" has me hoping and praying for the vision to truly see Jesus, as well. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion this week also. We hope to see you in worship! And we will save you a seat at the table! We will, of course, "live-stream" worship on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then "upload" the completed worship service to the church's YouTube channel when worship is completed. Join us for Transfiguration Sunday!

+++ This Sunday is also our Meal Ministry Sunday as we deliver meals to our shut-in friends. Thanks to Marilyn, Sam and all those who are a part of this exciting ministry!

+++ Make sure to sign up for two events this week when you attend worship...

• Our Second Sunday Luncheon is next Sunday, 3/9 and we need to have you sign up for this delicious Roast Pork luncheon.
• And our Lenten Bible Study, "Savior, Servant, Friend" starts this Monday at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room. Bring your lunch and we will share a delicious pot of soup, as well! See me for books, which are free for this study!   

+++ Next week's schedule includes...

• Summerfield worship on Wednesday at 9:30am.
• Trustees meeting on Wednesday at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room.
• ASH WEDNESDAY worship on Wednesday night at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. We will offer the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes at this meaningful worship, as we start our Lenten journey.

+++ Next week the office will also be staffed by volunteers each morning from 9:00am- 12:00noon as Pam is away on vacation.

+++ Our Lenten Self Denial offerings this year will be used to support the ministry of our friends at Sleep in Heavenly Peace. You will find Lenten coin boxes in the Narthex for your use and we also hope to have a Sleep in Heavenly Peace display in the Narthex, as well.   

Make this day a great day and remember to pray, Restore my honor, O Lord. Amen.   
​Pastor Jack