Friday, February 6, 2026

Today's scripture reading comes from the first book of our Bible, Genesis...
 
                 "The Midianite traders arrived in Egypt, where they sold Joseph to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt."     (Genesis 37:36  NLT)
 
So, begins Joseph's rise to prominence and power. It was to be a long and winding road.
   
A quick recap of the story: Joseph was a son of Jacob, born in the patriarch's old age to his favored wife, Rachel. The eleventh of twelve boys was daddy's favorite, and his older brothers hated him --- so much that they wanted to kill him. In the end, they traded Joseph for money, selling him to a group of traveling merchants. Resold to an Egyptian official, he spent years in prison after the man's wife --- furious that Joseph had spurned her advances --- accused him of sexual misconduct. In prison he interpreted dreams of fellow detainees and ultimately explained Pharaoh's strange dreams. Impressed by Joseph's God-given wisdom, the king names the Israelite second-in-command of all Egypt. 
   
The mistreatment Joseph suffered is almost unimaginable. But throughout his story, scripture says the Lord was with him (Genesis 39: 2,3,21,23). God's presence and guidance helped him survive every reverse --- and not only to survive, but thrive. From hated kid brother to second most powerful man on earth is a story that only God could write.  
   
Our road probably won't be as dramatic. But the same God who helped Joseph also helps us. Stick with God, work with God, and just watch what God will do in your life!  
 
                  Lord, be with me --- and accomplish great things through me. Amen.  
 
+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am. This week, the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany, we will continue looking at the Gospel according to Matthew. We will look at salt and light and in my message, "Living Without Compromise". I will be thinking about how each of us is called to live boldly and faithfully for Christ. If you can't be with us here at church look for us on our Facebook page for the "live-stream" of worship at 10:00am. And, of course, we will "upload" the completed worship service to our YouTube channel when it concludes.  

+++ This week is also our "SOUPER BOWL" celebration! Wear the jersey of your favorite sports team (even if they are not in the big game) and bring along a few cans of soup (or a monetary donation) for voting on which team you think will win the big game later that afternoon! All the donations will be delivered to 2 area food pantries and we will have lots of fun! Following worship... our Second Sunday Luncheon is a tailgate party! We hope you have signed up and plan to join us in the fellowship!

+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night, 2/10 at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room.

+++ COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR continues each Wednesday morning at 9:30am. Come and join our light-hearted discussions about almost any topic!  

+++ Next Sunday, February 15th we look forward to welcoming Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, our District Superintendent to worship. Sherri will be preaching and leading worship with me at both worship services next week and we hope you can plan to be here and make her feel welcome!

+++ Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th when we gather for worship at 7:00pm. We'll offer the Imposition of Ashes at this service and begin our Lenten theme, "Dying His Death, Living His Life".  Join us as we look each week at how we are called to die to self... to really live with Jesus!  

+++ We will offer a Lenten Bible Study each Monday at 12:00noon throughout Lent. Plan to bring your lunch and join us for this time of study and preparation for the joy of Easter! Please sign up on the white board outside the Fireside Room!  
 
Make this day a great day and let God work through you to change the world!   
​Pastor Jack