Friday, January 12, 2024

Greetings, Saints!  

As we prepare for another weekend of worship, I read these words from Psalm 37...
                           "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
                                  He delights in every detail of their lives."
                                                (Psalm 37: 23  NLT)

Circumstances press in, challenge our confidence, and force us to change course continually. People require our attention and test our flexibility. Sometimes we just can't avoid the awkward situations we find ourselves in. Sometimes, in fact, we are at a total loss about what to do. And that's when we need to rest in the Lord, knowing the steps of a righteous person are ordered of God.  
   
We can't ever fully understand the meaning of the events we experience unfolding before us. Often we have no idea where they are leading us. But God promises that God has our best interests at heart; God is watching over us carefully and affectionately. God is working out all things for our good. We might not know what tomorrow will bring, but we can always rest assured that God will see us through. What a blessing to know our steps are ordered by God!
   
So join me in praying, Order my steps, Lord, when you're running late or your car breaks down on the highway. When you're in an awkward situation or just don't understand the why of a situation pray..... Order my steps, Lord. Amen.  

+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at both 8:30am and 10:00am, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. In my message, "A Very Good Beginning" I am thinking about how baptism unites us with Christ in both his death and resurrection. During each of these services we will offer a chance to Reaffirm our own Baptismal Vows and we will welcome 4 new members at the 10:00am worship service, as well. We hope you join us in person or on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am for our live-stream. And if you are away, join us on YouTube after the recorded worship is "uploaded" to our page.  

+++ We will also receive one of our 6 general church offerings in worship this week when we talk about Human Relations Day. We believe that as United Methodists we are called to make an impact on communities where brothers and sisters lack the resources or tools to reach their God-given potential. And so we work to build beloved communities through supporting faith-based volunteer programs, community developers and programs that work with at-risk teens. Look for the special, second-mile offering envelopes in the Narthex on Sunday and thanks for your support!

+++ After the 10:00am worship we will offer this month's Second Sunday Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. A great menu of Ham and Scalloped Potatoes is planned and we thank you for signing up so we have an abundant supply of food!

+++ On Monday the office will be closed in celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We hope you will find a way to "pay it forward" to help remember and honor the work of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.!  The office will reopen on Tuesday morning at 9:15am.  

Make this day a great day and always be ready to pray, Order my steps, Lord.  Amen!    Pastor Jack    
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