Friday, January 31, 2025

Another week has flown by and here we are on another Friday! Today's scripture reading comes to us from the Book of the prophet Jeremiah... 

                    "As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand."   
                                           (Jeremiah 18:6  NKJV)

The word vessel can refer to any type of container. It's a word that seemed to have much more significance in ancient cultures. In antiquity, clay pots were important, perhaps like saucepans or sealed plastic containers today. They were the primary instrument used to cook, store, or transfer food or water. If a pot was cracked or weak, it would cause many problems!
   
Throughout the Bible, God uses the illustration of clay pots, or vessels, to describe the role of nations and individuals. In Jeremiah, God says that as clay is in the potter's hands, so we are in God's hands. David cries out in Psalm 31:12 (AMP), "Like a broken vessel am I."
 
Hosea condemns Israel as being among nations of useless vessels. We are called "vessels of mercy" in Romans 9:23 (NKJV) and are told in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we possess the precious treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels. We are also instructed in 2 Timothy 2:21 to separate ourselves from all wrongdoing that we might be vessels of honor fit for the Master's use and prepared for every good work.   
   
So when you want to undertake a new ministry or be an example to your children or even set goals for the future, join me in praying....
                         
                             Make me a vessel of honor, O Lord.  Amen.  

+++ Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am! This week we will hear Paul's words to the Corinthians about love and my message is entitled, "Putting our Love to the Test". How can we live out Jesus' command to truly love others as ourselves Especially when we might not agree with everything people say and do? Join me Sunday as I look to Jesus for the guidance we all need. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at each worship service on Sunday and we'll hear some wonderful music of our faith. We hope to see you in worship this Sunday! If you can't be here in the Sanctuary or Fireside Room, join us on our Facebook "live stream" at 10:00am on the church Facebook page.  And, of course, we will upload the completed worship to our YouTube channel once it is completed.

+++ This week is our monthly shut in Meal Ministry delivery, as well. Thanks to Sam, Marilyn and all who are a part of this ongoing ministry to remember and visit our shut-ins!  

+++ I will be leading worship at Summerfield Village on Wednesday, February 5, at 9:30am and you are invited to join us!

+++ Make sure to sign up for our Super Bowl Tailgate party (2nd Sunday luncheon) being planned for Sunday, February 9th. We're going to have a great time celebrating that day! Listen to the announcements this Sunday for more about our Super Bowl plans!  

Make this day a great day and always remember to pray... Make me a vessel of honor, O God.  Amen.       
​Pastor Jack