Friday, July 11, 2025

This Friday, I read these words from the Acts of the Apostles...

               "When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshipped him.  But Peter helped him up and said, "Stand up!  I myself am also a man." (Acts 10: 25-26   HCSB) 

Gemstones are arguably the most interesting rocks in the world. When they are found, most of them look like smooth, shiny rocks -- unique enough to be singled out in a pile of pebbles but not brilliant enough to be placed on a necklace. But when they are faceted --- meticulously cut and chipped by the hand of a skilled expert --- they glow and glimmer like kaleidoscopes in the light.  
   
Similarly, on our own, we're far from spectacular, even less so than a gemstone in its natural state. We arise from the dust, covered in the sins and imperfections of our fallen nature. The image of God that dwells inside us is hidden by mud and grime. But whenever we allow God to clean us, cut away our imperfections, and shine God's holy light on our souls, we suddenly transform into spectacular displays.
   
Peter understood this --- that's why he deflected Cornelius' worship toward God. By accepting God's process at chipping away his natural self, and by reflecting God's light instead of absorbing it, Peter was able to glow brighter than any mortal could on his own, pointing thousands of souls to Christ.  

                      Lord, help our faith grow brighter each day -- not because of our own efforts but because of my strengthening reliance on You. Amen.   

+++ When we gather for worship on Sunday at 9:00am, we will hear about Jesus meeting a sinful woman at the home of Simon the Pharisee. This story from Luke's Gospel account will encourage us to think about "A Lesson in Forgiveness". What does it take to truly be forgiven? And what does it take to truly forgive? Join me on Sunday as I try to think through these questions with you. If you are traveling or away at camp, join us on our Facebook page for our "live-streaming" at 9:00am. We will then "upload" the completed worship service to our YouTube channel after it is completed. And if you're joining us from home or vacation.... leave a "Hi" in the Facebook comment section and tell us where you are worshipping from!   

+++ On Tuesday night 7/15 there will be an organizational meeting for folks planning on attending the next Mission Trip to Vermont on August 3-8. Join with Mike Block and lend your hands to help those suffering after flood losses to get back to some normalcy in their homes and communities.  

+++ Make sure to grab a flyer about the upcoming Mini Golf Tournament for Missions on August 9th! We need lots of golfers, and hole sponsors to make this successful. It's our 16th annual event and we hope you are forming your team for the big and fun event! Anyone can have fun.... because we even offer "mulligans" for sale for a very reasonable price! Talk to Shelley to get your sign up sheet and get involved! Click here for the registration form on our website.

+++ And we hope you are planning to bring the kids to our annual Vacation Bible School on Wednesday nights in August! This year's theme is: ROAD TRIP... ON THE GO WITH GOD! We'll have a lot of fun and enjoy these evenings together all month! Sign up on the church website to join the fun! Click here to go straight to the registration form.

NOTE:  Pastor Jack will never send an email or text requesting any kind of financial assistance. We have had reports that the scammers are at it again. Please DO NOT respond!!

Make this day a great day and think about reflecting God's light as well as absorbing it!
​Pastor Jack