Pastor Jack's Weekly Chimings Message
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Weekly Inspirational Message & Church Happenings for the Upcoming Week
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Today my reading takes me into the Book of Ezekiel...
"I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn't have to destroy it." (Ezekiel 22:30 MSG) Our hearts go out to those we love. When they hurt, we hurt. We want to offer them our strength and give them courage -- but we also want them to mature and grow in Christ. And you know, God must feel the same way toward those God loves. God has already made the ultimate sacrifice by taking our sin upon himself at the Cross. He paid a high price that we might be counted righteous and therefore inherit all the blessings promised to God's covenant people. But we must learn and then re-learn how to trust in God. Interceding for those we love, holding them up before the Lord and covering them in prayer, is the best help we can offer. Empathy, advice, and all sorts of good intentions won't ever compare to the power of prayer. Laying down your life or making great personal sacrifice might be heroic, but not necessarily effective. The most trustworthy and loving thing we can do as Christians is to stand in the gap through prayer for those we love -- just as Christ stood in the gap for us. So when your friends or relatives are going through a difficult time, or a situation seems hopeless you can join me in praying, Bless my loved ones, O Lord. Amen. +++ This week we continue on our summer worship schedule with worship beginning at 9:00am in the Sanctuary. And this Sunday, I will begin a summer worship series, "What Would Jesus Do?" For the next few weeks I'll be looking at how Jesus responded to some of the same situations that we face in our lives. And this first week I'll be thinking about "Living in a Material World". I think Jesus has lots to say to us about materialism and I hope you'll be here to think this through with me. As always, our musicians will offer us some wonderful Special Music and together we will praise God's holy name here in the Sanctuary. If you can't join us in person, check us out on the church's Facebook page when we "live-stream" the worship service at 9:00am... or you can watch a recorded version that we "upload" to our YouTube channel when worship is complete. However you can, be sure to join us for worship on Sunday! +++ We have just a couple of weeks left to complete our "Fill the Outhouse" project in the Sanctuary. We are collecting hygiene items, like toilet paper, that cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits to resupply our community food pantry at St. Joseph's Church. Don't forget your donations over the next two weeks! Thanks! +++ Mike Block and our Mission Team are helping to organize a mission work trip in September to head to Vermont to help with flood relief efforts. An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13th at 7:00pm here at the church. We need lots of folks, with many different skill levels, to make this trip a success! Speak to Mike with your immediate questions or to let him know you plan to attend the 8/13 planning meeting. +++ On-line registrations continue on the church website for:
Make this day a great day and remember to pray, Bless my loved ones, O Lord. Amen. Pastor Jack Comments are closed.
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March 2025
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