Friday, May 1, 2026

Hello Friends! Today we encounter a word of scripture from Exodus...
 
             "Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded."
                                  (Exodus 7:20  HCSB)
 
Tell an eight-year-old to clean their room, and you may be disappointed. There's a good chance they'll argue, probably for longer than it takes to actually do the job. There's an equally good chance that the finished work won't quite rise to your standards!  "Pick up everything and put it away" ultimately leads to a few things shoved under the bed, with toys, clothes, and candy wrappers still dotting the landscape.  
   
But give that child a few years, and they'll probably do better. Someday, hopefully, they'll do everything exactly as they should. That's a growth process all of us should pursue, in every aspect of life --- especially the spiritual.  
   
In Exodus 7, Moses and Aaron followed God's instructions perfectly as they initiated the plagues that would free Israel from slavery to Pharaoh. Soon, as they left Egypt, the people "did just as the Lord commanded" regarding the Passover (Exodus 12:50 NCSB). Centuries later, their king, David, "did exactly as the Lord had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gaba to Gezer" (2 Samuel 5: 25  HCSB).
   
Exacting obedience to God's commands brings blessing. Carelessness and rebellion bring trouble. The New Testament puts it pretty succinctly: "It is a sin for a person who knows to do what is good and doesn't do it" (James 4:17  HCBS).  
 
  O God, I want to do things right. Help me to know and obey your will. Amen. 
 
+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am and this week we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion together! We'll also hear some words of comfort from Jesus about making sure we are following the way. And that's the title of my message, "Following the Way". At 10:00am the choir will be back with another wonderful anthem for us and the 8:30am congregation will enjoy some wonderful Special Music. If you can't join us here in the building, look for us on the church's Facebook page for our "live stream" at 10:00am or later on the church's YouTube channel. However you can, please try to join us for worship on Sunday!

+++ The great Garage Sale continues today and Saturday so stop by and check out all the treasures just waiting for you to take them home! On Saturday morning there will also be a gigantic BAG sale for you to take advantage of. Thanks to all who have donated, bought and worked so hard to make this event a success again this year! 

+++ Thanks to the hard work of our youth and your generosity Lorlie delivered 431 pairs of socks to the folks at In My Father's Kitchen! They were thrilled and amazed at this donation and many, many people will benefit from this effort!

+++ Make sure to sign up for the upcoming Highway Cleanup project taking place on May 17th after worship. Lynne has a luncheon planned and we will help to beautify God's creation along Route 695 on this day!  See the signup on the white board in the Narthex! 

+++ "Coffee with the Pastor" continues on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am in the Fireside Room and YOU'RE INVITED! Come expecting a good cup of coffee or tea and great fellowship as we gather for an hour together!  

+++ Applications for the Gordon Williams scholarship program are available from Jerry Holbrook on Sunday morning. Immanuel is blessed to be able to offer these scholarships to our young people.  See Jerry for more information.  

+++ On May 16th the Cornell Cooperative Master Gardeners will offer another plant sale here at Immanuel. See the white board in the Narthex for exact times and information.  

+++ On Tuesday, May 19th we will gather for the first time to Pray for Peace in the Fireside Room at 6:30pm. See the article in the recent edition of our newsletter for more information as we gather to pray for peace throughout our world!  
 
Make this day a great day and always strive to obey God's will!   
Pastor Jack