Friday, May 24, 2024

Happy Friday Friends! 
 
Today, while enjoying my morning coffee, I read these words from Psalm 118....

             "This is the day the Lord has made;  We will rejoice and
                                  be glad in it."    (Psalm 118:24)

Today the sun is shining, as I write this. The birds are singing. It's another beautiful day. God's creation is a testimony to God's goodness and majesty. The beauty of each new dawn is yet another illustration of God's new mercies every morning -- each vibrant sunset comes from God's faithfulness. Rejoice and be glad for the heavens and the earth belong to the Lord. Through God all things were made; without God nothing was made. (See John 1:3 and Hebrews 11:3)
   
There is much to thank the Lord for every day -- the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the abundance of food and friendship. Most of us have enough to eat and a warm place to sleep, and we can go about our towns and our neighborhoods in relative peace. Yes, there is a time to mourn and repent, a time to make our needs known to God, to cast our cares in faith, a time to intercede, and a time to pray for peace. But we must not neglect gladness and thanksgiving --- for this is the day the Lord has made!  
   
So when you're running errands, or watching the kids play, or walking the dog.... join me in praying, Thank you for this day, Lord! Amen. 


+++ On Sunday we gather for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am and we celebrate Trinity Sunday. Our scripture takes us to John 3: 1-17 and my message is "Being Born Anew". We will hear Jesus' command to Nicodemus and we will hear about how much it is that God loves the world. You can join us here in our air conditioned (and prayer conditioned) Sanctuary or on the church Facebook page at 10:00am for our weekly worship "live-stream". And after worship is completed we will upload it to the church's YouTube channel, as well. I'll also be offering a Memorial Day moment this week as we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  

+++ This week we will receive one of our 6 general offerings to support Peace with Justice work throughout our United Methodist connection. Look for the special offering envelopes in the Narthex on Sunday morning and we thank you for these second mile gifts.

+++ On Monday the office will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. The office will reopen on Tuesday morning. 

+++ Also next week, Helen, Pam and I will be attending the Upper New York Annual Conference gathering at the SRC Arena on the OCC campus from Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon. Volunteers will be covering the office on Thursday and Friday mornings and I am available for emergency situations on my cell phone.  

+++ Youth Celebration Sunday (Children's Day) will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9th at 10:00am. We hope you'll be able to join us as we celebrate our young people and their accomplishments this year.

+++ Please remember to sign up for our upcoming Church Picnic on Sunday, June 9th following worship! The sign-up sheet is outside the Fireside Room and we need a count on how many family and friends will be joining us that day. Thanks!  

Make this day a great day and always find time to pray, Thank you for this day, Lord! Amen.
Pastor Jack