Friday, November 24, 2023

Happy Black Friday!
  
As the turkey induced coma wears off and you start your shopping in earnest, I re-read these words in Psalm 46....

                    "Be still, and know that I am God."   (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

You know, it seems to be human nature to panic. And that seems to be even worse at this time of year! Who doesn't expect the worst or try to keep expectations to a minimum? We all lay awake at night dwelling on the "what if's" and the "how so's," and sometimes the "God help me's."  
   
Often it is all we can do to remember that the steps of the righteous are ordered by God, that God is at work in every situation working out all for good on behalf of those who love Him. We need to be anxious for nothing, knowing that God is always watching over us. We can let go of our concerns about how quickly we are reaching our destination and simply enjoy the journey.
   
You see if we are truly trusting in God, it is up to us to let go and let God carry us over life's rapids and the rough places. Why not determine today to let the peace of God rule in your heart, soul, and mind? Resolve today to rest in God's perfect peace.
   
So when you can't sleep at night because of worry, when you're bored or impatient or anxious join me in praying... "Help me to trust in you, Lord."  

+++ Sunday is Christ the King Sunday! This means we get to hear Jesus speak about sheep and goats and pause to recognize him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We will worship at 8:30am and 10:00am and, of course, the 10:00am worship will be "live streamed" on the church Facebook page and then uploaded when completed to the YouTube channel, as well. However you worship this week, we look forward to "seeing you" for worship. We will also receive one of our 6 general offerings this week when we support our United Methodist Student Sunday appeal with our second mile gifts. These gifts provide scholarship support to United Methodist students throughout our connection. Thanks for your gifts! 

+++ Sunday is the return deadline for Angel Tree gifts! We appreciate your generosity and your returning the gifts on Sunday. This allows the agencies we are supporting to begin preparing for distribution next week! The Mitten tree has one week to go so those gifts are due back next Sunday, December 3rd! 
 
+++ Chris Paoli can hook you up with ski passes for Immanuel's Ski Club! See him after worship on Sunday to get in on the fun!

+++ Our Advent study, "Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph", begins on Monday, November 27th at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room. We are still looking for a few folks to join both the in-person group on Mondays and the ZOOM group meeting on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm via ZOOM. Sign-up on Sunday and get the book for Monday's class! 
   
+++ On Tuesday morning the building gets decorated for Advent and Christmas! Thanks to all those who will work so hard to make the building look so inviting for the holiday celebrations!  

+++ Next Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent! Look for our mission project for Heifer International starting next Sunday!   

Make this day a great day and remember to always pray... "Help me to trust in you, Lord."   
Pastor Jack