Friday, October 17, 2023

Happy Craft Fair Day!

That's right! The great Fall Craft Fair for Missions starts today! As our crafters are preparing to dazzle us with their talents, here are some words I read in Mark's Gospel account...

                                      "Be not afraid, only believe."  
                                              (Mark 5:36 KJV)

Who among us has ever battled self-doubt? Who can say they've never been afraid of failing? Sometimes it seems the harder we try, the more we mess things up! But we know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him and overtakes with abundant blessings those who put their trust in God's kingdom first.
   
All God asks is that we acknowledge Him in all that we do; that we trust Him unwaveringly. God loves us and cares for us watchfully, affectionately, and carefully. Faith works by love; and God is eternally faithful, unchanging in His determination to love you and show you God's infinite mercy. God is love.  We are commanded to walk in love and to love God with all our heart, leaning not on our own understanding, but in all things completely relying on God.  
   
So, when you can't see a solution to your problem, when you're tired and at your wits end, when nothing seems to be working... pray that simple breath prayer, Lord, help me believe. 

+++ Today marks the start of the great Fall Craft Show for Missions. You can visit today (Friday 10/27) from 4:00pm - 8:00pm and tomorrow, Saturday from 9:00am - 3:00pm. You'll find some beautiful items to help with your holiday shopping lists! And you can enjoy some delicious food at Barb's Bistro, as well. We hope to see you this weekend and why not bring a friend or two with you?

+++ Sunday worship continues at 8:30am and 10:00am. This week marks the start of our fall Stewardship emphasis entitled FOUND FAITHFUL. Each week we will pause to look at ways in which Jesus calls us to be faithful as stewards.  Our theme scripture is 1 Corinthians 4: 1-2. Check it out and join me on Sunday as I think about this Biblical mandate. We will "live-stream" worship at 10:00am on our church's Facebook page and then "upload" the completed worship to our YouTube channel when completed. Join us however you can for worship this weekend!

+++ Our annual Charge Conference was held on Wednesday night in the Sanctuary. All reports were accepted, and we elected our slate of Officers and Trustees for the next year's ministry work. Thanks to all our Administrative Council members who completed this important work. 

+++ We will be doing some carpet cleaning next week and as a result, the church office will be closed on Monday, Oct. 30th. The office will reopen on Tuesday morning and then on Wednesday the carpets in the Sanctuary will be cleaned. Thanks to our Trustees for completing this important work to keep our facility looking good for all to enjoy!    

+++ Next Sunday, November 5th we will celebrate All Saints Day as we remember those "saints" who have joined the kingdom of Heaven in the past year. You are invited to bring a candle from home that you can light and place on the Altar during the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  
 
 +++ See pictures and news of events from this month as well as to get more information on what is coming up on our website's News & Events page!

Make this day a great day and join me in my daily prayer, Lord, help me believe.    Pastor Jack