Friday, September 19, 2025

As another great weather weekend approaches for us here in Central NY, here are some words from Psalm 107 for us to think about....

          "They rebelled against God's commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So God subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress."      (Psalm 107: 11-13 NIV)

One thing that separates God's laws from the laws of man is that God's system is much more interested in reforming sinners than in punishing them. Sure, sin often incurs severe consequences, but these consequences are never dished out for spite or simply because God likes it. Instead, God wants his wayward children to learn from our mistakes... and sometimes that requires a bit of discomfort. Just as a loving father would never let his children get away with dangerous activities, so God will never let us stray too far from Him without letting us feel the heat of our own decisions.
   
So if you ever find yourself straying from God and experiencing the painful weight of guilt, don't use it as an excuse to distance yourself even further. Learn from the Israelites and cry out to God for forgiveness, drinking deeply from God's wellspring of mercy. Repentance will strengthen your walk with God, transforming your mistakes into stepping stones toward God's righteousness. 

        Father, may I never let my regrets become so strong that I forget the hope You provide. Thank you for always leading me home, even when the path is sometimes hard to bear.  Amen.  

+++ Worship on Sunday continues on our Fall Schedule at 8:30am and 10:00am. Using Luke's Gospel account we will hear Jesus teaching us about a manager who decides to "cook the books". What message might this parable from Jesus have for each of us? Join me as we think this through together. At the 10:00am worship we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the reception of New Members as 5 new sisters and brothers join the family of Immanuel. And KIDZ CLUB is back in session and waiting for all the kids to join the fun. The Choir also returns this week to lead worship and has a wonderful anthem to share with us. Join us either in the Sanctuary or on our Facebook page for the weekly "live-stream" at 10:00am. After worship is complete we will "upload" the recorded worship service to the church YouTube channel, as well. We can't wait to see you on Sunday!

+++ Remember to sign up for the upcoming Dinner and a Movie Night being held on September 26th! Bring a dish to share and join us as we watch and discuss "A Man Called Otto" with Tom Hanks. Since seating is limited... Please sign up this week so we are prepared for the crowd. 

+++ Next Sunday, 9/28 our Highway Clean Up ministry will be heading out to do some more work on Route 695 following worship. You can also sign up for that activity outside the Fireside Room, as well.  

+++ For your planning calendars on Sunday, October 5th we will celebrate World Communion Sunday in worship and then our young people will be heading off for CROP WALK 2025. See Lorlie or one of our young people to get involved and help feed others right here in Central NY!    

+++ Barb Merckel will be offering another session of her Healthy Aging Seminar on 5 Wednesday mornings starting on October 8th. Class size is limited and the session is free... but we need you to sign up outside the Fireside Room for planning purposes. We'll learn about foods, lifestyles, and other strategies to avoid premature aging and the onset of disease. Check with Barb for more details!  

Make this day a great day and always be willing to reach out to God for restoration!
​Pastor Jack