Friday, September 27, 2024

Happy Friday, Friends! As we prepare for another big weekend of worship, here are some more thoughts from the Psalms....

                "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed
                       within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet
                         praise him, my Savior."    (Psalms 42:5 NIV) 

Hopelessness. You can see it today in the faces of so many people. Maybe you see it in your own face today as you look in the mirror. Perhaps you are facing a crisis, and all of the facts say that it's all over, so you might as well give up. Or, you are facing a situation that has been going on for so long that you have become weary and no longer see any reason to be hopeful? Does there appear to be no way out? Have you lost all hope?
   
Well, if that describes you, there's good news. There is always hope with God. Even when the circumstances say otherwise, you can hope because God can and does still work miracles! Your situation may be beyond human help; but God is your hope, and God is always working on your behalf. That's why Jesus reminds us "All things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27 NIV). So go ahead and pray in hope! 
   
When you see no way out... or you feel you can't do anything to change the situation you are in.... or you just feel lost... join me in praying, You are my hope, O Lord. Amen. 

+++ We gather for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday. This week we are celebrating the 20th Sunday after Pentecost. We will hear from Colossians and Mark's Gospel account this week and my message is "Rooted in the Faith". What does it really mean to be firmly rooted in the faith and how can we make sure we stay that way? I have 3 simple steps we can all take to keep our roots healthy. Join me as I think about those on Sunday! Our 8:30am worship will remain in the Sanctuary for one more week.... while we make sure of a "bee-free" environment in the Fireside Room and at 10:00am we will welcome Leo Mark Keating through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We hope you can be here in person to worship with us but, if not, join us on the church Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 10:00am or on the church's YouTube channel for the completed worship after the service ends. However you can, we hope to be able to greet you in worship on Sunday!

+++ Next Sunday, October 6th we will be celebrating World Communion Sunday, offering a welcome luncheon for new members after worship and then head off supporting CROP WALK in the afternoon. Please sign up for the new member luncheon and look for one of our young people to support CROP WALK this Sunday!     

+++Sign up now for our Second Sunday Lunch which will be after our 10am worship service on Sunday, Oct. 13. We will enjoy a delicious brunch meal sponsored by our Fellowship Team. Please sign up outside the Fireside Room.

+++ Mark your calendars for Immanuel's Fall Craft Show on October 25th and 26th! There are a few spots left for crafters... contact Betty Block if you are interested. And we know you will find some beautiful crafty treasures, just perfect for holiday gift giving. Plan on stopping by to shop on the 25th or 26th!  

+++ Administrative Council members... Please mark your calendars to attend Immanuel's annual Charge Conference on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00pm. We will welcome 10 other congregations for this joint meeting in our Sanctuary that evening.  

Make this day a great day and always be praying, You are my hope, O Lord. Amen.   
Pastor Jack