Week of January 8, 2023

Isaiah 42:1-9

Matthew 3:13-17

Yesterday’s worship service may be seen here on Youtube.  Randy Lee was here to share the message with us.  I encourage you to spend the time listening to God’s message through Randy again.

Randy spoke about the importance of the pause, among other things.  The pause is that moment when the old falls away and the new begins.  There was a pause at Jesus’ baptism where Jesus said “Let it be so for now” in response to John’s insistence that it was much more appropriate for Jesus to baptize John than the other way around.  However, as they “Let it be so for now”, they were provided with the transition from John’s ministry to Jesus’ ministry.

We are forgiven through Jesus Christ…there is still an accounting and consequences for our actions, but because of our belief, we will be forgiven.  We need to pause, forgive ourselves, and make a commitment to be a better person.  With the acceptance of God’s grace, there is responsibility.  We need to work to be better people along with that commitment.  We will still do things we need to atone for, but we will be forgiven through our believe in Jesus.

Make the commitment.  No where in the Bible does it say this commitment will be easy.  But it is so necessary.  Take a moment, pause, let the old fall away so the new can begin.

Please, I encourage you to listen to the message presented to us yesterday.  Thank you, Randy, for sharing God’s word with us.

Have a blessed week.

Announcements

Grief Share returns for another 13-week session.  The program will run on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  The cost is $20 (for materials).  There are scholarships available to cover the cost for those in need.  The program will be facilitated by Dan Longenbarger.  Please reach out if you have any questions.
 
2023 Giving Envelopes are in the narthex.  If you haven’t picked yours up yet, please do so.  If you have any questions, please see Amy Hempel.
 
Mark your calendars – The next Third Sunday Potluck will be next Sunday, January 15, after worship.  Stay and join us for lunch!
 
Altar Flower Calendar for 2023 is posted in the fellowship hall.  If you’d like to purchase a flower arrangement for the altar in honor or memory of someone, please write their name, their relationship to you, and your name on the space next to the Sunday you’d like the flowers.  The cost per Sunday is $30.00 and we are asking that you please pay in advance.  You may put your payment in the offering plate labeled “altar flowers” and take the arrangement home with you after worship that day.  Please see Barb Flower with any questions.

Calendar of Events

Tuesday January 10 – 10 am Prayer Group
Wednesday January 11 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Grief Share
Sunday January 15  – 9:15 am Sunday School resumes
            10:30 am Morning Worship Service
            11:30 am Third Sunday Potluck
Tuesday January 17 — 10 am Prayer Group
            7 pm Music Ministry practice
Wednesday January 18 — 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Grief Share
            6:30 pm Leadership Team meeting