On Sat, Mar 26, 2022 at 8:32 AM Pancoast’s <bpancoast@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Good morning to all,
Shalom which is Hebrew, for Peace.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
GIVING THANKS:
- We remain grateful for each of you. The church is the Bride of Christ. Each one of you plays an important role in this family of God. Thank you for all you are doing to keep this family of believers together & united for God’s glory.
- We give thanks for the eldest member of our congregation Fran Elizeus who will be 100 years old in July, and the youngest member, Iris Monet just 6 weeks old. Imagine, 100 years between them!
NEWS & UPDATES:
- The Kent Men’s retreat will be held on June 24 & 25. All men are encouraged to attend. See Pat Keller for details.
- There will be a 150th planning meeting after worship on Sunday April 3rd . Things are moving along nicely so thanks to all for your help in coordinating this.
- The next Tuesday morning Ladies bible study will be on April 5th at 9:30 a.m. via zoom. Study books on the book of 1, 2 and 3 John are available at the building. See Lisa and/or Mary Lou if you have interest.
- The Friday evening Ladies bible study will be on April 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the building. We will know closer to that time if zoom will be offered. Join us as we study the temple in the book of Ephesians.
- The next Tuesday morning Ladies bible study will be on April 5th at 9:30 a.m. via zoom. Study books on the book of 1, 2 and 3 John are available at the building. See Lisa and/or Mary Lou if you have interest.
REMINDERS:
- This is the last weekend for contributions toward the Boys Juvenile detention center in Bridgeport. Thanks to all who have helped contribute to this effort.
The next outreach project will be a Toy Drive for Yale for the Children’s hospital. New Toys will be collected for the children in the Pediatric division. Ron will provide more details on Sunday.
- This Sunday will be the last day to contribute towards Tori’s fund raiser for the refugees in the Ukraine. They are looking for healthcare items & all kinds of medical supplies
Thank you all for your generous contributions.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Nadine Keller heard from her surgeon who said that the board agreed that surgery is necessary for her, which will extend her life and improve the quality of life as well. They are looking at doing the surgery sometime in April, latest May. Prayers for all to go well.
- David Fitzinger’s cancer has returned.
- Judith Gomez continues to deal with intense pain.
- Continued prayers for Flo as she waits on God for a proper diagnosis
- Continued prayers for Jennifer as she is in therapy for her vertigo. Such a rough road for her but thankfully she is making small strides.
- Pat Yaglowski has had additional health challenges in addition to her intense pain.
FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR CONGREGATION’S 150th HISTORY:
As we peruse the rich history of this congregation through the many documents and meticulous records through the years, we get a glimpse of their spiritual priorities. Their focus was God centered, placing heavy emphasis on the unadulterated word of God.
Accurate records were kept of members…
Births; Those in attendance who were faithful and.. those who were un-faithful even, at the time of their demise; were painstakingly recorded throughout the centuries. Why was it so important to record members lives from birth to death on their spiritual journey? Because they knew how critical it was to keep the saved, saved.
In this world of conflict and horror, it is critical for us to stay focused as Christians.
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak; for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints.”
Psalm 85:8
When we think of peace what comes to mind? A peaceful scene, a sleeping baby?
Peace is complete contentment. Harmony. Wholeness. Tranquility. Life in all its fullness.
War is complete opposition to peace. It is terrible conflict, hatred and dissonance.
The images of the war in the Ukraine are disturbing. As news reporters interview the refugees as they are fleeing, the running theme when asked the question, “what do you need?” They all consistently answer that question with one word… “Peace”.
We see conflict in relationships, marriages, the workplace and in every level of life, not just on the battlefield. Life on this side of heaven is plagued with all kinds of stress and anxiety. This world cannot offer us peace.
True Peace can only be found by seeking God.
Inner Peace can only be acquired by focusing on God and His word.
2 Peter 1:2 “Grace & peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
2 Thessalonians “Now may the LORD of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The LORD be with you all”
Kingdoms come and go. Leaders move in and out of power. Societies change like the passing of tides.
Our only constant in this life…is God. He will forever be the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all.
It is God who offers the Peace that passes understanding, through His son Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 26:3-4 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you.”
Psalm 29:11 “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
God offers peace in every situation if we will choose to keep our minds fixed on Him. If we have our mind focused on ourselves or our problems, or on anything else, we cannot have perfect peace.
Psalm 23 “ The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
God prepares for us a table in the midst of whatever trouble surrounds us, even before our enemies. The secret to inner peace is to seek His face and find our rest in Him, rather than striving for circumstantial peace. This is an all -embracing peace. A peace within that gets us through all of life’s trials. An eternal peace.
Romans 8:6 “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
It’s by the Spirit alone (not the world) that we will find life and peace.
Galations 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Romans 8:6 “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Did you know that righteousness and peace are linked together?
In psalm 85:10 “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
Lasting peace connects with our virtue and righteousness.
David loved God. In Psalm 119:165 he recorded, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
James 3:17-18 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
We must place our hope and trust in God alone…
Philippians 4:5-7 “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end.”
John 16: 33 “In Me you may have peace.”
As soon as we turn our trust away from God and focus on earthly things, or in fallible people, or our feelings, we will be robbed of peace. We must focus on God for He will provide us the peace that we long for and so desire in this life! Peace on this side of eternity is not promised. Peace on the other side of eternity, IS PROMISED!
John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Ephesians 2:14 “For He himself is our peace.”
Revelation 6:4 “Then another horse came out, a firey red one. It’s rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.”
PEACE, PERFECT PEACE
“The peace of God …will guard your hearts and your minds”. Phil 4:7
Peace perfect peace,
in this dark world of sin:
the blood of Jesus whispers
peace within.
Yes, perfect peace,
by thronging duties pressed:
to do the will of Jesus
this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace,
with sorrows surging round:
on Jesus bosom naught but
calm is found.
It is enough,
Earths struggles soon shall cease:
And Jesus call us to heaven’s
perfect peace.
SWEET PEACE
“The peace of God transcends all understanding.” Phil 4:7
There comes to my heart one sweet strain
A glad and a joyous refrain,
I sing it again and again, Sweet peace ,
the gift of God‘s love.
Peace, peace, Sweet peace,
wonderful peace from above,
A wonderful, wonderful peace,
sweet peace ,
the gift of God‘s love.
Through Christ on the cross peace was made,
my debt by his death was all paid,
no other foundation is laid,
for peace, the gift of God‘s love.
Peace, peace, Sweet peace,
wonderful peace from above,
A wonderful, wonderful peace,
sweet peace ,
the gift of God‘s love.
In Jesus for peace abide
and as I keep close to his side
there’s nothing but peace doth be tied,
Sweet peace the gift of God‘s love.
Peace, peace, Sweet peace,
Wonderful peace from above,
A wonderful, wonderful peace,
Sweet peace ,
the gift of God‘s love.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Let’s choose to set our minds on the Lord in every situation and give thanks that Jesus bore it all.
He is eternal. He is our peace!
In Him,
Bruce & Paula
