Good morning church family,
Thank you all for serving this congregation humbly and lovingly. So many people work quietly behind the scenes.
We share this poem written by our sister Paula Ross…
Be Holy Committed
A lesson is a Blessing in disguise,
Something we might need to go through.
We must withstand circumstances
to get to the prize.
We need our Faith to stand when trials come.
Pray and stay the course,
even when the outcome we cannot see.
First there is the test,
before a Godly Testimony can be;
It begins with Thankfulness,
no matter what conditions we may face.
Then and only then can we hope
to finish our earthly race,
Pray, stay the course;
So we may find God's beautiful Grace.
Giving Thanks
* Karen Ohrenberger's recent follow-up with her surgeon went well! There was a spot that was concerning but the surgeon said it was damage from the surgery itself and it should heal. She will return for an MRI in one year. Thanks to everyone for your prayers as she continues to deal with other health challenges.
Prayer Requests
* Many families are struggling with challenges of health, finances, job changes, grief, and more. Pray for all to stay strong and focused during these difficult times.
* Emille Jones was in the hospital recently. Prayers as Emille continues to deal with Multiple Myleoma and as they continue with a bone marrow test, etc over the next few weeks.
* Sam Walkup had a tracheotomy on Thursday. He makes a few strides, then regresses, The doctors are trying to keep him stable. The family is grateful for all of our prayers.
* Esther and Rocko Aggrey left this week for Ghana to distribute all of the school supplies that were collected . She will send us pictures soon! Robert and family will join up with them in a few days. Prayers for their safe trip!
* Ray's brother Mike Fernandes had vein surgery recently so prayers for all of Mike's health challenges.
* Leah's brother's family asked for prayers as their mother Helen Haddad is on hospice care.
* Toni Bonadio had a heart catheterization this past week. Prayers for Toni as the doctors try to regulate her with meds, given the blockage.
Just a reminder to continue to support our local food pantry SPOONER HOUSE. Thinking of others, especially at this time of year, is a blessing that not only encourages the down trodden, but lifts us up as well.
SPOONER HOUSE is open 24-7 for deliveries of food, meals, etc. and non-perishables can be left in the bin in our foyer at the church building.
Thanks to everyone for supporting this cause.
* Tomorrow December 10th right after worship in the fellowship hall, Jay Repecko will give a presentation on the SIBI studies being offered to everyone. It should be a great series and wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning more about God's word.
* Tuesday, December 12th at 9:30 a.m. will be the last Ladies morning Bible class via zoom for the month of December as they will take a break for the holiday.
* Saturday December 16th – Families with Young Children will have a Christmas party at the building from 9:00 a.m. to noon. “Breakfast will be provided. There will be a movie and some crafts. No need to bring anything, but yourself. Stay in your PJ's and bring some pillows if you would like. If you intend to come, please let us know by the end of this week Sunday December 10th so that we can plan breakfast accordingly.” There is a sign up sheet posted on the auditorium doors.
COMING UP IN JANUARY:
* Flo Repecko will lead the Saturday morning Ladies Bible study on January 13th at 10:00 a.m. The book of Exodus has been a wonderful study and we have visitors who have continued to attend, learn and grow.
* Sunday January 28th there will be a baby shower for Jenna Jones right after worship in our fellowship hall. Jenna and Emille are blessed to know they are having a girl. Her name is Emiliana Adaline. A sign-up sheet will be posted for what to bring. Stay tuned for more details.
In the book of Matthew we read about Jesus' sermon on the mount. The Beatitudes sum up everything Jesus taught about what it means to live as a child of God.
Jesus used the term blessed in the Beatitudes to describe the inner quality of a faithful servant of God. This blessedness is a spiritual state of well-being and a deep, joy-filled contentment that cannot be shaken by poverty, grief, famine, persecution, war or any other trial or tragedy we may face in life. Jesus loves us and no matter what we go through, He lifts us up. The meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, those who are pure in heart and those who are discouraged, are BLESSED.
Who is blessed?
Matthew chapter 5
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
“BLESSED are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, for they will enter into his kingdom.
“BLESSED are the meek for they will inherit the earth.”
The meek are imitators of Jesus Christ who exemplified gentleness and self-control.
“BLESSED are they who mourn; for they shall be comforted.”
Those who mourn, refers to those who express deep sorrow over sin and repent from their sins. The freedom found in the forgiveness of sin, and the joy of eternal salvation is the comfort of all who repent.
“BLESSED are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Hunger and thirst speak of deep need and driving passion. This “righteousness” refers to Jesus Christ. To be “filled” is the satisfaction of our soul's desire.
“BLESSED are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion for others, will receive mercy.
“BLESSED are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
The 'pure in heart' are those who have been cleansed from within. Not outward righteousness that can be seen by men, but inward holiness that only God can see. In Hebrews 12:14 without holiness, no one will see God. “..by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
“BLESSED are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Scripture tells us we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Christ brings restored fellowship – peace – with God.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.“
“BLESSED are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so will his followers. Those who endure by faith rather than hide their faith to avoid persecution, are genuine followers of Christ.
“BLESSED are you when others revile you, and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Matthew 7:28
Many will ridicule us, put us down and mock us for our Faith. We must remember to rejoice and be glad, for our reward in Heaven will be great.
The gifts we have “in Christ” are precious. For when we are poor, weary, downtrodden, rejected, despised, ridiculed, stomped on, and discouraged, we are blessed. Jesus suffered all of these things, He knows and He cares.
Colossians 3:12-13
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Psalm 111:4
“He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.“
Jesus Christ lifted up the outcasts to give them hope.
Jesus showed Mercy on the harlot, Zacchaeus, the lepers, he healed the blind and made the lame to walk. His message was that the broken, have worth in God's kingdom!
Jesus's message gives HOPE to ordinary people, not to mention eternal life.
KEEP SINGING:
Purer in Heart Oh God,
Help me to be;
May I devote my life,
Wholly to Thee;
Watch Thou my wayward feet,
Guide me with counsel sweet;
Purer in heart,
Help me to be.
Purer in heart Oh God,
Help me to be;
Teach me to do Thy will,
Most lovingly;
Be Thou my Friend and Guide,
Let me with Thee abide;
Purer in Heart,
Help me to be.
Purer in heart Oh God
Help me to be;
That I Thy holy face,
One day may see;
Keep me from secret sin,
Reign Thou my soul within;
Purer in heart, Help me to be.
As life brings us through one difficulty after another, we are reassured in the scriptures of God's great love and Jesus loves us!
In a season of gift giving, let us remember that we have beautiful opportunities to show others compassion, mercy, forgiveness, grace and Love …which is the greatest gift of all.
Matthew 28:16
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had
told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some
doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.“
May God be glorified as we hold out the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world.
In His service,
Bruce & Paula