Monday, January 19, 2015

From the Secretary

May the Christmas Spirit of 2014 continue throughout the New Year of
2015, in the giving of care and attention to others, by helping build
our fellow*s faith in God*s love through uplifting actions of support.
Sometimes we may think we fall short of Christ*s expectations. However
our small acts of kindness are so often paid forward; they snowball into
the mighty spirit of God*s love further down the road.  Think of one big
snowball fight in Heaven someday.
Think of the food you put on the table, the harvest brought in and
shared with family and neighbors, a pat on the back, a handshake,
forgiveness of other people*s shortcomings, and so on and so forth.
Everyday you act out what you have learned of God*s love through Christ
Jesus, sometimes unknowingly.
So, thoughts of Pastor Blaine*s sermon before Christmas fuel my
thoughts.  I offer them up as there is not much secretarial business to
share with the congregation, other than the upcoming Annual Meeting on
January 18th, in which hopefully everyone will participate.  The church
has strengthened over the years (from what I hear and see).  This brings
joy to many old-timers, and the rest of us as well.
Oh, you may get a phone call some blizzardy day, to say that Sunday
service is canceled.  Otherwise, you may have to be the judge as to
whether you want to risk hazardous conditions to get to church.
Marcia Little, Secretary

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Pastor’s Thoughts

The adage *how time flies* certainly is apropos to 2014 as it is for
almost every year.  As one advances in age the faster the days, weeks,
and years pass. When I was in high school my thought was the year 2000
would take forever to arrive but when it occurred I said* that was
quick" My years are now counted by my grandchildren, one will be a
freshman in this New Year, another only a few years away and the last
one will be in pre-school.
*Much in our world is occurring at rapid speed; one event headlines the
daily news, only to be replaced by the next dramatic event. From Ebola
to Isis, Hong Kong, North Korea, Iran, Iraq and Syria, to places in the
United States, Ferguson, MO, and Midwest snow storms, and southeast
tornadoes to Congress and politics.
  *What I’ve learned is that this New Year will probably mirror 2014.
One can expect the unexpected. More wars and rumors of war, famine,
sickness, strange weather patterns, pain, suffering and uncurtaining
will abound.  The one assurance that I have is that God is faithful
through all seasons, events and trials.  I can trust in God*s love, care
and peace to sustain me.
*So what does 2015 have in store for me and you?  I don*t know, but I do
know who holds the future and life is worth living because Jesus Christ
lives and reigns.
*May 2015 bring more opportunities to serve our Savior and Lord.

Pastor Blaine