A Day To Remember

November 27, 2011.

A day to remember as the Congregation of Percival Community Church returned to celebrate and worship in the Sanctuary we so love.

It was a day to remember because joining us were fifty to sixty guests lending support and encouragement by their very presence.

It was a day to remember because Rosemary was at the organ again and her prelude was simply magnificent.

It was a day to remember because the church was beautifully decorated for the first Sunday of Advent.

Thank you Scott and Paul!

It was a day to remember because Jan lit the candles on the altar to remind us that the Light of Christ had entered our Worship.

It was a day to remember because Grace lit the first candle of Advent.

It was a day to remember because our fellowship snacks were graciously provided by the United Methodist Church of Thurman and they were delicious.

It was a day to remember and say thank you to everyone who had assisted us in any way over the past six months.

It was a day to remember in gratitude the generosity of thousands of people who contributed to the “Showers of Blessings Campaign.” A tree filled with red ornaments listing the names of all contributors, bringing our total to date approximately $23,000.00.

It was a day to remember the faithfulness and goodness of God.

Finally it was a day to remember that the work and service of our Savior and Lord continues as meet the challenges ahead.

It was A Day to Remember.

Pastor Blaine Pritchett

Welcome Back!

Click on images to enlarge.

 

This morning when we pulled up to church for the first time in a long time, it was nice to see all the cars. The church from Thurman was here to join us today and brought us very delicious treats to share.

 

As we approached the door, it was like coming home to an old friend.

This message was what greeted us as we entered.

 

The church was decorated in all it’s splendor for the Christmas season.

 

 

 In the fellowship hall, there was a beautiful white tree with all the names of  people that so graciously gave to our “Showers of Blessings” Campaign. On the little red circles were their names and where they were from.  Every side of the tree was filled with circles from people all over. It is so amazing to think that so many people from so many places thought about our little community and surrounding areas. We are simply in awe. Pastor Pritchett announced today that our total in donations received has reached $21,804.00

 

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Celebration of Hope and Love

November 27^th 1st Sunday of Advent

The congregation of Percival Community Church will be gathering again to worship in the house of the Lord for the first time since our evacuation in early June.

We are grateful to the United Methodist Church in Sidney for their willingness to allow us to use their sanctuary and building for the past six months. Their support and encouragement enabled us to continue to worship, pray, fellowship and serve our Lord while absent from our building in Percival.

If you should be in South West Iowa area and in particular Percival, Iowa on November 27 at 9:30 a.m. join us in this celebration of hope. Hope that our future lives have and will be enriched because of your prayers, encouragement and support for our small community and its congregation. Love as have been experienced through the generous giving of thousands of people, congregations and organizations to the “Showers of Blessing Campaign.”

Thanks to each of you and May the Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified and honored in all our lives and ministry.

Pastor Blaine

Campaign Nearing The End

The “Showers of Blessings Campaign” that began approximately three months ago is now near completion. Percival Community Church is seeking to serve and minister to the multiple needs of families within our community and elsewhere; while it began in faith and a simple belief that God through the efforts of His people and prayer, $100,000.00 could be raised by 100,000 people in 100 days. Sounds impossible! Not with God! With 14 days remaining the church has received approximately $17,000 from individuals, churches and groups throughout America. That requires $83,000.00 to be secured in these last two weeks. Sounds impossible, not with God!

I continue to believe and have faith that somehow, someway the funds asked for will be provided.

Please pray in earnest in regards to this campaign. The needs are great but God has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ. (Phip: 4-19)

In Joy, hope and faith,

Pastor Blaine

Rebuilding Begins

The reconstruction and rebuilding has begun. Interstate 29 has reopened along with highway 2 between Nebraska City and the Iowa border. People who spent 2 ½ to 3 hours getting to their jobs are now back to their normal commute time. Praise the Lord! Many of the county and rural roads are not completely rebuilt but progress there is evident. Work on the broken levy system is at least a month away and will likely not be fully completed by the spring although we pray and hope that by some miraculous intervention it will.

God has blessed us with some beautiful and warm autumn weather that has created and aided in the ability to begin the challenges confronting businesses and families.

A few people have also returned to their homes and are cloroxing molded walls; tearing out dry wall, removing carpet, installing new furnaces and water heaters and having FEMA inspect residences in order to receive some financial aid even now.

During this time volunteers have been here from the S.W. Iowa United Methodist Church disaster team helping people in Percival in this effort. Their expertise, love, encouragement and support have put a positive out-look on a very bleak situation. Their reflection of Jesus Christ and the meaning of service and ministry has been a visible witness and we praise the Lord again for their work and contribution.

While much has been accomplished, much more remains. Winter is fast approaching but with hope, confidence and perseverance the dawn of a new beginning has begun.

In gratitude and thankfulness in and for all things.

Pastor Blaine