Sunday, December 27, 2020

Sunday, December 27, 2020

 

When they saw the Star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.            Matthew 2:10   

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Dec. 26-27


I hope everyone had a wonderful, blessed Christmas! Please continue to pray for health and safety for all our congregation.


Did you look for the Bethlehem Star  on Monday? It looked so bright because Saturn and Jupiter were as "close" together as they have been in 800 years. It reminded me of the magnificence of God's creation and the Wise Men who followed the star to Bethlehem. Perhaps since it happened in 2020, it is God's way of reminding us He is still in control and things will get better. Listen closely to the words of "The Star Still Shines" video.  It reminds us to follow the Light who is Jesus. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in 2021.  ~ Mary

The Star Still Shines

When Love was Born

We Three Kings 


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This morning we have some photos and a message to share from Barb and Lynn Handy...

Hello from the Handys! As you know 2020 has been a trying year for all of us.  We continue to give glory to God for His daily care and many blessings.  Lynn is home...that is Christmas joy!!  We look forward to a renewed 2021.  We send Holiday greetings, wishes, and love to our dear friends.  We have missed all of you.

 

 In this photo, if you look closely at the tree, you will see a single cardinal ornament.  The ornament, a gift from sister Betty, brings memories of our precious mother.  The cardinal was her favorite bird.


In this photo, Dana had gifted me with the wooden creche, with baby Jesus, several years ago.  I add lights and display every year.  A reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.


The outside tree is decorated with red ornaments.

 

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Thank you so much for sharing Barb and Lynn! It was so good to hear from you!

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2020 has been a trying year for so many of us all around the world.  With a vaccine becoming available perhaps we can soon put this year in our rear view mirrors!  Blaine is slowly improving though it is apparent that some of his health problems will continue.  He has vision issues which has curtailed his driving and for reasons unknown his intestines have stopped functioning.  This will be an ongoing problem.  It has been an uphill struggle and we are still climbing the hill!  All our children and grandchildren are healthy and happy so we are certainly blessed.   We thank each of you for your prayerful support of us through this stressful time.  Know that you are thought of often and are appreciated so much.  Wonderful blessings upon you all this beautiful and joyous season and all our hope’s for a blessed New Year!  Dale and Pastor Blaine

 

 Received the following Thank You from them too...

 


 Thank you so much to all of you at the Percival Church for the gift you sent us.  This has been a most expensive past 6 months for us with Blaine's illness and your gift is so greatly appreciated!  May God bless each of you richly in the coming New Year.  This was so  totally unexpected and we are very grateful, please convey our thanks to everyone.  Dale and Pastor Blaine

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Looking through past photos of church and church gatherings, I thought it might be nice to share one or two every Sunday, calling it, "Captured Moments from the Past."
Here's today's captured moments..
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Magnets we made one year using the pretty winter scene of the church.

 


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 Percy's Tidbit

Something to remember as we start the new year...

 Always end the day with a positive thought.  No matter how hard things were.  Tomorrow's a fresh opportunity to make it better.

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Blessings for the new week ahead. Greet it with a smile :)

 

 

 

 

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Sunday, December 20, 2020

 


Jesus is the Light of our Christmas, the joy of our hearts, and the hope of our world.

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December 19-20
Good morning! Christmas is almost here! Perhaps you have had more time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this year since so many events have been cancelled. Try to focus on all the blessings we have received from God instead of the things we can't do this year.
Please pray that we will all continue to stay safe. Pray for comfort and peace for all who have lost loved ones this year. Jo Ann Birkby has asked that we pray for her sister-in-law, Sharon Weston and Jerry's second cousin, Patsy Aspedon. Please keep Terry and Dana Gunderson and Kristin Handy in your prayers.


Birthday greetings to Jerry Birkby on the 22nd!


We light the angel candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent. The Bible verses and videos tell of three times when angels appeared with important messages.
Angel appears to Mary- Luke 1: 26-38
Angel appears to Joseph: Matthew 1: 18-25
Angels announce Jesus's birth- Luke 2:13-14                                            

Click on the following links for the songs/videos

Francesca Battistelli- "Be Born In Me (Mary)"

Joseph's Song

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

                                                               ~Mary

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 This morning we have some greetings and shares from Jerry and Jo Ann Birkby, Jan and Mary Zach, Beth Lueth, Rusty and Mindy Raymond, Penny Warren, Aaron Zach and Makayla, and Sara and Grace Zach.

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Merry Christmas from Jerry and Jo Ann!

This picture was taken at the Graham's in their new Riverton home. Also sharing a couple of pictures of our farm scene and the John Deere scene in our living room. ~ Jo Ann


 
 

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We hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed Christmas!  We will certainly miss the Christmas Eve service.  That is part of our family tradition followed by chili and cinnamon rolls at our house.  We will be watching a service online instead.  We pray that 2021 will bring many blessings to all of you!  We miss you!  ~ Jan and Mary

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Beth sent us a couple of pictures to share of some fun "memories in the making!"

 Decorating cookies at our house...

Decorating handmade ornaments at Lacey's...


 

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 Merry Christmas from Mindy and Rusty!

The year 2020 has been quite the year to say the least, and never once did I imagine we would be dealing with a pandemic and all that that it entails.  Though this year has been quite the struggle at times, I'm reminding myself of the many blessings, great and small, that we also have encountered. That's one of the lessons I aim to take away from this year.  To be forever grateful for what I have, never taking one thing for granted, to hold on to God's promises, to take one day at a time, and to be fully present in the moment that I'm in.  ~ Mindy

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A Christmas message from Penny Warren...

"I would like to wish all my church family a blessed Christmas!" 

 ~ Penny

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Merry Christmas from Aaron, his love Makayla, and Rocky!

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Merry Christmas from Sara, Grace, and Katie!

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Looking through past photos of church and church gatherings, I thought it might be nice to share one or two every Sunday, calling it, "Captured Moments from the Past."
Here's today's captured moments..
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I also wanted to share this memory I came across.  When the church purchased new Hymnals, we had several old ones free for the taking. I always thought it was such a neat idea how Phyllis Layman  repurposed one.
 
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Percy's Tidbit

The best Christmas gift is to realize how much you already have.

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 May the love of Christ fill your home and every day of your life.

Merry Christmas!