Secretary Snippets

The new president of the Percival Community Church board, Lynn Handy,
has taken over the reins with aplomb, opening the latest meeting with
prayer in the most sincere manner.  Although the joviality and efforts
of the last president, Paul, will be missed, it is deemed that change
can bring invigorating fresh air.  Thank you to both men for their
participation in the governing process, which sometimes may be
burdensome, though brings guidance to the congregation.
*The Board has been discussing the subject of drilling a well, with many
weighing in by relating their own experiences.  Cost, longevity,
burnout, pumps, casings, water level, sand point, estimates and
potability are among the concerns.  It has been pretty much decided that
having a well would be a good idea, even if the water might not be
drinkable.  Action is being taken by Patty to gather some estimates on
the project.
*Did you have fun at the Valentine's Day fellowship at Valentino's?
Well, how about another celebration?  This month St. Patrick will be
looking over us, so in turn we shall have fun by bringing potluck snacks
(not snakes) in the shade of green to fellowship after the service on
Sunday the 16th.  A few games may be brought as well, such as played by
Mel and Nancy Hurst (which they love to share at parties and the name
slips my mind).
*The Board also considered the need for guidelines at food banks where
we donate; the issue being that as of now there seems to be a first come
first serve policy that doesn't sit well with us. This discussion will
continue as we learn more about the situation.
Get your garden gear in order.
                               Marcia Little, Secretary

This and That

     
*I so enjoyed the Valentine's Day gathering and was so glad to see all
the people who took the time to gather together.  It was great seeing
all of you and was nice to enjoy a meal after a long week working. 
Whoever had the idea had a great one.
  *As we were leaving I mentioned to Dean Handy how we were now
Methodists up in Omaha.  I figured he may find it interesting since he
is so devoted to his Methodist church in Nebraska City.  I can't
remember his exact words but basically what he said as part of the
conversation was how we all should focus on what we have in common
instead of what makes us different.
  *A couple weeks ago the sermon our Pastor gave started out about her
telling us how she had a conference call meeting with the various other
Methodist churches in town and some leaders.  At the end she asked why
one of the employees at one of these other churches was going around
saying some not so nice things about our church.  She got a lot of "that
shouldn't be" and similar remarks. No that shouldn't be.
*I know there are some differences between different churches and yes
some beliefs differ a bit from church to church.  Basically though
aren't they all trying to do the same thing.  Aren't most churches
sharing the news of Jesus Christ and trying to help their fellow man as
best they can?
*If that is the case all churches should be encouraging and helpful to
all the other churches they deal with.  I think it is just another
little piece of getting to that Peace on Earth.
   Paul Bennett

Pastor’s Thoughts

Violence seems to be the answer to problem solving in our society. If
someone*s music is too loud, or a bag of popcorn is thrown at you
because you were asked to quit texting in a movie theater, or a small
child is eating breakfast in her own home not knowing outside two groups
of youth are about to explode with bullets flying. From college
campuses, shopping malls and schools to the work place violence seems to
be the response of first choice for many individuals with pent up
frustrations, anger, anxiety and stress.
* Impulsive behavior is nothing new. Peter did so the arrest of Jesus in
the garden by taking a sword and cutting off the servants ear.  Each of
us has *leaped before we looked,* Scripture is clear however as
followers of Jesus we are called to lead lives of discipline, moderation
and maturity, always tempered with love and patience.
*However the world tempts us to behavior in undisciplined and ungodly
ways that is often reactive and promotes anger, hatred and revenge. As
Christians remember we *overcome evil with good,* and if someone slaps
us, we are to turn the other cheek. Returning violence with violence
will only promote more violence.
*Like the hymn we sing on Communion Sunday if there is to be peace let
each of us become peace makers and thru our words and actions
demonstrate love, respect, and understanding for every individual.

Pastor Blaine

Valentine Gathering

 

Here are a few pictures taken at our Valentine gathering. You can click on images to enlarge.  We had a real good turn out and a nice evening was enjoyed by all.

Valentine Celebration

 

 

Valentino’s Valentine Celebration

Friday, February 14, at 6:30 p.m.

Please let someone know if you need a ride.

Secretary Snippets

 

As for news from the Board, the Annual Meeting of 2014 was an orderly event, which accomplished the necessary business of our church.  We thank Joan for putting together  a near flawless 2013 Annual Report.  Please take note of forthcoming corrections, however, so that it may be, as desired, a dependable and reliable resource of our parish community.  Also we welcome Patty as a new board member, taking Paul’s seat.

Upcoming for Valentine’s Day is planned a get together at a local restaurant for fellowship.  Stay tuned for further updates.  Thoughts of the water problem have been exchanged at the recent meeting, as suggested by Mel.  As a complicated situation, don’t expect quick action.  Also a soup supper would make a wonderful excuse for a fund raiser, and we will be continuing this discussion as well.

Maybe the sunshine of Montana is nursing my Vitamin D deficiency so well that I am unusually up beat at the moment.  I can’t help thinking, however, that this will be a great year in Fremont County.  Already Chinook breezes of the New Year are portending sweet thoughts of spring.

Marcia Little , 

Board Secretary

Pastor’s Thoughts

 

The wind has been blowing steadily for the past several weeks with gusts on occasion upwards of 35 to 45 miles per hour.  In fact one day I didn’t know if I’d be able to open the car door.

Wind is a blessing on a hot humid summer day but in the winter months it can and does make it bitterly cold with wind chills below zero.

Do you realize that on one has ever seen the wind?  We’ve only seen it’s effects on leaves, snow, sand, dirt or kite flying.  The same can be said of the winds of cultural change that blow through every society.  James states, “don’t let the winds that howl and toss you to and fro,” or as Paul says in Ephesians 4:14 “that henceforth be no more children, tossed about and carried about with every wind of doctrine by cunning and crafty men, who wait to deceive us.”

As Christians we have an anchor and that anchor is secured in our faith that is established in Jesus Christ.  We shouldn’t allow the winds of society’s attitudes to move or shake us like a reed in the wind, but instead like a rock that is weathered but not moved, let the Holy Spirit be our constant and ever present guide that keeps us grounded, upright, and unmovable in any circumstance or situation.

Pastor Blaine