(above is a clip from the movie, "Awakenings" which is quoted in the below Sermon)
Grace and Peace to you all in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
I hope that this message finds you well.
Our worship service yesterday was small again, but it reminds me of John 1:5: "And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness cannot overcome it!" This to me is worship. We worship the Lord, and even if one person is worshiping God, that person is not alone. And our worship shines an inextinguishable light.
I pointed out yesterday however, that for some people, it will be a Blue Christmas this year. The Session and I have discussed possibly offering an alternative time for worship during the Christmas. I am considering a "Blue Christmas" service, a service for healing and wholeness, perhaps on the Wednesday before Christmas (December 23). If you think you would like to help plan it, I would love to get your input. It would probably be a shorter service than a normal Sunday service.
Special thank yous to Kenna for her readings, to Kenna and Marge for lighting the candle of hope, and as always to Marge for making music!
I wanted to share that poem from yesterday's worship service, "O God of all seasons and senses,..." can be found at this link: God's Timing It is a poem from a book by Ted Loder, called Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle.
We have several members of this church family who need to worship God away from the crowd right now. These are individuals who are a part of us, but who suffer various ailments, have special health risks or have been sick recently. They have told me they miss the family, and are anxious to return, once they feel safe enough or well enough. For those who have been away from us, let us pray for their well-being:
Glenda Coles
Lydia Ebell
Sharon and Wayne Huffman
Ruth Johnson
Dorothy Randals
Elmer and Anna Lee Schuster
Emily Priddy and Ron Warnick
Prayers for Betty and Heather: Another member and her family we need to lift up in prayer this week is Betty Faye Ragan and her daughter-in-law, Heather Hoefer. Her son, Robert, unexpectedly passed away yesterday morning. Heather and Robert were still newlyweds. I am sure that they have gathered together in Farmington for the time being. If I learn anything more, as to what our congregation can do to give them our love and support, I will be sure to let you know. In the meantime, please pray for God's comfort and peace.
Nominating Committee at Work: The Officer Nominating Committee is looking for a person or two who could be a Deacon. I will be happy to offer a training, directly after church this month, in two weeks. If you are interested in being a deacon, please let me know and I will pass your name onto the committee chair, Richard Randals. A Deacon's duties include: preparation of communion 2-3x a year, preparing Christmas gift sacks, organizing funerals and funeral dinners, sending flowers to the sick, and other possible duties. To be a deacon, you also must be a member of our church.
Musicians Wanted: In this pandemic time, let us not forget our music, especially as this is a season for music. If you sing, play an instrument (drums are allowed too!), or have a favorite piece of music you'd like played during worship, I want to hear about it. You have a spot in our worship services.
More Prayer Requests:
Jean Corey-Anderson, after Tom's passing, and for her vet clinic, in need of extra workers
Phil Gallegos and Kathy Martinez (son and daughter of Teresa Gallegos-Brake) - recovering from COVID
Trey and Nicole Schuster (son and daughter-in-law of Anna Lee and Elmer Schuster) - recovering from COVID
Ryan Pottenger - traveling to Hawaii to be with family for the holidays - safe travels
All Travelers
Betty Ragan and Heather Hoefer, and all of their family in their grief
Pat Sieglen, who hopes to be released from post-surgical care on Thursday
Susie Martinez - many different health concerns, trying to find a new apartment
Anna Morris (dear friend of Emily Priddy) - on hospice care, with stage 4 cancer
Kathy Grine and her grandson - possible exposure to COVID
Business owners, trying to stay open
Healthcare workers, administrators
Hospitals running out of beds and supplies
Scientists working to find vaccines
For those who are grieving, depressed, isolated, struggling with addictions during the holidays
Other prayer requests? What are yours and I will be happy to get the word out. Please send them to me at [email protected].
This week:
Postponed till further notice, to comply with Governor's orders: EEP and Yoga
Worship is on Sunday, and it is Communion Sunday! My calendar shows Marge is the Communion Deacon this month.
If you want me to visit you at work, in your home, at a park, or let's go for a walk outside, I am free this week, except for Thursday, when I help someone go to Amarillo for an appointment.
I hope that this week goes well for each of you.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Till we meet again. Hugs,
Rev. Amy
Grace and Peace to you all in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
I hope that this message finds you well.
Our worship service yesterday was small again, but it reminds me of John 1:5: "And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness cannot overcome it!" This to me is worship. We worship the Lord, and even if one person is worshiping God, that person is not alone. And our worship shines an inextinguishable light.
I pointed out yesterday however, that for some people, it will be a Blue Christmas this year. The Session and I have discussed possibly offering an alternative time for worship during the Christmas. I am considering a "Blue Christmas" service, a service for healing and wholeness, perhaps on the Wednesday before Christmas (December 23). If you think you would like to help plan it, I would love to get your input. It would probably be a shorter service than a normal Sunday service.
Special thank yous to Kenna for her readings, to Kenna and Marge for lighting the candle of hope, and as always to Marge for making music!
I wanted to share that poem from yesterday's worship service, "O God of all seasons and senses,..." can be found at this link: God's Timing It is a poem from a book by Ted Loder, called Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle.
We have several members of this church family who need to worship God away from the crowd right now. These are individuals who are a part of us, but who suffer various ailments, have special health risks or have been sick recently. They have told me they miss the family, and are anxious to return, once they feel safe enough or well enough. For those who have been away from us, let us pray for their well-being:
Glenda Coles
Lydia Ebell
Sharon and Wayne Huffman
Ruth Johnson
Dorothy Randals
Elmer and Anna Lee Schuster
Emily Priddy and Ron Warnick
Prayers for Betty and Heather: Another member and her family we need to lift up in prayer this week is Betty Faye Ragan and her daughter-in-law, Heather Hoefer. Her son, Robert, unexpectedly passed away yesterday morning. Heather and Robert were still newlyweds. I am sure that they have gathered together in Farmington for the time being. If I learn anything more, as to what our congregation can do to give them our love and support, I will be sure to let you know. In the meantime, please pray for God's comfort and peace.
Nominating Committee at Work: The Officer Nominating Committee is looking for a person or two who could be a Deacon. I will be happy to offer a training, directly after church this month, in two weeks. If you are interested in being a deacon, please let me know and I will pass your name onto the committee chair, Richard Randals. A Deacon's duties include: preparation of communion 2-3x a year, preparing Christmas gift sacks, organizing funerals and funeral dinners, sending flowers to the sick, and other possible duties. To be a deacon, you also must be a member of our church.
Musicians Wanted: In this pandemic time, let us not forget our music, especially as this is a season for music. If you sing, play an instrument (drums are allowed too!), or have a favorite piece of music you'd like played during worship, I want to hear about it. You have a spot in our worship services.
More Prayer Requests:
Jean Corey-Anderson, after Tom's passing, and for her vet clinic, in need of extra workers
Phil Gallegos and Kathy Martinez (son and daughter of Teresa Gallegos-Brake) - recovering from COVID
Trey and Nicole Schuster (son and daughter-in-law of Anna Lee and Elmer Schuster) - recovering from COVID
Ryan Pottenger - traveling to Hawaii to be with family for the holidays - safe travels
All Travelers
Betty Ragan and Heather Hoefer, and all of their family in their grief
Pat Sieglen, who hopes to be released from post-surgical care on Thursday
Susie Martinez - many different health concerns, trying to find a new apartment
Anna Morris (dear friend of Emily Priddy) - on hospice care, with stage 4 cancer
Kathy Grine and her grandson - possible exposure to COVID
Business owners, trying to stay open
Healthcare workers, administrators
Hospitals running out of beds and supplies
Scientists working to find vaccines
For those who are grieving, depressed, isolated, struggling with addictions during the holidays
Other prayer requests? What are yours and I will be happy to get the word out. Please send them to me at [email protected].
This week:
Postponed till further notice, to comply with Governor's orders: EEP and Yoga
Worship is on Sunday, and it is Communion Sunday! My calendar shows Marge is the Communion Deacon this month.
If you want me to visit you at work, in your home, at a park, or let's go for a walk outside, I am free this week, except for Thursday, when I help someone go to Amarillo for an appointment.
I hope that this week goes well for each of you.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Till we meet again. Hugs,
Rev. Amy
| Awakenings Sunday_november_29_2020_first_sunday_in_advent_sermon.docx |
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