nov_1_2015_sermon_this_is_our_story.docx |
Grace and Peace be with Ya'll!
If you missed church Sunday, then we missed you. Attached is a copy of the sermon, which was about the story of Ruth. The story tells of three people who adopt one another with compassion for the sake of God's family. And this leads me to think of how important it is for our family of faith to remember one another with compassion too. That compassion is "hesed" in ancient Hebrew.
I believe that our compassion and unity together are powerful ways we can continue to show God's Good News in our everyday lives. This is especially important as we get more news on American religious trends (or lack of thereof). Check out this interesting report from today's NPR Morning Edition. Please listen to the attached podcast, or click here for the link. Studies of faith and prayer practices show that Americans continue to become less religious (about 63% confess faith in God). Our call to faith and unity is more important than ever before. You are a very important person!
Speaking of unity... We had nearly 35 people show up for the Halloween Party on Thursday! All I can say is "Wow" and thanks for all who came, and particularly thanks for Kenna who "Emcee'd" the event. Between Screaming Contests and Mummy-in-a-Minute, and the yummy snacks, it was definitely worth coming out at night. Thanks to all who helped decorate too. If you want to help us host the Christmas Party/White Elephant next month, please let me know.
Put on your calendar: 10AM Saturday, November 14th: "Diabetes and Holiday Dining" - a free Community Health Talk by Linda Sims-Randals.
So here's what's happening in church this week:
Today: Yoga is back! Hope you'll join us at noon in Fellowship Hall. Bring your mat and a towel or belt. Amy will be doing Administrative Stuff today in and out of the office.
Wednesday and Friday: Amy goes on the radio @7:30AM on KQAY 92.7 and KTNM 1400. Exercise, Eat and Pray at 9:00AM. Amy will be in the church office till about 12:30PM both of these days.
Wednesday night: 7:00PM Christmas Cantata Practice.
Thursday: Visitation to congregation, Rotary Club at Noon
Thursday evening (around 5:00PM??): See our Lady Rattlers Volleyball team take on their first district opponent (either Clayton or Raton...) Cheer on Kayla and her team at the Rattlers' Snake Pit.
Friday: Our boys Varsity football team might actually have a chance to make it to district if they win this Friday night. They need your support @7:00PM. Home game.
Saturday: Memorial Service for Richard Hart @11:00AM at First Presbyterian. Please bring a dish to share at the potluck afterwards.
Lunchtime @ the Elks Lodge, a special meal honoring Veterans.
Sunday:
Bible Study @9:30AM We continue our study of Ruth. Come on out. We have extra Bibles!
Coffee Fellowship 10:30AM
Worship @11:00AM
Tribute to Veterans at the Elks Lodge. Members of the Cantata Choir will be there at 1:30PM to sing. Come and hear us!
Boy there's a lot going on. And let's not forget that in many peoples' lives there is also a lot going on for them. Prayers are needed:
- Hart/Varsallona family preparing for Richard Hart's memorial service
- For Anna Randals who is expecting a baby boy January 7th! A baby shower for her will be this weekend, so pray for Richard, Linda and Dorothy to have a safe journey.
- Tom Anderson, who begins chemotherapy this week. He has a port implanted today. Pray also for Jean who stands by him.
- Please hold the following Riveras in prayer: Eric's brother James, now in Lovelace in ABQ with heart problems (ongoing), his sister-in-law Cheryl and Philip, each of them undergoing cancer treatment, and continue to pray for James Jr. and Tanya's family as they still deal with the aftermath of the shooting accident. It's been a tough time for them.
- Reagan Kenyon as she completes this round of chemo. Her YouTube channel is here.
So, it's the top of November. Wish these people a Happy Birthday. Did I leave you out? Please let me know...
11/1: Oran Watson
11/2: Norman Runyan
11/7: Jacob Mikow
11/10: Anna Randals
11/10: Amber Varsallona
11/15: Elmer Schuster
11/30: Dr. Jean Corey-Anderson
Hope you have a blessed week with lots of "hesed" and plenty to share.
In Christ,
Pastor Amy