Thanks be to God we have been getting well-hydrated lately. No wonder the Bible speaks so often of water as an agent of God's grace. The prophet Amos says, "Let justice roll down like the mighty waters..." and the Psalms speak of God's merciful salvation as like springs in the desert.
How fortunate we are that even in dry times we live in a world where we are able to simply turn on the faucet and receive life-giving water!
We are also able to experience such mercy and relief whenever we're gathered together in His name. This past Sunday I was amazed that we actually had 20 people get to church, even though it was soggy and turning to snow. Judging by the 4 different soups and stews you brought for dinner that day, we were obviously inspired by the weather!
On a related note, thanks to all who agreed to make food for our visiting college students! Unfortunately we never got to host them, since the weather began to turn nasty and they were advised to drive directly home to Kansas. They did arrive safely on Friday night after driving all the way through. The kids send their greetings and gratitude to us. We will host another group in March during "Alternative Spring Break."
This week we stay on track to prepare for the Sunday, Feb 5th Congregational Meeting. All members are called to attend so you can cast your votes. Non members are welcome, as you can be recognized as having a voice. This meeting will take place directly after our Communion Service, in the sanctuary.
This week is a planning week, as I continue to prepare our Annual Calendar.
Today yoga meets at noon,
Exercise, Eat and Pray meets M-W-F at 9:00AM
I will be at a meeting in Roswell tomorrow, Wednesday, for the day.
Next week Betty Ragan and I will be in Portales overnight to attend the January Presbytery Meeting (Friday-Saturday, Jan 27-28). You are welcome to drive over for the meeting if you wish to witness what that's like. By the way, All Ordained Elders are invited to consider serving as Betty's alternate as a commissioner. Barbara Cherry used to be our Alternate Commissioner.
Prayers:
Jesse Weeks - cancer diagnosis
Tim Healey (Julie Sursa's brother) - finds out more about his cancer this week
Jenna - pain management
Trujillo and Rivera Family, as well as the folks at NAPA in their grief for Edward Trujillo. Edward worked for NAPA for a little over 40 years
For our church as we look ahead at 2017!
For this nation preparing for a change in leadership on 1/20
Friends, you have a hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That hope means new life comes to those who are able to give up the ways that lead to sin. What will you do in 2017 that leads you to new life?
May God bless you and keep you this week.
Much love,
Pastor Amy
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