The Lord be with you,
Friends in Christ, I hope that this week is finding you well.
"Well" - in spite of the awful news we heard after church this past Sunday, of the shootings in Sutherland Springs, Texas. I know you share with me the same sadness, shock and disbelief. We have probably thought about how much we have in common with them: small town, small church, and similar social problems. And we know that there are aspects of our life together which will always make us vulnerable:
- Worship is a public activity, that is, not hidden behind locked doors
- Our mission is to promote God's message of grace and forgiveness
- Our heritage is our testimony to eternal salvation
- Our citizenship is in heaven.
Always looking skyward isn't the full answer however, as it is our role to care for each other and guard what belongs to God. Please just stay alert, without being excessively suspicious. And continue always to place all your worries into the hands of Jesus Christ, who is our example. I urge you to keep going to church, for let's not allow these troubled and violent people to prevent us from publicly worshiping the Lord, our primary mission to the world.
If you would like to talk to me privately about these other other concerns, I hope you will contact me at [email protected].
Undeterred from the ministry God has given us, we are getting into the holiday planning, as we look ahead at dates for special activities.
Think about finding some moments of silence, so you can strengthen your connection to the Living God. The Nicene Creed calls the Holy Spirit, "The Lord, the Giver of Life." Let that be so for you. The Lord, the Giver of Life is our well of peace and hope. Remember regularly to return to the Spirit throughout this season of busy-ness! Even if it is for just 5 minutes...
This Week:
Today, Yoga is cancelled, since people are going every which way.
This evening, our Elders have a Session Meeting starting at 6:00PM.
Tomorrow, Exercise, Eat and Pray meets at 9:00AM.
Tomorrow evening - Christmas Cantata Practice at 6:30PM (not 7:00)
Thursday, I'm out and about visiting folks.
Friday, I'll be in the office
Saturday, November 11th at noon the PW has their business meeting
Sunday, 2nd Sunday of the Month is of course, Worship!
Prayers
Family and friends of Jess Weaks, who passed away last week. Obit can be found here: Jess W. Weaks
Marjorie C. McKenzie "Grand-Marge" - not well, has been prescribed oxygen
The people of Sutherland Springs, Texas, for their terrible grief
Eric Rivera - shoulder and leg injury, waiting for test results
Travelers, including Margie Gene, who is out of the country
Mack McCord (husband of Jerrene McCord [Bradley])
Thanksgiving for Wayne and Sharon's keys to their new house (and prayers that the electricity hookup gets done soon)
For our city and county's First Responders
For those serving our nation out of the country during the holidays
For Dr. Jean's family who have lost another loved one in Ft. Sumner (a relative of her brother-in-law)
Friends, it may be cloudy and a bit chilly out there. Give thanks that it's not 106 degrees! I hope that you can make this a great week and may God bless you and keep you wherever you find yourself.
Many hugs,
Rev. Amy
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