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Friends-
A key to the peace that Jesus offers us, that goes beyond our understanding, is to let everything go and fully trust him with it all. Everything good and everything bad. If we cling to any of it, we will carry concerns, worries, and anxieties that we were never meant to bear. We must remember that God is our Abba, and he has everything under control, even- and especially- when it appears that he does not. You and I need fear no situation, because he is with us, and promises never to leave us. As summer is starting to wind down, the election frenzy continues to amp up, and the situation in the world continues to get crazier. I hope and pray that we will learn the peace that comes from letting things go to him. He is all we have and he gives us all we need. We will find the peace we seek first by going to prayer, and spending time with him. And then, by going with him into the world to transform it into what he longs it to be. Have a great August! Gary Calendar Thursdays - 8/1 - Church Board Meeting via Zoom - 7 PM - Zoom Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person or via Zoom. Zoom Link Below 8/4 - Worship and Communion Sunday 8/25 - Outdoor Worship - Coin Collection for Benevolence Wednesdays - the Wednesday Bible Study via Zoom has been postponed until September Other News - Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for the Zoom link. Communion - Communion will be served on August 4. If you are on Zoom, please have your own ready if you wish to partake. Worship Under the Oaks - Weather permitting, we will worship outside on Sunday, August 25. There is a little more work involved outside, so any help before or afterward is welcomed. New Directories - The new directories are done! You can pick yours up at church. We opted for a simpler directory so it can be updated more frequently. Many thanks to those who put it together, especially Mike McGinnis. Sunday Morning Fellowship Time - We offer coffee every Sunday in the fellowship room. There are also some packaged snacks as well. We still welcome any other treats/snacks/baked goods that anyone would care to bring. I Thanks - Thanks to Jill and Mark Gray for opening their home and garden in July. Fourteen women enjoyed a great time of fellowship. Jill's garden was amazing! Free and Fill a Prayer - A couple of you asked for a copy of the prayer that I prayed at the end of the message on July 26. Here it is... Free me this day, O Lord From all regrets of the past From all anxiety about today From all fear about the future From all bitterness or resentment From cowardice in the face of danger From pride about myself From laziness in the face of work From doubt in the face of your evident love From failure before opportunity From all weakness when your power is at hand From all judgment and the need to correct others From temptations to sin against you and others From longing for your blessings more than for you But fill me With love that knows no barrier With empathy that reaches to all With peace that fills my thoughts With courage that can’t be shaken With patience to be still With faith strong enough for the darkness With whimsy and wonder as a child With strength sufficient for my tasks With humility about all I am and do With loyalty to you and your Kingdom With power to lift me to you. With wisdom to live my life With joy that is my strength With kindness for all Be with me for another day, and use me as you would. Amen. |
AuthorGary Schwerin, pastor Archives
September 2024
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