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October 2016 at Caledonia Congregational Church

9/30/2016

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Friends-

Violence in the world, violence in the cities, and a pretty darn contentious political climate.  These should be a reminder to us- we are called to be peace makers!

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

Jesus was pointed in his high priestly prayer (John 17) that his followers would be one, so that the world would know that he (Jesus) had been sent from God.  It is by our love that we are to be known (John 13:34).

Paul was passionate and regular in his letters about the need for those who follow Jesus to live in peace-Ephesians 2, 4; Philippians 2; 1 Corinthians 1,12,13- for just a handful of examples.

Other new testament writers made the same point- 1 Peter 3:11; Hebrews 12:14.

According to Paul, we have been called to the ministry of reconciliation- reconciling people back to God, yes, but also reconciling people to people, being agents of the Prince of peace in a very contentious and hostile world.

Jesus clearly taught us to love our enemies, to do good to those who persecute us, to turn the other cheek.

I hope I am making my point.  Whether it is family, or neighborhood, or congregation, or local or 

national politics, the people who claim to follow Jesus are called to be be peacemakers!

Are we?

Have a great month!
Gary

OCTOBER 2016 CALENDAR
Sundays - Every Sunday: Worship Service - 10:30 am
                 10/2 - Communion Sunday 

Tuesdays - 10/11 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Fellowship Room

Wednesdays -Every Wednesday: Bible Study - 6-7:30 PM.  We are doing topics, as chosen by the person on the point for that evening.  Great discussion, great prayer.  It would be great to have you join us! 

Thursdays - Every Thursday: 7 PM - Sanctuary open for prayer and quiet reflection.
                   10/27 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church. Talk to Sandy Free if
                                 interested.


Men's Camping Trip - 10/21-10/23 - Devil's Lake State Park - Talk to Gary if you are interested in going camping.
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September 2016 at Caledonia Congregational Church

9/2/2016

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Friends-

There is a phrase that I hear in church circles, including ours, that I would like to suggest that we lose.  Here it is: "I don't want to step on anyone's toes."  While that sounds good, sounds like we are not wanting to offend, not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings, I suggest something else is going on.  

See, I think in the dance of life that we are in, and more particularly the dance of following Jesus, it is inevitable that we step on each others toes.  We are still learning the dance, for Pete's sake!  We don't (or shouldn't) step on each others toes intentionally.  It's just going to happen from time to time.

The something else that's going on is usually fear of some sort, and that's not all bad, but we are a faith community, not a fear community.  Not wanting to offend is good, but fearing that someone will disagree is like fearing the sun will come up.  It's gonna happen.

How we handle those disagreements is very important.  They call us to speak the truth in love, to be humble, to put the other first.  They don't call us to avoid all conflict.

If we make love our aim, we need not fear stepping on each others toes.  So let's lose that phrase! Let's take some risks!  Let's be joyful.  And if we do step on toes, let's apologize- and keep on dancing!

Have a great month!
Gary


Sundays- Every Sunday: Worship Service - 10:30 am.
                9/4 - Communion Sunday with Hill family providing music.
                9/11 - All Church Picnic/Potluck after worship.

Mondays- 9/12 - Bible 101 - New 6 week study on the book of John from 7-8 PM at Colleen's home. Talk to her if you are interested.

Wednesdays- Every Wednesday: Bible Study - Trying something new for this month, as an experiment.  The Wednesday night adult study group will meet from 6-7:30 PM at the church, for topical studies in the month of September. We will not be serving dinner, so eat in advance if coming.  We will have some light refreshments. This might be a great time to check out this great opportunity! We will evaluate the changes at the end of the month.

Thursdays- Every Thursday: Sanctuary is open for prayer and quiet reflection from 7 -8 PM.
                   9/15 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Fellowship Room.
                   9/22 - Community Dinner Serving at 5:30 PM at Poplar Grove Methodist Church. Talk to
                               Sandy
Free if interested in helping or eating. Open to anyone. 

Other News 
All Church Picnic/Potluck - Plan on staying for a picnic/potluck after church on Sunday September 11.  Fried Chicken will be provided for a main course. We are asking everyone to bring a dish to pass to go along with the chicken.  We hope to picnic out under the oaks.  Do you have a fun lawn game you could bring for some games after the picnic?

Welcome to Walter Hitchcock and Cassie DuCett as new members of the church.  They joined on August 28.

Well Update - Our pizza fundraiser was a huge success.  What a spectacular evening!  Thanks to everyone who helped in some way.  We were blessed with beautiful weather!  A check has been sent to World Vision for $5,268.74. This included our pizza event, many individual donations, the jar of coins, and a portion of money previously collected. The jar of coins had over $400 in it!  Remember that our donation will be doubled by a World Vision donor.

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    Author

    Gary Schwerin, pastor

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