Daily Archives: January 29, 2025

Friday’s Word: Focus on God

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Corruption like we have never seen.

Disregard for the most vulnerable.

Blatant dishonesty. Cascades of lies.

The most unqualified in the highest places.

Homes broken. Lives damaged.

How do we make it through the coming years?

I have struggled with this question. And I know there is nothing I can do to change our situation. Seriously, how do we live?

I have found my answer. I will center my life on God’s work as never before.

I am powerless to stop the carnage, but I do not have to keep my life focused on it. I will focus on what I can do. I will do the work God has given me.

I will pour my heart into my sermons and speak Gospel truth. I will encourage as many people as I can reach with the message of Christ. I will finish the book I have been working on for 20 years, Discovering God.

You, too, may want to shift your focus—away from what evil is doing and toward what God can do.

We cannot stop the lies, but we can stand for the truth. We have little power in the great big world, but we have great power in our little corner of the world.

Stand up. Stand firm. Do our best—and let God do the rest.

I will be starting a Thursday evening class on Discovering God on March 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. I need a minimum of 12 people to sign up. If you are interested, send me an email at revmaxb@tx.rr.com.

Worship is at 11:00 AM.

Max’s Corner

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Take Note!

Choir practice resumes at 9:30 AM this Sunday. Just practice—performances will resume next week.

A Breakthrough

My Friday’s Word this week reflects a spiritual breakthrough. I don’t have to carry the burden of what will happen in our country and the world over the next few years. I only have to do my part—what God calls me to do.

The weight of it all had left me feeling immobilized. Now, I can move on. Thanks be to God.

Discovering God

Things are about to get a little crazy in class this week (and for the next few weeks). We’ll explore some truly unusual experiences that reveal the deep connection between religion and science.

We will discover that the world is far different than it appears—and that science will someday realize it cannot avoid God.

Class meets at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast. This Sunday is a Winston Sunday—feel free to bring something to share.

Doctor’s Verdict

I’ll be getting stronger shots in my knees soon. In a couple of months, we’ll discuss knee replacement surgery.

This Sunday

Sermon: Life is Difficult. Paul’s life was full of hardships. This Sunday, we’ll take a closer look at just how difficult it was.

Mary had a powerful sermon for our present times last Sunday. Julian’s solo was moving. Julian also shaved his beard.

Blake still has his. Have we ever seen him without one? I don’t think so.

It will be 62 degrees and sunny on Sunday—come for the joy of it.

This is Communion Sunday. The All-Council meeting will be held after church.

God Bless,
MB

Mary’s Corner

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Hello, dear church family, and the sacred body of Christ,

I have been busy studying and preparing for my ordination interview next Tuesday. Our ordination class has been blessed with wisdom, advice, and prayers from members of the Board of Ordained Ministry, who have guided us through this process. Their support has made me feel much more confident going into this year’s interview compared to last year.

On Sunday, I visited Patsy Reeves. Other than a few stitches to her head and a broken collarbone, she was in good spirits and not in much pain. She sends her love and well wishes to everyone.

I also spoke with Bruce Butterfield, Keith’s son. There is a room available at Parkwood where we could gather to celebrate Keith’s birthday. I’m hoping to do something after church this Sunday around 2:00 PM. Since space is limited, we’ll need to take turns spending time with Keith. If you’d like to participate, please let me know by email, text, or in person at church this Sunday.

My love to all of you. Step outside and enjoy the weather—they say another cold front is on the way!

Blessings,
Mary

Kids’ News

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This Sunday, we reviewed Matthew 17:5, where God spoke during Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him.” These words remind us of Jesus’ divine purpose on earth as He began His ministry leading to the cross. Moments like this help us understand the significance of the Resurrection when Easter arrives.

With Ian getting baptized, many of our other children have expressed interest in baptism as well. Miss Vicky has purchased lessons on baptism from the Christian bookstore to guide them. If your child is interested in learning about baptism, please bring them to church, and they will be included in our Children’s Church. What a wonderful day it will be when our young ones take this important step in their faith!

A quick reminder: it’s almost time to start collecting eggs for our Easter Egg Hunt! If you’d like to help, let us know. We usually fill lots of eggs with goodies and would appreciate your support. See you in church on Sunday—blessings to all!