Last Sabbath was another typically busy day for us. We did enjoy the ordination of our newest deacons and elders very much and we certainly look forward to working with them to make our church even stronger. I am particularly glad to see some younger elders stepping forward. No offense to those elders who may not quite fit into that “younger” category. We need experience and wisdom also, but we surely need leadership that reflects and represents the growing segment of our church family. We need new ideas and new enthusiasm and I believe we gained much of that last Sabbath.
After church we had a quick snack with the Teichmans and we were off to Angwin for the wedding of Fred Benson and Sandy Vandenburgh. What a delightful setting it was at their home and the two of them together made it even more delightful. The weather was perfect and we certainly felt God’s blessing on their wedding day. Congratulations to the two of you and we wish you much joy.
I have only one more wedding scheduled for this year. That will make eleven since the first of June and I can assure you they are much more fun than the funerals we have endured. I already have one wedding scheduled for next year so I hope to have many more opportunities to celebrate new beginnings.
I just wrote to our daughter, Julie, congratulating her on her one month anniversary as of the 1st. I also added that on the 15th Ingrid and I will celebrate our 437th month of marriage. Isn’t it fun to not take the little things for granted? I see and visit so many of you who have lost life partners and I realize that every day I have with those I love is a precious gift. Celebrate what you have today!
We all realize that the things we have to celebrate today are temporary, and yet this day we are celebrating something that is eternal. The broken body of our Lord has given us a gift that can never be taken from us. Just go home and read 1 John chapter 5 this afternoon and you will see clearly that if we believe that Jesus is the Christ and if we surrender to His name we know that we have eternal life. Today we celebrate the broken body and the spilled blood that gave us that precious gift. Yes, this is a tradition, but it is a holy tradition that was given to us by the Lord Himself. Don’t allow it to become commonplace in your thinking. The steps we take to remember and the format for the service are not nearly as important as the thinking and the recognition in your heart and mind.
The children of Israel set up stone altars and were instructed to explain their meaning to the children when they asked, “What do these stones mean?” We should also be able to explain when our children ask the meaning of the bread and the cup. Likewise we should be able to give them an explanation when they ask, “Why do we do footwashing?” These questions are the focus of my message today. I have some hard questions for you, so put this letter down and pay attention! ;>)
Homecoming is getting very close now. October 20 is the big day and we are looking forward to having the Bay Area Men’s Chorus with us for a special service. I also have a special message planned for the day and you know there is going to be a lot of good food in the school gym right after church. So, bring your friends and neighbors and contact any former or non-attending members that you know. This is a time to celebrate our church family!
Please keep in mind that the chapel is open for special prayer now on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 until 10:00. You will find the door open, soft meditative music playing and the opportunity to pray alone or with someone during this time.
Notice also that our prayer requests in the bulletin are updated each month. To keep an ongoing request current you need to reconnect with Sandy in the church office. Keeping that in mind, please make a note of the list in the bulletin as these do represent current special needs and we sincerely need you to be actively praying for this individuals and situations. Prayer is the most powerful ministry tool we have to offer as a body of believers. Nothing that we can do in our own power can match what God can do in His power. Let’s continue to grow as a praying church. I love the way Dwight Nelson put it when he called for us to “go forward on our knees.”
If this church is strong financially, it is because of you and your faithfulness. We have struggled so far this year, but September was a stronger month. Thank you for responding. It is true that you can never outgive the Lord!
If this church is friendly and loving, it is because of you allowing Christ to minister through you. Do not assume that this is always a friendly, accepting, non-judgmental church. It is up to you to make it that way. Keep up the good work.
If this church is going to look representative and have the appearance of a church that has a vision for tomorrow it is because you look around and care about what you see. I can see dozens of projects, both major and minor, that could make a difference in the appearance of the church. Don’t wait for the deacons to do it or for a work bee. If you see something you would like to see changed check with us in the office and volunteer to either do it or organize a group to help. This is your church and it reflects our attitude toward God and His work.
