2012

Good Morning Church Family and Online Community!

God's abundant blessings to you this week! I pray you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This weekend welcomed our first snowfall and were able to see a beautiful snow the morning of worship! The snow has already melted and we are into a new week of ministry!

Yesterday, in worship, our message centered on Mark 13:1-8.

13:1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Remember the movie "2012?" The earth ripping apart, floods to the highest point on earth? Have you ever seen the show Doomsday Preppers? I haven't, but it's a new one on National Geographic. It documents real families/individuals who spend all their time/resources planning for the end of time. Building bunkers/stocking shelves upon shelves of food/ teaching kids to do things unimaginable are just some of the things these families are doing to prepare for something that may never occur.

The disciples, Peter, James, John and Andrew all were caught up by similar questions and scenarios. Jesus specifically told them, "See that no one leads you astray." Jesus spoke of two things not to be misled by: 1) Don't be misled by people. Many will claim to be the Messiah but Jesus said, "Don't be misled by these people." 2) Do not be misled by world events. "There will be wars and rumors of wars." These are just the beginning of the birth pains. As they had these questions so do we. Remember... the first Gulf War, Y2K, September 11? All of these were thought of by many, end of world scenarios, but as we read in the Scriptures, these will continue.

Jesus closed this chapter by saying that no one knows the hour, only God. While living, we are called to live in the NOW. Remain vigilant, stay awake. Love the Lord with all your heart, mind and strength. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. May we live in that Light. We are called to be in ministry today.

We also were blessed yesterday in worship to celebrate the baptism of Emily Elizabeth, daughter of Chris and Kim. Blessings to Emily and her family on this special day!

Have a blessed week church! Don't forget about Wednesday Nights at church! This week is "surprise" meatloaf... Hmmm. Can't wait! 5:30-6:30 p.m. is dinner!

It is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor.