We-Mail from Pastor Mark
Dear Friends,
What else could happen that hasn’t? Forest fires in California,
hurricane Laura devastating the gulf coast and Louisiana. A pandemic
that seems to keep surging. Violence, shootings, and protests in hot
spots across the nation. Worry and confrontation about the upcoming
election. It seems to go on and on. In the center of all that, God calls
us to a quiet place of prayer and meditation. We could get carried away
in the news of turmoil and fear or turn to our Heavenly Father who is
our Good Shepherd and rest in His care. My prayer is that you will be at
peace in your spirit. Take time to be quiet and focus on God’s word.
Meditate on it by repeating a verse or passage until it becomes a part
of you. I can’t help but think about Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I fear no evil: for you are with me; your
rod and your staff – they comfort me.” These are dark times but God’s
light is with us and the shadows cannot hurt us. My prayers are with
you.
We are mid-stream in our sermon series, “The Wesley
Challenge”. This week we have an “Outward Focus” so take a look at I
Corinthians 13:4-8. The entire chapter is good but let’s reflect on the
gift within us. How is it manifested and what benefit does it bring to
others in our community? Who will we share that gift with and are we
willing? Loving God with our entire heart, mind, and strength is the
first commandment and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Look Upward, Inward, and Outward to be fully engaged as a disciple of
Jesus Christ.
We are going to receive cash donations for the
recovery effort through UMCOR for those surviving Hurricane Laura.
Please designate your donation for “UMCOR” or select the UMCOR box in
Tithe.ly. It will well be appreciated.
God bless us every one, Pastor Mark