October Issue

It was so strange and  so very unusual; there was no hustle and bustle, no speeding traffic, no one was scurrying about and most of all I simply noticed that it was quiet.  Karen was with me and she probably said it best, “Its almost too quiet.”  We had just a few minutes left during the lunch hour and so we had driven down to the boat ramp to look at the lake and enjoy the beautiful day.  As we arrived we rolled the windows down and we both noticed that there weren’t any sounds.  I didn’t think silence existed any longer; it certainly doesn’t seem to anywhere else.  As we sat there and enjoyed the breeze and watched the lake we began to hear the soft calls of birds in the distance and it was very refreshing.

 

I began to think about the silence and how wonderful it was and while pondering, I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite verses in scripture from Psalms 46.10 that simply says, “Be still and know that I am God.”  God is very present everywhere you go and no matter what we are doing we can see Him at work in our lives.  However, it is not until our souls and spirits are stilled that perhaps we can see Him at work in the manner He desires.  This day He was visible in the ripples on the water, He was audible in the sounds of the wind.  You could see His imagination with the variety of birds that flew in the distance and the colors of the sky.  Yes in our stillness there was no doubt that He was God and we could enjoy His presence.

 

The greatest benefit of being in the presence of God and seeing and hearing Him is simply the refreshing that it brings.  Not only a physical refreshing but greater still is the spiritual refreshing of seeing how not only does He create and care for all of nature, but He cares for and loves us more than we can imagine. We are His greatest creation and He loved us enough to give us silence and a beautiful world but He loved us enough to give us His own Son so that we might live forever.

 

This month as the weather changes and it begins to cool and the colors take shape in the trees I encourage you to venture out near the lake or to your favorite place and be still and know that He is God.

 

 

Because we’re His!

 

 

 Pastor Michael Tunnell
[email protected]

 

How to Be a Christian and Still Enjoy Life
By: Fritz Ridenour

 

A long time ago I enjoyed a book by Fritz Ridenour called How to Be Christian Without Being Religious (based on the book of Romans). So when I saw this book, I just had to read it. It is based on the book of Philippians, one of my favorite epistles.

 

Based on the fact that some people seem to think Christians can't have any fun and even some Christians think they have to be quiet and somber, Mr. Ridenour shares how the book of Philippians tells us otherwise. The apostle Paul led an exciting life and even in prison wrote "Rejoice in the Lord always."

 

This life related study of Philippians will help you live a life where you ask "what's in it for God" instead of "what's in it for me?" You will also learn how to be content no matter where you are, just as Paul did. The book also covers commitment, being pure, how to live from the inside out, pressing on, and how not to worry.

 

Included in the book are several simple illustrations highlighting major teachings in the book. At the end of each chapter are questions to help evaluate how you are doing. Check out this book or any of our library books. The library is for you!

Review by: Linda Kimmel

 

SAMA Food Pantry

The need this month is Paper Products
(toilet paper, tissues, napkins, paper towels)

 

Bring donation to the Food Pantry Box in the entryway.

Thank you for supporting our local food pantry!

 

 

Thank you for all the prayers, cards and a special thank you to Michael and Kyle for coming to the hospital to pray with me before surgery. It was a great support for me and my family.

We are blessed beyond measure.

Beverly Stockstill

 

Thank you so much for all the cards, calls, & flowers. But especially the prayers after my son’s death. That all was such a comfort to me, you all are the greatest.

Love & prayers,

Barbara Wallen

 

Recognize and replace. Two simple words that have an eternal consequence. When we choose to follow Jesus, we recognize the need for a savior. The sin in our lives separates us from God, but Jesus replaces that sin with the truth! This is also how you can give God your present and get past your past. Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Jesus has set you free! Mary Magdalene had a tormented past, and yet when she met Jesus, she walked into the freedom he offered her and become a powerhouse for the kingdom of God. She even was the first person to meet Jesus after the resurrection!

 

We all have a past. But are you going to let your past mistakes define who you are? Jesus is calling you out of your past and to give God your present.

 

What message have you believed about your past? What is holding you back from your next step with Jesus?

 

Jacob Haught-Youth Pastor
[email protected]

OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday 8am-11am

 

WORSHIP SERVICES:
Sunday School-9:30am
Sunday Worship-10:30am & 6pm