Greetings Everyone
Greetings Everyone.
Some of you probably have or have seen what are now being called “Smart Watches.” They are made by the Apple brand with all of the connected resources as well as android systems. As the technology has advanced these watches can tell you how many steps you have taken on a given day, what your heart rate and blood pressure is, your stress level, and how many calories you have burned. In addition, some of the watches can assist you in answering phone calls, text messages, emails and even play music. I know one of our members who fell and was able to call 911 from her watch and received the help she needed. Amazing. What a wonderful resource when we know how to use it and when it is working properly.
Ah yes! Working properly!!
This morning, as I looked at my watch, I began to think that I had not yet gotten out of bed. There were no steps recorded. Because there were no steps recorded I had not burned off any calories even though I had walked and walked. What was worse is I had no blood pressure nor heart beat recorded. Had I died and gone to heaven? Worse yet, had I died and gone to ….?
NO!! My watch was simply no longer talking to the Bluetooth system that made sure all the data was being recorded and transferred properly. The fix was really quite simple: reset the system and make sure they were communicating with one another yet again. Yeah! 78 beats per minute (thank you coffee), blood pressure 110 over 72, oxygen level 99%,…alive and well.
Sometimes we have to go through the same resetting when it comes to our spiritual life. God has created us to have a Bluetooth connection between our spirit and God’s Spirit. Sometimes that connection gets broken. Why do we come to worship on Sundays? To reset our connection. Why do we have a time of meditation and prayer on a daily basis? To reset our connection. Why do we turn on a Christian radio station or listen to a Christian blog while we are exercising or working or driving? To reset our connection. Because we live in a distracting world we must make the time to insure that we are connected with our Lord.
In addition to our personal intimacy with God, we also need these reconnecting times to make sure we are reconnected to the work God would have us do. The 40 days of Lent reminding us of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, is a time to once again listen to the mission God would have us do. To whom does He want me reaching out? What service does He desire me to render? How does He want me involved within the life of his Church and within the life of his local church? Sometimes we need to reconnect so we can know the decisions we make are a reflection of God’s will in our lives.
As we near the end of the Lenten Season, let us prepare for where Jesus was led as he listened to the leading of the Lord. The Lord had him proclaim the reality of God’s Kingdom in word and deed. Ultimately God’s leading lead him to Golgotha, the tomb and the resurrection. All this resulted in our present reality that our sins are forgiven, our eternal destiny is secure allowing us to live differently each day between now and then. Hallelujah!!
May the leading the Lord clarifies for us also lead us to touch the lives of others so they might be set free to become all God would have them be.
Walking the road with you.
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Sunday, March 10th
9:00 a.m. Bible Study in the Chapel
10:00 a.m. Worship Service with Pastor Paul Hayden
Monday, March 11th
5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
Tuesday, March 12th
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Wednesday, March 13th
10:00 a.m. Ladies AM Bible Study (LAMBS)
Thursday, March 14th
10:00 a.m. Bible Babes bible study
Check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming events.
Memorial Service
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear sister in Christ, Arline Hankins. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 15th at 11:00 a.m. More detailed information will follow in the week to come. Please keep Rodger, their children and family in your prayers.
Easter Lily order forms will be in this Sunday’s bulletin. Forms must be returned to the church office by Palm Sunday. Cost is $15 for each potted flower ordered; please make checks payable to FPC with “Easter Lily” in the memo.
Volunteers needed to help pick up and place lilies in Sanctuary Easter weekend. Please contact Nichole in the church office if you’re willing to help.
Chili Luncheon
Our 1st Fellowship function of the year will be a Chili Luncheon set for Sunday, March 17th, 2024 immediately following the 10:00am church service. Your Fellowship Committee will be providing Chili with all the condiments and we are asking the congregation to signup for a side dish (i.e.; green salad or cornbread), and/or a dessert. The signup sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
March 17 Join Us for a Mission Discussion!
Do you have a passion for making a difference in the world? Are you eager to explore how we can better serve our community and support missions worldwide? If so, we invite you to join us for a special gathering downstairs after the church service on March 17th. Get your chili and head downstairs to one of the classrooms.
Together, we’ll dive into a conversation about mission – whether it’s right here in our local community, lending a helping hand to those in need, or extending our support to missions worldwide. Your ideas, insights, and enthusiasm are valuable as we seek to make a positive impact in the world.
Come and be a part of this important discussion as we explore ways to fulfill our mission as a church and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Your presence and input are highly valued!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings, Shelle Kuntz
FOOD DRIVE
This Sunday, March 10th, will be our next food collection day for the North Valley Food Bank. As we move our clocks forward, let’s help move our community forward and fight hunger! Even though spring is just around the corner, foods fit for cold weather, such as canned stews, soups, and pastas are still appreciated. Remember to place your donated items in the shopping cart at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the sanctuary. The deacons truly appreciate your generosity and we will deliver your donations to the food bank.
GO CHURCH!
