Mid-Week Messenger

Nov 21, 2024

Greetings Everyone

“Praise the Lord!” This is the phrase that begins each Psalm 147-150, and thus ends the book of songs. Why was the book constructed in this way? Because the use of the book of the Psalms is to instruct God’s people in worship. God’s Word over and over again implores His people to never forget God and all His work for His people, in His people, and through His people. Worshipping God, among other aspects, reminds our hearts of the person, work, and covenantal love of God. We should never cease to gather together and, “Praise the Lord!”

Yet, in our recent past, we have had a pandemic, continual fragmentation through politics and culture wars, a massive shift of people relocating, and the relatively new phenomenon of working and worshipping from home. So how are we to obey God’s Word to praise him and, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25) This has been a massive challenge for churches all over the nation. World class preaching and worship music is one podcast or streaming service away. Church services stream into your living room. At best, this has enabled so many people to feel connected to their church community when they are unable to attend. At worst, it is a artificial substitution for an authentic community praising God with each other. I will say, that I had an terrible bout with Covid myself. I was on oxygen for 2 weeks and my wife nursed me through some pretty scary moments. I needed to stay away from church and during covid we needed to love each other by not congregating for a while, even if we all had different ideas about how long that was! 

But the command remains and when restrictions around Covid started to end, God’s people begun to meet together and, “Praise the Lord!” When churches started to gather again, the community looked different for churches all across America. Because of the issues mentioned earlier, some people left to other churches, left the area and moved into the area. I was just told a story I think you should know too. When 1st Presbyterian Whitefish began meeting in person after Covid, one member shouted at the end of a compelling sermon, “Yay Church!” It was her version of “Praise the Lord! God’s people are meeting again to praise His name!” This declaration stuck around and eventually it turned into “Go church!” You see why this matters to people here! Never forget that we have the opportunity and privilege to gather together week after week and obey God’s command to “Praise the Lord!” 

 

 

Some people may have thought that “Go church, or Yeah Church” was some querky thing that the church just does, but it came out of a genuine moment of worship and thankfulness. I think it serves as an important reminder of the blessing of corporate worship. I introduced a new phrase, “Now let us go forth to love and serve the Lord.” This serves as a reminder to us that we are to go forth into the world, for all therein belongs to Him. (Psalm 24:1). Our “Praise the Lord!”, should shape our entire week. I’m going to ask you to respond with, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.” Let us not forget that God’s people look at Sunday as the beginning of our week, our day to remember to worship Him in with our time. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord! 

Pastor Ben Melli

Week At A Glance

Sunday, November 24th 

9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study in the Chapel

10:00 a.m. Worship Service with Pastor Ben Melli

Monday, November 25th 

5:30 p.m. Bell Choir

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

Tuesday, November 26th   

7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast

Wednesday, November 27th  

ALL WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES AND CHOIR REHEARSALS ARE CANCELED

Thursday, November 28th 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ALL BIBLE STUDIES ARE CANCELED

Holiday Office Hours

The Church office will be closed starting Wednesday at noon, Thanksgiving Day and Friday November 29th. Normal office hours will resume Tuesday, December 3rd.

 

 

 

 

EVENTS CALENDAR

Holiday Food Drive

Thank you for your continued support of our local food bank. As we head into the holidays, the demand for food grows. People are facing increased cost for essentials like shelter, home heating, and winter clothing. Your contributions of money and food stuff is making a difference. The shopping cart in Fellowship Hall has been full the last several weeks with staples like flour, sugar, cereal and canned goods and that’s great! We also received several cash donations that a went toward the purchase of 50 chickens for Thanksgiving. The volunteers at the NV food bank are over joyed with the 1st Presbyterian Church community commitment and I hope we can continue the donations as we head towards Christmas. If you can donate, please keep filling the basket and we’ll drop it off at the food bank. If you want to donate cash/check, please drop it off with Nicole or place it in the collection plates. Checks can be made out to FPC with Deacon’s Fund designated in the Memo.  Thank you — See Chris Washer or Vicki McConnell if you have any questions.  

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian women would like to thank the congregation for participating in the Vintage Bazaar last week. The delicious luncheon prepared by Merri and Willo was enjoyed by many church members and community friends. The baked goods, the pies from Ross, Leslee and Mary Ellen flew off the shelves as well as the fudge from Willo and Jean P and the many other treats. Of course, the donated jewelry, priced reasonably was a success and the children were grateful to choose free jewelry for gifts as well. Thank you everyone.

Blessings, Susan Tate

DIRECTORY UPDATE 2024

If you are not in our church directory and would like to be, or need to update your info, please email the church office. And don’t forget to let us know if you would like to be added to the Mid-Week Newsletter list.

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301 Central Ave,
Whitefish, MT 59937