A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

“ARISE, SHINE, YOUR LIGHT HAS COME!” Isaiah 60:1

Who knows where we are going unless we take a look back to where we have been? There is no easier way than to look at the pictures (big surprise!).
We began 2007 with a visit from Grace Presbytery’s Rick Carus who was here for the Lord’s Supper and our Annual Congregational Meeting! We elected two new elders: Avis and Marie (thank you for saying yes!). Avis was ordained and both were installed. February brought a Valentine Party and farewell to Bindu, Royce, and Joel Victor who returned to India after graduation in May. March began our Lenten Devotional Luncheons all the way to Easter in April, preceded by our annual Maundy Thursday service with First Methodist Church. Easter brought Resurrection Celebration and a visit from the Rabbit! An Easter egg hunt and lots of goodies were delicious!
In May, we celebrated Mishi and Becca’s graduations with Master’s Degrees! Congratulations! Both are working in the Metroplex. Praise be to God! June brought a trip to Mo Ranch (Mishi’s first; now she’s sold on it!) Let’s plan to go in 2008. Also in June, we enjoyed our annual picnic and swim party. Thank you, Jimmy and Janis July wrapped up with Vacation Bible School where volunteers and children gave in love to one another. The theme was “Lift Off: Soaring to New Heights with God” Main verse was Psalm 25:5 “Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. August and September were delicious with our Annual Ice Cream Social and Men’s Breakfast (Yum!) October brought Blood Bought and Heaven Bound Live Gospel Trio and Fall Festival, costumes and all! The photos are priceless!
Thanksgiving was celebrated with homemade pumpkin pies by Von and her family and music by guest soloist Drenda McComb. Thank you, Von and Drenda.
We were called to be the church in the lives of many this fall and winter in the loss of their loved ones: Charles Bridges, Virginia Slayden, Lou Raley, Mabeth Raley, and Bonnie Joseph. We continue to pray for comfort and peace. Our Christmas Candlelight Service was beautiful as was the 60th wedding anniversary party given for Howard and Martha by their children! What fun!
Thank you all for your love and service this year. I look forward to sharing the joy in 2008! Arise, shine, your light has come!

May God bless you,

Lucia

Are You Listening?

December, this year, marks the beginning of the Advent Season. Advent means “to come”. We wait in eager anticipation for the Christ child. It is a time for us to be reminded to wait on God. Waiting entails listening. I challenge each of us to listen well this month. Listening requires being still long enough to hear. This December listen for God. Recently, I participated in Lectio Divina, a method of reading Scripture and listening for God. Upon hearing a text read through twice, I had a break through. I heard a passage in a new way. I was still long enough to pay attention to what God would have me hear that day. It is a challenge to be still in December, as we all know. So, let’s do it together and do it in our homes. Then when we are reunited, we will be all the better for it. In December, we will gather during the week for lunch (provided) and an Advent devotional at noon. Please come, be still, and await Christ’s birth in community. Remember God’s word: Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew
their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be
weary, they shall walk and not faint.


Listen for God and be strengthened by God’s everlasting love.

Grace and peace,

Lucia

Thanksgiving, Gratitude, Any Way You Say It!

Here we are towards the end of 2007. I am readying to celebrate two years at this great spot on God's map of churches. It has been joy and blessing, and if I haven't said it enough: "THANK YOU!" Thank you for being a beacon of hope in a hurting world. Thank you for reaching out and reaching in to give care and a warm meal. Thank you for your enthusiasm and love and willingness to receive help when you have a need. As one popular country song says: "God is great, but sometimes life's not good."
Our task is to remember that God is great and has gifted us with one another to accompany us on this journey even when, especially when, it gets hard. Remember the beautiful Rogers and Hammerstein song, You'll Never Walk Alone:

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain, Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,You'll never, ever walk alone.

We are never alone. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. God gives us one another as a gift. That is very good news. Thank you for walking alongside in faith and hope. Never forget these words from Ephesians 1:16 "I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers."

I love you,
Lucia