Peace

Peace

We are busy people this time of year. Hurrying to family gatherings, company parties, shopping, concerts…the list goes on. It’s common to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. It is also easy to see why we cut down on the time we spend with God…in prayer and in worship. The one thing that offers us true peace and relief is often forgotten in a long holiday list of to-dos. This year, take some time to encounter peace with God.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 6:33

Thankfulness

As we approach Thanksgiving, it seems like a good time to consider how thankful we are.  Our youth this past weekend volunteered to fast for thirty hours to gain awareness of hunger. They also raised funds for children in the horn of Africa. These children can go without food for thirty hours or longer only to receive food that is not always nourishing.  As we completed our famine we were graciously served a wonderful meal. It was the best meal ever, we all agreed. We genuinely felt thankful. Thankful for something we often take for granted. So this Thanksgiving let us remember to give thanks to God the giver of all that is good and to share that thankfulness with others.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Weave Us Together

Coming together can create amazing results.

A few weeks ago our confirmation students wrote their “God thoughts” and names on pieces of cloth. Then we prayed. Praying with a group of forty-five teenagers in silence is an incredible experience. We were weaving the strips together to create an alter cloth for Wednesday evening worship. As I began to load the loom, I wondered if I would have enough cloth to cover the table when completed—surprisingly it was just right. The small strips were beautiful by themselves; unique as the students who made them, but when they all came together—well then something amazing happened.

We as a community of faith are also unique and beautiful individually. As we come, each weaving our own unique gifts together with others, surprising things begin to happen. Things we cannot imagine alone and we see that it is just right.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

All Saints Day

As I sat in the pew today, I can’t help but think of those saints who went before us; some completing a well-lived life, some leaving too soon, some not yet having the chance to experience what life has to offer.  I miss them.  Not only the ones I knew, but the beautiful and crazy stories their loved ones tell. It reminds me of a saying a dear friend of mine has repeated to me many times:  “God is just one step away; they (our loved ones who have died) are just one step away.”  The closer we are to God, the closer we feel to those saints who are now with God.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Welcome--again!

Hello Everyone,
We created this blog for our trip to New Orleans this summer for the National Youth Gathering...now it is evolving.
I can not wait to see what happens!
Stay posted (that was a little blog humor!)
Peace,
Cathy Jones