Greetings from Pastor Rob

Brand New Year Greetings, folks!

2026... My my, the years fly don't they? Now I really sound old... but the older I get, the more they seem to race by. All this talk of a 'new year' seems to be sleight of hand. Yes, the calendar flips and one tax year is done... But it's the same old winter, same responsibilities. Does it make more sense to call September the start of the year? Those in school just might agree. Regardless, welcome to January. I'm pretty happy the winter's been mild! Apologies to you skiers and boarders. 

In my own morning reading, I've flipped the page from Matthew's gospel to Leviticus. I like to go back and forth from OT to NT and I don't think I've read Leviticus for a while. I'd forgotten the dramatic and moving account of the two sons of Aaron going against God's decrees and offering unauthorized fire (and paying with their lives). Two things stood out to me: That happened right on the heels of God showing up miraculously before all the people. When God draws near, you don't want to dabble in sin. The second thing that caught my attention was that God pretty quickly had a talk with Aaron about not drinking while serving in the tent of meeting (this is all in chapter 10). It seems the sons, Nadab and Abihu, had been drinking and gotten carried away with the thrill of God's presence. Moses reminded Aaron of God's words: "Among those who approach me, I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people, I will be honored." Good reminders. This is why, during the revival at Asbury a couple years ago, the worship team took pains to confess any known sin prior to going in front to lead further into God's presence. Yes, he loves us wildly... and he is still holy and to be honored.

Thank you SO MUCH for your contributions to the advent offering! We hit $23,769!!! That's almost 6 wells and over 300 solar powered Bible readers! God bless you. Now we look forward to hearing about how they're used in PNG and India. 

What's Goin' On...

*Sunday! Our first potluck of the calendar year! If yer last name starts with A-J, please bring a main dish and salad. If K-Z, a main dish and dessert.   Gonna be good!

*Tuesday, Jan 13, there'll be a lunch and game time downstairs for Senior Singles from noon to 3. Soup & bread provided! Bring any games. Talk to Joyce L or Karen R for details.

*Saturday, Jan 17 there'll be another rugged Men on the Mountain up at Doug C's place (of course). Males of all ages are welcome. Meet at the church between 2:30 and 2:45pm. You'll need good tires and 4x4 to navigate or you can carpool. Brats and hot dogs will be there too. 

*AND... January is Secret Sister sign-up month! If you'd like to be included in that for 2026, pick up the form at the fellowship hall table and return it to the office or to Jan H. 

This Sunday...

At the 9am hour, there's Ambassadors for Christ (5th thru 12th grade), Story Hour (younger kids) and the continued video series in Ace, The Engagement Project. Man, that's been good. In the service, we'll worship, pray and I'll bring a challenge on the basic disciplines of the faith from the example of Jesus and scripture. 

See you Sunday?

Pastor Rob

p.s. Musings: "Old is when your friends complement you on your alligator shoes... and you're barefoot."