Greetings from Pastor Rob

'One Month Down' Greetings, People!

January is almost in the books. Aren't you glad that you don't live in the Midwest or the southeast? (at least at this time). A pastor friend told me it was 4 degrees in Iowa the other morning. I'm grateful for more seasonal temps around here. 

I'm still plugging away in Leviticus. This past week my reading was in chapter 26 where God is giving them the consequences of long-term disobedience: being taken into captivity. He says this: You will perish among the nations; the land of your enemies will devour you. Those of you who are left will waste away in the lands of their enemies because of their sins; also because of their ancestors' sins they will waste away. "'But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors—their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. Lev 26:39-42.  

Does that seem fair to you? The sins of the fathers passed on to others? And what of needing to confess the sins of the ancestors or fathers? Why would God require that? I believe that was cancelled in a further prophetic passage... but it does bring up an interesting point: how much are we affected by the sins of those family members who've gone before us? That's fodder for thought.

What's Goin' On...

*Last Sunday I gapped out when announcing the "Let's Stay Connected" bulletin insert. I mentioned something about getting into a group or Bible study (which is a good idea) but it's really about staying connected: If you can't attend for several weeks, or you're away on vacation, or if you need prayer or if you're attending another church or moving... let us know! We'd love to assist or pray for you or bless you as you head elsewhere. Please don't just disappear! We love you & want the best for you. 

*Thank you to those who've dropped off food items for the North County Food Pantry. They still need baking items, soups and canned protein. Drop donations off at the Donation Station back by the upstairs restrooms. $ would help also!

*The new Sing (hymns, etc) and Pray evening is on Friday, February 6 at 6:30 in the fellowship hall. Snacks will be provided.

*If prayer seems to be difficult to get to and you'd like to up your prayer 'game'. Try this: Set your phone alarm to go off at 9pm nightly. At that time, stop and pray for a minute: pray for our country, pray for peace, pray for whatever God burdens you. During the bombing blitz on London during WWII, they asked people to pray for one minute when they heard Big Ben chime the 9pm hour. It helped! Deb and I are doing this: quick, easy and heard. Thanks. 

*Don't forget to sign up for Dinner for 7! (Or 6 or 8 or 9). You'll be paired with others to enjoy a meal out or a potluck or some creative fellowship in each other's homes. It's always good! Forms are the red-checkered papers on the table in the foyer. 

This Sunday...

Ambassadors for Christ (5th thru 12th grades) will meet upstairs and the adults will be in the fellowship hall for Ace and the Engagement Project. Doug O is ready and willing to read to any kids younger than 5th grade. In the service we'll have all the usuals. This Sunday the message will be from that magnificent prayer in Daniel 9. We'll observe communion as well. 

See you Sunday?

Pastor Rob

p.s. Musings: "You know you're in a redneck church if the opening day of deer season is an official church holiday."