Greetings from Pastor Rob

November Salutation, Saints! 

Fall has sure settled in. These days you may need a hat or an umbrella outside. I trust you've gotten all the outsides of your place buttoned up. Deb & I have finished winterizing most things. I still have to drain the gas out of the lawnmower and put up Christmas lights on the house. We got an estimate for those permanent LED lights... $3500 on just half of the roofline. No way!

There's stuff in scripture that's sometimes unexpected... or you see it in a new light. I hadn't read this for a while. In Matthew 19, Jesus was telling his disciples about marriage and divorce. The 12 think that's pretty strict, and it just might be better to not marry. (That's radical!) Jesus says this: "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." Matt 19:11-12. 

So, there are those who don't act on sexual urges for a variety of reasons, including those who choose that 'for the sake of the kingdom of heaven'. That may be most of us at one time or another. We choose to not let our impulses lead us... for the sake of God and his kingdom. We choose to obey and strengthen faith and family; to not to pursue selfish ends. 

We live for the kingdom of heaven, people!

What's Goin' On...

*The Men's Retreat is this weekend! We've got guys going from Fellowship Church and ours... between 35 and 40? Gonna be a great weekend. Thank you, ladies, for holding the fort down while us guys retreat. 

*We are planning a Thanksgiving BINGO for our Trek/Journey Clubs after our Christmas Shoebox packing party on November 17th.  We would appreciate help with prizes for this.  If this is a way you would like to bless these young people please bring WRAPPED gifts (any kind of wrapping)  $1-$3 range to church by Nov 16th.  A bin will be under the table in the Cookie Palace. 

We Thank you in advance!  Any questions contract Leanne G or Jayne K.

*There's a Discovery Class on Nov 22 at 10am. Come and learn about our church beliefs and practices and about opportunities to grow in Christ. Please sign up on the table just inside the fellowship hall. 

*The absolute last day for OCC shoeboxes is Nov 23... Get 'em ready, saints. 

*Singles: There will be a thanksgiving dinner up at Karen R's house on Nov 27 at 1pm. I'm positive the food will be amazing. Let Karen or Joyce L know so they can plan. 

This Sunday...

Ambassadors for Christ, 5th thru 12th grade, is upstairs. The younger ones are downstairs for Story Hour. And in Ace and the service, we have a treat for you! Retired Pastor John Southwick will be teaching in Ace AND the service. I know John; he's a part of the Spokane Prays team and an astute Bible scholar. He strives to bring the Bible into our situation for today. I know you'll enjoy it. Come on down. 

See you Sunday?

Pastor Rob

p.s. Musings: "You know you're getting older when your mind is writing checks your body can't cash."

p.p.s. Human Life of Washington is the only Christian ministry in Washington State exclusively advocating for the sanctity of human life from the spark of conception to natural death. Students (& parents) of 16 to18 year olds are invited to our Match for Life™ Pizza & Purpose Party.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in a Pro-Life Speech Contest.  We want to inspire the next generation of Pro-Life Leaders. Join us on Nov 15, 4-5:30pm at the Gathering House, 733 W Garland. Bring $5 per person and hear from peers in Oregon who've won before. RSVP to Jeryl R or talk to her in church!