Weekly Update, May 3
Pastor Terry’s last Sunday’s message, along with Jo Ann Jennings’ scripture reading, is one of encouragement and reassurance. We are so grateful to all for the virtual services we receive each week; including Boyd Lowry (our camera man ‘behind the scenes’). How fortunate, too, are we for the gift of music Janet Montroy brings to our congregation, along with the gifted vocalists (this past week of Rusty Obra’s dynamic tenor voice.)
So worth rewatching as we near the end of another week — in spirit, but together — and begin the beautiful month of May.
Jo Ann’s reading of Acts 4:5-12 shares an example of what Peter and the disciples were confronted with as they began sharing Christianity in Jerusalem, that eventually spread over the earth. They had faith in the resurrection, they were witnesses of the Truth, and were given the power of the gift of the Holy Spirit that gave them courage and determination to stand for what they believed — spreading Christianity. Peter was even given the power of healing.
Peter was confronted by much powerful opposition — the same people who condemned Jesus. But despite the opposition through this gift — the Holy Spirit, he (they) courageously continued spreading the news, but without facing imprisonment, mocking, beatings, and killings. They were even given the power to perform miracles.
Despite Peter’s simple, ordinary background, he was blessed with the boldness, confidence, and courage to stand for his belief — what they saw and heard — and defy the threatening opposition of ‘men of power’. More and more became believers and followers as they heard the apostles’ preaching. More and more believed in “the stone you builders rejected which had become the cornerstone”. And to this day, the Holy Spirit is there for us all — to empower us, to give us the boldness and courage, to assist us in spreading the Truth of the gift of salvation that’s open to us all.
As Pastor Terry mentions in his sermon, “regardless of the perils and pitfalls we are faced with now, and that that lie ahead, how we go about meeting that challenge is what the spiritual journey of life is all about.”
As we continue to remain in our homes during this pandemic, we ask that you keep each other in prayer.
Additionally, please continue to pray for the Allen Family; the Bird-Bennett Family; Jeanne Franklin; the Janssen Family; the Gilligan Family (please note: the family requests that no phone calls be made at the present time to Terry G. at her home; however, sending notes and cards are appreciated); the Zucchino Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family; as well as for the Chadwick Family (for Tom’s Mother’s recuperation from the COVID virus); for Beryl Ferrari; for Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge & for Rev. Wright and his family. Confidential prayer requests that you would like the small group Prayer Chain to pray for may be emailed to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com
Again, please try to remember Pastor Terry’s “5 at 5” prayer suggestion — to stop what we are doing at 5:00 p.m., step outside on your porch if we are able to, and take 5 minutes to pray. And if you have children, encourage them to pray also, by writing or drawing prayers of their own, or have them use chalk to write a blessing or a special message on your sidewalk or driveway for those walking by to see.
God Bless,
~Donna