Dear Church Family,

“Amen and Awomen…” this is how Congressman (Reverend) Emanuel Cleaver recently ended his prayer in the House of Representatives. Most Christians (and Jews) know that Cleaver’s prayer, despite the phonetic similarity, “amen” doesn’t have any gendered connotation in the original Hebrew. It was a naked attempt at promoting a platform of the Democratic Party: gender neutrality. There is something else I think this party and some in our society attempt to do; a re-definition marriage and family that stands in clear opposition to the Biblical concept of marriage and family. Consequently, for the next several months of 2021 I want to dive into the Bible and explore just what God and our Lord Jesus says about marriage and the family. And even though I used a political illustration, this series of sermons, which I have entitled, “Strong Marriages and Healthy Families,” is not intended to bash a political party but to expound on an institution that is under attack and is so integral to healthy relationships with God, each other, and our nation.

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On-Line Services:

We continue with our on-line services with a broadcast on Sunday at 9:30am on the church’s Facebook page.

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Baby Dedication:

Brad and Jenn Thomas will be dedicating Liam on Sunday, January 17 during the CWS at 9:30am. Tune in for this special event in the Thomas family and for our church family as well.

Deacon Ordination and Installation:

On Sunday January 24 we will be ordaining Lisa Shields as a Deacon, and installing her, along with Terry Bullock and McWayne Williams, for a three year term. This will occur during our CWS at 9:30am.

Business Meeting:

Following our 9:30am service on January 24 we will be holding our quarterly business meeting. We will attempt to broadcast this on the church’s FB page.

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Church Family News

Remember in prayer:

  1. Jamie Schumann’s mother, Joyce had surgery on Dec. 18th, and Father also facing surgery on January 13.
  2. Sherry Brillhart’s daughter, Emily diagnosed with Covid, and husband Billy with cardiac issues, also brother, Paul, in ICU.
  3. Heather Smith diagnosed with Covid-19
  4. Zach Foltz diagnosed with Covid-19
  5. Members of Judy Witmeyer’s family diagnosed with Covid-19.
  6. All those in our congregation known and unknown who need prayers for a variety of issues.
  7. All our frontline workers, in and out of our church, who work hard each day serving and protecting us during this pandemic.

NOTE: With a temporary return to on-line services there is bound to be a lag in giving. So this is just a friendly reminder that you can still drop off or mail your tithes and offerings to the church. But, why do that when all you have to do is enroll in “E-giving” through REALM and have your donation automatically deducted each week. It’s simple, safe and private. So, save a stamp and some of your time and enroll now. Talk to Judy for more information.

I love you all,

Pastor Frank