Ice Storm

An Ice storm has us without power and me without internet access except a public computer.
It may be 8 to 10 days before I can do a new post.
Pastor Larry

Snow and Ice Today

Winter is really here today we have about three inches of snow and now it is raining ice with lots more coming tonight. I think I will stay in today.

I shoveled the driveway and then the snow plough came by and hmmmm must talk to that man. As mayor he reports to me. He is doing his job and I understand that but perhaps he will agree to open the driveway entrances for those who have already cleaned theirs.

Life is full of conflicts and in these trying times we all need to see things from both sides and seek to work things out in a nice way. One nice thing about being mayor is that he will listen to me.

Life goes on in the dead of winter.... more to come.

Compasssion

One of the most important of our “Special Day Offerings” is the “Week of Compassion” which is called “One Great Hour of Sharing” in some churches.  This money goes to support Church World Service, a special out reach arm of the whole church. Storms, war, famine, or other natural disasters will find Church World Service involved in the relief effort and often the first to respond.

 

            Church World Service works through local churches to be the focus of the relief effort. If a major disaster happened in here Louisville, a pastor could phone Church World Service and ask for aid. That church, if able, would be one of the relief centers. They would send supplies and relief personnel to local congregations to help our community.  In the same manor our Week of Compassion offerings are sent all over the world quickly and efficiently to help others in need. Because churches raise the money and churches help distribute the needed goods very little money is spent on fund raising and administrative efforts. Week of Compassion is the church at work at its best.

 

            Compassion what a wonderful word. What a wonderful feeling to be filled with compassion and really feel like you are doing some good in the world. Jesus said to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick and help the oppressed and Week of Compassion does just that all over the world. Give from the heart when your congregation has this special day offering so that the church can do the work of the heart.

REJOICE

The Hebrew word translated as "Rejoice" in English in Zephaniah 3:17 literally means "...to spin around due to the influence of a strong emotion." This is like when you first fall in love and you can not contain your emotion and you just have to dance.

This is such an interesting concept for me as I feel that way every time my darling wife comes home from work. I rejoice at the love that just walked through the door and lit up our home.

I wonder if God loves us so much that He can't be still? Is that why he sent Jesus to demonstrate God's love to the world? Is there a party in heaven when a sinner turns to God? That is what Jesus said.

Perhaps we can show our excitement for the love of God in our lives by loving others and giving a smile, a kind word, a worm hug, a helping hand or even a twirl or two. Rejoice for the Lord of the Dance loves us.
:-)