Since January 8 when we celebrated the baptism of the Lord and the Ordination and Installation of new Elders and Deacons, I keep thinking about promises. At the center of our faith as the body of Christ is promise. God from the very beginning promises to be with creation and particularly with human beings created in God’s image and asks humanity to also promise and pledge ourselves to a service that mirrors God’s loving, creative work.

This promise making work of God continues even when we falter in our end of the deal, finding its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who makes a new promise or covenant that assures us that no matter how many times we get it wrong, God is in the business of making things right, and helping us live without the fear that so often binds our hearts and clouds our vision.

This promise is what is made visible in baptism, in communion, in the life and work of the church (even though we still don’t always get everything 100% right). In our shared life together we are constantly being reminded of God’s promise and we are also making promises ourselves to do the best we can, to love as much as we can, to live together with all the grace we can muster, and to know that when we don’t, we can be honest about that; we can seek forgiveness and accountability; we can try again.

The phrase I have had in my heart to describe all this is that we are “products of promises.” And for me this is good news worth believing, sharing, and living. Because this idea tells us…

That we are not alone…

That we are part of an ongoing song…

That we have been blessed by the imperfect faith of others as well as by the sustaining, enduring grace of God.

That we also have our own part to play.

So this week I invite you to think about those in your life who have made promises on your behalf…those who took time  to nurture, guide, and teach you about the importance of love and kindness. Maybe you can write their names down on a sheet of paper and give thanks to god or them. Or maybe you can call or message one of those with a word of thanks. Or make a gift to a beloved cause in their name.

I also invite you to think of those for whom you have made promises. And even if you feel like you’ve dropped the ball in some way, share a word of gratitude for them as well…consider some way of letting them know you are thinking of them.

But most of all I invite you to simply remember you are a “product of promises” which means above all else you are loved, you are worthy, and none of us are alone.

The Lord Bless and Keep You,

Rev. Ben

In-Person/Livestream Worship: 

Join us each Sunday  at 11:00am in person or online (via facebook live) for worship!

See and share Sunday, January 8’s service, observing The Baptism of the Lord  via the links below:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/h_RGNs4Ebq/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyA2Nk4pl_w&t=79s

On Sunday January 15, we start a new sermon series, The Church: Then, Now, Next. This series walks us through portions of 1 Corinthians, showing how the ancient church still ahs something to say about how we sere as Christ’s body now and in the future. Join us in person or online as we continue living the good news of Jesus Christ

Online participation via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner

*Masks are welcome but optional during in-person worship as we continue to contend with COVID and an emerging flu season. We also ask everyone to be still mindful of social distancing and respectful of the personal space of others even as we give thanks for being together.*

*Church De-Decorating and Prayer Service: Thank to all who helped pack away our Christmas decorations last Saturday January 7. Your many hands made light work! May the new year continue to be a time of making room for Christ’s love and presence in our lives.  

* Walking Group: Join the Walking Group each Tuesday at 6pm. We currently meet at Cadence Senior Living Center (200 Minglewood Dr.). If you have any questions, contact the church office 919-772-0727. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.

* Boy Scout Troop 392 is having a Krispy Kreme fundraiser. Please contact the church office (919) 772-0727 for information on how to get your certificate for a dozen glazed donuts. The cost is $15 for each certificate which can be used at any Krispy Kreme location across the United States. (Not valid for in grocery store purchases.)

* The 2023 Flower Chart is up! The flower chart is posted in the hallway and ready for sign-ups. The cost of the flowers for the coming year is $40.00.

*Souper Bowl Sunday: Souper Bowl Luncheon will be on Sunday, February 12th. See flyer below for details, but don’t worry, Confederate Bean and She Crab Soup are rumored to be on the list!!!

*Prayers for Peace: Our world continues to need prayers of word and deed for peace. As we prepare for a new year, may we pay for those affected by the extreme cold weather across the US, as well as those continuing to rebuild from storms earlier in 2022. Please continue to keep law enforcement and first responders in your prayers as well as those struggling with gun violence in too many places in our nation (including Raleigh, NC). Pray, too, for those for whom the holiday season can be heavy as they deal with loss in what is known as a “joyful