Dear Church,
During a meeting this week to finalize a wedding service, the couple, asked that Ecclesiastes 3:1 be included. They noted the profound truth and encouragement from the writer’s words: “There is a time for everything under heaven.” Today that scripture rings even more profoundly.
For in the days since that meeting, there has been much joy: wedding planning, healing from sickness, discharge from the hospital, needed job changes, and many more. There also has been time for grief: loss of loved ones, new diagnosis, continued weariness and heaviness, grief over events in the world and in our own relationships.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that both joy and sorrow are a part of the life God gives us and that, ultimately, in joy and sorrow, God is faithful.
So I feel one of the things it is time for today (and really every day) is gratitude. Because God is active and God answers prayer. Not just by granting the joys of our hearts but by giving us peace in the midst of distress, courage in the face of fear, and hope in the heaviness of grief. God is faithful still. Always. In every season under heaven.
Peace be with you
Ben
Announcements
- Family Promise: It’s time to start thinking about Family Promise again, and Easter comes early this year! We will be providing all the fixings for Easter baskets. We will need Easter candy (all candy must be individually wrapped), Easter grass, and small toys/party favors. Donation boxes are located in the breezeway and the classroom across from the office. All Easter basket donations are due at church by March 24, 2024 so the families have time to assemble baskets for their children. Our week to host dinner for our families is April 7-13, 2024. As we get closer to this date there will be a signup sheet posted in the narthex. We will need a main entrée and two sides for about 15 people. We will also need a driver to take the meals up to the Day Center each night. Please consider helping with this mission.
- Nomination Forms: Nomination forms for both the “Outstanding Older Adult Award” and the “Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership” are in the narthex. Please prayerfully consider who you would like to nominate!
- Ida Joy Bible Study: The Ida-Joy Bible Study meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at the church in the Ogburn Sunday School classroom. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 12th. This year they will be studying the Women of the Bible. It promises to be very interesting learning about many of the more obscure women, along with more notables. Since Easter is in March this year, the group will be diving into Mary Magdalene. Ruby Miller-Ousley, Cheryle Prater, and Regina Alexander will be serving as teachers. All ages and genders are welcome to attend.
- Church Workday: Calling all “weekend warriors”!!! The Building & Grounds Team will be holding a workday on Saturday, March 16. Join us as we spruce up the church grounds. We’ll begin at 10am with plans to wrap up by noon. Grab your favorite yard tools & gardening gloves & join us as we take care of one of the many blessings God has gifted us.
- The Thursday Morning Bible Study: The Thursday Morning Bible Study has resumed meeting after the break for the holidays. They just finished taking “A Brief Tour of the Sermon on the Mount” and are looking forward to beginning their Lenten studies. Please join us each Thursday at 10am!
- The Adult Sunday School class meets each Sunday morning at 9:30 am for thoughtful discussion and fellowship in the comfort of your home or live & in person. They are using THE PRESENT WORD Bible Study. Please contact Karen Lovering or Mike Koenig for more information. Hope to see you there!
- Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. The walking group meets at the Village at 6pm to walk. We will park at Cadence assisted living on Minglewood Dr. and walk 2 laps around the Village. If you have any questions, contact Martha Long. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.
- Liftavator update: The Building & Grounds Team is pleased to announce that the initial deposit has been placed for the installation of the exterior vertical lift to be placed near the church office and choir room. Information on the liftavator and FAQ sheets can be found in the narthex. For any questions contact Karen Lovering and Komivi Ekoule.
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