Pastor's Penpoint - "Best to Better" - May 2012

"How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." (John 10:24)

The Jews gathered around Jesus, demanding to know once and for all whether he really was the Messiah. That kind of question surfaces in everyone at times.We all want assurances from God - both about who he is and about our own lives. What job should I take? Whom should I marry? How should I manage my finances? We all want to do the right thing, to please Him, and to trust Him with our whole lives. But sometimes it seems hard to know how to do just that.

Look at how Jesus answered the Jews: "I've told you. Look at what I've done. Consider it all, and you'll figure it out." Just as he did back then, even today Jesus is inviting us to weigh the evidence and decide for ourselves on the best course of action. He will never force our hand. And He will never ask more of us than we can believe or do. "I know you," he says. "I know your strengths and your weaknesses, your hopes and your fears." He knows what you believe and what you aren't yet ready to believe. So trust him, and don't worry about getting everything right. Just do the best you can.

Where can you find the evidence to consider? Your first stop should be to his words and deeds as recorded in Scripture. Read them as if they were spoken to you personally. Let them find a place in your heart. When fears or uncertainty begin to shake you, remind yourself of what He has said to you: "I give you eternal life. No one can snatch you from me. My Father holds you in the palm of His hand, and no one can wrestle you away from Him."

Jesus won't keep you in suspense. Every day, he wants to reassure you of his love and care. Repeat it to yourself: "God has good plans for me. He will lead me in the right path." Scripture is full of such promises. Ask to see them in your life today.

So based on what you know, decide to follow him the best you can - and then watch your best, get better!

~ Pastor Todd

Homecoming 2012

Just a few photos from Homecoming:

Bowling!

The middle school Sunday School class spent Monday evening bowling. There were 17 who attended and for several it was there first time. It was also the first voyage for the church's new van. Thank you Orlin for driving.

Easter Sunrise at Natural Chimneys

The congregations of the North River Ministerial Association gathered at sunrise in front of the chimneys in Mount Solon to celebrate the good news of the risen Savior.

                                                   The tomb is empty!

Correction of a date on the January 16th post

The annual Homecoming Service featuring Darren Howdyshell as the speaker and special music will take place on Sunday April 29 at 10am. A covered dish meal will follow the service. Please join us for this time of fellowship and celebration!

Upcoming Denomenational Events

The following events are offered by the UB denomination:

• April 24: Course on Missions in Chambersburg, Pa. This is a first-time course which meets a requirement for ordination, but is open to anyone.
• April 30 - May 3: UB Youth Workers Summit in Holly Hill, Fla. At present, 29 people are registered.
• May 7-10: Worship Summit in Daytona Beach. 
• May 21-24: Associate Staff Summit in Buffalo, New York. Right now, 30 people are registered.
• May 30: Course on Missions in Oak Harbor, Ohio.
• June 8-9: Mission Team Leader Training in Monroe, Ind.
• October 10-20: Seven Churches and Turkey Vision Trip.

Pastor's PenPoint - "Let's Get a Few Things Straight" - April 2012

Often, we just have to say it plainly and with great conviction ...

"What a thrill to KNOW that my Redeemer lives!" Jesus Christ is just as alive today as He was right after the resurrection. In fact, He is just as much alive today as He was before the crucifixion, and even before He came to earth and was laid in the manger.

What difference does it make whether we serve a living God or one made of stone? Isn't it just a practice we believe in? Is it a crutch to help us along our way? No! Absolutely not!

A living God knows right where you are day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. He sees your every need, hears your every cry, and longs to hold you close to Himself.

He is present to walk with you through the valley. He provides a song in the night. He takes your feet from the muck and mire and plants them on a rock. He blesses you with hope and gives joy for life's journey. A god with no life is unable to do these things. He cannot see, or hear, or reach, or touch, or provide. He simply cannot.

But my God is alive! The joy and the assurance that we celebrate on Easter doesn't end when the holiday is over and the decorations are all packed away. Why? Because Christ is alive. So rejoice, my friend, and live each day with the hope and joy that Easter brings. Walk with Christ. Talk with Him, and allow His joy to penetrate your heart and fill your soul. Don't live in defeat and agony as if Christ is still on the cross, or in the tomb. HE is alive! He IS alive! He is ALIVE!

~ Pastor Todd