JANUARY 13, 2021
Dear First Church Family,
I pray that you are in good health and spirits, and that you are continuing to pray for our nation and world. God is being seen in and through so many good things that are happening. Remember that our Mission Statement is: “to glorify God as we mold, nurture, and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ.” Our modeling of that statement has never been needed more.
One of the most beloved and recited of all Scriptures is the 23rd Psalm. It brings comfort and hope to many who are dealing with life’s difficulties. The imagery David paints in terms of looking at life from the perspective of a shepherd is beautiful.
Over the next weeks in worship, we are going to explore the meaning and significance of the words of the Psalm.
In preparation for beginning that pilgrimage on this Sunday, I ask that you read a chapter that details some of David’s struggles, 2 Samuel 17. It is a chapter that we will remember all through the series but is long and involved. I will refer to it and explain some of its meaning in Sunday’s sermon, but you will be better prepared to be able to understand if you read it beforehand.
Remember that our local mission partner, Yokefellow, continues to be in need of one pound bags of dried beans. This past Monday, our Pee Wee Ashburn delivered 117 bags from our congregation to Yokefellow.
We will continue to collect bags to help that ministry respond to food needs of those who are struggling in our community. As an aside, I along with other Methodist pastors in our county will be volunteering at Yokefellow on this coming Tuesday morning, honoring the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., just after the weekend commemorating his life.
I love our church and feel privileged to serve with you here. May God continue to bless and keep you in the circle of His love.
Pastor Dave