::truth::
Why care?
Christmas (yes, we are still in the Christmas season) is a time of giving. We drop coins into bell ringers buckets and participate in special offerings for those in need. We should do this all year round. But we especially show compassion at Christmastime. But why care? We care because God does. Consider a verse from the psalm we looked at last Sunday:
“For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.” (Psalms 138:6)
We regard the lowly because God regards the lowly! And we should love the lowly the way God does, both in body and in soul! Some people give only to meet the physical needs of the lowly. Others say we should only be concerned with their souls. But we must do both!
The great pastor/theologian Jonathan Edwards has some wise words for us on this subject:
“Some men shew a love to others as to their outward man, they are liberal of their worldly substance, and often give to the poor; but have no love to, or concern for the souls of men. Others pretend a great love to men’s souls, that are not compassionate and charitable towards their bodies. The making a great shew of love, pity and distress for souls, cost them nothing; but in order to shew mercy to men’s bodies, they must part with money out of their pockets. But a true Christian love to our brethren extends both to their bodies and souls”
Let us then, love people well – as Christ loves them, body and soul!
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
::prayer::
- Tricia: Pray for God’s mercy and peace in the Kirven family as Chris fights this battle with terminal cancer. Pray that God would use me and give me the words to share with the spiritually tender hearts in my FBH class.
- Pray that 2010 will be a year of growth and missional focus for our church for the glory of the Lord.
- Nancy: Pray for spiritual awakening in our community and outreach to our friends and neighbors; decisions regarding a new Women’s Bible Study for Winter 2010; decisions and changes in our kids lives. And please pray for provision for a new car for Janna. Hers died!
- Debbie S.: Please pray for Lon’s Mom, Lu. Her health is declining rapidly. Pray for peace and God’s mercy. Also, Dan, my step brother, is our of work. He has been a pastor and is looking for employment. And Michelle is at a conference is Nashville – pray for safely and spiritual renewal.
- Pray for Rich, our friend who has Aphasia – an Alzheimer’s like disease (only in his 50′s). He’s had to be moved 3 times to new facilities (aggression, anger). The new meds are helping. He needs the kindness of the Lord. Pray the meds work and that he can experience the peace of the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for safety for those traveling this holiday season – McCoys, Relichs, Thompsons, Kellys, Barbara B., etc.
- Praise the Lord for a wonderful church service “in the round” today!
- Lois – Prayer for friend and co-worker, Wanda Natale,who lost her husband on Sunday to a massive heart attack. Pray for her and her adult son as they go through the preparations and grieving process
::community::
- New Year’s Eve Potluck & White elephant Gift Exchange: Thursday, December 31st 6:30-9:00pm at the Welch’s home. Bring a White Elephant gift (one per person) and a side dish, salad, or main dish (enough for your crew +). Please RSVP with what you are bringing (the food – not the gift!)
- New FBH Class: The Gospel Centered Life begins this Sunday at 9:15 AM. Please RSVP your participation! Thanks!
- Congregational Annual Meeting: We will meet as members of Southwest Church on Sunday, January 10th to elect officers. 9:15 AM!
Opportunities to be Jesus to our community:
- December 27th – Car for the Kongs Sunday – Final Sunday for special offering to support Joe and Kay Kong in Cambodia. So far you all have given $970.00!
- Benevolence: Thanks for over $1200 given to help out those in need right here at home! We have already been able to distribute over $500!
Happy Birthday!
- Milton Monell – January 8
Sunday Servants!
- Set-up:
- Nursery: Patti Tindall
- Snacks:
- Prayer: Eloise Bender
::mission::
Urbana 09 - The 22nd Student Missions Conference begins today through the 31st in St Louis, MO. Pray for those in attendance that they will hear and follow God’s calling in their lives, whether it be foreign or domestic missions. Check out: http://ow.ly/QJlT
Gordon & Cheryl Roedding (Mali) – Praise that their Business English class is going well and had more students then expected. Pray these students will have open and questioning hearts for them to share Jesus
