HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From Pastor Alan Daws and Teresa Meyers, Church Staff

This week our governor, along with many others, are encouraging us to celebrate Thanksgiving virtually with our families. This a first in my and your lifetime. When I was growing up, we had my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was always a fun time of food, football, and getting ready for a 2 day deer season hunt. I can't imagine not doing that.

After Raetta and I got married, we continued to visit our families on the holidays. Once we moved out of state, that was more difficult so we would call our families. Now we have our kids and grandkids to celebrate with on the holidays. This suggestion to avoid the spread of COVID is important, but it will be tough for many people. However, as you celebrate Thanksgiving, have a great one!

This reminds me of our church family not being able to gather fully. It's been nine months since we were all able to gather to worship and fellowship with each other. We've been doing online services and small groups with reduced capacity in person services. Hebrews tells us, "And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Let me encourage you to pray for each other, phone someone just to talk and catch up, or send an email. That's how we can still fellowship while being safe and obedient to this verse. We, the people, are the church not the building. We can gather virtually, it just takes a little effort. Let's put out the effort to connect with our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Onward and Upward!

As I write this, I'm listening to Christmas music. Yes, you read right, Christmas music! Why? Because I need it. I need to be lifted up today. It is expected that our governor will ask everyone to not celebrate Thanksgiving with people outside of your home. That puts a real damper on things. I enjoy eating turkey with our family, then watching football or taking a nap. Why? Why is this pandemic thing going on for so long? When will it ever end?

In Psalm 6:3, it says, "My whole being is shaken with terror. And you, LORD—how long?" Have you asked that question lately? As we look forward to Sunday, my message addresses our need to thank God for His future help. By faith, I know that He is working in everything we are facing today. He is protecting me, providing for me, and will give me the strength to make it. So I have to take a deep breath and just let Him have all my concern, fear, worry, and exasperation.

And for me? I'll just listen to Christmas music for now!

Onward and Upward!