Asking Forgiveness

I guess this is appropriate given the messages for last week, but I need to ask forgiveness. I got so flustered during the announcement time yesterday, I forgot a very important announcement:

Last Friday was Ron and Betty Zook’s 60th Anniversary. Betty’s brother, Dave, planned a social distanced parade because of not being able to celebrate such a milestone properly. We want to say congratulations on 60 years of marriage.

I hope you all are continuing to be well and continuing to be safe. I’m also continuing to encourage us to be gracious with one another during this especially difficult time. Let’s also continue to share beauty and music and hope during these days. I really was touched by Brenda’s prelude yesterday. The title of the song is “The Prayer,” and I think the words were so beautiful and appropriate. She was sharing how she was led to get the music and prepare it for us all to enjoy. I think if we are open to his leading, that God is continuing to guide us and prompt us in these unusual days.

“The Prayer” begins:

“I pray you’ll be our eyes, and watch us where we go. And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know. Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way. Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace To a place where we’ll be safe.”

So beautiful and such a meaningful message. Thank you again, Brenda.

I said yesterday during the live-stream worship service that I don’t normally do this, but I’d encourage you to go back and listen to the sermon I recorded last Thursday. There’s a link to it in this E-Gram. It’s not that I think I did an especially good job with this sermon, it’s just that the topic is one that I think has such a strong influence on our Christian lives. The title is “Experiencing Forgiveness,” and it’s really about us truly experiencing the forgiveness that God offers. Next week’s sermon that will be recorded Thursday is “Living in Righteousness.” A life that’s being transformed is what flows out of our knowing that we are forgiven.

As always, let us know if you need anything. Contact me, or Steve Eickhorst, or one of our other volunteers. I know that Kathy Miller has been busy helping out during this time as well, and many others. There are people who are ready and willing to help if you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Continuing to praying for you all and wishing you the best. Love you all.

God bless, Brian