There are two phrases that often describe our world: status-driven and materialism. So many superficial issues such as the make-up that influencers are wearing, the type of car a person drives, or what celebrity they are dating, cloud our opinions of who that person is. But they do little to tell us who they are on the inside.
Everyone can make a contribution to the world regardless of their outer trappings and possessions. Even though we are different, we are all needed, and we can let our differences unite us instead of divide us.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ…Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 14
In the same way, Christians are called to work together within the body of Christ, which the Church represents. When we gather together whether for worship, Bible study, or rehearsals, we are demonstrating to the world that we are Christ’s body, united as a community of faith! If we don’t work together, the church fails.
We all have a responsibility to do the very best we can at whatever it is that we do. The eyes must see; the feet must walk; the voice must sing; the hands must serve. The various and many parts do not have time for jealousy or snobbery. They must all work together as a house united. United in our faith, strengthening our families, and working towards a bright future! To God be the glory!
Join us on Sunday as we continue our All Things New sermon series with Mercy, Mercy, Me. Due to the inclement weather of last Sunday we decided to close the building, but the message is still alive! And it is forecasted to be pretty cold this Sunday, however it won’t be as bone-chilling cold as -7, so we will be in the sanctuary. I hope to see you there!
Book Drive Our service goal this year, as in past years, is to partner with Union Memorial UMC to collect as many books as we can and donate them to Pierre Laclede School! The books we collect should either be written by African Americans or written for African American students. The students are elementary and middle schoolers, and they especially need books for the older boys. The collection has started and will continue to the end of February.
Leadership Training for the Leadership Board and Nominations Team will be on Saturday, January 27, from 10am-2pm, in the MPR. We will once again do it jointly with Union Memorial UMC. Lunch will be provided.
State of the Church will be on Saturday, February 3, 10am. This will give the year-end updates on ministry and finance and look ahead to goals for 2024.
Women’s Gathering This year we will once again gather as a community of women for the IF:Gathering women’s conference! It will be Friday evening, February 23, and Saturday, February 24. Spirit-filled worship, engaging speakers, and a little sister-time are on the agenda. A registration link will be out soon!
Congratulations to the Dohrs! Bobby and Amy Dohr have officially adopted Charlotte and Quinn Dohr! What a blessing! God continues to do great things and for that we give thanks.
Vision for 2024:
A House United:
Strong Faith, Strong Families, Strong Future!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda