Treasure in a Trough

Treasure in a Trough

Blog, Church
“At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order that all people in the countries under Roman rule must list their names in a register. This was the first registration; it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to their own towns to be registered. So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was now pregnant. While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, and she gave birth to her first son. Because there were no rooms left in the inn, she wrapped the…
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Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving!

Blog, Church
“Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:22‬ ) This Thursday, November 28, 2019 is our American Thanksgiving celebration, a tradition that has been around since the colonies were originally settled.  Americans traditionally recognize the "first" Thanksgiving as having taken place at Plymouth colony in the autumn of 1621. The Pilgrims held a feast after their first harvest as a way of thanking God for their blessings. They also invited members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe to join them.Time passed and the colonies merged to form a new country and these “Americans” were familiar with setting aside days of thanksgiving, prayer, and fasting in response to significant events. On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November…
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Children of Light

Children of Light

Blog
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (‭‭John‬ ‭12:46‬) Jesus spoke these words as he was teaching the people in the temple during the preparation days before the Passover on which he would be crucified. His words were spoken to the unbelieving crowds in broad daylight, and they did not understand what he was trying to teach them. He came to us as a babe in a manger, heralded by heavenly hosts of angels shining with the “light of God’s glory” (Luke 2:9-14). He grew up into manhood, gaining favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). At the age of about 30, Jesus began to travel around his homeland, teaching the people that the kingdom of God had…
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Time is of the Essence

Time is of the Essence

Blog
The smell of autumn is in the air as the season transitions from the supposedly “lazy days of summer” into the crisp days of fall with its stunning colors and abundant harvest. It’s the season of back to school and booked up calendars in the busy family life where it seems like there is never enough time to fit it all in. The necessities of daily living compete with school schedules, work commitments, family responsibilities, sports, dance, band, bible class, Sunday worship...the list goes on, and the continuing question of how to fit it all in with only 24 hours in a day (and everyone needs to sleep) is a challenge. Truly, time is the essence of this life and regardless of your life situation, there will always be more…
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All who Labor 

All who Labor 

Blog
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬) Labor Day 2019 is on Monday, September 2nd.  This holiday pays tribute to the contributions of American workers, is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September, and became a federal holiday in 1894. The holiday originated during the Industrial Revolution when labor practices were dismal, working environments were unsafe, and child labor abuses were common. Today’s work environment is very different, yet in a very real sense, we all labor under a load that is dismal.  Jesus came to seek and save those who struggle under many kinds of burdens: sin, worry, doubt, fear, loneliness and confusion.  He offers us a different kind of life experience when we follow him. “Take…
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