October was a busy month for us at Weedsport First Baptist. Carol and I took some time off to go down to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where we saw the “Live” Production of “Jesus” at the Sight and Sound Theater. It really stirred our hearts and I would highly recommend anyone who hasn’t seen it, to take a trip down there to see it, you will not be disappointed. It would take many sheets of paper for me to describe how powerful this production is, but if you’re interested come see me. This production goes until January 1st then they are bringing back “Moses.”
While we were on vacation, the church held their Fall Rummage Sale. There were over 33 tables of many different items. This sale was very well attended and successful. Thank you to Liz Breeze and any one that assisted her in any way along with everyone that donated items for this sale. A lot of hard work and many hours were spent to prepare for this, and in the end, it was very successful. We wouldn’t have been as successful if you weren’t involved in some way.
On Saturday, October 13th, we celebrated the wedding of Dan & Cindy Greene at our church.
Our Prayer Warriors continue to draw names the second Sunday of each month from our Prayer Hat, you give generously to our general fund, deacon fund, missions, bringing pennies for the Heifer Project, non-perishable food item(s) for the food pantry, and come to the Lord’s Table for communion each month. We began a Bible Study on October 14th, Sunday Nights and October 18th, Thursday Mornings entitled “Grace is Greater” by Kyle Idleman. We have 19 enrolled in this study. Thank you for your faithfulness.
On October 15th We hosted a Roast Beef dinner for the Old Brutus Historical Society Museum Members in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to everyone that assisted in any way.
On Sunday Night, October 21st, we attended the Hymn Sing at the Meridian First Baptist Church. It was a good night of singing hymns and having fellowship with one another.
I also want to thank Mr. Louie McIntyre for filling in at the organ / piano on October 28th while Jenn Cerio was away.
As we go into the month of November, we’re brought face to face with many of the paradoxes that keep life wonderful, mysterious, painful, uncertainty and reminds us of continuous cycles that have been created in our lives, cultures, spiritual lives, and even in our national life. Our landscapes become a blaze with all the brilliance of the season, only to shed that brilliance and settle into what often seems a bareness of winter hues. This serves as a reminder of the cycles of life and death built into the scheme of creation. We reflect on seasons of our lives, and pause to ponder the changes they bring.
October gives way to November, as we pause on November the 11th to remember and honor those men and women that have served our nation in various branches of military service. For many, those remembrances are painful for many we are touched by memories of those who have paid the ultimate price for their service. Many of our yearly observances and celebrations are tempered by realities of the cost of freedom and safety, rightly so.
On Thanksgiving Day, we “Give Thanks To God” for everything He has done and provided for us, and just after Thanksgiving, we’re assaulted by harbingers of the Christmas Season, usually put forth by the retail establishment seeking to remove us from a significant portion of our financial assets. However, before that happens we’re called to make political choices for our municipalities, and nation. We become bombarded with ads, slogans, debates, posters, flyers, and signs that makes the Christmas onslaught seem like a walk in the park! As with the Christmas Season, the election season is a time when truth is often overshadowed by glitter, legends, misinformation, greed, and private agendas. Social Media, the newspapers, TV, and Radio, etc., refers to it as a “mean season” to put it mildly. For many Americans, the incredible privilege of participating in the electoral process brings with it a passion that gives way to an ugliness of spirit, which produces attacks on other people, not policies; intentional mistruths, and half-truths, designed to deceive not convince; disagreements on political agendas, that lead to hatred and disrespect; loss of ability to work out disagreements to the attitude of “my way or no way.” It indeed can be a mean season. As Christians, such seasons challenge our own attitudes, conduct, and call to be loving, even toward those whom we might disagree. We’re called to participate in earthly living with a view of the kingdom as our foundation. We’re reminded that faith can’t be legislated, and no political party has a monopoly on God’s agenda for our people. Also, God’s righteous purposes are never attained through hatred, personal attacks, deceptions, and the like.
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, remember there are deeply committed lovers of Jesus that stand at various other points of the spectrum. In this so called “mean season” the gospel of the Prince of Peace calls on believers to set and follow heavenly standards of love, communication, and tolerance for varying points of view. It’s my prayer that we’ll be above all peacemakers, allowing God’s spirit to shine in all conversations and attitudes. If your candidates win, rejoice! If the opposition wins, handle it with in ways suited to child of the King. The Apostle Paul told this to the Colossians: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV). From our hearts may the peace of Jesus Christ extend to our minds, be offered from our lips, and be seen through our actions. PRAY for our Nation, NOT your agenda for our Nation, but for those that are chosen to lead at various levels of public service. Be sure to Vote on November 6th. Remember we remain ONE NATION UNDER GOD!
Keep inviting others to attend church with you.
God Bless You and have a Safe and Enjoyable Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
In His Service
Pastor Doug