HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's HERE!  A bright and shiny New Year!   Even though it's simply today, the day that follows yesterday...somehow on January 1st the world seems a bit "fresher".  We haven't made any horrible mistakes as of yet (I hope), we haven't said things that we wish we could take back, and the year just seems filled with amazing possibilities for new adventures.

I am a resolution-goal setter by nature...so today feels awesome to me.  I love to make a list and check it off as I accomplish things.  How about you?  Even if goal setting is not one of your favorite things to do, I hope that you have a sense of peace and newness as the year begins.  I pray that you feel the presence of God on your journey, wherever you may be and wherever you may go.

Peace to you today....on this sparkling New Year's Day!

Good, good morning!

We have a choice in this day.  We may have opened our eyes this morning only to remember the sadness, sorrow, pain, or even anger that we were encased in yesterday. And we KNOW that one night doesn't magically wipe all of that away.  

HOWEVER,  one night's sleep can make a world of difference.  I'm not sure who said this...so if you know comment and help me out...but one of my favorite lines is this "The difference between hope and despair is a good night's sleep."   

Or as it is stated in Psalm 30:5b (NRSV):

"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Almighty God, we pray that this day maybe filled with peace.  That even though we may face hardship and sorrow, that our sense of your love will be greater than all that we encounter. Allow us to love others as a result of the way that you love and care for us. Help us to live in joy and in peace all day long. 

In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Pastor's Ponderings from the COS Newsletter

It is amazing to me how much Vacation Bible School has changed since I was a child. Maybe it was because I attended a very tiny United Methodist Church, but I don't think so. However, even with all of the changes, I am incredibly thankful for the similarities that remain. Children learning the Bible, singing songs of praise, and caring adults working with them exemplifying God's love. As I sat in the back of the sanctuary I watched our children bow their heads in prayer, sing and dance to worship music, and sincerely seek God in their extra-energetic way, it occurred to me, again, how very blessed we are to be part of this congregation. To be in a church that cares about us and is deeply connecting, but also a church that understands the importance of programs like VBS and makes them a priority by pouring time and talent into them is a gift. 

 I also believe strongly that seeds have been planted at VBS and if watered and nurtured our children will grow into those who love and serve Jesus Christ as Savior. I encourage you to take a few moments today to pray for the children of our church and the ministry that we have to these little ones. Jesus states in Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." 

 Thanks be to God! 

 Peace and Joy, Pastor Becky

Prayer Series

We are in the midst of our sermon series focusing on Prayer. I have heard such great stories from all of you...thank you so much for your amazing sharing! I am embedding the video that I shared yesterday in the service of Derek Redmond and his father at the 1992 Olympics. It's so powerful...and I thank the person that put it all together...what a wonderful blessing!

Peace to you all today!

Summer is Here

Time sure does fly! I have turned around and April turned into June...know the feeling? This evening I'm thankful to report that our youth group is on their very first mission trip! The are at TeamEffort in Cincinatti...how exciting. If you have time check out their blog: COS Next Generations.

I Am With You

Jesus prepares his followers for his departure...but doesn't leave them alone. I believe that in this section of text is housed some of the most comforting words for those that follow Christ. The concept that we haven't been abandoned when we experience loss, that if we ask and believe we can receive peace, God's peace that will descend upon us and fill us...and it's not the kind of peace that the world gives, says Jesus. Thanks be to God.

May you all experience that amazing peace today as we draw close to Easter Sunday. The day after Good Friday, when Christ was in the tomb and the disciples felt that all were lost. When they felt alone.

But thanks be to God that JOY comes with the morning!

I Hold You in My Heart

Timothy is known as Paul's "sidekick", working with him for 17 years...but he certainly had a resume of his own to brag about, and was an effective minister and evangelist in his own right. This text that we read this morning comes from Paul and Timothy, and it is a scripture that I have loved, especially as a Pastor who has left a congregation to move to another.

I especially appreciate the sentiment "you hold me in your hearts". I get that. There are people whom I love, especially those whom I don't always get to see, but my love for them still remains....and I hold them in my heart. I think of them, I pray for them, I give thanks for them.

Today is Good Friday, a day of pain and suffering. Remember, when we are journeying through some of our darkest, hardest times, we are held in the heart of God.

Peace to you today.