November Newsletter

Pastor Ponderings 

 “Our Holy Days” 

We are entering the holiday season. I like the word “holiday.” Its roots come from the two words “holy day.” For the Christian, Resurrection Sunday is the greatest of all “holy days” followed by Christ’s crucifixion day.

But in November/December we focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every day in November, some post on Facebook a different reason to be thankful. Included are things like family, friends, employment, country, and Jesus.

Thankfulness permeates the Bible. Jesus publicly thanked the Father (Matthew 11:25; John 11:41) He also was thankful before eating (Matthew 26:27; John 6:11). On three occasions in the Book of Revelation (4:9; 7:11-12; 11:16-17) the heavenly host are worshipping and thanking the Lord.

But the two thoughts of thankfulness that jump out to me are: 1) Being thankful always (Ephesians 1:16; 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:2), and; 2) Being thankful in and for everything (2 Corinthians 9:11; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

My God commands me to be thankful in every situation. I don’t always like what is happening in my life. Some of my problems come from without, but my greatest difficulties are of my own making. My most challenging opponent is the man I see in the mirror every day.

I am also charged to be thankful all the time. That is difficult!! Sometimes I simply do not WANT to be thankful. But it is easier when I remember that “all things work together for good”

(Romans 8:28). No matter my circumstance God will eventually turn it into something good!

********************

I hope you will join us Sunday, November 10, for my sixth anniversary at Calvary Baptist Church. In the morning I will bring a special message entitled “Opportunities.” That evening Kristie and Emily Yancey will bless us with a concert of great gospel songs. See you there!

********************

We had a fabulous Fall Festival in October. We originally had a Trunk or Treat planned in which our folks would decorate their trunks and people would come by to get candy. Our Texas weather did not cooperate, so we moved indoors. The creativity of some of our members was incredible.

We had a fishing booth, tribbles, a circus, a ring toss, light people, angels, and much more. Thanks to all who participated, set up, cleaned, brought candy , tore down, and helped in any other way.

********************

December’s schedule is awesome. The 1st is the church’s 77th anniversary. We don’t have any festivities planned, but we will recognize Calvary’s birthday. Our monthly Outreach is Tuesday, December 3rd at 10am and 6pm.

Sunday, December 8, is our Memorial Service in which we honor those who passed away this year. If you get your loved one’s name to the office by November 20, we will have an ornament for you.

The evening of December 8 is the children’s play, “Peanut Butter Christmas,” and our annual churchwide Christmas party follows the play. This is always a BIG evening, and more details will follow. The Golden Agers Christmas party will be Tuesday, December, 10, at 10:30am.

The choir will present a cantata, “Christmas, Night of Angels,” in the morning service of December 15, and we will take the Lord’s Supper in the evening service.

Let’s make the rest of the year the best of the year!

********************

I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have:

1) Courage

2) Wisdom

3) Strength

4) Victory

5) Vision

 


^