(Jesus said) "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . . ." Matthew 5:44I know what the Lord said about loving your enemies. I know it is the right thing to do. I know it is the way that would please Him.
I also know it's not the kind of thing done very often.
It was a long time ago when William McKinley was running for Congress. His job was made harder by a journalist whose paper supported McKinley's opposition. Although every article the newspaperman wrote was critical of McKinley, the candidate could not help but be touched by the man's enthusiasm, his inventiveness, his work ethic, and the shrewd way he capitalized on any mistake or obvious error McKinley made.
McKinley admired the newspaperman who, in spite of a having a terrible cold and being poorly paid, still kept going. If McKinley was going to make an appearance, the reporter would be there to cover that appearance.
That's the way it was one cold, rainy night when the candidate rented a carriage to take him to a far away town where he would make a presentation. All was going famously until McKinley heard a familiar cough.
The sick newspaperman was sitting up alongside the driver -- in the rain.
In an instant, McKinley ordered the conveyance stopped and asked the young man to come down and join him in the relative comfort and warmth of the carriage. Before the writer settled in, he said, "I don't think you know me, I'm the guy who has been taking you apart like a clock."
McKinley said, "I do know who you are. But, here, you put on his coat and come inside and get warm, so that you can do a good job when you criticize me next time."
I like that story. I like it because it shows what kind of man McKinley was -- at least that night. I like it because it reminds me of Jesus' story and what kind of Man He was. Jesus didn't complain that His first bed was an animal's feeding trough. He didn't complain when His family had to run from a power-mad king. Jesus didn't complain when He was betrayed, arrested, beaten, spit upon, and crucified.
Even in death, as He hung upon the cross, giving His life to save us, Jesus didn't complain. Instead of cursing those who put Him there, Jesus prayed for them, asking for their forgiveness. It shows what kind of Man He was. It shows what type of divinity He is. Three days later His resurrection would show Him to be the forgiver of dark sins, the Redeemer of lost souls.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, when I open my mouth, may it be a tool that praises You and avoids cursing others. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen
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BIBLE QUIZ: What happened to Annanias and Sapphira?
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CATECHISM:
Question: How did God first create life?
Answer: God created all living things, both plant and animal, by His Word alone, from nothing. He created humanity specially, from dust, then gave us His own breath of life.
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BIRTHDAYS:
Mon- Ruth Walters
Tues- Mary Ann Roehrs, Betty Schirr
Wed- Jorgen Angell, Shawn Jaeger
Thurs- Roy Scott
Fri- Miranda Linstruth
Sat- Sam Hargrove
Sun- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp
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ANNIVERSARIES:
Wed- Christopher and Paula Shull
Thurs- Lew and Pam Bueltmann
Fri- Dale and Kem Toedebusch
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CALENDAR:
Mon- nothing scheduled
Tues- Quilters 9am; Bible study 11:30-12:15; Trustees 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid Christmas Luncheon noon; Confirmation 3:15; Supper 5:30; bells 6; worship 7; choir 7:45
Thurs- nothing
Fri- early out day; jr chimes 1pm; girl scouts 7pm; Bible study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Bell ringing and caroling at Walmart 2-4pm and then Whispering Pines till 5pm; worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8; worship 9; Bible study 10:15; Elder's meeting 11:30; Sunday is Giving tree gifts deadline
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WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte: Anna Sutherland (Wed); Ivy Tinnin (Sun)
Altar: (set up) Terry McKenzie (Wed.) Don and Dianne Hance (Sun)
(clean up) Joanne Hachtel
Elders: Ken Schien (Sat); Alan Dreyer (Sun)
Greeters: Paul and Cindy Klover
Lay readers: Ken Schien (Sat); Betty Schirr (Sun)
Organist: Sharon Dieckmann (Wed); Gene Hilgendorf (Sun)
Pianist: Kathy Barrow
Projectionist: Allen Berryman (Wed); Devyn Woolf (Sun)
Ushers: Ryan Woolf, Tom Linke, Alex Walters (Wed)
Dan Dieckmann, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Walt Schirr (Sun)
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NEWS:
LADIES AID CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY
All ladies (and some husbands) are invited to attend. Just bring your favorite dish (with something good in it) to share.
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SECOND MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICE THIS WEEK Our Worship theme this week is based on the word PEACE.
Those who are in elder groups 4 (Allan Dreyer), 5 (Dave Winter), and 6 (Steve McDowell) are responsible for bringing the food this week. You should have been notified by mail by now. If not please let me know.
Please bring a side dish or salad, and a dessert.
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WORSHIP PROJECTION HAS STARTED
Even though there were a few mistakes and typos it still seemed to go over very well. Once we get all the bugs worked out, it should work even more smoothly. Please let me know what you think of it, especially any mistakes you noticed so that we can make sure they are taken care of for next time.
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BIBLE STUDIES OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AND THE MONTH
Tuesdays- How Do We Know the Bible is True?
We are nearing the end of this study with two sessions left. After this we will be doing a study called "How We Got the Bible" by Paul Maier.
Both of these are studies in apologetics. We are learning the background information about the Bible, how it was written, how we got to the 66 books that we have today, the history behind it all. It is a good study to help increase your own faith and to help you answer questions that critics and seekers might be having about the Scriptures and their reliability.
Sundays-
8am- We are currently studying the Old Testament lessons for the Sundays in Advent.
If you just want to study the Bible, this is the study for you. The only thing we use is a brief summary and explanation. The rest comes directly from the Scripture reading assigned for that day.
10:15am- How Do We Know the Bible is True?
We are nearing the end of this study with two sessions left. After this we will be doing a study called "How We Got the Bible" by Paul Maier.
Both of these are studies in apologetics. We are learning the background information about the Bible, how it was written, how we got to the 66 books that we have today, the history behind it all. It is a good study to help increase your own faith and to help you answer questions that critics and seekers might be having about the Scriptures and their reliability.
7-12 Grade Bible study
There is also a youth Bible study during Sunday school hour. They are currently studying topical issues pertaining to youth. Blake Dreyer is leading this study.
Second Friday of the month meeting at the Hendershots
Each month a group of wonderful, loving Christians meets to read through a part of the Scriptures, discuss it and enjoy fellowship where they encourage one another in the faith and pray for each other. Feel free to join them this month on Friday, December 13 at 7pm.
Preschool-6th grade Sunday school
Each week the children learn a new Bible story that helps them to grow in their faith and helps them learn how to share that faith with others. They are also presently working on their Christmas program. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For ROLAND SCHILLER who has had to move to Grandview Nursing Home in Washington.
For CAROL KOHRS who is recovering from neck surgery at home.
For MANY OF OUR FARMERS who are still working on getting in all their crops.
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