Daily Email: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016

DEVOTION: James 5:7-11

"Patience in Suffering"

Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.


If there's one thing that most people learn as they get older, it's patience in suffering.  We tend to learn that if the Lord has brought you to something, he'll also bring you through something.  We've learned that when good days come, bad days are not far behind, but that those bad days will soon end too, either the Lord will have mercy on us in this life and give us relief, or he will  have mercy on us and take us to heaven. 


Either way we're good! 


One thing I've also seen these days is that there is too much complaining.  Everyone is complaining too much about everything.  Part of being patient is dealing with the circumstance you are in the best way you can and being a witness to Christ through it. 


That's what James is talking abut here.  There is no better witness than one who can endure the ridicule, scorn, or the unrighteous disapproval of other for the faith.  There's no better witness than one who can praise God even when he or she is hurting. 


Be patient in your suffering and realize that Christ's mercy is already with you and will remain with you.  His eternal mercy is right around the corner, when he will take you to paradise forever.  Look forward to it with joyful expectation and peace!


Prayer: Lord, give us the patience we need to endure with joy so we may be witnesses to your mercy and grace.  Amen.

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CALENDAR

Wed- Women's work day 9:30; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Karate 5:15-7:30

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm

Sat- Sunday school Christmas program practice 10-11am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; Elder's meeting noon

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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- Wed- Abby Vossen 8:30- Sarah Cluver  11- Cameron Faerber


Ushers-  Wed- Brett Nordwald, Charlie Figura, Jason Figura, Erv Yoder 

Sun- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate

Altar-   Wed- Terry McKenzie  Sat  Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

Elders-  Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning  11- John Hachtel
 
Greeters-   8:30- Randy and Patty Sweet;  11- Al and Karen Benton

Lay Readers- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- John Hachtel

Piano- Kathy Barrow


Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; Sun- Yoder
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:   In what year (approximately) did Paul write his letter to the Romans?


Two people answered yesterday:


Thanks to Don Nolte for the short answer of somewhere between 55-57A.D.


And thank you to Pat King for the explanation and historical significance:

Since I was around when he wrote it – I was off doing other old-time stuff, like cave-writing! - I had to look it up. Yes, I know! Google bad. Anyway, here's what the all-knowing Wiki says:

 

The precise time at which it was written is not mentioned in the epistle, but it was obviously written when the collection for Jerusalem had been assembled and Paul was about to "go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints", that is, at the close of his second visit to Greece, during the winter preceding his last visit to that city. The majority of scholars writing on Romans propose the letter was written in late 55/early 56 or late 56/early 57. Early 55 and early 58 both have some support, while German New Testament scholar Gerd Lüdemann argues for a date as early as 51/52 (or 54/55), following on from Knox, who proposed 53/54. Lüdemann is the only serious challenge to the consensus of mid to late 50s.

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NEWS!!!! 
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE STILL HAS LOTS OF ORNAMENTS ON IT!!
If you haven't take one yet to buy a gift for a child in need, please stop by church this week, or come to worship Wednesday night and take one!  Take the red ornament with you and sign your name on  the white ornament and leave it on the tree. GIFTS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY THIS COMING SUNDAY!!!
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WOMEN'S WORK DAY IS TODAY AT 9:30!!
They will be cleaning the church sanctuary for Christmas. Bring your cleaning supplies!
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YOUR OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE HERE!
Come to church and pick them up !  Then USE THEM!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE IS THIS SUNDAY 10-11am!!
Make sure your child is there for it!

The program will be during the 5pm  Saturday service on Dec. 17
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JOHN THE BAPTIST WILL BE PREACHING THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEEK ADVENT SEASON!  Come and hear what this fiery preacher has to say!

WEDNESDAY ADVENT FRIED CHICKEN AND POTLUCK DINNER 5:30
WORSHIP AT 6:30

1.  Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share when it is your week to do so. Your elder will call you and let you know when it's your turn.

2. If it's not your week to bring food, just come and enjoy supper with your brothers and sisters in Christ

3. Stay for worship and hear what John the Baptist has to say about Jesus!
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BIBLE STUDY AT THE HENDERSHOT'S WILL BE ON DECEMBER 9th INSTEAD OF THE 16th THIS MONTH AS INDICATED ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR.
Marv and Molly will be out of town on the 16th.
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AGAPE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS AT BOTH THE THRIFT STORE AND THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER!!
Hours are 8-4.  Call 456-4645 to volunteer!

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SHOE COLLECTION AT CHURCH!!  BRING YOUR NEW OR SLIGHTLY WORN SHOES TO THE CHURCH OFFICE!
The tub is right outside the office door!
Our high school is collecting new or slightly used shoes to raise money for those in need in Warren County through the "Care to Learn" Program.  Bring your slightly used and new shoes to church! 
 
DON'T BRING WORN OUT OR OLD SHOES!!

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RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE FOR SALE FROM THE LADIES AID ON THE COUNTER IN THE BASEMENT FELLOWSHIP HALL
Prices are marked on the bottom of the box.  You may purchase them from any Ladies Aid member or from the office.
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES
Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.
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SCRIP ORDERS ARE ALWAYS PLACED ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH!!
You can place your orders anytime before that!  Order forms are on the counter in the narthex or you can get them in Marilyn's office.  If you want another retailer on the list let Marilyn know!
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AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!
Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!
 
Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.
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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS
Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!
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GENERAL PRAYER
For BARB PERRICONE who is being placed on hospice care today.

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.

For BETTY TAMELER who is having surgery on Friday

For MIKE PUCKETT who is having surgery on Friday.

For DAVE CALLIES who is having surgery on his hand this Thursday.

For LEO BADER as he recovers from surgery.

For ERV YODER who is taking antibiotics for a very tough infection in his stomach and intestines. 


For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who is paralyzed, but is recovering at a nursing home.
 
For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.