Day #1818

December 23, 2018

The last in the series of the folks of the Christmas Story for this Advent season was the shepherds. Waiting, watching, not expecting anything special in the midst of a dark night out in the fields tending the sheep. When suddenly - everything is changed. 

Is the lesson we should learn about how we need to spend our time waiting? Perhaps. But maybe even more important, learning to trust that the promises God makes, God keeps. Maybe not in ways we would expect, but always kept. Which is great news to ponder and share!

Blessings.

Day #1817

December 22, 2018

On a beautiful winter day, going for a ride seemed like a good idea. And it was. We found a new spot just on the edge of town that we had not visited before - a portage spot for Lewis and Clark. Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed the discovery (apologies for the dark one!). 

Blessings.

Day #1816

December 21, 2018

A church related lunch, a need to reschedule a “meeting” because something else came up, making a visit, spending time in the office…all this on Friday…must mean that it’s a few days before Christmas. :-)

Loving it!! ’Tis the season. Blessings.

Blessings.

Day #1815

December 20, 2018

It is hard to believe that today we had our final regularly scheduled council meeting for the year. It seems 2018 just began. Yet, twelve months of gathering to discuss and handle the “business” of the congregation means many reports have been given, lots of questions have hopefully been answered, much information has been shared, and important decisions have been made. Thank you to those who serve in this manner. You are an important part of the ministry of the church. 

Blessings.

Day #1814

December 19, 2018 

What a great day for Bible Study. Excellent questions and deep thoughts lead to learning and deepening faith. Thank you to everyone who is able to come and participate. Studying in community is essential. 

Blessings.

Day #1813

December 18, 2018 

The word for the day is thankful. For those who come when called to service office equipment, I give thanks and appreciate your company and employees. Thank you for taking care of us!

Blessings.

Day #1812

December 17, 2018

As we come to the beginning of the winter season this week, and experience the shortest light day of the year, the prayer this week reflects this.

Almighty God, as the days of winter begin, and darkness and cold envelope our community, we pray the reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World fills our hearts and minds. Reassured that the Light of Christ cannot be overcome, may joy and hope replace sadness and fear. Amen. 

Blessings.

Day #1811

December 16, 2018 

And the celebrations continue. 

Another Open House with so much to see and people to greet (oh, and delicious goodies!) was followed by the Youth and Family Program at the congregation. The Youth Band played at their finest, the younger kids acted out the story while two older youth narrated, reading the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, and the whole thing was brought to a close with a chili dinner that was really yummy. 

I am grateful to everyone who planned, participated and were able to attend. Thank you for helping us celebrate the real reason for the season - the birth of Jesus. 

Blessings.

Day #1810

December 15, 2018 

One of the delightful parts of the holiday season is gathering with others to enjoy one another’s company. First we were invited to lunch, then an Open House, and next was a visit to a favorite book store with conversation and laughter. What an enjoyable day, with more to come! ’Tis the season. 

Blessings.

Day #1809

December 14, 2018 

We had a delightful day getting ready to host the annual staff dinner, then capping off the night with food, laughter, sharing and being thankful (unfortunately one was unable to attend this year, and was certainly missed). The staff at the congregation are ALL wonderful to work with and dedicated to their tasks. I am very fortunate. But I am also frustrated - I missed a perfect time for a picture. :-(

Thank you, one and all. You not only make my ministry easier, you fill my heart with gratitude!

Blessings.

Day #1808

December 13, 2018

I don’t think there is anything more I can, or should, add to this I saw on FaceBook. 

An important reminder. And so true!

Blessings.

Day #1807

December 12, 2018

A while ago, someone discovered a great way to ask youth to share about their life. It involves a simple question: what was your high point and what was your low point in the last week (or so)? Seems this question is one that the youth I know enjoy being asked so they may share their answers. Is it because they can talk some about their life? Is it because the person asking really listens to what they have to say? Is it because there is no wrong or right answer, simply an opinion? Whatever the reason they like the question, I’m thankful the youth talk and share! Therefore, thank you to whoever began this - it makes several youth I know (and me) happy.

And then there is this - Simon and his brother, looking ready for Christmas. 

You sure are growing up quickly! Love you!

Blessings.

Day #1806

December 11, 2018 

On an incredible windy day, I share a lesson from a tumbleweed. While driving, I saw a really big tumbleweed dodge several cars until it was finally hit by one. Yes, some of it fell off, some was literally obliterated, but the core just kept on rolling. 

Seeing this reminded me that sometimes we dodge painful things in life, and sometimes we get run over by them. When that happens, our lives change - we are refined, we may even lose some things, but our core continues. That core, for me, is the love of God that created and sustains me. Therefore, I can keep on rolling, confident that God still loves me and is with me. Always!

Good lesson/reminder that “blew in.”

Blessings.

Day #1805

December 10, 2018

Simon, your momma sent me a picture today of macaroni and cheese she fixed for dinner. It was made using the recipe taught to me by my mother, that I then I shared with your momma. I hope one day she will share it with you and your children, so that the memory will continue. Therefore, inspired by that thought (and grateful), the prayer for the week is:

Almighty God, you give us all the gifts we need, including relationship. Thank you for the people who come into our lives to enrich them and make memories we can cherish and sometimes share with others. May the greatest memory we share, however, be the love and grace you give through our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen. 

Blessings.

Day #1804

December 9, 2018

In preparing to introduce Mary, the mother of Jesus, in worship for this year's Advent series, the realization came to me that the gift of Jesus was not Mary’s, he was ours. Yes, the Son of God is God’s gift to all of humankind. So the message/sermon ended with the reminder to spend some time during Advent to think about what that gift means to us and to the world. 

Then there was another thoughtful moment - during Holy Communion. As I leaned over to bless one of the littlest ones, I said, “remember always that God loves you.” The response was priceless - "OK!" Oh, if we would all remember everyday that great, Good News! Ok?!

Blessings.

PS Weekly sermons are now available through the congregation’s website. Check out the media tab on the home page, oslcgreatfalls.org, then click sermons and audio.