“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters,







 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” -Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

Peace



Peace is seeing a sunrise













or a sunset



 

and knowing whom to thank.

Unknown

Thought for the Day

What we believe is revealed more through our behavior than our words.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may the sincerity of our obedience match the intensity of our professions of faith. Amen.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Verses in the Book of Psalm  (NIV)

Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

 

Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

Psalm 95:2
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  

                       

I Count My Blessings
I count my daily blessings, Lord,
And try to count them all.
But, it's like counting all the stars at night
Or the raindrops, when they fall.
For, my blessings are so many
And my troubles are so few ...
That the good always outweighs the bad;
Due to blessings, sent from You.
So, Father, please forgive me
If I fail to count the ways ...
As you have blessed my life immensely,
Through your love that never strays.
© 2001 by Vickie Lambdin

Thank You, God
Thank you, God, for giving me many Gifts of my very Own.
Thank you, God, for giving your only Son for to Atone.
Thank you, God, for giving me Salvation, Full and Free.
Thank you, God, for giving me a Beautiful life, Knowing Thee.
Thank you, God, for giving me the Holy Spirit, Three in One.
Thank you, God, for Everything; for you left Nothing yet Undone.
© by Joyce C. Lock

 

"Thank You, Lord, for Loving
Me

"Thank You, Lord, for Loving Me"

Once, I was lost in sin.
I was blind and couldn't see.
Friends tried to talk to me.
But, I couldn't hear.
So, I wandered on in sin and misery.
Then, a still small voice spoke
and said, "Come, follow me."
Thank you, Lord, for loving me
and setting me free.
Thank you, Lord, for your precious blood;
how it ran down that old tree.
Thank you, Lord, for each drop;
for it covered all my sins.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me.
Yes, thanks for loving me.
Now, I'm following Jesus.
Now, I can see.
His Holy Spirit speaks
And, now, I can hear.
I no longer wander in sin,
But I walk in His light.
Oh, won't you come and follow Him,
and learn of His love?
© 1980 by Amanda Jean Griffith

 

I give Thee Thanks ...

For all the blazing sunsets of this year.
For all those precious children, Oh, so dear.
For small and insignificant things
And for the songs that my heart sings,
I give Thee thanks. I give Thee thanks ...
For loved ones who forgive my failing ways.
For kindness done to me on dreary days.
For lessons learned without the awful pain.
For truth that comes with value, wisdom gained,
I give Thee thanks. I give Thee thanks ...
For all the soldiers that are serving us.
For those who bear the blessed gospel trust.
For old acquaintances renewed.
For wonders clearly signed by You,
My Lord, I give Thee thanks.
My Lord, I give Thee thanks.
© by Joan Clifton Costner
 

For This We Give Thee Thanks
For hands that reach and touch our own,
For baby's laughter in our home,
For shoulders that in grief are loaned,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.
For lips that brave the tender words,
For eyes that speak what can't be heard,
For God's own precious Holy Word,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.
For open doors and welcomings,
For friends who laugh and sometimes sing,
For everything each season brings,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.
For large or small, the gifts You give,
For just the privilege to live,
For all we've had and yet You give,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.
For promises that soon shall be,
Because He hung upon the tree,
For Love that lasts eternally,
Most of all, Lord, thanks, oh, thanks!
© by Joan Clifton Costner




 

Giving Thanks For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped, For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped, For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb, For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home - Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land, For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand, For the good that our artists and poets have taught, For the friendship that hope and affection have brought - Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! For the homes that with purest affection are blest, For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest, For our country extending from sea unto sea; The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" - Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks be to God!

Psalm 104:14-15

104:14 You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth,

104:15 and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart.

 

Psalm 104:27-30

104:27 These all look to you to give them their food in due season;
104:28 when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
104:29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
104:30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.

A Greater Love

From the Upper Room

Read Lamentations 3:17-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

— Lamentations 3:22 (NRSV) 

My older son was diagnosed several years ago with
schizophrenia and alcohol dependence. The complexities of his dual diagnosis include drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, paranoia, delusional thinking, and angry outbursts.  We have come close to despair on many occasions. Repeatedly, we have tried to help him because we love him, but we have been forced to back away. At times I have felt anger at the choices he makes that worsen his condition. Because I’m his mother, each time I back away I feel like a failure. I have to live with the shame and guilt that I feel because his severe mental illness is more than I can handle. My heart breaks when I think of his suffering. The sadness and sorrow of the situation at times seem too much for me to bear. During these times, I remind myself that God is greater than my son’s mental illness, my family’s grief, and my own helplessness and pain. I am able to get up, go to work, and live with the situation another day. I know that whatever the future holds, God’s love and grace are greater than any human trial. I am able to look for today’s blessings waiting for me from a God who loves my family, my son, and me.

The Author  S. L. Ashbrooke (Virginia, USA)

Thought for the Day  Volunteer at a homeless shelter.

Prayer  Loving God, bless and comfort those who struggle with mental illness. Help those who love them to cope with the trials that come with caring. Amen.

 

Prayer focus   Families coping with mental illness

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,

By waters still, o’er troubled sea,

Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

 

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine;

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since ’tis my God that leadeth me

Now What?

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all  godliness and holiness.” -1 Timothy 2:1-2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Isaiah 26:1-9 

— Romans 12:2 (NRSV) "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect."

 

The day had been much like any other until I met with my supervisor in late afternoon. The corporation where I had worked for the previous five years had decided to eliminate my position. Suddenly and without notice, I was unemployed. Fear overwhelmed me; all I could think of was, Now what? Panicked and feeling betrayed, I spent the next several days focusing on my hopeless situation. Then one morning during my quiet time, two questions came to mind:


What does God want me to learn from this? What new door is God about to open? Changing my thoughts of fear into anticipation put my focus back where it belonged — on God. I remembered that every overwhelming circumstance that I face in life is an invitation to become more like Christ. Our perception of a situation can either steal or enhance the peace that God freely offers to each of us. The choice is ours: conform to the pattern of this world or allow God to renew our minds.

The Author  Noel S. McArtor (Nevada, USA)

Thought for the Day  God sometimes opens doors that we never knew existed.

Prayer

Protector of all who trust, when life is overwhelming you offer us peace in the middle of chaos. Help us to focus on you when we are tempted to look at the hardship. Amen.

What Are Your Plans for Sunday

Giving the Sabbath to God in worship

“. 9 So there is a special rest or a Sabbath rest still waiting for the people of God.  10For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.  11So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.-    Hebrews 4:9–11

 

The purpose of the Sabbath is to rest from physical labor and to worship God.  On His Holy Day, we can forget our daily routine and draw closer to the Creator God in study, meditation, fellowship, and prayer, and have a foretaste of our glorious future eternal rest.

By thinking upon God, the purpose of human existence, God's revealed laws of life and God's plan for mankind, we add great strength and meaning to our life. The Sabbath is truly one of the greatest blessings God has bestowed upon mankind. When we keep the Sabbath day, we show faith and belief in God's promise of a future eternal rest with a glorified spiritual body in the Kingdom of God. By resting on the Sabbath, we are actually "acting out" the Kingdom of God and what it will be like to be Sons of God in His Kingdom

 

Throughout the history of man, man has always seemed to want to go in ways that are contradictory to God's will. We have reached the point where we all know about God but we do not know God.

In this country, we acknowledge God but we do not worship him. We call on his name at our convenience or in times of personal need. We disregard his commandment to honor the Sabbath, which is to be a Holy Convocation from sunset to sunset.

Instead, we may give it a couple of hours and totally disregard the commandment to do no work or require anyone else to work.

We have allowed our courts to remove God from the public worship and allowed a few more vocal individuals who do not acknowledge God's existence to dominate the public discourse.

We have a great deal to answer for and a lot of changes to make if we expect God to hear and answer our petitions for redress. It all starts with the individual

 

D.L. Moody: “I believe that the Sabbath question today is a vital one for the whole country. It is the burning question of the present time. If you give up the Sabbath the church goes; if you give up the church the home goes; and if the home goes the nation goes. That is the direction in which we are traveling.”

“The church of God is losing its power on account of so many people giving up the Sabbath, and using it to promote selfishness.  Show me a nation that has given up the Sabbath, and I will show you a nation that has got the seed of decay.”  

The Sprouting Seed

 

Read Matthew 13:1-8, 23

View the Sept-Oct, 2012 Issue

Jesus said, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.”

- John 15:4 (NRSV)

I am a row-crop farmer; I raise corn and soybeans. Recently as I was examining my newly emerging plants, I felt that God was talking to me, teaching me a lesson from the sprouting seed. Once a seed is placed in the warm, moist soil, the first sprout is a small root that goes further down into the soil to absorb moisture and nutrients. This action prepares the seed to send a shoot up to receive sunlight as it begins the long process of making food for further plant growth. Eventually, the plant will grow and spread over the soil.

Like the soybean and corn sprouts sending the roots into the soil, a Christian’s action is to delve into God’s word, the Bible, in order to grow spiritually and to produce fruit. The fruit grows when we spread the good news and lead people to Christ. We can do this by telling our story — what God has done for us. Sometimes we use words; but always we can tell our story by living so that others can see Christ in us. Just as emerging plants receive the sunlight, we want to receive what God sends our way to strengthen us and encourage us for whatever lies ahead. When we do this, God can use us to produce fruit for the kingdom’s sake.

The Author

James H. McKelvey (Tennessee, USA)

Thought for the Day

God helps us grow so we can produce spiritual fruit.

Prayer

Dear God, Fountain of life, help us to grow in faith and love through reading, studying, and obeying your word. Amen.

Thought for the Day

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” -Proverbs 19:20-21

Daily Devotional from the Upper Room

The Garment of Life

Read Colossians 3:12-17

View the Sept-Oct, 2012 Issue

[You] have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

- Colossians 3:10 (NIV)

When my daughter, Kristi, was young, I made her clothes. My favorite part of that work was the preparation: selecting a pattern, the fabric and the color, and finally the trim. I loved bringing the materials home and showing them to my daughter so that she could get an idea of what was in store. After the fun of shopping and previewing, the real work began. Dedicated time and skill turned a piece of cloth into something she could enjoy wearing. But until the work was done, the garment was no more than a nice intention.

It is much the same with what we learn from God’s word. We can read the scripture, highlight favorite passages, and make notes in the margins of our Bible. We can attend Bible classes, hear sermons regularly, and discuss what we’ve read.


 But actually doing something with God’s word is the real work, the evidence that we have read and studied the scripture.
We determine to take God’s instructions into our minds and hearts — and then to clothe ourselves in what we’ve learned. Only then does the word of God become embodied in us and make a difference in our lives and in the lives of those we encounter.

 

The Author

Pat Rowland (Tennessee, USA)

Thought for the Day

Prayer

Dear Father, strengthen our resolve to live as your word teaches us. May we be doers of your word, not just hearers. (See James 1:22.) Amen.
 

Prayer focus on Those who earn their living by sewing

From the Upper Room

Jesus answered [Nicodemus], “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again.”

- John 3:3 (TEV)

Growing up, I sometimes found it discouraging that I couldn’t remember an exact moment when I became a Christian. Then I feared that I couldn’t remember it because I had actually never become a Christian at all. This worry would inspire me to commit my life again to Jesus in some sort of childlike, salvation-insurance prayer.
As a teenager I didn’t have a dramatic testimony to give when I went to Christian camp. I often wasn’t sure what to say when people asked when and how I became a Christian. When others would talk enthusiastically about a powerful, definitive time of conversion, I was left feeling as if my Christian faith wasn’t as good as theirs — simply because I could not look back and identify a point when my Christian walk began.
With time, I have come to realize that my experience of being born again spiritually can be much like being born physically. I don’t remember when I was born, but that doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. Neither does the fact that I don’t remember when I was born as a Christian mean that it didn’t happen. The evidence of my natural birth can be seen in my life as I live, just as I hope the evidence of my life in Christ can be seen as I grow in my faith and seek to love, serve, honor, and obey God in everything I do.

The Author

Joanna Ronalds (Victoria, Australia)

Thought for the Day

The evidence of new birth is a changed life.

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for the assurance we can have of our salvation in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Prayer focusThose who do not yet know God

From the web on God Vine

Today's Story

---

The Shoe Man My alarm went off It was Sunday again. I was sleepy and tired My one day to sleep in. But the guilt I would feel The rest of the day Would have been too much So I'd go and I'd pray. I showered and shaved I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me Touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side I thought, "Why must our soles touch?" It bothered me, his shoe touching mine But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: "Our Father"... I thought, "This man with the shoes has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched Even worse, there are holes on the side!" "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer But my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best When walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended And the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear The shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering And what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached Into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft "clink" as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me To tears, and that's no lie It was the same for the shoe man For tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service As is the custom here We must greet new visitors And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow And wanted to meet the shoe man So after the closing prayer I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark And his hair was truly a mess But I thanked him for coming For being our guest. He said, "My names' Charlie I'm glad to meet you, my friend." There were tears in his eyes But he had a large, wide grin "Let me explain," he said Wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months And you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "I know that my appearance Is not like all the rest "But I really do try To always look my best. "I always clean and polish my shoes Before my very long walk. "But by the time I get here They're dirty and dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears As he continued to apologize For daring to sit so near. He said, "When I get here I know I must look a sight. "But I thought if I could touch you Then maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison I spoke from my heart, not my head. "Oh, you've touched me," I said, "And taught me, in part; "That the best of any man Is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought, This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

Thought for the Day

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” -1 Corinthians 2:14

On My Doorstep

Read Romans 12:9-13

View the Sept-Oct, 2012 Issue

We are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. . . . Whoever shares with others should do it generously.

- Romans 12:6, 8 (TEV)

After I had two children in two years, I couldn’t be counted on to even show up at church—mostly because often one or both of my two young children would have the sniffles. Ironically, before this time, I was on the church staff in children’s ministry, where daily I could use my gift of teaching. I mourned the loss of my ministry.
Then one morning, a friend who is also a stay-at-home mom called me — in tears, overwhelmed, and lonely. I told her I’d be right over and bring my kids to play with hers. We talked all morning about our similar struggles, and she seemed to grow stronger.
Later I thought of another childhood friend. She is a mother of six, on public assistance, with no car and utterly alone with no support from her family. Though I continually feel inadequate in the face of her needs, I’m beginning to see various ways I can help. I am learning through my relationships with these women that being a friend can be a powerful, challenging ministry.

The Author

Renee Lannan (Pennsylvania, USA)

Thought for the Day

To see a picture of Renee and her family, go to devotional.upperroom.org/blog.

Prayer

Dear God, our Companion, help us to see that you always have ways to use us, no matter our circumstances. Show us how we can serve. Amen.

From the Upper Room

Remembering 9/11

Read Joel 2:23-27

The spirit of the Lord God. . . has anointed me; . . . to provide for those who mourn in Zion — to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

- Isaiah 61:1, 3 (NRSV)

Last year marked the 10-year anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City. For me, one of the most poignant images displayed during the remembrances was the picture of emergency-room workers at Manhattan hospitals waiting for patients who never came. The number of people treated was less than expected because many of the people who were trapped in the two buildings were simply turned into dust.
Even after horrible tragedies, our attention quickly turns back to the mundane — the squabbling of politicians, hostility among polarized groups, the petty pressures that obscure our deeper, larger, higher calling as people created by God. But still I couldn’t forget that image of the waiting hospital workers.
Where do we go after loss, disappointment, tragedy? God is always at work to create new life, abundant life, eternal life from the dust of our own and others’ lives. What is the new work that God wants us to help bring out of the dust of others’ losses? Each one of us “dusty” folks is called to become God’s agent working to bring fullness of life in a dusty, wounded world.

The Author James A. Harnish

Thought for the Day

Where can I be part of God’s work of bringing new life?

Prayer

Dear God, our Creator, we are only dust; but you make wonderful creations from dust. Help us to see and to do our part in bringing new life to our homes, our neighborhoods, your world. Amen.

Words to Live By

Jeremiah 17:5-8

17:5 Thus says the LORD: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the LORD.
17:6 They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
17:8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

Spiritual Friends

 

Read Galatians 6:1-5

View the July-August, 2012 Issue

If anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.

- Galatians 6:1 (NRSV)

I had taken a rock-wall-climbing challenge on a dare, despite my fear of heights. As my fingers found themselves placed in the climbing holes, my mind raced: What happens if I fall? Will someone be there to catch me? I cautiously peered down the 36-foot wall and spotted the belayer — the person who controls the tension in the rope. Belayers give climbers slack in the rope when it’s needed and pull in excess to prevent a fall. Then I was not so fearful.
In a spiritual sense, God gives us belayers in life. They may be friends, mentors, or accountability partners. God gives us relationships that encourage us upward in our spiritual growth and keep us from stumbling. These people comfort and care for us but also hold us accountable for how we live our faith.
We may feel hurt or offended when someone we love points out a shortcoming. However, spiritual friends love us in spite of our faults and challenge us to change, to grow closer to the way of Christ.

The Author

Cary Tabares (Florida, USA)

Thought for the Day

To see a picture of Cary and the climbing wall, go to devotional.upperroom.org/blog.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for those who hold us accountable. Open our hearts and minds to accept your loving correction, and make us willing to change. Amen.

I will hear you

Jeremiah 29:11-13

29:11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
29:12 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.
29:13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,

Upper Room Thought for the Day

What’s in My Heart?

Matthew 15:10-20

What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles.

- Matthew 15:18 (NRSV)

“Watch out!” I screamed and then jumped back as a little boy careened backward while trying to kick a bouncing soccer ball. Annoyance bubbled up inside me as I looked at the spreading coffee stain on my new cream jacket. Fortunately, I didn’t have time to say anything to the child as he raced off after the ball, oblivious to the minor accident he had caused.
“Why doesn’t someone keep those kids under control?” I muttered, sounding like my grandmother many years ago. Later I wondered why I had reacted so strongly. After all, he was just a little child playing ball. He didn’t intend harm.
I hadn’t given any thought to my reaction; it just spilled out, much like that coffee. Jesus once warned his disciples that what came out of their mouths actually came from their hearts.
The Bible reminds us repeatedly to be joyful. If my heart is full of joy, when I’m knocked off balance, joy will spill out. If my heart is full of love, when something or someone bumps me, I will react in love. I resolved to be more careful about what I put into my heart because I want what spills out to be joy.

The Author

Shirley M. Corder (Eastern Cape, South Africa)

Thought for the Day

When our hearts are filled with love, life’s little collisions will not harm us or those near us.

Prayer

Loving Father, forgive us for the times our hearts have overflowed in harmful ways. Help us to bring healing and blessing to those around us, even when we’re knocked off balance. Amen.

Prayer focusThose filled with anger

THANK YOU My family and I want to thank everyone for their prayer, cards, gifts and memorial contributions on the passing of my father Lester Riggle on June 17th. I also want to thank those that cover for me during my bereavement leave and filled the pulpit during that time; thank you Phyllis, Joyce and Pastor Brent. We felt all of your prayers and so appreciate your care! God is good! Pastor Lane and Family.

THANK YOU

My family and I want to thank everyone for their prayer, cards, gifts and memorial contributions on the passing of my father Lester Riggle on June 17^th. I also want to thank those that cover for me during my bereavement leave and filled the pulpit during that time; thank you Phyllis, Joyce and Pastor Brent. We felt all of your prayers and so appreciate your care! God is good! Pastor Lane and Family.

Within the Church we find the love and compassion of Christ our Lord!

Within the Church we find hope!

Within the Church we who are all sinners, find

forgiveness!

Within the Church we find true prayer, and the

answer to all prayers!

Within the Church we find truth, and are no longer misguided!

Within the Church we are all spiritually filled, and go hungry no more.

Within the Church we truly find spiritual joy, rather than sadness in our lives!

Within the Church we find salvation, and now know the correct path to take during our lives!

Within the Church we partake of the Holy Mysteries that cleanse us and nourish us all!

Within the Church we behold all who indeed nourish us with spiritual guidance towards the Kingdom of God!

Let us spiritually make every effort to attend the many services offered to us even during the summer months in realizing God never goes on vacation. God will accompany you during your vacation! God will also be present when you return! Remember God is with you and loves you! Have a spiritually rewarding summer!