Followers of Jesus Christ must learn to submit themselves to God, as well as those in spiritual leadership. We read in 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
The word for subject or submit in the Greek means to yield to authority. It was a military term that meant troop divisions were to be arranged in an orderly fashion under the command of the leader. In this state of subordination, they were now subject to the orders of their commander. In non-military use, this word describes a voluntary attitude of cooperating, assuming responsibility, or carrying a burden.
We need to see those in authority over us not acting on their own but as instruments in the hand of God. If we look at people as acting on their own, we will eventually become bitter; but if we can see them as acting as God allows, we will become holy.
A beautiful example of this is found in the life of Joseph. His brothers consistently mistreated him, and it would have been easy for him to become bitter toward them. Yet he had a Godly perspective on the whole situation, and it helped him become mature in his faith. We read in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Friends, spiritual maturity always calls for an attitude of submission and humility!
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen’s sermon this Sunday is entitled, “Submitting to Jesus,” based on Ephesians 5:21. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. Please join Deborah Kleinschuster and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will be continuing a study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we will study Luke 8: Jesus’ Teachings and Healings! Please bring your Bible!!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Wills & Sarah Kitchen
We look forward to welcoming our new directors of family ministry, Wills and Sarah Kitchen and their family THIS SUNDAY!! Let’s give them a grand welcome, as they join our team!!
Men’s Ministry
The first meeting of a new men’s group will be on Wednesday, January 25th at 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Panera Bread! Men, please mark your calendars NOW and think about a friend to invite. At the first gathering there will be a trivia game with prizes awarded!!
Annual Congregational Meeting
Our annual congregational meeting will be on January 22nd, immediately after worship. We will receive the 2023 budget, approve the terms of call of the pastor, elect a treasurer, among other items.
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at NOON!! Thanks so much!!
Mission Corner
Baby Bottles to support the ministry of ComfortCare Women’s Health begins THIS Sunday. Baby bottles will be available to pick up and fill with extra change or any other donations throughout the next month.
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
November Financial Report
Offerings: Monthly: $12,692 YTD: $170,124.60
Expenses: Monthly: $14,029.31 YTD: $167,843.35
We have also received monies designated for our capital campaign and restricted giving. In November we received $7,000.00 for our capital campaign.
Sent Lab
January Birthdays
Sam Lucas (1/6); Cheryl Reynolds (1/7); Janis Glickman and Stephen Wright (1/14); Hank Coffey (1/15); Candi Brown (1/22); Janet Coiner (1/27)