Husbands, how well do you understand your wife? We read in 1 Peter 3:7, “ . . . husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” In the Greek text of that verse “in an understanding way” can be translated as “be considerate,” which means to live with your wife according to knowledge or understanding.
In American culture, for some reason, men are often inept at understanding their wives on a deep level. So, there are disappointments and hurt feelings that never get resolved. The husband shrugs his shoulders, ignores his wife whom he doesn’t understand, and pours himself into his job, which seems to be something he can handle.
The wife then shares her feelings with women friends and gets caught up in the frenzy of raising children and running a household. And then the nest starts emptying and the wife starts thinking about going back to school or getting a fulfilling job at about the same time the husband realizes that he isn’t fulfilled through his job and what he really wants is intimacy with his distant wife (or with a younger version who excites him more). It is no surprise that the divorce curve shoots up at this point in life.
Therefore, it is critical for husbands to be considerate of their wives, studying them, desiring to understand them, and honoring them! So, husbands, how are you doing at understanding your wife?
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen’s sermon this Sunday is entitled, “He Said . . . She Said,” based on Ephesians 5:22-33. 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 9: Jesus Sends Out the Apostles, Feeds the Five Thousand, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, and the Transfiguration! 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!!
Our Men’s Bible Study continues to meet at Panera Bread each Tuesday morning at 7:00. We are currently doing a “Drive Down Route 66,” an overview of all 66 books of the Bible! All men are invited to join us!!
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 ruling elders, 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.
January Birthdays
Janis Glickman and Stephen Wright (1/14); Hank Coffey (1/15); Candi Brown (1/22); Janet Coiner (1/27)