December 10th
Just a Little Nap
When I was working for Reynolds Aluminum, I worked a rotating shift. That is to say that I would work 5 days of the day shift, then came 5 days of swing shift, and then came the dreaded five days of graveyard shift. There were not many who looked forward to that shift. One fellow on my shift would sleep for about 10 minutes, do some work, and then immediately fall asleep again. The amazing thing was that he always seemed refreshed and ready to go. He was the first person I know of who truly knew what a power nap was all about.
There is not a thing in the world wrong with a nap during the day. Many of us like to be able to close our eyes and relax for a few minutes. Even Jesus would take a nap occasionally. Remember the story of the stormy sea?
When Jesus talked about the kingdom, He often used parables with illustrations from everyday life to make a point. In Matthew 25, He tells the story of 10 virgins who were waiting for the bridegroom. But the bridegroom was running late, and the 10 virgins fell asleep (a power nap before the festivities). When the bridegroom came, only five awoke prepared to join the fun, and those five were invited. The other five were left wanting.
The point for us today is the need to be prepared. It is easy to forget that Jesus could arrive at any time. Just because the bridegroom in the parable was late, the reality was that he was coming. Spiritually, we cannot afford to doze off.
Secondly, we need to remain alert. Putting off becoming a Christian is not something that comes with any kind of recommendation. Putting your spiritual life on hold may be the worst decision that can be made.
The last point that I would like to make is that there comes a time when the opportunity to be included as a member of the family of God comes to an end. We are used to second chances. The coach on the sideline throws his red flag on the field calling for a reconsideration of the call on the field. High school students can retake their SAT tests. The delete key on the keyboard allows us to fix mistakes. But there comes a time when second chances come to an end.
As those who are prepared, the most loving thing we can do is to help others to be prepared as well. The “Groom” wants as many guests as possible to enter His party, and we can help others to be prepared for the feast.
Dennis
REMINDER - THE PANTRY IS BARE - Our pantry is empty and we need to restock it. Any canned or boxed items would be great. We need a variety. Thank you, Gary and Marian Roberts.
TODAY
There will be a congregational meeting following the evening service
We are providing (5) Christmas baskets for families in need. The baskets will be delivered the week before Christmas. In addition we are providing a gift certificate to a family with young children so that Christmas presents can be purchased. There is a sign-up-sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer. If you can help provide some of the items please sign up today. Any monetary donations should be given to Jim Roberts.
Items must be here at the building no later than next Sunday (
The church received a $5,000 contribution from Rusty Richardson. Rusty and his family were members of this congregation about 35 years ago. Rusty has visited here a few times over the years. This is a wonderful gift to the church and we want to use the $5,000, or as much of it as possible, to pay down on the church mortgage. This gift should be an encouragement to us, who are able, to make a special end-of-year donation to help pay down the church mortgage. A letter of thanks was sent to Rusty for this very generous gift.
BIRTHDAYS- 27/Bertha Colorado – 29/Tammy Martin -30/Ryan Strickland DEC 2/Verla Hendrix-8/Gloria Lopez - 8/Artie Orozco – 10/Latasha Savoy – 12/Wayne Barbarich - 15/Dan Shepard – 17/Joshua Morgan = 23/Vivian Yip – 23/Bobby Thomas (Jr) – 25/Gordon Herrmann = 26/Rebecca Maxwell – 28/Ethan Shepard – 28/Rene Morris – 29/Ray Hooks – 30/Linda Roberts – 31/Chris Carroll
ANNIVERSARIES – DEC 16/Craig&Erika Morgan 16/Jim&Darlene Savoy - 16/Rick& Gloria Lopez 19/Frank&LindanRoss
In Our Prayers…
Our sympathy to the Carroll family. David’s mother passed away last week.
Travis Moss is scheduled for pacemaker replacement surgery on Dec. 12th at Cottage Hospital in
Ola Crosby - health
Walt Wittman’s daughter, Linda Hampton, had surgery to remove a cancerous thyroid. She now must go through radiation therapy
Wayne Barbaricks’s sister and nephew are both having health problems
Kevin Hoff is out of town doing some training. He is due back on the 16th. Pray for his safe return and for all those traveling..
IN
CONTINUE TO REMEMBER
Craig Morgan - Howard Dunn - Irma Hernandez -– Gordon Herrmann - - Mike & Sharon Zdrojewski - Jean & Paul Maynard–-Dale Morris –- Waneen Wolff - Carol Strutz - Rex Gardner - Linda Ross – Jim Vallier (Carl’s father) – Monique Hernandez (cancer) - Norman Light’s sister, Jane (cancer) –Matte Hamberger– Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns)
FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK
ATTTENDANCE:
Sunday AM - 109 Class- 50 PM.-32 Wed-.54
FINANCE Budget……..$ 2,785.46
Contribution 2,749.00
YTD Budget. 136,487.54
YTD Contribution 136,832.06
Over/Under (+/-) + 344.52 N/A
Please make checks payable to
WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU
(Serving time
Tacos/Rice/Beans/Dessert/Beverage
In order for your notice to be in the bulletin please have your information in the secretary’s slot (in the copy room) no later than Wednesday evening(
Contacts:
Church Building......................... 937-3845
Elder.............. Dennis Everson.. 937-3815
Elder.............. Bob Pratt............ 937-5143
Elder.............. Jim Roberts......... 937-1660
Deacon........... Howard Dunn.... 937-3310
Deacon........... Steve Kliest......... 733-0512
Deacon........... Carl Vallier......... 937-0091
Minister ………Dennis Russell.. 937-3712
Youth Minister Vince Surra....... 934-7136
Secretary........ Joyce Gardner..... 928-2307
Sunday:
10:30 AM…….Worship
Wednesday
Family Dinner (See schedule)
Thursday 10:30 AM ……..Ladies’ Bible Class
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posted by Vince at 8:16 AM
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