Greetings Cascade Family and Friends,
In a recent Pathway Blog, I mentioned how blessed we are at Cascade to witness and experience the talented members of our church who consistently offer their best to the Savior. Throughout our Christmas morning service, we received the Gift of Song from the powerful, melodious voice of Kathleen Bertrand, who sings in the New Advent Choir. We could feel the joy of the Christmas story and the goodness of God in every song. Of course, her accompanists-Kenny, Sam, Luther, Tyrice, and Jerry-were delighted to praise and serve masterfully on their instruments. Thank God for Kathleen and an excellent Music Ministry.
On Saturday, December 31 at 10:30 p.m., we will have one more chance to reflect on God's faithfulness in 2016. We will gather to remember past experiences and events and look ahead with renewed hope to the possibilities that the new year brings. This year's Watch Night Service will enlighten some and remind others of the significance of December 31, 1862. Freed Black Americans prayed together in churches while enslaved Blacks knelt and prayed on plantations in America for President Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation into law and end slavery. Historically, Watch Night is devoted to a new covenant with God and a new commitment to living and serving others as Christ taught us. As you prepare for 2017, I encourage you to go beyond seeking God only when you need to free yourself from troubles or find solutions to your problems. Stand on His word and be resolved to finding a true relationship with the Lord. In Jeremiah 29:13-14, God declared: "When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me and I will restore you."
Finally, I want to encourage you to intentionally express your love and appreciation to your family and friends. Today is a good day to tell them your story and how God answered your prayers. Today is a good day to invite them to worship with you and pray with you at the altar or in church on Saturday night and again on Sunday morning. Today is your day-your time--to value the gifts God has given to you and put them into practice. Go and spread the good news! Today is a great day to thank God for family and friends and for sending Jesus in the flesh to give us hope, joy, love, peace and everlasting life. My prayer is that you are ready to receive God and prepared to see and hear all the wonderful things that He has planned for you in 2017.
Blessings,
Pastor Lawrence L. Young
