From Pastor Jim

Matthew 5:13-20 

[Jesus said:] 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 

 14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 

You are “the” salt of the earth.  The dictionary says the word points forward to a defining clause.  Jesus didn’t say you are salt, but you are “the” salt.  You are “the” light.  That says to me that there is no other plan: we’re it.  Our lives and purpose is to enhance the flavor of life in this world and to enlighten the path we follow on this earth with others. 

I venture to guess that most of us look at ourselves and question whether we have anything to offer others.  Yet, Jesus tells us that we do!  What is it you love to do?  How does it benefit others?  Cooking?  Knitting?  Visiting with friends?  Volunteering at the food shelf?  What is it you love to do, and how can you use that love to be the salt and the light for others?  Take Jesus at his word, that you have gifts and abilities intended to enhance the lives of others. 

Join us for worship Sunday.  We will conclude this year’s stewardship series with the submission of estimate of giving cards.  They will be handed out during worship, and you will be asked to place them in a basket.  Worship will be somewhat abbreviated to make room for our annual meeting that follows directly at the close of worship.  Bring your annual reports. 

We pray:  God, empower us by your Spirit to embrace your claim on us as “the” gift to others.  Use our passions to flavor the lives of others and shed joyous light on their paths.  Amen. 

Pastor Jim

February 5, 2023 ~ 9:30 a.m.  

Greeting 

 Blest Are They 

 Psalm 112:1-10 (responsively) 

 Be My Home 

 Prayer for the Day 

 Welcome and Announcements 

 Gospel ~ Matthew 5:13-20 

 Message 

 Offering/Open the Eyes of My Heart 

 Prayers of the Church 

 Lord’s Prayer 

    Shine Jesus Shine 

Sending

Children's bulletins available at the usher stands

NEW Office Hours for Rejoice: Monday–Thursday 9am – 3pm

>Doors open for walking 9-2:30

Rejoice’s Annual Meeting – February 5th after Worship

>Reports available Sunday, January 22nd in the Fellowship Hall.

>Please bring your report with to the Annual Meeting.

Worship Volunteers Needed: Please contact Lisa if you are willing to help. Thank you!

Annual Mexico Mission Trip Chili Feed

Let’s get the Kettles HOT and the Aprons on!

Chili Prep Saturday, February 11th 8am to noon

Sunday, February 12th

The great Chili Feed is back… in time for Super Bowl Sunday! Enjoy a bowl of chili and all the fixings made by the  Mexico Mission Team. Dine in or Take out. Proceeds will benefit the mission ministry. The men will will travel Sunday, February 19 through Monday, February 27. 

Good News Library

Beginning Sunday February 26, the library will close for inventory. 

Please return all borrowed books and DVDs to the library by February 26. 

It will re-open Sunday March 12 or when inventory has been completed.  

Sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation. 

Area Happenings 

Clearwater Legion Annual Fish Fry February 26, 2023

See the COMMUNITY EVENTS board for current flyers.