This Sunday's Theme:

"The Question!"

Jonah 4:4-11

In-person and Live Stream to Facebook and YouTube at 10:30 AM

Good evening Church,

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and this coming Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a time for prayer and fasting – and reconciling people to the church – the body of Christ. I want to just say a word about reconciliation.

Many of you stopped attending worship long ago, but some of you stopped during Covid. Because of Covid, we established an online worship experience and that has been helpful for many people who are not always able to come to worship. I think of my own family. When a child is ill, when someone must work, it is helpful to have an opportunity to worship with the body of Christ, even if one can’t physically be there.

But, if you have not been worshiping online or in person, I want to invite you to come back and join us. If there is an obstacle preventing you from doing that, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would rather that we work together on reconciling rather than keeping any wounds unspoken. And if there are no obstacles, this is my Lenten prayer: that you would find yourself in worship as the body of Christ, bringing praise and glory to God!

We are blessed. We are a church that is growing in discipleship and in worship. But we would be even more grateful if you were with us too. During this season of Lent, I want to invite those of you who have stopped worshiping to return. We invite you not with any judgment – but with a longing to be the whole body of Christ with you. We miss you and we love you!

This Sunday we finish Jonah … with “The Question!” or we might say “The Questions”. Our scripture is from Jonah 4: 4-11. This Sunday we read about a plant that spares Jonah’s life, but Jonah doesn’t seem to get the connection with the Ninevites. Doesn’t God want to protect and save all of God’s people? Even those who do not yet know him. What is your answer?

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

God’s peace be with you!

Pastor Steve

• We give thanks for Ron Ostrand's release from the hospital and his continued recovery from COVID.
• We give thanks for Goldie McMahan's release from the hospital. Continue to provide healing for her and give her heart, body, and soul, your presence and strength.
• Prayers of thanksgiving for a successful procedure for Megan Edens' father, Bob Mayberry. May he experience complete healing.
• Prayers for complete healing for Seth as he completes his chemotherapy. Continue to strengthen him and his family.
• Prayers for Keenan, Charlie Brichta's uncle, who was diagnosed with lung cancer. Prayers for strength and resilience as he undergoes treatment, and that his body would be fully restored.
• Prayers for healing and hope for Roxana Mullenhoff, friend of Dave and Debby Andrews, who has not yet found relief from headaches since suffering a head injury fourteen months ago.
• Prayers for healing for Will Wartenburg who is undergoing treatment following a cancer diagnosis.
• Prayers for Sandee that she is able to experience healing for her depression as well as other health struggles. Prayers that she would find a renewed sense of purpose.
• Prayers for all young parents, for patience, peace, and overflowing love in their homes.
• Prayers for Uncle Ronnie's health and safety and for his family, that they may all feel strengthened and experience God's peace during this difficult time.
• Prayers for healing for Troy's brother in Colorado who suffers from Parkinson's.
• Prayers for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with therapy.
• Prayers for Bonnie Straley’s brothers, Len and Larry and also his wife, Ann, for healing; and also Daphne and Cassidy for God’s guidance.
• Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is in need of continued prayers as he navigates his diagnosis.