West Main

“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:9-11).

 

 

The previous quote from the Gospel John conveys disheartening words of rejection: “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” I can only imagine how such rejection must have felt for Jesus. Jesus’ entire mission on earth was to usher in the time of salvation through the promises and people whom God had particularly called his own: Israel. The Apostle Paul says of Israel, “They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 9:4-5). Jesus was to be acknowledged and embraced especially by Israel. Yet, “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3).

 

 

Imagine for a moment that God the Father has called you and gifted you for a particular mission, but the very ones whom you are meant to serve will not recognize this call and giftedness. How would you feel? How did Jesus feel? Jesus could have walked away from his mission in frustration and bitterness. Jesus could stew in anger, resentment, and even hatred for those who would not allow him to serve them in the manner the Father desired. He could have just walked away from God’s people.

 

 

To those who would not recognize Jesus’ calling, giftedness, and mission, he said, “‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’ This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:17-18).” In other words, Jesus continues to do and be what God the Father calls him to do and be regardless of whether or not this is acknowledged and accepted by others.

 

 

What I find additionally astounding about Jesus continuing his mission in the face of rejection is how he does so in love for the very ones who do not accept and acknowledge him! Rejection by your enemies is understandable and to a degree bearable, but rejection by your family who ought to love you is inexplicable and unbearable. No one can wound like family.

 

 

Jesus on the cross epitomizes how he loves more those who love him less when he cries out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24). All of us in life will face rejection, even by those who ought to embrace and accept us the most. In light of such rejection, we need to follow Jesus’ lead. Like Jesus we must not abandon God the Father’s calling, giftedness, and mission He assigns us, even if this is not acknowledged and accepted by the oneswe love. We are acknowledged and accepted by the Father’s love, and that must be what grounds our perseverance to serve even those who reject us. Finally, like Jesus we must love others better even when they love us less. For the love of God on display on the cross redeems in love all things, even our rejection. Jesus did more, but we ought not to do less.

 

– Terry

 

 

 

Elder/Deacon Meeting  -- All Elders and Deacons are asked to come to a meeting on Tuesday, February 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

 

 

Elder/Deacon Installation  -- Our Elder and Deacon Installation will be on Sunday, February 9^th. We will have a potluck luncheon following our morning services. Please bring lots of your favorite dishes to share as we celebrate this special day.

 

 

 

Widows Valentine Luncheon  -- All widows are invited to a Valentine’s Luncheon at Anna Maria Creekside on Thursday, February 13, at 11:00 a.m. Please check in at the front desk and they will direct you to the dining area. Please car-pool if possible as parking is limited.

 

 

Prime Timers Valentine Luncheon  --  All Prime Timers and their guests are invited to join us for a Valentine Potluck Luncheon in the Fireside Room on Wednesday, February 19, at 11:30 a.m. Please bring your favorite lunch foods to share. Please bring a wedding picture for a chance to win a special Valentine prize. Call Joan Tisdel if you need more information.

 

 

*Directory Photos – Sandra Cummings will be taking photos again this year. If your photo was not in our 2013 directory or if you would like to update your photo please call Sandra to schedule an appointment. We will be updating the entire photo directory, so contact Sandra ASAP and please keep your appointment time. Photos will be taken after Sunday morning services

 

 

Children’s Worship Snacks  -- We are in need of snacks! Please remember to read labels – NO products with peanut in them or products processed on shared equipment. Thanks!

 

 

 

Prayer Requests . . .  For the parents of Jessie Pannell, who are helping care for their parents who are ill. Jessie’s parents need prayers for strength and peace as they care for them...For Mavis Owens who fell and broke her arm a week ago...For Shirley Barlow who had surgery on Wednesday - for a quick recovery...For Bob Trimmer who had a toe removed on Wednesday - for his healing and comfort...For Fay Coghlan who has a painful bone spur on her foot...For our schools - that the teachers’ strike will be resolved quickly...That Travis Denn and his mission team will return safely from Africa...For a friend of Matthew York, Donna, who fell down some stairs and is pretty banged up...For Jenny Way that she may complete her brain book...For Lorie & Keith that a house will become available for them...For God’s blessings for Ashley Denn and Jed Rennels on their upcoming marriage...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.

 

 

 

December Financial Statement

INCOME:

General Fund Contributions		$  23,214.00
Non-Budgeted Contributions		$       574.58
Development Funds & Rents		$   2,078.00
Interest/Other Income		$        419.22
Total Income for Month		$  26,285.80

 

EXPENSES:

Administration and Payroll		$16,631.91
Youth on Fire		$1,192.18
Vision Ministries		$1,572.96
Office		$584.84
Nurturing Brethren		$578.00
Operational Ministries		$1,359.51
Worship & Facilities		$1,001.41
Non-Budgeted Mission		$1,347.62
Development & Kings Hwy		$4,188.89
Total Monthly Expenses		$28,457.32

 

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February Servers

Coffee Servers: Don and Lorraine Ball

Greeters: Russ & Shawna Gann and Josh & Chaley Johnson

Children’s Worship Servers: Brian & Jessie Pannell

 

January Attendance

1^st Sunday  256     3^rd Sunday 270

2^nd Sunday 259     4^th Sunday  287

Calendar of Events

Feb 4: Elder/Deacon Mtg; FSR; 6:30 p.m.

Feb 13: Widows Luncheon; 11:00 a.m. at Anna Maria Creekside

Feb: 19: Prime Timers Valentine Potluck Lunch; FSR; 11:30 a.m.