The View from the Pulpit:
Dear People of God at Resurrection,
As we have closed out another year begun a new year of ministry here at Resurrection, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those who, through their gifts of time, talents and monies, have enabled Resurrection to carry out the many ministries and programs that we have accomplished for our Lord in this place.
* To our School & Child Development Center Director and Staff, who continue to bless our children with their faith and example!
* To our organist and choir director, Rich Peltz; the members of the Sanctuary Choir and the Songs of Praise Worship Team, for their beautiful musical offerings throughout the year! They all do a super job!
* To the members of the Altar Guild, the Usher Staff, the Worship Assistants, the Acolytes, the Greeters, our Nursery Attendants, the Fellowship Hosts, the Communion Assistants, the Counters, the Audio/Video Ministry Teams, our DVD delivery people, those who gave flowers for the altar, the Friday Saints, the Bulletin proofer – did I leave anyone out?? – who serve faithfully week after week after week throughout the year!
* To our wonderful Sunday School Staff, Adult Bible Study Leaders, and Confirmation Teachers, who prepare weekly lessons throughout the year to enrich the lives of those who attend these classes!
* to those who help provide “goodies” for our Sunday morning Fellowship Times – especially Janet Rake, who not only provides so much, but sets it all up (along with Thom Rake, who sets up the Fellowship Hall for Bible Study)!
* To the Leaders of our Youth Programs: the Sr. L.Y.F.R. and the Jr. L.Y.F.R., who provide nurture, leadership and assist our youth with their many activities during the year!
* To those who have weeded, trimmed bushes, planted flowers, raked leaves, etc., – we sincerely thank you!
* To those who mended, cleaned, painted, plumbed, wired, and did what was needed to be done to keep our facilities up and operating, we offer our sincere appreciation!
* To our Porch Visitors and their ministry of reaching out to our Church Guests; to those who visit our sick at home and in the hospital, our shut-ins, our inactive members; to those who prepared and shared meals for the sick, lonely, and mourning – all of you make a difference in the lives of hurting people!
* To a wonderful, dedicated and hard working Church Staff: Ann Ezell, Rich Peltz, Ann Wahlstrom, and Enid Jackson; and to a group of dedicated leaders who serve on the Resurrection Board of Directors and on our various Administrative Boards and Committees – truly you all are the best!
Please know that all of your contributions do not go unnoticed! You are very much appreciated! I thank God for all of you!
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THE LIGHT OF CHRIST SCATTERS THE DARKNESS
The word “Epiphany” literally means an “uncovering” or an “unveiling.” Epiphany tells the story of God’s presence gradually unveiled in the life of Jesus. From the visit of the Magi to Jesus’ luminous appearance to His disciples on a mountain top, Epiphany reminds us that the light and hope of Jesus’ life has scattered the darkness for all sorts of folks – people of every race, language, culture and nation. The love of God comes in all sorts of packages, in the glories of great music and art, in Scripture and the writings of fine Christian authors, in stories handed down from generation to generation, but also in the quiet conversation and the consolation of fellow believers; in the needs of the poor, the lonely, the aged and the young, the despised and rejected. Epiphany is a short season this year. Ash Wednesday and Lent will soon be upon us. Use these short weeks of wintry light to reflect on where and in whom you see the light of Christ, and take the opportunity to say to those Christ-bearers, “THANK YOU!” Thank you for sharing the love of God with me and our community!
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THIS NEW YEAR . . . It is never too late to begin a new habit – or to re-covenant our side of the promise with God – or to name anew the responsibilities we have as faith-filled people. The following serves as a model for living our faith in the New Year of 2002:
Mend a quarrel
Seek out a forgotten friend
Dismiss a suspicion; replace it with trust
Give a soft answer
Encourage youth
Keep a promise
Find the time
Forego a grudge
Forgive an enemy
Listen – then listen again!
Apologize if you are wrong
Try to understand
Think of someone to help
Be kind; be gentle
Laugh a little
Laugh a little more
Welcome a stranger
Speak your love
Speak it again
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Pastor Hank Hollar
