May 23, 2012
| From Pastor Roger - Something to remember Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868. Originally called Decoration Day, a day to honor those who died in service for our country, it has evolved. It's now a day when many Americans choose to pay homage to their deceased loved ones, whether or not they died in military service.
Death hurts. It was never meant to be. God didn't create us to die, or to suffer through the death of someone we love. Placing pretty flowers on a grave once a year, or once a month, or even every day, doesn't make it hurt any less. There's no such thing as a peaceful death, or an honorable death, or any of the nice labels we try to put on it. It's not peaceful for those left behind to grieve, to face lonely days, to struggle with the aftermath of loss. Death just plain hurts. I know I don't have to explain that to you today. Our church is hurting as we prepare to say final goodbyes to Marlene Leno. We've had to say too many painful goodbyes to members of our church family over the last few months. If that were the end of the story, it would hurt beyond what we could bear. There is life beyond death. "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life," we read in John 10:10 (NLT) Christ left us reminders to get us through hard times. Luke 22:19 and 1 Cor. 11:24, 25 describe the rites of communion — breaking the bread and drinking the cup — as a remembrance of the promise of resurrection every time we partake. Paul describes the memorial of baptism in Romans 6:4 (NLT): "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." Over the past two Sabbaths, we were privileged to be witness this glorious power as we welcomed new members through baptism and profession of faith. In my daily walk with God, I need to rely on His power to raise me time and time again. I don't think I'm off the mark to say that our church family needs His power right now to raise us up above the illnesses, sorrows, struggles and pain that are against us on so many sides. As you lay flowers on graves this weekend, and as we say farewell to Marlene, picture what it will be like when those graves are torn open with a shout of the archangel and the trumpet of God. Then commit yourself to totally rely on the 'glorious power of the Father' for a new life with Him and with those we laid to rest. There will be no more goodbyes! "I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'" Revelation 21:3,4 (NLT) | What's happening >2:30 pm Sabbath - Memorial Service for Marlene Leno. Future events: THIS WEEK Wednesday, May 23 Thursday, May 24 6:00pm Shabbat Service Sabbath, May 26 9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards - Conversion: Love or Proof 10:00am Sabbath School 2:30pm Memorial Service for Marlene Leno
NEXT WEEK Monday, May 28
Wednesday, May 30 Friday, June 1 |
