Weekly Greeting - January 31, 2025

Greetings friends,

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

This coming Sunday, the chancel rail offering we receive will support those whose lives have been uprooted and whose homes and other property have been destroyed in the recent fires in California in and around Los Angeles.  Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 15,000 structures and charred some 63 square miles.  In some areas, the fires are still burning.

Reporting on such disaster might sound inconsistent with the words of the Apostle Paul recorded above.  In his letter to the Philippians Paul tells the church to think about things that are excellent and pleasing.  No one would suggest that the destruction of such fires is excellent or pleasing.  However, responding to human tragedy with tangible expressions of love and support is excellent and commendable and worthy of praise.

Please pray for those impacting by the recent fires and give generously as you are able.  It is not pleasant to think about the suffering of our fellow human beings, but it is always pleasing to God when we care for and love one another.

Blessings,

Craig __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We continue our Gifts of Faith worship series this week.  Our theme this Sunday is “The Gift of Love,” especially as described in what is often called the “love chapter” in First Corinthians, Chapter 13.  The Apostle Paul wants the church and the world to understand that of all the gifts God has given humankind, love is the greatest.  What a mighty God we serve!

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