Immediately upon graduation from high school I went to work as a teller at our hometown bank. In those days banks were not known for their high salaries but were an excellent choice for someone wanting to work while pursuing education. It was during this crucial time of learning about life and figuring out my role in things that the car buying bug bit me...big time.

I remember the frustration and disappointment when my Dad exercised the wisdom I lacked and refused to sign for the loan on my dream ride. I took him and Mom for a ride in it and showed off all its bells and whistles thinking he would be as amazed as I was. At the time, I could hardly believe my ears when he suggested it was foolishness to obligate for something that would take so long to pay off; that possibly I wasn't really settled into life as deeply as I thought. 

It took a long time for me to accept the fact that Dad was right. Little did I know that in a few short weeks I would have an encounter with God that would totally change the dynamics of life for me. Had I been allowed to purchase the newer vehicle it would have been a financial anchor I would have dragged all the way through Bible College.  It might well have derailed the plan of God for my life. 

It just makes me wonder how many times a good solid "no" has kept me out of something that I had no business being involved with in the first place.  

"Savior, like a Shepherd lead us. Thus we need thy tender care". 

Lovingly,

Pastor Richard Orrell

Philippians 1: 3,4,6 NLT

3 “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy. ⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally   finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

February 12th we celebrate our church family in our All-Church-Appreciation-Banquet.  We want to share the Apostle Paul’s sentiments, we thank God for each of you that are part of this family.

Each of you bring your own special gifts from God to our church.  Without you the family would not be complete.

PLEASE attend the Appreciation Banquet to help us honor each person in our church body.  We are ONE in the bond of love.  In Christ we are united to see what He is going to do in our midst in 2016.  See you there!

Love ya,  Pastor Phil      

What an encouragement to read the account in the Bible of the feeding of a huge crowd with a little boy's sack lunch. And how about the one where Peter steps out of the boat and takes a few steps on the water?

Oh, I know he got his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. But at least he did the impossible for a moment or two. The miraculous healings in the gospels, the emotional and spiritual deliverances; each of these encourage the believer to expect the best in his or her set of circumstances.

But isn't it also very uplifting to hear or read yet another intervention by the Lord in the life of someone who lives as one of our contemporaries? So often, the challenge met and defeated bears uncommon resemblance to the one looming on our own horizon.

A sin forgiven, a habit broken, a bill paid, a medical crisis survived: Some are too private to share but the G-rated ones certainly bear repeating as often as there is a listening ear. Others need to know God is still in the miracle working mode.

Your success story may be just the catalyst to ignite a friend's failing faith. Go ahead and share it. It is nearly certain that someone you love is waiting to hear that there is still hope.

Can't wait to share Heaven with you!

Pastor Richard Orrell

God has a plan for 2016

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

As we begin a new year our minds are filled with questions about what  the new year will bring.    Will it be good for us or will we face difficulties?

Today’s scripture assures us that whatever comes our way this year will be in accord with God’s plan for us.    Our Father does not plan things to  harm us, but things for our good to make us stronger.

We can rest in the assurance that God has our best interests at heart as He planned this year for us. Each of our days is designed by His loving grace.

Happy New Year friends—God cares for you!

Love ya, 

Pastor Phil      

Not long ago I was on a short drive to a nearby town when I noticed something odd going on with the vehicle ahead of mine. It weaved to the left and immediately back to the right. It hit the rumble strip on the side of the road then seconds later went thumpity, thumpity along the reflectors in the center stripe. Back and forth, back and forth: I thought they must just be playing until I noticed the brake lights and caught a whiff of hot brake pads.

 As I passed, (to get away from a wreck looking for a place to happen), I noticed the driver had a death grip on the wheel and was sawing it left and right in a desperate attempt to stay on the road. This person was also pressing on the accelerator and the brake at the same time; uphill, downhill, neither made any difference. It dawned on me, they were so intently trying to maintain control they were risking fire with the overuse of the brakes and damage to their transmission and motor by accelerating and braking at the same time. The constant sawing of the wheel put them in jeopardy of being out of control.

I thought as they receded in my rear view mirror, their actions in their unfamiliarity with the vehicle can have some similarities to the way we live our lives. In our intent focus on doing God’s will, we anticipate constant redirection and change of pace.

God, on the other hand, is a better driver than that. He sets us on the right course and speed and expects us to faithfully carry out the command last given until we receive further input. The Lord of Life does not whip us back and forth nor give confusing and mixed signals. He is not the Author of confusion.

Feel His steady hand on the wheel? Yep…I thought so. Relax. Let Him steer. Keep on with what He gave you to do. He will let you know when change is needed.

Lovingly, - Happy 2016

Pastor Rich Orrell