From a Branch on the Vine,
The word of God tells us, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15). Choose….for me, I will serve the Lord.
Each day, we are presented with an opportunity to serve Jesus or to choose our focus to be on something else. Our choices reflect who we are (or whose we are). Is tomorrow the day you choose to follow Him, and let this day go away like a puff of smoke? While we are alive, many opportunities present themselves to pray, converse with God, read God’s word, worship together in the sanctuary, the Sunday school rooms, or in our homes. Mark Twain was quoted as saying, “I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one”.
I pray you see the opportunities at Burnt Factory to relate to Christ. Our church has functions that Nurture our family, Outreach activities to serve our community in mission, Bible studies, groups to help with home-improvement projects, and The Believers that carry-on the battle against cancer. The names of contact persons are available to you at the back of the Sanctuary, in the Fellowship Hall or on the website, www.burntfactory.org. Beginning February 27th, after Ash Wednesday, I will be offering a Lenten Study on Monday evenings (7-8) and Thursday mornings (10-11) for the six weeks leading to the Easter resurrection celebration. Sunday school is available with an adult class in the fellowship hall where they are studying Experiencing God. What is So Amazing about Grace is the current study for the adult Unity class. Classes are available for High School, Middle School and Elementary age children; and, we have a great nursery for Kindergarten and under.
Are you new to the faith? Has it been a while since participating in Sunday School or maybe you are unfamiliar with the great stories of God’s word? A new Sunday school class is starting just for you. Beginning February 19th, Jay Hanke and Danny Murphy will be teaching the basics of our Faith with the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Located in the Choir room from 9:45 – 10:40 is the opportunity to learn the foundation of Christ and the beginning of His church. No prior knowledge is required, just your decision to respond to the opportunity.
Opportunities include Youth. In February, we will begin Confirmation classes. The first weekend in March is the 30 Hour Famine where the Youth will raise our contribution to World Vision and the battle against the hunger that is killing God’s children. The last week of July will be our Mission Trip to the impoverished area of Lincoln County, WV.
Opportunities to worship include Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and three services for Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. But, don’t wait for tomorrow. The time is available now to choose God over something else to be your focus.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!”
In Christ, Rob