Presbyterian Messenger - First Presbyterian Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Presbyterian
Messenger
May your unfailing love be with us,
Lord, even as we put our hope
in you. PSALM 33:22
Monthly Newsletter of Burley Presbyterian Church May 2021
Reflecting on the Benefits of Jesus’ Resurrection
The Easter Season (April 4—May 23) is a What happens to the body of “those who
time to reflect on the benefits of Jesus’ belong to Christ”? (1 Cor. 15:23). We are
resurrection. The apostle Paul writes in planted in the ground and our earthly, mortal
1 Corinthians 15:20: “Christ has been raised body begins the process of decomposing. But
from the dead, the first fruits of those who that’s not the end! Scripture teaches, like the
have died/fallen asleep...” buried seed sprouts and produces new life so
our body on the day of Resurrection will
Max Lucado, tells the story of a friend’s 1st bloom into a new, glorious, wonderful body.
grader who was studying about plants in A body like the Lord Jesus Christ received
school! A family member died and the boy after His resurrection!
attended the funeral and the committal
service at the cemetery. As he stood by the The Bible teaches, that Jesus is the “first
grave with his family, a connection popped fruits of those who have died/fallen asleep.”
into his head between plants and death. He Jesus is the first person to be raised from the
turned to his Mom and whispered: “Do you dead, stay alive, and get a new glorified
know what graveyards are?” Before she body! And there will be more to follow. Jesus
could answer he said, “Graveyards are places is the first one out of the soil of death
where they plant people!” permanently. And there will be many, many
more to follow. Philip Yancey says, “What
The Apostle Paul would say, “That little guy God did once in a graveyard in Jerusalem, he
gets it!” When a person dies, his/her body is can and will repeat on a grand scale.”
planted in the ground like a seed. What
happens to a seed when it is buried in the What a wonderful benefit! Christ is risen!
soil? It decomposes and if the conditions are He is risen indeed!
right the seed produces a plant, tree, or
whatever. In Jesus’ Love
Pastor John
WORTH CELEBRATING
While going through the so-called “daily grind,” it’s
fun to anticipate special occasions such as birth-
A WEEK OF TRIBUTES TO MOM days, anniversaries and holiday meals —
especially when other people cook and clean up!
To celebrate the special woman in your life, Although every day is full of countless reasons to
use a quote a day the week before Mother’s rejoice, we may not always feel like celebrating.
Day, or honor her with tributes the whole week Life’s concerns pile high, distracting us from
after. Write one of these (or one of your own) gratitude, joy and intentional acknowledgment of our
on a card, make a message into a placemat, blessings.
tape one to the bathroom mirror — get When you need a reason to smile and celebrate,
creative! Every day of the week is a good day head to www.NationalDayCalendar.com. Almost
to celebrate her love and show her yours. every food item and hobby now has its own day,
“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a and you’ll even find gems such as National Be Late
million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill for Something Day (September 5, if you want to
plan ahead!).
“The art of mothering is to teach the art of These fun “occasions” can help you embrace
living to children.” —Elaine Heffner small joys and may even inspire you to celebrate
“An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.” them with family or friends. As you do, consider
—Spanish proverb what it is about today and each gift from God that
makes this day special.
“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece
of advice?’ it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t
matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to
get it anyway.” —Erma Bombeck
“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.”
—Henry Ward Beecher
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal Is it enough to think today
human being to do the impossible.” Of all our brave, then put away
The thought until a year has sped?
—Marion C. Garretty Is this full honor for our dead?
“Being a mother is learning about strengths Is it enough to sing a song
you didn’t know you had.” —Linda Wooten And deck a grave; and all year long
Forget the brave who died that we
Might keep our great land proud and free?
Full service needs a greater toll,
A SHARED EXPERIENCE That we who live give heart and soul
To keep the land they died to save,
And be ourselves, in turn, the brave!
What comes to mind
when you hear the word - Annette Wynne
Pentecost? Many people
think of a mighty wind,
tongues of fire and
multiple languages. But ETERNAL WORTH
Acts 2 begins with another
detail that’s just as key: Jesus’ disciples “were all together Scripture does not know of any
in one place.” Because they were together physically and human life which is so common-
spiritually, the early believers didn’t miss the life-changing, place that it is not valuable
world-changing birth of the Church. enough to become eternal, and
The pandemic, while changing our definition of this is its high optimism. Nothing
gathering, also highlighted our need for interaction. If is too much for Scripture. Since
Jesus’ first followers hadn’t been assembled on Pentecost, every person is known by God by
they would’ve missed the outpouring of God’s power and name, and since every person exists in time in
the indescribable joy God had for them. Think about what the presence of the God who is judgment and
believers today might miss if we neglect to worship with salvation, every person is a person of eternity,
other friends of Christ. Who would want to miss God’s and not just the noble spirits of History.
blessings, promises and joy? —Karl Rahner
Session Highlights
Greetings from the Session, Alice Long will be teaching another class
Bob Bay, our custodian, is home on bereavement on Tuesdays during
The Session met for its regular session recuperating from surgery. His daughter, May and June. Mt Harrison Quilt Guild
meeting on April 14, 2021 at the church. Bridget and granddaughter, Ashley are will be using our church one Thursday
Rev. Phil Price from Twin Falls cleaning the church in his absence. per month for their meetings. Please
moderated the meeting. All of the Elders Thank you, ladies!! We wish Bob a make these groups feel welcome.
were present. Pastor John was absent speedy recovery.
and basking in the sun in Hawaii. There The next Session meeting will be on May
was a quorum present and the docket The financial report for March was 12, 2021. The meeting closed at 8:10
was duly approved. presented. Tithes for March were P.M. Rev Phil gave the closing prayer.
$11,642 and expenses were $5270.
The clerk reported that there were two Thank you to all of you who give so The Session also met on April 18 for
weddings recorded in the church records generously to keep the church doors their joint meeting for the year. Cathy
– Cathy Leal and Wes Parr on March 21, open. You are the greatest of the great! Chisholm conducted the meeting. The
and Mason Wittman and Alicia Winkle on The Manse money will be invested in Deacons and Elders discussed the exit
April 3. Congratulations to both Covenant Funds with the Presbyterian of our former pastor and put forth ideas
couples!! The minutes for March 10th Church Foundation. The money will be about the future of our church. We know
were accepted as printed. used as Housing Allowance for a future that it will be a while before we can begin
pastor. The Session is thankful that the another pastor search. We talked about
The Deacons reported that they helped Manse sold quickly and that the new being able to afford a full-time pastor,
some travelers on their way to Florida. owners have moved in without incident. training of lay-people to preach, and
They needed lodging for one night. They building on our strengths. We all agreed
still have funds in their coffers and are Building & Grounds reported that they that we all must work together, support
happy to help where and when they are are seeking bids to place a roof over the each other, and continue praying for our
called upon. They will be having their office door, siding for the patio trim and congregation and individual members. It
Annual Yard Sale on May 13-15. They for repairs to the gutters over the church was a good time of sharing and listening
need help with setting up and cleaning front door. to each other. Cathy gave us some
up. Set up begins on May 12. Please ideas to think about. We met for about
contact Darla Holl for more information. The Covid Mission Grant that we
received from the Presbytery of $2,000 an hour and a half. (Thank you, Darla for
Session was grateful to Cathy Chisholm was distributed - $500 to the Deacons, the great salad bar lunch!)
for filling the pulpit in Pastor John’s $750 each to Mt View Food Pantry in The meeting began and ended with
absence on April 18th. She gave a Burley and New Hope Ministries in prayer.
moving sermon and also installed the Rupert.
new officers for 2021.
Thank you to the Janell Martin Family for Happy gardening!
A big thanks to Carleen Clayville for the the amazing new sign in front of the
new beautiful banners that were hung in church. It lights up at night with an array Respectfully submitted,
time for Easter. They are so bright and of colors. What a great gift for everyone Kathy Poulton, Clerk
cheerful and bring spring color into our in the community to enjoy!!!
sanctuary. Carleen, you are awesome!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in
every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)
May Scripture Lessons
from the Lectionary
May 2 [Communion Sunday] May 23 [Day of Pentecost]
Acts 8:26-40; Ps. 22:25-31; Acts 2:1-21; or Ezek. 37:1-14
1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8 Ps. 104:24-34;
Rom. 8:22-27; or Acts 2:1-21;
May 9 [6th Sunday of Easter] John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Acts 10:44-48; Ps. 98;
1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 May 30 [Trinity Sunday]
Isa. 6:1-8; Ps. 29;
May 16 [7th Sunday of Easter] Rom. 8:12-17; John 3:1-17
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Ps. 1;
1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19
Thank you to Session and the Congregation
for your prayers during and after my eye “I have found that when I present the simple
surgeries. And to those who called daily to message of the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST,
see how I was doing. Your thoughtfulness with authority, quoting the very Word of
is overwhelming. I am very fortunate to God—He takes that message and DRIVES IT
work where people care about me and pray
for me. Thank you so much! My vision is SUPERNATURALLY into the human heart.”
improving daily and I look forward to (Billy Graham 1918—2018)
perfect vision very soon!
Thanks again. Barbra
Committees &
Chairpersons
Building & Grounds:
Paul Pugh
Fellowship: May Birthdays & Anniversaries
Brent Germann
Finance: 01 Tyson & Juliann Germann
Carleen Clayville 07 Tony Magliocca
Missions & Evangelism: 2021 Year to Date 07 Terrie Shockey
Dan Wittman Tithes and Expenses 14 Mayna McGill
Personnel & Nominating: 15 Henry Albert Ziulkowski
Jerry Vegwert March
Tithes $11,642.00 15 Mason Wittman
Worship & Christian Ed: 15 Madison Wittman
Dan Shockey Expenses $6,372.30
22 Richard Kicklighter
Deacons: YTD Totals
Darla Holl, Linda Smith, Julie Tithes $24,670.00 25 Walt & Gay Fisher
Germann, Tyson Germann, Gary Expenses $18,414.84
Hollinger and Susan McGee God Bless Your Special Day!
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
9:00 am—12:00 pm
Church Yard Clean-up
Scholarship Application
Deadline
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10:45 Worship, 5:00 pm National Day of Prayer
Communion & Bereavement Class
Cupcake Sunday
Deacons meet
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Mother’s Day 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 10:00 am—6:00 pm 10:00 am—6:00 pm 9:00 am—100 pm
Bereavement Class Set-up for Deacon Deacon Deacon Yard Sale
10:45 Worship Yard Sale Deacon Yard Sale
Special Coffee Hour hosted
by men of the church 7:00 pm
Session
Worship Committee meet
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
10:45 Worship Deadline to register for 10:00 am
8:00 am—8:00 pm
PW Meet
Election Day *we are a Camp Sawtooth
polling place
5:00 pm
Bereavement Class
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Day of Pentecost 5:00 pm Camp Sawtooth
Bereavement Class Work Weekend
10:45 Worship
(May 29—31)
Scholarship Presentation—
TBA
30 31
Trinity Sunday
10:45 Worship
Office Closed
May Servers ~ We Appreciate YOU!
Head Usher: Jerry Vegwert Head Greeter: Hazel Vegwert
Liturgist: 5/2 Dan S, 5/9 Dottie, 5/16 Dan S, 5/23 Gary, 5/30 Dottie
Children’s Time: 5/2 Kathy P. 5/9 Kathy P. 5/16 Kathy P. 5/23 Kathy P. 5/30 Kathy P.
Coffee Hour: 5/2 Fellowship, 5/9 Men of Church, 5/16 _____, 5/23 _____, 5/30 _____
Thank you for continuing to volunteer to keep our church running smoothly.
Anyone interested in serving as Liturgist, Children’s Time or Coffee Hour
there is a sign-up sheet on the kitchen door. Thanks!
Created in branch, because it was created to
bear grapes, does it work so
naturally, we who have been
created in Christ Jesus for good
Christ Jesus for work may rest assured that a
divine capacity for good works is
the very law of our being.
Good Works by Andrew Murray
By obedience to Christ Jesus,
we can and will be fruitful unto
every good work.
Prepared beforehand. We
have been prepared for the
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that works, and the works prepared
not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest for us. Think of how God
anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created foreordained His servants of old,
Moses and Joshua, Samuel and
in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before- David, Peter and Paul, for the
hand that we should walk in them.” work He had for them, and
—EPHESIANS 2:8-10 foreordained equally the works
for them.
We have been saved, not of Likewise, the Father has
works, but for good works. How prepared for the humblest of His
vast the difference and essential children their works as much as
the apprehension of that for those who are counted chief.
difference for the Christian life. For every child God has a life
Not of works which we have plan, with work apportioned just
done have we been saved, but for according to the power, and grace
good works, as the fruit and provided just according to the
outcome of salvation, as part of work. And so just as strong and
God’s work in us—the one thing clear as the teaching, salvation
for which we have been created not of works, is its blessed
anew. counterpart, salvation for good
The deeper our conviction that works, because God created us
we have been saved, not of for them, and even prepared them
works, but of grace, the stronger for us.
the proof we should give that we Created in Christ Jesus for
have indeed been saved for good good works. In its light we shall
works. learn what a glorious destiny,
Not of works, for we are what an infinite obligation, what
God’s workmanship. If works Christ Jesus. In Him, especially a perfect capacity is ours. Our
could have saved us, there was in His resurrection from the creation in Adam was for good
no need for our redemption. dead, He created us anew, after works, It resulted in entire
Because our works were all His own image, into the likeness failure. Our new creation in
sinful and vain, God undertook to of the life that Christ had lived. Christ is for good works again.
make us anew—we are now His In the power of that life and But with this difference: Perfect
workmanship, and all the good resurrection, we are able, provision has been made for
works we do are His workman- perfectly fitted, for doing good securing them.
ship too. works. As the eye, because it
So complete had been the was created for the light, is most ADAPTED FROM ‘WORKING FOR GOD” BY ANDREW MURRAY,
ruin of sin, that God had to do the perfectly adapted for its work; as PUBLISHED I 1902. WORK IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
work of creation over again in the vine THE SCRIPTURE QUOTATION IS TAKEN FROM THE HOLY
BIBLE. NEW KING JAMES VERSION.
ANDREW MURRAY (1828-1917) WAS A SOUTH AFTICAN
MISSIONARY, PREACHER AND AUTHOR WHO SERVED THE
DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH, BECOMING A CHAPION FOR
BOTH GLOBAL MISSIONS AND GREATER DEVOTION TO
CHIRST.
PRESBYTERIAN
WOMEN
IN THE NEWS!
The 2021 Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women attendance their contribution for this offering. For
was born in 1922 when Hallie Paxton Winsborough those of you who couldn’t or didn’t attend, this is an
challenged each member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of opportunity to help Women and children around the
the Presbyterian Church in the United States to give a world!
penny for each year of her life as a “birthday gift” for
Miss Dowd’s School for Girls in Japan. For just shy of Please leave your donation for our Burley Presbyterian
100 years, this offering has provided life-giving grants Women with Sharon Napier, or give to Carleen or
to mission projects throughout the world. Take a Kathy, or you could place it in an envelope labeled for
moment to consider all that has taken place since the Presbyterian Women and place it in the collection
Birthday Offering was established! From world wars plate…….and, please be generously old!!
to the internet, being the hands and feet of Christ has
been a constant joy for Presbyterian Women, in easy Blessings,
and difficult days. Carleen Clayville, Moderator
As we establish a new “normal,” let’s remember our To see a list who is receiving these grants, please
commitment to support ministries that matter, such as contact us. Or you can donate on line at
our Birthday offering! At our last local meeting we www.presbyterianwomen.org/birthday
passed the basket around and collected from those in
Of patience and pruning
In many parts of America, Mother’s Day is the recommended date for
planting flowers outdoors. Subjecting blooms to the elements any
sooner is risky, though sunny spring days sure make waiting tough.
Perhaps that’s why poet May Sarton calls gardening “an instrument of
grace,” for it “slows us down and forces patience.”
Courage is also required. Gardeners “must be brave enough to cut
back the old and sit with bare branches, awaiting new growth,” writes
Cheryl Richardson (Waking Up in Winter.) “and we must trust that it
will come.” When God prunes us, we too must trust that new growth
and new life are in store … and then patiently wait.
Easter Sunday at
Burley First Presbyterian Church
Our annual Easter Celebration displaying Easter
lilies, balloons and Jellybean Prayer handouts.
April 4, 2021
We hope you were able to join us,
it was a glorious day!!!
Kathy Poulton giving the
Children's Sermon Easter
Sunday April 4, 2021
Committee Reports
FINANCE REPORT
The following is from the Presbyterian Church, USA, on giving.
Giving is a response to God’s call and is a response that the
Spirit has manifested in believers since the Acts church.
Giving for the sake of those in need is an essential component
of congregational vitality and Christian identity. In sharing the
stories of those who have been assisted or helped through the
work of Special Offerings, it is our hope that the presence of
Jesus in the lives of those who have least will become visible
to every Presbyterian. These real-life stories are intended to
develop a relationship of kinship and solidarity, as well as
illuminate the image of Jesus in those whom we meet,
especially, as Matthew 25 reminds us, those who have the
least!
FELLOWSHIP REPORT Of course, locally we need to be generous, because we have
May 2nd- Cupcake Sunday the regular expenses that we have on a day to day basis,
May 9th- Mother’s Day treats paying salaries to those on the payroll, heating and cooling our
building, and our beautiful yard, and of course paying for
Please consider hosting and or supplying treats upkeep on our property. i.e. fixing things that break! We on
for coffee hour. The calendar on the kitchen door the Finance Team take very seriously our responsibilities to be
has many opportunities for you to contribute. good stewards of the Church’s money. We appreciate all that
Thank you. each of you do in giving of your time, talents and financial
Respectfully submitted, support, to keep our church viable for the next 100 years!
Terrie Shockey Thank you!
In Christ’s Service,
Your Finance Team
At home with Christ
In The Longing for Home, Frederick Buechner
writes: “The word longing comes from the same
root as the word long in the sense of length in
either time or space and also the word belong,
so that in its full richness to long suggests to
yearn for a long time for something that is a
long way off and something that we feel we
belong to and that belongs to us. ... The home
we long for and belong to is finally where
Christ is. I believe that home is Christ’s LOOKING AHEAD:
kingdom, which exists both within us and JUNE
among us as we wend our prodigal ways 06: Memorial Day Service of Remembrance
through the world in search of it.” 06: Communion / Cupcake Sunday
While awaiting our heavenly home, we pray: 09: Session
19: Presbytery Meeting via Zoom
Most High God, be our shelter from the storm 20: Father’s Day
and our dwelling place. May we always be at 21: First Day of Summer
home with you in the eternal household you 22: Bereavement Class ends
27: Camp Sawtooth begins
have prepared for those who love you. And
JULY
may Christ always find a pleasant home in and 04: Independence Day
among us. As you have welcomed us into your 04: Communion / Cupcake Sunday
family, give us the compassion to welcome 05: Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day
others into our own homes and lives, knowing 30: Camp Sawtooth ends
AUGUST
that as we do it unto the least of these, we do it 01: Communion / Cupcake Sunday
unto Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. 11: Session
15: Youth in the Church—sharing camp experience
—adapted from The Wired Word 31: Election Day *we are a polling place
Presbytery Report
Presbytery of Kendall Report
March 13, 2021 via Zoom – 10:00 A.M.
The meeting was called to order by Mod. Phil Hagen. There were 26 members and guests present for
roll call. Cathy Chisholm, Phil Hagen, Betsy Loxterman and Rick Spielman led the presbytery in a Call
to Worship and Opening Prayer. There was a quorum present. It was MSC to seat visitors and allow
them to speak as necessary. The docket was adopted as printed.
Committee reports:
1. Election/nominating – Robert Johnson and Lawrence Flournoy were elected to the Board of
Managers. There are vacancies for 3 on the Board of Trustees and 2 on the Ministerial Relations
Board.
2. Presbytery Council – The committee report was reviewed with no action items. Deborah Wright
from the Synod explained what “Designing for the New Norm” will entail for Kendall Pres. In May of
2021, Council will begin working with small congregations to help them with long term goals and
actions that would help ensure that these churches will continue to function, grow and remain open
in the future.
3. Presbyterian Foundation – Rob Hagan reminded us that the Presbyterian Foundation webinars
about self-care, stewardship and budgeting. There are other resources also available.
4. Board of Pensions – Christine Long explained several programs that will help struggling
congregations provide insurance for part-time pastors. There are also grants available and reduced
dues programs for congregations and pastors that are eligible.
5. Ministerial Relations Committee – They are working on the annual review of ministers and the
those who are Commissioned Ruling Elders.
6. Camp Sawtooth Board – Camp will resume for 2021. The committee is close to hiring a new camp
director. Memorial Day Weekend will be a work party to open up the camp.
7. Board of Trustees – It was MSC to recess the meeting to hold a meeting of the Corporation. Betsy
Loxterman was elected Pres; Phil Price elected Sec; Kaitlyn Fisher elected Assistant. It was MSC
to return to the Kendall Meeting. Kendall Pres has a new address – 325 Elm St. Idaho Falls – and
a new email address. The phone number is the same. The Board is in the process of creating a
Task Force to help Church in the Tetons purchase property to build a facility.
8. Board of Managers – There is a new 10 yr. contract for CRP farm program. Farm income is likely
to remain stable for next year. There is ongoing planning work to install a solar project on the
ranch. The power will be sold to the nearby phosphate plants.
9. Clerk’s Report – There will be a clerk’s records review in late May.
10. Minister of Care – A pulpit supply list is being developed.
11. Minister of Vision – She has been able to attend several Continuing Ed classes thanks to many
being on line with no travel. There are medical grants available through the Synod.
12. Moderator – He shared some of his story of his own self-care during the pandemic.
There was no more business conducted. Members shared concerns and joys. The meeting adjourned
at 12:15 P.M. with the moderator closing the session with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Poulton,
Presbytery CommissionerHOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA
OUR ONLY HOPE IS GOD, OUR ONLY RESOURCE PRAYER
by Adrian Rogers
tears, of giving without sacrifice. Is it any thought. It can reach any target anywhere,
This God-blessed America of ours is at a wonder that we sow without reaping? We and there is no anti-ballistic missile that
crossroads. Back in the year 2000, we had need God’s mercy, and prayer is the order can shoot it down.”
an election followed by a 36-day ordeal, of the day. But not just any prayer. Prayer In Daniel we see a model of how confes-
and we found out then that our nation is and fasting. Does that seem odd to you? sional prayer moves the heart of God. Dan-
divided by an almost 50-50 split. And then Fanatical? That we in this 21st century iel 9:20 says, “Now while I was speaking,
came Sept. 11, 2001, when we found out should pray and fast? In Matthew 6:16, praying and confessing my sin and the sin
our nation was under assault by a deadly, Jesus says, “Moreover, when you fast, do of my people Israel, and presenting my
cruel and merciless enemy—a clash of civi- not be like the hypocrites, with a sad coun- supplication before the Lord my God for
lizations and world values. I say again, we tenance. For they disfigure their faces that the holy mountain of my God.”
are at a crossroads, a crisis, and we dare not they may appear to men to be fasting. As- Daniel confessed his personal sin and he
be lackadaisical. suredly, I say to you, they have their re- confessed national sin. In America, there is
Instead, let’s talk seriously about prayer ward.” Our Lord didn’t say, “If you fast,” much to confess. First of all, we must con-
for America—a revival prayer. Out greatest He says, “When you fast.” fess greed. We are a materialistic nation.
resource is prayer. Out only hope is God. Leonard Ravenhill said, “The church has We know more about Wall Street and Mad-
Do you believe that? I hope you believe gone from its upper room with it fire, to its ison Avenue than about the Prophet Daniel.
that with all of your heart. supper room with its smoke.” Now, I’m not Also, we need to confess our neglect of the
We read in Daniel 9 that God’s people against fellowship. Our Lord is constantly poor; our racism, which has divided our
had been taken captive by the Babylonians. saying to His children, “Come and dine.” country. We need to confess our sexual
And Daniel now is asking the Lord for de- But the Bible also calls for fasting. We are immorality; our killing of the unborn, our
liverance. You say, “What does that have to pray and fast. And in so doing, pray and godless humanism that pervades our
to do with America?” America has been fast for America, and for the church. schools.
taken captive by the world, the flesh and What can fasting do? Rightly practiced, Do you know what most of us want? We
the devil. We need a national, moral and fasting can strengthen your prayer life, but want revival so that we can return to our
spiritual revival, and without that there is it can also turn back judgment. own ways, so we can go back again one
no hope. Only prayer can hold back the In Jonah 3:5, we read: “So the people of more time, once God gets us out of our
judgment of God. The raging waters of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, difficulty. Instead, we should want a burn-
God’s wrath are furiously beating upon the and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to ing in our hearts for the glory of God. We
dam of His mercy. Now God is a merciful the least of them.” And in verse 10, “Then should want God to do somethings that
God, but if we do not pray, we are going to God saw their works, that they turned from cannot be explained by technology, person-
get exactly what we deserve. their evil way; and God relented from the ality, propaganda or persuasion. We should
So, what kind of prayer is it that God disaster that He had said He would bring want the removal of guilt and the glory of
answers? First, we are to pray with serious upon them, and He did not do it.” God.
concentration. Daniel 9:3 says, “Then I set God changed His mind. Nineveh was ripe Are you on praying ground? It is prayer
my face toward the Lord God.” Have you for judgment. Put this in your heart and time in America. James 5:16 says, “The
ever set your face? Ever said, “Dear God, mind. God would rather show mercy than effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
I’m going to pray with every inch, every judgment. God wants to forgive. Have we avails much.” Thank God for that. Would
ounce, every nerve, every sinew?” crossed a line in America? Is it too late for you pray with me? “O God, send revival,
Sure, we pray, but with little effect. It’s our nation? No, absolutely not. In Jeremiah for Your glory; let it begin in me. Then,
not the arithmetic of our prayers, as in how 18:7-8, the Lord says: “The instant I speak Lord, let it move into my family and into
many. It’s not how eloquent or how long or concerning a nation and concerning a king- my class, into my church, into my city, and
how sweet or how argumentative our pray- dom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to de- throughout this world.” Amen.
ers. Friend, t is the faith and fervency of stroy it, if that nation against whom I have
our prayers. spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of ADRIAN ROGERS (1931-2005) WAS PASTOR OF BELLEVUE
When we talk about our nation, we must BAPTIST CHURCH IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. FROM 1972-2005.
the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.” THE MINISTRY HE FOUNDED, LOVE WORTH FINDING INC.,
start with God’s house. Judgment must Friend, we are in a cosmic battle and our CONTINUES ITS GLOBAL REACH THROUGH HIS PREACHING
begin at the house of God. We as a church weapon is prayer. I love what Bible teacher BROADCASTS AND ONLINE RESOURCES.
must repent—of playing church, of praying Ron Dunn had to say about prayer: “Prayer THIS ARTICLE IS ADAPTED FROM A SERMON PREACHED AT
without fasting, of witnessing without is like a missile. It can fly at the speed of BELLEVUE BAPTIST CHURCH I 2004.PASTOR: First Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. John L. Ziulkowski 2100 Burton Avenue
Burley ID 83318
Pastor’s office hours:
Wednesdays 9:00am—1:00pm Visit us on the web at:
www.burleypres.org
(also available by appointment)
Pastor’s email: lrzski@yahoo.com
Pastor’s cell phone: 208-430-5359
Office Administrator: Barbra Moore
Office hours M—F 9am—1pm
Office phone: 678-5131
Office email: burleypc@pmt.org
Clerk of Session: Kathy Poulton
Director of Music: Paul Pugh
Pianist: Susan McGee & Susi McCall
Nursery Attendant: Bonnie Stanley
Custodian: Bob Bay Return Service Requested
Prayer Chain: Susan McGee 208-312-3864
Service Times:
Worship 10:45 am
The Presbyterian Messenger and
The Lord’s Day Bulletin are published by
The First Presbyterian Church of Burley, Idaho.
Please submit your Newsletter items by the
15th of the month and Bulletin items by Wednesday.
May the God of Hope fill you will all joy and
peace as you trust in him.—ROMANS 15:13
We offer up prayers for . . .
CORNER
PRAYER
• All who are fighting cancer and those recovering from various illnesses and injuries
• Prayers of thanksgiving for God’s Son—his indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
• Prayers of support and encouragement for all our shut-ins and those in care centers
• All who have lost loved ones
• The poor, lonely, abused, or struggling with addiction
• All who have lost jobs
• Those facing financial uncertainties
• Wisdom for those making difficult decisions
• Our church leaders
• Our military servicepersons
• Our government leaders
• Our partnership ministries: Mini-Cassia Women & Children’s Shelter, Helping Hands Christian
Center, Operation Christmas Child and Angel Tree Ministry
Prayers: If you know of someone who is in need of our prayers, please
contact the church office.
Prayer Chain: If you have an emergency prayer request, or would like May
to join the prayer chain, please contact Susan McGee 208-312-3864
2021You can also read
