A thankful heart produces positive emotions. These positive emotions produce healthful chemical by products that are life giving. Even in prison the Apostle Paul radiated a thankful spirit. He knew that God, who is always in control, would strengthen him to cope. Here’s an eternal truth the Apostle Paul shares with us from a Roman prison. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
As a prisoner in Rome, Paul had lost his reputation. His enemies maligned his character. He lost his freedom. Sometimes he was under house arrest and others he was confined to a Roman cell. His health was failing.
Throughout his ministry, he was stoned. He was fiercely beaten. He walked for miles with little food. He experienced a shipwreck. He battled a raging storm for survival for three days. He was often near death. Still, in all of life’s experiences, the apostle’s faith was strong. His faith kept growing in the tough times. The almighty power of the living God strengthened him.
God’s power is more adequate for all the tragedies of life. Here’s something we can be incredibly thankful for. We can face every one of satan’s assaults, every one of his attacks, and each of his temptations through the power of the almighty Son of God who strengthens, empowers and delivers us. When people are
strengthened by God’s Spirit, they have thankful hearts even in difficult times.
The apostle Paul lived his life by three fundamental principles; God is in control, God will strengthen me to cope, and God will supply all my needs.
What is troubling you today? Do you feel the need for loving affection? Are you lonely? Do you have financial needs? Is your health failing? Are you struggling with some overpowering temptation? Do you have an
inner yearning for a purpose in your life? Are you looking for a sense of guidance? Why not bring all your needs to the Creator of the universe today? Why not claim His wonderful promise, “My God shall supply all your need…” (Philippians 4:19, NKJV)?
You can rejoice today. Your heart can be filled with thanksgiving. You have something you can be grateful for. A loving God knows your needs. He has committed all the resources of heaven to meeting them. What have you been thankful for during this past year?
Why not decide to live a life of thanksgiving this coming year? Blessings,
Pastor Dan
As usual, the first Sabbath of the year we introduce prayer and ways to approve our prayer relationship. This
Sabbath, the 4 th , our Ladie’s Ministry has organized a prayer-focused service. In addition, Sarah Rogers, Pastor & Kerry’s daughter, will be presenting another presentation in the afternoon at 2:00. The topic will
be “The God-Chosen Fast”. Sarah is the leader of prayer ministries for the British Columbia Conference. We are
so blessed to have Sarah and Pastor Walter Rogers here with us during Kerry’s recovery process.
Our 4 th quarter communion for 2024 will be the last Sabbath of this month. Some have asked why our communions are not always on the last Sabbath of the quarter. Well, we have a Pastor who wants to serve his church and be present for communions. In addition, we are continually blessed by guest speakers and special programs. Sometimes that is the only weekend the speaker is available, or the special/holiday program ends up on that weekend. It is not because we do not hold the communion service reverently and the significance of the service.
There was also concern that we skipped foot-washing a few times. We will make sure that this Ordinance of Humility is included in each communion.
Even though our school has taken a year to reset we still hold school board meetings. This month’s meeting will be on Tuesday, January 9 th at 4:00.
The Pathfinders continue to be working on their pinewood derby cars. I think that there will be a racing competition between the local clubs. On their schedule for February it looks like there will be a dinner and auction. There is a lot of work that goes into making the meal and coordinating the auction. This is a way to help them out financially, but more than that they do love the fellowship between the church members.
04 Local Church Budget
11 Religious Liberty
18 Local Church Budget
25 LOCAL CONFERENCE
FCSC wants to thank the church family for all the donated items for their Christmas give- away and the center itself. I was blessed and overwhelmed by watching our little ones come forward and collects these gifts. I think some of them thought I was stealing their money when I took their baskets so I could put the
money into the schoolhouse to save some time! We are blessed by a wonderful group of kids and young people. Get to know them.
Josh and Ariana and family want to thank everyone who participated in ANYWAY to the Live Nativity ministry. They estimate that about 484 people saw the gospel message of our Savior. When some of the props blew down members came together at the last minute and made the repairs. This ministry does have a line on our budget that you can donate to throughout the year. Costumes need updated, props get worn out and structures need repair. Just another way to support this ministry.
Thanks
Our church Christmas program was such a blessing. The story, the music, the lighting and sound was all wonderful. To see our young people so involved is heart-warming. Colleen, we thank you and your team for
presenting this ministry .
Many of you are aware that we recently lost Alice Charlton. This Monday, we lost Rosie Hoover as well. Both ladies were long-time members and very involved in the church. It seems like in recent months we have lost several members. Please remember these families in prayer. Grief is a long journey and different for each of us. Let’s check in with those who have lost someone. Let them know we are praying and are here to support them. There will be a graveside.
JAN. 04 PRAYER SERVICE
POTLUCK
AFTERNOON PRESENTATION 2:00
(Presented by Sarah Rogers)
JAN. 09 SCHOOL BOARD 4:00
JAN. 11 PASTOR WALTER SPEAKING
SKATE NIGHT HBCS 6-9PM
JAN. 16 CHURCH BOARD 6:30PM
JAN. 17 PASTOR WALTER SPEAKING 6:30
Evidence For God?
POTLUCK
JAN. 18 Evidence For God? 10-5
JAN. 24-26 PATHFINDER WINTER CAMPOUT
JAN. 25 4 TH QTR. 2024 COMMUNION
FEB. 14 VALENTINE’S DAY
FEB.16 PATHFINDER DINNER & AUCTION
POTLUCK
Evidence For God?- Pastor Walter 6:30
JAN. 18 Evidence For God? 10-5
JAN. 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
JAN. 24-26 PATHFINDER WINTER CAMPOUT
JAN. 25 4 TH QTR. 2024 COMMUNION
FEB. 14 VALENTINE’S DAY
FEB.16 PATHFINDER DINNER & AUCTION
Emily Mazzone will be presenting some information Sabbath on two ministries available to us. If you don’t get the information Sabbath, here is what it is all about! Word Warriors – You’re invited to join a new
international online scripture memory group started by Martin Kim of Amazing Facts just a few weeks ago, with already over 1000 new members since mid-December and growing daily. We are using the Telegram app
found on your smartphone and computer. This is the link to join Word Warriors on Telegram:
https://bit.ly/3DDTSKt
Prayer Warriors – Since it’s been hard for us to pray in person lately, we are connecting our members digitally.
We will now be able to pray for each other using the Signal app, which is available for your smartphone and
computer. See the handout for basic guidelines. We will still have in-person opportunities to pray together but
this gives us more flexibility, especially for those of us who live remotely. This is the link to join Prayer Warriors on Signal: https://bit.ly/3W56v7x
Don’t Miss this three 3- part series on The Evidence For God? This is something suitable for both adults and young people. Come hear Pastor Walter as he presents this too us. Great event to invite people of all faiths. Let your friends at local SDA churches and at other faith churches as well. Food/refreshments are
available at two of the presentations as well as a potluck after church on the 18 th . Join us Won’t you?
JAN 05 MATIAS ALEJANDRO
JAN.O9 DAWN BAUMGARTNER
JAN. 11 HELEN ETTER
JAN. 13 AL PORTER
JAN. 15 CORA WHITCHURCH
JAN. 17 CAROLYN MATHISON
JAN. 18 MATTHEW FILLMAN
JAN. 27 JULIE ROWE
JAN. 28 ORVIL ARCHBOLD
JAN. 12 PEDRO AND ADELA YANEZ
JAN. 16 CONNIE AND BOB BERTHOLF
JAN. 19 DALE AND VIRGINIA HARRIS