Grapevine – November 2009

God’s Word on Worry

To worry is human. We worry about job security. We worry about unexpected expenses. We worry when our children ride their bikes around the block for the first time. Worry is a normal and natural part of life. But too much worry can distract and paralyze-and can even lead to a sinful denial of God’s presence and grace in our lives. Scripture teaches that we find rest from inappropriate worry when we admit we can’t control the future and entrust ourselves-and our loved ones-to the God who does.
WHEN DOES WORRY BECOME SIN? Matthew 13:22 . . . The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life. Colossians 3:2 . . . Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. Our worry over the concerns of life becomes sin when it prevents the Word of God from taking root in our lives.
WHY DO I WORRY SO MUCH? HOW CAN I WORRY LESS? Psalm 55:1-5 . . . My heart is in anguish. Fear and anxiety are normal responses to threatening situations. Exodus 14:1-14 . . . Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you.” We combat worry and anxiety by remembering and trusting God’s promises.
Philippians 4:6 . . . Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. We combat worry by placing our cares in Jesus’ hands. Psalm 62:5-8 . . . He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. We find relief from fear in the promise of salvation. Matthew 6:25-34 . . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Our worries lose their grip on us as we focus on Kingdom priorities. PROMISE FROM GOD: 1 Peter 5:7 . . . Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SEPTEMBER MEETING

The September meeting of the Board of Directors was opened with prayer by Diane Preuss. Diane also led the devotion.

Randy Schade and Joy Cress were away attending a conference so there wasn’t a school report at this meeting.

The treasurer reported that there was giving for the year is $7,194.88 in excess of the budget. She noted that the driveway project that is currently underway will use some of this excess.

The nominating committee to nominate board members was discussed. The committee will consist of five church members. A congregational meeting to elect three new board members and the board officers will be held after the service on December 6th, 2009.

CRAFT AND BAKE SALE

The annual craft and bake sale will be held November 13 and 14, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall and Narthex. Breakfast burritos will be available for breakfast and green chili sloppers or sloppy joes will be available for lunch. Come join the fun and do your Christmas shopping.

MISSIONS

The holidays are coming and we all have the problem of knowing what to give to the person who has everything or already has too much “stuff”. There is a solution to that problem! On November 8th there will be an Alternative Giving Fair following the morning service. You can honor loved ones by selecting gifts from Church World Service or Heifer International catalogs. These gifts range from chickens to sewing supplies. The gifts start at $10.00. You receive a card to send to the person you are honoring.

On November 29th there will be an opportunity to give to those who are at the YWCA because of domestic abuse. Often these women and their children come to the Y with just the clothes on their back and have nothing else. We will be collecting donations of sweat suits and pajamas for women and children – all sizes. This is the first Sunday in Advent and what better way to introduce the season than giving to those who are in need. We are labeling this Sweat Suit Sunday and encourage everyone to wear one to church. For more information contact Ann Berndt at 547-2078.

GRAPEVINE

The deadline for the December issue of “The Grapevine” will be November 21st. If you have anything you would like published please contact Ron Dexheimer at 647-1717 or email fishermandex@msn.com. The December issue will be the last issue to be mailed. After that copies will be available in the narthex for those who do not have email addresses. If you have an email address and wish to be notified when the newsletter is available online please provide it to Ron. The Grapevine is now online at ecopwgrapevine.blogspot.com.