To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Today is called Giving Tuesday. A chance for charity's to plead with people for their money. I think a good thing, and many of the charities that are emailing me are good causes that I support, although not sure I will send any money out today. What I want it to be for us today, is GIVING in another way. Today, take the time to send an email, to take someone you love out for a meal, to make a phone call or write a note to encourage people around you. The best kind of giving we can do, is the giving of ourselves, and there are so many around us who need this! On this giving Tuesday, supporting a charity of your choice that fits your heart is a great idea, but even more important, give of yourself, pass on the love of God through your heart to others! Choose today, to become an encourager, and don't just think about it, DO IT! If you wait for others to encourage you, you will end up sad and dejected. If you choose to encourage others, you yourself will be blessed, and God will be glorified!
As we head into the Christmas season it is a great time for us to pray for our church, and other Gospel faithful churches, that the impact of the season would be HUGE, and resound throughout our communities. It is a great season to share the Gospel personally (try to talk about Jesus with at least five people over the holidays), and incredible opportunities for those who come to church once or twice a year to hear again of God's great salvation. Please come to the events we are having and seek to find people you don't know and love them...as well, pray for all pastors you know who have an opportunity to preach the Gospel this season. May God use us to draw many people to Him this season as we seek to NOT MISS CHRISTMAS!
I have been asked if we are having service this year, as it is on Christmas day. My answer is, of course, why would we cancel our worship of Jesus to focus on other things, on the second most important set aside day in the Christian calendar. There is a temptation to see traditions and family as more important than Jesus, so although I would never want people to feel like they have to come to church on Christmas morning, I would love us to be a church filled with people who are so grateful for what God has done for us, we can't wait to worship together at this high point in our Christian Calendar. I am excited to eat turkey, open gifts, have an amazing breakfast, and most importantly worship Jesus with His people. I love the Godard family traditions, and will joyfully adjust them for the opportunity to worship Jesus on a Sunday morning, with you and others who love Him, and long to live in obedience to His Word. We will be having a service on Sunday, December 25. Our goal is to NOT MISS CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!
REMEMBER:
There is a family fun day planned for December 9, plan to join us for an evening of fun, food and fellowship (6:30-9:00)
Sunday Is Coming:
Text: Galatians 2:15-21
Title: WHO ARE YOU REALLY?
What does it mean that we are in Christ?
What does being crucified with Christ mean?
How could Paul say he no longer lives, when obviously he still did?
Can we say this? Should we say this?
What does it mean to live life by faith in the Son of God?
Have a great week, make sure to encourage someone today, and beyond, and we shall see you Sunday!
Pastor Rob