What would you do?

We looked at Mark in the service this Sunday. Pastor Jack talked about the lifestyle and exclusion of lepers in Bible times, and the misunderstanding of their condition. He mentioned Jesus' instruction for the leper not to tell anyone about his healing. He also discussed possible reasons for Jesus giving that instruction. The leper told people what Jesus had done for him anyway. When Jesus does something in us, we need to tell others, and the best way to do that is through the kind of life we lead, through the way we treat others.

Cindy opened "the box" for the children's message and found a watch. She talked to the kids about time and how there are only 24 hours in a day. She urged the kids to use them well and to use them for praising God.

Exclusions apply, or do they?

Sunday at Faith, the congregation met while snow fell outside, but inside all was warm and bright. Adults met for Sunday school and continued in Isaiah. They looked at the prophecy concerning the coming of Cyrus. The kids learned about the prophet Elijah and discussed ways of being God's still, small voice to those around them. Then, into the kitchen for raven food.

Pastor Jack spoke on Acts 10: 34-38 -- Peter's startling revelation that the gospel should be shared with the Gentiles as well as Jews-- and asked the question: Who does God exclude? Pastor Jack told of an outsider coming into town, on parole and trying to make it to his sister's in Montana, and two guys who helped him, despite trouble, expense and sacrifice. Here was a guy likely to be shunned by many,  and he found help, not in the religious leaders of the place, but by two average Joes just doing what was right.

Kathy Erickson gave the children's message, giving a list of common New Year's resolutions and showing how they could apply even to kids, but also pointing out an omission: none of the items had much to do with the spiritual dimension of life. Kathy talked about reading scripture and praying, and encouraged the kids to take care of the spiritual side of things during the new year.
Donna Knudson gave a worship offering on her guitar and the praise band played a worship chorus.

Wednesday is prayer group at 2pm, and Sunday we'll have Sunday school for all ages and worship at 10:30 am. A board meeting is scheduled for after the service.