From the Pastor’s Desk

As I write this we are in the week of Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for including:

• The many volunteers who put together the stewardship events including a delicious lunch. We had several folks jump in with serving and planning. Thankful especially to Patrice Gaines for leading our efforts.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• The many folks in the congregation who have made a financial commitment to God’s work through this congregation. There is a strong sense that God is doing new things in our midst and through us.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• The many volunteers who have been putting the finishing touches on the improvements to the ballfield.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• The many new singers investing their time in preparing for the Christmas Cantata. Thankful especially for Megan Keller for sharing her talents and leadership with them.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• The youth and youth leaders who are writing an original Christmas Pageant.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• The staff at ACPC who dutifully carry out their responsibilities. Thankful for Garnet, Tracy, Pete, Ruth and Emily. Thankful for Alicia Wrenn who puts together the website.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• Thankful for Emily and the Preschool staff. Each week they prepare for over 80 children and show them love and hospitality.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• Thankful for the volunteers who coordinate Bluegrass concerts twice a month.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• Thankful for the folks who decorate the sanctuary for worship.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• Thankful for the people who coordinate and volunteer in our mission efforts in the community and across the state.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]
• There are so many others who faithfully serve here at ACPC. I am thankful for all of the Session members and how they are leading.[separator top=”5″ bottom=”5″ style=”none”]

I have so much to be thankful for as pastor of ACPC. You are a unique and special group of servants.
Peace, Sam

Devotional:

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30

These words from the angel to Mary help to reassure her that she has no reason to be afraid. Even though her present and future circumstances seemed quite murky, the angel reassures her that she has nothing to fear.

This morning as I watched a morning show, the announcer said, “Americans are fearful as they approach the holidays.” I thought to myself, “I’m not.” Many folks in our culture are telling us that we should be afraid. But the angel does not. The angel, a messenger from God, says “Do not be afraid.”

As you approach Advent and Christmas this year, whose voice are you going to listen to? Do you listen to the voices that say “Be afraid” or to the voices of God’s messengers what say “Do not be afraid”?