From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered how the Bible was put together? Did it descend from the sky? Did it magically appear in a cave? Was it transcribed intact to a prophet? Actually none of these methods was the manner in which our Scriptures came to be. The story of the coming together of the Holy Bible is a fascinating story of God using human beings with agendas to put together a collection of books which God uses to speak to us today. Unlike the Book of Mormon and the Qur’an which were written by one individual, the Bible is a collection of writings from lots of individuals which were assembled by lots of people. I will be teaching a Sunday School class beginning October 11th where we will study how the Bible came to be. All adults are invited if you do not already attend a class. I believe the Holy Bible is a wonderful testimony to the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Be in prayer for the elder nominating committee as they begin their work. Pray for God to use them to ask the people that God is calling to be our next class of elders. I invite all of you to be open to God calling you as an elder at ACPC.

I want to thank ACPC for its willingness to host the Fall Heritage Festival with Muslims, Jews, and Christians. At my table for dinner I sat with a Muslim woman, Catholic man, Jewish woman, and Presbyterian woman (I’m sure there is a joke here). I was able to share with the Jewish woman about Presbyterianism and the Muslim woman about why women serve in leadership positions in the Presbyterian Church (USA). I was able to share with all of them about the history of Allison Creek Church. We enjoyed a delicious meal and took lots of pictures. I look forward to more opportunities to share my Christian faith in settings such as these.

Peace, Sam

Devotional:

I came across this week the prayer intentions of Pope Francis for January until today. Even though it was written for the Roman Catholic Church I share them as our devotion and prayer:

That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace. That in this year dedicated to consecrated life, religious men and women may rediscover the joy of following Christ and strive to serve the poor with zeal. That prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity. That married people who are separated may find welcome and support in the Christian community. That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person. That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always. That people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift of God. That persecuted Christians may feel the consoling presence of the Risen Lord and the solidarity of all the Church. That, rejecting the culture of indifference, we may care for our neighbors who suffer, especially the sick and the poor. That Mary’s intercession may help Christians in secularized cultures be ready to proclaim Jesus. Immigrants and refugees may find welcome and respect in the countries to which they come. That the personal encounter with Jesus may arouse in many young people the desire to offer their own lives in priesthood or consecrated life. Political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity. That, amid social inequalities, Latin American Christians may bear witness to love for the poor and contribute to a more fraternal society. That volunteers may give themselves generously to the service of the needy. That setting aside our very selves we may learn to be neighbors to those who find themselves on the margins of human life and society. That opportunities for education and employment may increase for all young people. That catechists may give witness by living in a way consistent with the faith they proclaim. That human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, may be eradicated. That with a missionary spirit the Christian communities of Asia may announce the Gospel to those who are still awaiting it.