A Word From the Pastor

Around a week ago my finger began to swell. At first I thought maybe I had jammed it somehow, but for the life of me I couldn't remember how or when. Ultimately, the swelling was so bad I decided to see the doctor. After an examination, he determined that my gout that was often in my feet had moved to my finger. He prescribed some meds and I am on the road to recovery. Every once in a while I hit it the wrong way and it reminds me how painful it has been.

Just a finger, yet my whole body was in disarray. No one could see my pain, but believe me I knew it was there. I was hurting.

As Christians we are part of a body, the body of Christ. We all have roles, purposes and ambitions. Our attitudes are not the same, nor our likes and dislikes, nevertheless we are part of the body.

As a body we are to care for every part. Each one is crucial to the health of the body. Ephesians tells us God made us this way in order to perfect the work of the ministry.

A week ago I went up to Pennsylvania to visit one of our church members who moved away. She's very sick with cancer. We prayed and cried and even said our goodbyes to this life. However, when I left, I hurt. I mean, I hurt real bad. I remembered the night 20 years ago when I sat at her kitchen table and she recieved Christ into her life. God will help her and be her portion until she goes home. Me, well, I hurt. Why? Part of the body is in pain. That's the way God wants us to love, and nurture and care one for the other.

Are there those around you that are hurting? Jesus said "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep". It may be just a finger, but man the whole body feels it. Please know that I care about you.

See you Sunday!
Pastor