The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1312729
The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, November 25, 2020 C-5 VIEWPOINT Continued from page 3 RAMBLINGS Continued from page 3 MINUTES Continued from page 3 Methodist Methodist Lutheran Independent 75 or older and most of them are mothers. Even the church often dis- criminates against the elder- ly. The new pop culture that has invaded the church often views the elderly as no longer needed. Many have been told to seek another church with more traditional beliefs. The government, children and church often leave the el- derly lonely, sad and neglect- ed. Their limited future is of- ten filled with pain and fear. It is time for some real soul searching and assistance for those who are in need. We must never forget God loves, cares and will comfort. For those who serve God the road of life may get a little bumpy at the end of this life, but heaven is just ahead. I wasn't willing to see them tear up their machinery. Fi- nally got to work on them later and this year we'll just have to put up with a few leaves. I've been watching the election struggles of Pres- ident Trump and it makes me concerned what others are saying and thinking of the USA. All the delays are causing Biden major con- cerns but they are also hurt- ing the Trumpers who have placed their faith and depen- dence. Trump says he loves the ones who are following him but they are also among the many who will be slowed down with COVID vaccines and help from either side. President Trump is a force to be reckoned with because he seems to push enough buttons and sway enough people to actually get things done. But the Americans chose another man. Is he bet- ter, I doubt that, but he seems to have a calming effect, but that doesn't make him better. I have often defended Presi- dent Trump because he sure has been good for my retire- ment nest egg and money has grown quite well but it can be lost just as easily. Being defeated in an elec- tion is always hard to take. Sometimes you have to take your lumps and be an Amer- ican and do things for Amer- ica not your followers. According to the scripture we should always avoid fol- lowing man, but should fol- low God who will direct our paths. With Thanksgiving com- ing soon and more and more COVID exposures our num- bers are sure to rise rapidly. They aren't kidding around when they ask us to mask up and stay out of crowds as a defense to this terrible sick- ness. I heard one person say- ing that this just may be your last Thanksgiving but if you catch COVID and die you can count on it being your last and possibly one of your loved ones. Think serious- ly this Holiday season be- fore taking too many chanc- es. Let us beat this back and hope and pray for a viable vaccine to help us through the worst. We have been sick with COVID for what seems like forever and I finally feel bet- ter but I am extremely weak. It has taken me about three days to write my article. You will have to rest and catch your breath. Also you have to deal with pneumonia in a lung which takes its toll on your endurance. I hear the officials asking us to hold virtual services again and it makes sense. My advice is to stay in touch with your congregation and feed from one another's Spir- itual life. Hang in there and go out to be a blessing and to help one another. "That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2: 14, 15). When the Apostle him- self neared death, he said: "To die is gain" (Phil. 1:21), "to depart, and to be with Christ… is far better" ( Ver. 23), and "the time of my de- parture is at hand… hence- forth there is laid up for me a crown…" (II Tim. 4:6 -8). Pentecostal Nazarene Continued in next column days at 10 a.m. and Wednes- days at 6:30 p.m. on Facebook live Living Faith Church Inter- national page. • There will be no Wednes- day evening service, Trail Life for boys and youth this week due to Thanksgiving. • Men's ministry, Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. • Young Adults group (ag- es 19 -29) will meet on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 6 -7:30 p.m. • Christmas by Candlelight Sunday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. If the person in front of you in the drive-thru paid for your entire order, would you still feel the need to pay? It's already been paid for, right? Why pay again? Jesus paid the price for our salvation (spiritual life), our healing (physical life), and our freedom from death, hell, and the grave (no fear of death). "Where, O death, is your vic- tory? Where, O death, is your sting" (I Corinthians 15:55)? Jesus takes us from living a natural life in this physical world and makes us spiritually alive in a supernatural world. The 10 commandments were for those living in the natural (flesh). Jesus' commandment (Love) is for those living in the spirit. 1. love God 2. love people. We don't do this through our natural selves. We do this through His Spirit that lives in us, speaks through us, and teaches us what we need to do. Stop 'trying' to do what God has asked you to do and just al- low Him to move through you. Check the website for loca- tion and time for upcoming events, www.livingfc.org. Location: 601 S. 9th Street, Petersburg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 566, Petersburg, IN 47567. More information at www.liv- ingfc.org or call 812-809 -4544. Don and Christina Priest, Senior Pastors Ian and Samantha Rose, Youth Pastors Melissa Bowens, Reporter PETERSBURG HOLINESS CHURCH Pastor 419-340-5500 (C) Parsonage 812-354-9446 Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; morning worship and special junior church services 10 :30 a.m. ( Jr. Church theme: "Keys to the Kingdom"); evening worship 6:30 p.m. Transpor- tation available. Friday, Dec. 4, Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, Christmas program, "He Still Speaks," at 10 :30 a.m. service. Candle- light service at 6:30 p.m. Once again, our glad thanksgivings rise before our Father's throne. As we try to count the blessings of the year so swiftly flown. As we trace the wondrous workings of His wisdom, power, and love. And unite our "Holy! Holy! " with the seraphim above. He has blessed our favored coun- try with a free and bounteous hand. Peace and plenty in our borders, liberty through all our land. And although our sins and follies oft provoked Him to His face, mercy still re- strains His judgments and pro- longs our day of grace. While we love to count the blessings, grateful for the year that's gone, faith would sweep a wid- er vision; hope would gaze yet farther on. For the signals all around us seem with one ac- cord to say, "Christ is coming soon to bring us earth's last, best Thanksgiving Day"—A. B. Simpson. Chad Searls, Pastor TWIN OAKS CHURCH 1911 E. Co. Rd. 650 N. Petersburg 812-354-6389 Sunday school, Junior church and youth class 9:30 a.m.; morn- ing worship 10:30 a.m.; evening service 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday evening prayer and praise ser- vice 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to each service. God Bless America. Clark Gray, Pastor Doris Catt, Reporter ST. JOHN'S LUTHER AN CHURCH 6483 W. 580 N. Otwell 812-482-7623 stjohnsboonetwp@ gmail.com In-person worship suspend- ed until further notice. Paula Mann, Administrative Assistant ST. PETER LUTHER AN CHURCH 10529 S. Church Street Stendal 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 :15 a.m. worship, followed by dec- orating the church for Advent and Christmas. Bible verse for the week: "Come, you blessed of my Fa- ther, inherit the kingdom" (Matthew 25:34). Edwin H. Wicks, Pastor ALFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1709 E. SR. 356 Petersburg Sunday school scheduled the first Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship each week at 10 :30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and worship with us. Shane Springer, Pastor ALGIERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Highway 356, Petersburg Sunday school 9 a.m. and worship service 10 a.m. You are always welcome to join our friendly church and worship God with us. Mike Atkins, Pastor GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 210 W. Harrison Street, Oakland City Church 812-749-3525 Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; worship service 10 :30 a.m.; community luncheons the third Tuesday of each month 10 a.m.-noon CDT. The community of Good Shepherd United Method- ist Church exists to glorify God through Jesus Christ our Lord. As a body of believ- OTWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH P.O. Box 146, 10041E. Washington Ave. Otwell 812-766-3344 Facebook: Otwell United Methodist Church and Jeff Pinney. Otwell United Methodist invites you to join us this Sun- day at 10 :30 a.m. as we wor- ship our Lord Jesus Christ; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m. "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his peo- ple for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV ). Jeff Pinney, Pastor PETERSBURG FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 801 East Walnut Petersburg 812-354-6658 47567fumc@gmail.com Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world We will continue to have in person worship service on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us as we use social distancing guidelines. Bible study, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nei- ther angels nor demons, nei- ther the present nor the fu- ture, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38 -39). God Bless. Michael (Mike) Punke, Pastor RUMBLETOWN FREE METHODIST CHURCH 1485 N. St. Rd. 57 Petersburg Adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship at 10 :30 a.m. The church is located south of Petersburg on State Road 57. Hope Barnett, Reporter known among the nations what he had done" (Isaiah 12:24). We might give thanks easi- ly during harvest celebrations such as Thanksgiving, when we're enjoying an abundant feast with friends and family. But can we express our grati- tude to God in difficult times, such as when we're missing someone from our table or when we're struggling with our finances or when we're locked in conflict with one close to us? Let's echo Pastor Rinkart, joining hearts and voices as we give praise and thanks to "the eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore." We can "sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things." Happy Thanksgiving. Josh Sanders, Pastor Sherry Julian, Reporter WHITE RIVER CHAPEL UMC 3555 W. SR 56 Bowman 812-582-8896 Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sun - day school 10 :15 a.m. We are exploring the words in Philippians 4:4-9 and how they can help us thrive in chaos. So many trials come into our lives and along with the busi- ness of life. These things can easily choke out the Life of God in us. But praise God, "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added un- to you" (Matthew 6:33). What things will be add- ed? God's order back into our lives—a peace that passes all understanding—He is in con- trol. Facebook: White River Chap- el UMC, Jeff Pinney. Questions regarding church events, call 812-766 -3344 or mail to: 3555 West State Road 56, Petersburg, IN 47567. Jeff Pinney, Pastor ers, we pledge ourselves to allow the Holy Spirit to devel- op within us maturity of spir- it, unity of faith and knowl- edge of the Son of God, so that we may be prepared to share His love, mercy and grace through our words and actions to a needy world. We extend an invitation to the public to come and wor- ship with us. The Good Shepherd takes care of His sheep. Neal Scifres, Pastor SPURGEON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 11505 N. Hwy. 61 Spurgeon Pastor Cell 812-202- 8903 or church office 812-922-8215 Church service 9 a.m.; Fri- day Bible study at 1 p.m. "Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make PETERSBURG CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 118 West Pike Ave. Church 812-354-8851 Service times: Sunday at 10 :30 a.m. Praise and Wor- ship service, teen (7th-12th grades) meet separately. If you can't join us in person for Sunday morning service, join us through the airwaves. We have a drive-in service as well on Sunday mornings. Pull in to the church park- ing lot and tune your radio to 104.3FM, and hear the service from the comfort of your car. We hope you can join us as we enter the Advent season, awaiting with anticipation the arrival of Jesus the Messiah. Pastor Steve celebrates the first Sunday of Advent with a message from Matthew 1:1-17. Visit our website www.pe- tersburgnaz.com for addition- al information. If the church can be of assistance to you, contact us at pastor@peters- WINSLOW NAZARENE CHURCH 106 W. Washington St. Winslow 989-941-7190 Love, Care, Serve, Share Sunday morning service at 10 :30 a.m. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are welcome to connect with our church either in per- son or online. Facebook: Winslow Church of the Nazarene. YouTube: Winslow Nazarene. Website: bit.ly/winslownaz. Irene's Food Pantry: Every third Saturday from 10 -11:30 a.m. Hope to see you soon. Joe Decker, Pastor burgnaz.com. We hope you will join us Sunday as we celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Steve Hamilton, Pastor HOUSE OF MERCY CHURCH Corner of East and Porter Winslow Pastor 812-789-5229 A Church with open arms and a loving heart. Sunday morning service 10 :15 a.m.; Sunday school at 11 a.m.; Thursday night ser- vices at 7 p.m. Every other Tuesday night at 6 p.m., prayer. Next prayer night will be December 1. I'm so thankful that I live in the United States of Ameri- ca. There may seem that some freedoms they might try to take away, but still we are the freest country in the world. I'm thankful that I found Jesus as my Lord and Savior and live the Christian Life. I'm thank- ful for a wife of 53 years and two fine sons, plus two pre- cious daughters-in-law and four grandchildren that help make my days so much bet- ter. I'm thankful for God call- ing me to be a pastor and for the church that I pastor and the congregation that is there. I am a very blessed man. Keep in prayer those that are in nursing homes, hospi- tals and rehab centers, and family, friends and neigh- bors. Also, pray for our coun- try, president and for peace to reign over turmoil. May your week be blessed and you find comfort in God's OAKLAND CITY FIRST PENTECOST Hwy. 64 East Sunday morning service 9:30 a.m. with children's Sun- day school during the minis- try of the Word; Wednesday and Sunday evening services at 6 p.m. All services are CST (Gibson Co. times). Song practice the second Friday of each month. Time changed to 6:30 p.m. CST. In John 2:3,5, we hear the familiar story of Jesus turning water into wine. Two interest- ing things happen here (be- sides the wine), Jesus says to His mother, "What is that to us? " We might have said, "it's none of our business." Being a mother though, she persisted, telling the waiters, "do as He tells you." One, a lot of things are not any of our business. We need to let God. Second, there is always human involve- ment when God does move. When He speaks, we not only need to hear, but obey. We pray that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and stay safe. Ron Vickers, Pastor Elaine Young, Reporter, 812-749 -1122 (leave a mes- sage). Word. Love you, talk to you next week. George Bruce, Jr., Pastor MAIN STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10th and Main Streets, Petersburg 812-354-6844 Sunday worship 10 :30 a.m. Come visit us, our doors are always open to you. Getting ready for the Christmas season The Advent wreath is a symbol of watchfulness and increasing joy as the birth of Jesus approaches. The circu- lar form of the wreath sym- bolizes eternity or life with- out end. The candles remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World who brought light and life to a dark world (see John 1:4-5). We light a new candle on each of the four Sundays of Advent. As the light grows, so does our an- ticipation and joy. Office hours: 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. Amy Melhiser, Secretary Presbyterian Wesleyan OTWELL WESLEYAN CHURCH 2277 N. Mechanics Street Otwell Pastor 812-354-3028 Praise and worship service at 9 a.m.; Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship at 10 :30 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Sun- day evening worship service. As you gather together on Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends, think about the blessings in your lives and remember to Thank God for those blessings. My prayer for you—"May the Lord take your frustrations and give you peace. May he take your joy and bring your laughter. May you always be thankful for all the Lord has blessed you with, not only on Thanksgiving day, but every day, take time to look around and see all that God has bless- ed you with"—Amen. "It's not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, that is the true measure of our Thanksgiving"—WT Purkiser. "Give thanks in all circum- stances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (I Thessalonians 5:18). If anyone has a need, you can call the pastor at 812-354- 3028. Roy Stilwell, Pastor Pam Lemond, Reporter LOUIE CAMPBELL Sales Professional lcampbell@patriotonline.com CALL OR TEXT 812-899-6267 @LouieYourCarGuy HWY. 64 W. • PRINCETON "Quite Simply, A Better Experience!" Looking for a Great Deal On Your Next Vehicle? net edition PressDispatch.net/Subscribe It's the paper. Just digital. hold with page fellowship a.m.; night the into an so loving most good a.m.; evening Wednesday meeting Pastor wor- ser- ser- Sunday— the Fri- craft other Con- 812-664- Pastor