The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1343317
The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, Feburar y 24, 2021 B-9 MINUTES Continued from page 7 RAMBLINGS Continued from page 7 Pentecostal Pentecostal Nazarene Presbyterian Wesleyan These, the Apostle declares, will be left behind when our Lord comes, at the close of this dispensation, to receive His own to Himself. Because they rejected the truth, and the love it proclaimed, God will give them up "that they might believe a lie," and put their faith in Antichrist, "that they all might be damned who believed not the truth" (II Thes. 2:8 -12). It was infinite love that brought Christ to Calvary to suffer shame and disgrace for our sins, and this love is be- ing proclaimed in this dispen- sation of grace. But this dis- pensation may be brought to a close at any time and bring in the day of God's wrath. How important then to accept God's love, and trust His Son without delay! "Behold, now is the accept- ed time… Behold now is the day of salvation" (II Cor. 6:2). If you do not trust Christ as your Lord and Savior now and you are caught unawares and lost for all eternity, you will never be able to say, "It was because God did not choose to save me." Whatever all the reasons involved in His elect- ing grace, He does not accept the responsibility for your re- jection of Christ. He says that the unsaved will perish "be- cause they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." Don't gamble with the future. Receive God's gift of salvation now through faith in Christ. Methodist Methodist The second shot didn't af- fect me as much as my first one although I did have a headache and some body aches but it didn't make me sick at all. My grandson and I shoveled some snow from the driveway the next day if that tells you how I felt. I've been watching and lis- tening to the difficult times the people in Texas have had it the last couple of weeks and it must have been real- ly hard for them. I've heard about the power grid and the wind turbines freezing up and how they were going to get to the bottom of who dropped the ball on the winterizing of their systems. We have all heard of the water lines freez- ing and bursting and the dam- age from all the water flowing through the homes. These are dire circumstances and there is something about hindsight always being 20/20. There is something called "risk toler- ance" and if it was at work this time, it didn't work this time. I have a nephew who lives in Odessa, Texas and he tells me how the weather changes of- ten but is normally better than our weather. I also know peo- ple who move to Texas to es- cape our unpredictable weath- er so what happened last week was abnormal. I suppose there is a big question to be answered by each of us and that is have we used this experience to learn to be prepared. My wife said maybe we should buy a snow blower and if we did maybe it wouldn't snow next year, but if you are prepared you have more control over how you might be affected. Well with church called off again because our parking lot is full of snow and ice and with a gravel driveway you can't easily plow. So watch for Bro, Rich Russell on Face- book bringing you his mes- sage. Best advice we can take is to do what you do next week because it is the right thing to do and never forget your bless- ing for others. Continued in next column Independent Lutheran children another generation." We are not agricultural people, so it is hard for us to fully understand the dev- astation that has come to the land of Ju- dah: a plague of grasshoppers are on the way to devour their crops. The locusts come into the land like a black cloud, sometimes even blotting out the light of the sun. They cover the ground, and eat every green thing so that the land is completely devastated; all of the crops are gone, which is the liveli- hood of the people. The landscape is com- pletely barren, and so is the food crop for this and next year. Why has Judah been allowed to fall in- to such a chasm? The coming disaster is to stir the peo- ple of God from their sins; they have be- come indifferent to the spiritual aspects of serving God; yes, they enjoy the priv- ileges, but the burdens of righteousness are too much to bear. God has sent this disaster to wake up His people from indifference. One of the worst things that sin will do to your heart is to make you indifferent towards God, and the worst possible action God can take against you is – to do nothing! You are lost and doomed! What does God desire for the people to do? First, the Lord says that the peo- ple must return to Him with all of their heart. God understands something about the human heart that we too often forget: Any part of our heart that we neglect to give to God will undermine everything that God desires to do with your life. If we don't give Him all, we give Him nothing. Jeremiah will write 300 years lat- er, "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; who can know it? " Next, the Lord says to return with "fasting and weeping and mourning." You recognize this is similar to the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Finally, He says "Rend your heart and not your garments." Only when our hearts are softened and open will real transformation come into our lives; true transformation that comes as a result of real repentance that tears our hearts and is shown in our actions. Lent is a journey of transformation and a time of self-examination: • Who I am' • What makes me scared and anxious? • What do I lust after? • Why do I hate xyz? I placed nothing in context about doing good or helping others. Why? Because they, too, can become masks. Rending your heart does not require you expose yourself to the elements and face death daily to be in the faith. Consider the psalms: "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit," and "The sacrifices of God are a broken spir- it, a broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise." Have you decided to rend you heart? Think about it! HEART Continued from page 4 CHRISTIAN HOLINESS CHURCH 1252 St. Rd. 57 S. Petersburg Located six miles between Petersburg and Oakland City junction. Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; morning worship 10 :30 a.m.; evening service 6 p.m.; Thurs- day prayer meeting 7 p.m. We extend a warm welcome to everyone. Rick Walburn, Pastor LIVING FAITH CHURCH INTERNATIONAL 601 S. 9th Street, Petersburg Phone: 812-809-4544 Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. and Trail Life from 6:30 - 8 p.m.; youth group Thurs- days from 7-8:30 p.m.; young adults life group (ages 19 -29) will meet on Sunday evening, March 14, from 6 -7:30 p.m. Join us for our online Sun- days at 10 a.m. and Wednes- days at 6:30 p.m. on Facebook live Living Faith Church Inter- national page. So Jesus taught them this prayer: "Our heavenly Father, may the Glory of your Name be the center on which our life turns. May your Holy Spir- it come upon us and cleanse us. Manifest your kingdom on earth. And give us our need- ed bread for the coming day. Forgive our sins as we our- selves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. CENTER —812-582-8222 Mon- till from 6 - Wednes- coun- 812-582- 9:30 Revela- And rescue us every time we face tribulations" (Luke 11:2- 4 TP T). Check the website for loca- tion and time for upcoming events, www.livingfc.org. 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 ST. JOHN'S LUTHER AN CHURCH 6483 W. 580 N. Otwell 812-482-7623 stjohnsboonetwp@ gmail.com Sunday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m. Praise Team practice; 9 a.m. Bible study in Fellowship Hall; 10 a.m. worship and Holy Communion with Pastor Jane Rothman, worship leader. Wednesday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. Confirmation. Sunday, March 7, 9 a.m. Bi- ble study in Fellowship Hall; 10 a.m. worship and Holy Communion with Pastor Tim Holt, worship leader. Paula Mann, Administrative Assistant ST. PETER LUTHER AN CHURCH 10529 S. Church Street Stendal Sunday school 9 a.m.; 10 :15 a.m. worship service. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Lent- en worship service at 7:30 p.m. Bible verse for the week: "For I am convinced that nei- ther death, nor life, nor an- gels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to sepa- rate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ro- mans 8:38 -39). 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- 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 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 in- vites 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 people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach uni- ty in the faith and in the knowl- edge of the Son of God and be- come mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV ). Jeff Pinney, 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 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. "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7). Verse 7 suggests: "Be still before the Lord and wait pa- tiently for him." We could start by learning to keep silent for a few minutes after prayer. Or by quietly reading the Bible and letting the words soak into our hearts. And then, perhaps, we'll hear His wisdom speak- ing to us, quiet and steady as a ticking watch. How can you be still before God each day? What will help you stay si- lent and listen? "Loving God, grant me the patience and discipline to stay still for a while each day, that I might hear Your gentle whis- per in my life"—Amen. 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 cha- os. So many trials come into our lives and along with the business of life. These things can easily choke out the Life of God in us. But praise God, "But seek ye first the King- dom of God, and His righteous- ness; and all these things will be added unto 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 Chapel 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 PETERSBURG CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 118 West Pike Ave. Church 812-354-8851 Service times: Sunday at 10 :30 a.m. Praise and Worship service; Bible study at 5 p.m.; Teen activities: Wednesday at 6 p.m. Bible study. Sunday morning service is available via transmitter. Pull in to the church parking lot and tune your radio to 104.3 FM and hear the service from the comfort of your car. We serve as a great wit- ness to Jesus because of His forgiveness that He bestows on each and every one of us. I John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrigh- teousness. Come and see how your life can be a witness as Pastor Steve continues his se- ries on Being a Good Witness with a sermon from Mathew 9:2-8. Sunday morning services are available on our Facebook page—Petersburg Church of the Nazarene or look for us 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 on YouTube. Visit our website www.petersburgnaz.com for additional information. If the church can be of assis- tance to you, contact us at pas- tor@petersburgnaz.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.; Children's Sunday school at 11 a.m. Today is the day of salva- tion. As we see the hour of the appearing of our Lord and Sav- ior becoming closer each day of our lives, you need to be pre- pared to be one that is caught up to meet Him the air and heaven becomes your home. Think about this. 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; Sunday and Wednesday evening services at 6 p.m.; Song practice this Friday at 6:30 p.m. All ser- vices are CST (Gibson Co. times). One thing you hear, "God's not going to send me to hell." God doesn't send us, we are al- ready on our way. Through re- bellion and disobedience, not to mention some of the other things mankind has managed to come up with. The book of Revelation tells us these indi- viduals will not be allowed to enter into God's kingdom. John 3:16,17; tell us, Jesus was sent because God loves us and wanted to find a way to clean us up, so He could take us home. Jesus is not your ex- ecutioner, He is your pardon from a death sentence. Stop being deceived by an ene- my that is laughing at you. Embrace the Savior so you'll have an eternal home to look forward to. Ron Vickers, Pastor Elaine Young, Reporter, 812-749 -1122 (leave a mes- sage). Pray for your president, con- gress, unsaved loved ones, those who are sick and hospital- ized, nursing home residents, friends and neighbors. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May your week be peaceful and fulfilling, and be thankful for that which you do have. 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. What will you give up? During Lent, some Chris- tians give up a luxury or vice as a form of self-deni- al or to practice self-control. Ultimately, such a sacrifice should benefit one's spiritual walk with Jesus, who gave ev- erything. A Missouri teenager de- cided to give up talking for Lent. Decklan Conway, 13, communicated through dry- erase boards, going through three markers in less than a week. Although he lost a few friends because he wouldn't talk, Decklan wrote, "I'm do- ing it for a greater purpose." He added, "God gave up his only Son for us. … What are you willing to give up? " A worthy corollary to that question is "What will you take on? " What can you do for God's kingdom during this season of reflection and re-commitment? Office hours: 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. Amy Melhiser, Secretary Church Note Deadline 10 a.m. Tuesday OTWELL WESLEYAN CHURCH 2277 N. Mechanics St. Otwell Pastor 812-354-3028 Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship at 10 :30 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Sunday eve- ning worship service. The ticket Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slow- ing down: 73 in a 55 zone. As I seen the flashing red in my rear view mirror, I knew I needed to pull over. When the cop stopped and as he stepped out of his car, it was Bob from church? Since it was Bob, he'll go easy on me. As Bob knocked on the window he handed me a folded paper and turned around and left, not asking for my driver li- censes or even speaking. As Bob vanished inside his car, Jack unfolded the sheet of pa- per and began to read: Dear Jack, Once upon a time, I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until heaven be- fore I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had, Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. And be careful. My son is all I have left—Bob. Jack shifted uncomfortably. Then he twisted around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he, too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived— Author unknown. "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my broth- er or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? ' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not sev- en times, but seventy-seven times'"(Matthew 18:21-22). Roy Stilwell, Pastor Pam Lemond, Reporter