The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/915141
The Press-Dispatch Church Wednesday, December 13, 2017 C- 3 of T V, without candy canes, without Santa, and with- out Christmas sales. Even more amazingly, the very first Christmas involved a poor couple, nobodies, who would lay the most precious child of all in a manager. Looking back on Black Friday, I am constantly re- minded how far we have come from the true mean- ing of Christmas. Christ- mas wasn't just about giv- ing, or feeling loved, but it was about true love. Christ- mas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, the Savior who came into this world to die for everyone, even those who killed him. Jesus was God's gift not to the deserving, not to the Jews, but to everyone. Yet on Black Friday, a Walmart worker was killed because people couldn't wait to save a few dollars here and there. Another person was killed over a toy. Just a few years back, the Tickle Me Elmo fi- asco brought out the worst in people. People who seem to have forgotten that love isn't hurting another to give your child what they want, but rather to do what is right and moral. They seem to have forgotten that Christmas isn't just about showing love for those you care for, but for those who are undeserving, and those you do not even know. Just as God came to die, for those who were un- deserving, and those who He did not know in a spiritual re- lationship. Today, let us remember the true meaning of Christ- mas....Peace on Earth, good will toward Men, for the Savior has come to show us how to love, and to give us the greatest gift of love. In- stead of buying fancy toys, think of how you can give to those who would normally go without. Ask yourself how you can help out others who are not as fortunate as you. Show them the true mean- ing of Christmas, the gift of God's love and love others as God first loved you. David Walton, Pastor Hope Barnett, Reporter how to get to heaven. Lat- er in the chapter Jesus is telling Philip they should just love Him and keep His commandments. Jesus wraps up the ten into two commandments: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind and to love thy neighbor as thy- self. Following these com- mandments and accepting God's grace after seeking forgiveness of sins will get you there, no other ways are true. Well be blessed this week and be a blessing to someone. RAMBLINGS Continued from page 1 Continued in next column Continued on page 5 Continued from page 2 Vincent Christian Church 8264 E. SR 56 • OTWELL, INDIANA Contact: John Manges 812-354-6414 Dave Melton family singers Christmas Concert December 17 • 6:30pm Independent Nazarene Lutheran 420 Illinois St., Petersburg IN SUNDAY, DEC. 17 • 10am Christmas Concert & Dinner Gospel Center Church FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT 812-354-9914 e Common Bond Quartet will be with us for a great time of celebration. ey are a talented group and we are confident that you will enjoy a great concert focused on the true meaning of Christmas! Following the concert we will have a great time of food and fellowship at our Church Family Christmas lunch. Please plan to be with us on what is sure to be a blessed time. GLEZEN REVIVAL CENTER 245 S. Glezen Center St. 812-354-6738 or 812-582-9667 Sunday morning worship and children's church 10 :15 a.m.; Youth Group Hearts on Fire will meet on Sunday at 6 p.m. in the Life Center. Bible study meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Decem- ber 13, refreshments will be provided. Invite others to Bi- ble study. Pray for our military and their protection. Also, re- member to pray for the USA, peace and for one an- other. God's knows the right time "There is a time for every- thing, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, K JV ). What a powerful scrip- ture! You know we all tend to want everything to hap- pen instantly, and yester- day if possible. Even we as Christians need to remem- ber that our time is not al- ways the right time, but God's is. He knows the per- fect time and right season for everything in our lives to happen, so that he can work all things for our bet- ter. Even if sometimes it doesn't seem like any good can come from a situation, somehow God allows you and everyone involved to benefit. Remember that God loves you and always knows the right season for you. OTWELL CONTENDERS OF FAITH Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; worship 10 :30 a.m.; evening worship 7 p.m.; Wednesday prayer and Bible study meet- ing 7 p.m. William Breidenbaugh, Pastor PETERSBURG HOLINESS CHURCH Pastor 419-354- 5500 (C) Parsonage 812- 354-9446 Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; morning worship and special junior church services 10 :30 a.m.; evening worship 6:30 p.m.; weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting 7 p.m. Transportation available. Join us for monthly Bible study and youth night. Call for details. Chad Searls, Pastor UNION COMMUNITY CHURCH 3082 N. CR 850 W., Union Pastor 812-664-5454 Sunday school 10 a.m.; worship service 11 a.m. Both services are EDT; children's service every fifth Sunday— geared toward children. Everyone is welcome to the First Friday Fun, the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. EDT, to work on craft projects, scrapbook- ing, sewing, etc. There will be a Cricut available, along with other crafting tools for use. Bring a snack to share if you can. Contact Angela Christie 812-664-5970, for more information. Kevin ( Janna) Easton, Pastor will find God loving peo- ple who desire to serve and praise Good with their heart, soul, mind and strength. Come and Praise the King with us. We would be hon- ored to have you come and join us and see what God is doing here at the Gospel Center Church. Rodney Fretwell, Sr. Pas- tor We welcome you to all ser- vices. Come and worship Je- sus with us. See our Facebook page Glezen Revival Center. Web- site: grcenter.net – E-mail address: glezenrevivalcen- ter@yahoo.com. Joe Henson, Pastor Matt Haycraft, Reporter ST. JOHN'S LUTHER AN CHURCH 6483 W. 580 N. Otwell 812-482-7623 stjohnsboonetwp@ gmail.com Sunday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. wor- ship and 11 a.m. Praise Team practice. Wednesday, Dec. 20, Con- firmation from 6:30 -8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, Praise Team practice at 2:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Catherine Burnette, Pastor Paula Mann, Administra- tive Assistant ST. PETER LUTHER AN CHURCH 10529 S. Church Street Stendal Sunday school 9 a.m.; worship at 10 :15 a.m. Chil- dren's Christmas program rehearsal and choir prac- tice. Bible verse for the week: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world, who- ever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" ( John 8:12, NIV ). Edwin H. Wicks, Pastor Methodist 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 812-749-3535 Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; worship service 10 :30 a.m.; youth group meetings the last Sunday of each month 6 - 7 p.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 al- low the Holy Spirit to develop within us maturity of spirit, unity of faith, and knowledge of the Son of God, so that we may be prepared to share His love, mercy and grace through our words and ac- tions, 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. Douglas Low, Minister HOLLAND U.M. CHURCH 205 N. Second Ave. 812-536-4862 Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m., Christmas pro- gram practice. Sunday, Dec. 17, Sunday school classes at 9:30 a.m.; 10 :30 a.m. morning wor- ship; Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Blue Christmas service at Zoar UMC. Keith Chanley, Pastor OTWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH E. Washington St. Otwell 812-354-2426 Otwell United Method- ist invites you to join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. as we wor- ship the Lord our God in the name of Jesus Christ. Otwell United Methodist meets at 9 a.m. for Sunday School and you may also join us in class. "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, attain- ing to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV ). Jan Hollis, Reporter PATOK A GROVE U.M. CHURCH 1135 W. C.R. 475 S. Winslow Pastor 812-749-4477 Sunday morning church service at 9:30 a.m. and Sun- day school 10 :30 a.m. If you are looking for a church, we would love for you to join us in the white church on the hill by Wil- liams Cemetery. Larry Stoops, Pastor PETERSBURG FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 801 East Walnut Petersburg 812-354-6658 We are Christians following Christ and serving Christ with compassion Worship service 9:30 a.m. EST; Wednesday night Bi- ble study from 6 -7 p.m. and Wednesday choir practice at 7:30 p.m. Advent Series: "A Listen- ing Season." This Sunday's sermon will be titled "The Angels Song." Scripture reading from Luke 2:13-17. Theme statement: The story remains the same no matter when Christmas falls during the week. It was an- nounced by angels, heard by poor shepherds and pon- dered by Mary and Joseph. Hear the song of the Angels like never before this Christ- mas. There are three ways to hear the Angels' song. 1. As a warning. 2. As good news. 3. As an invitation. Leon Pomeroy, Pastor PETERSBURG FREE METHODIST CHURCH 202 E. Walnut Street Pastor 812-354-6646 Normal weekly schedule is as follows: Sunday school starts at 9:30 a.m., with morning worship starting at 10 :30 a.m.; Sunday night at 6 p.m., there is a casual Bible study; Wednesday eve- ning, the children and youth ministries meet at 6:30 p.m., during the school year. If you can't make it to church on Sunday, check out our live stream on Pe- tersburg Free Methodist Church Facebook page. Peace and joy in the Lord. Mark Schlechty, 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.; Sunday eve- ning Bible study at 6 p.m. The church is located south of Petersburg on State Road 57. With the most popular holiday just around the cor- ner, it seems like everyone is trying to get into Christmas. Stores are lining their aisles with Christmas goodies and decor, T V shows have switched to the theme of giv- ing and love, and Santas are starting to float about. And why shouldn't they, after all it is that time, the meaning of the season, right? Yet, the very first Christ- mas seemed to do without all of these. The very first Christmas somehow started a frenzy without the power SPURGEON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 11505 N. Hwy. 61 Spurgeon Pastor 812-922-5362 Church service 9 a.m. and Sunday school 10 :10 a.m.; Bible study Thurs- day at 1 p.m. December 13, Lynnville- Spurgeon staff finance committee meeting at 7 p.m. at the Lynnville Meth- odist Church. We wait, hope as we long for peace to break out for all the world to experi- ence your love. We wait for God's promises, believing they will come true. "Bethlehem: Out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel" (Micah 5:2). Josh Sanders, Pastor Sherry Julian, Reporter WHITE RIVER CHAPEL UMC 3555 W. SR 56 in Bowman 812-582-8896 Sunday morning worship 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school 10 :45 a.m.; Thursday eve- ning Bible study at 6:30 p.m. So many trials come in- to 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 Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; 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 pass- es all understanding—He is in control. Questions regarding church events, call 812-582- 8896. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11, Petersburg, IN 47567. Terry Kamman, Pastor Judy Gumbel, Reporter ZOAR U.M. CHURCH 8818 W. Old Rd. 64 Holland 812-536-4862 Wednesday, Dec. 13, EP- IC at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, Bible study at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, wom- en's night of worship at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. morning worship service; 10 :15 a.m. Sunday school classes and 5 p.m. Carol- ing in Stendal. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. Bible study and 7 p.m. Blue Christmas service. Keith Chanley, Pastor Methodist CHURCH NOTE DEADLINE 10 A.M. EVERY TUESDAY PETERSBURG CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 118 West Pike Ave. Church 812-354-8851 Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship and chil- dren's church at 10 :30 a.m.; youth meeting and children's service at 6 p.m.; evening wor- ship at 6 p.m. and Wednesday Bible study at 6 p.m. The second Sunday of Ad- vent is peace. Even in the midst of the chaos going on in our world and in our own personal lives, the Messiah brings peace to our very ex- istence. Because of his birth and even death on the cross, He has given us the choice to accept Him, have this great in- ner peace, and share Heaven with Him someday. Upcoming activities and services: • Children's Christmas pro- gram, Sunday, Dec. 17, in the morning worship service. • Community soup supper, Thursday, Dec. 21 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. • Regular service times on Christmas Eve morning. Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship at 10 :30 a.m. There will be no evening service. Need a church home? Stop in and visit us. We would love to have you be a part of our church family. David Warren, Pastor Jeannine Smith, Reporter WINSLOW NAZARENE CHURCH 106 W. Washington St. Winslow 915-490-8813 Prayer Partners meet on Sunday at 8:45 a.m.; Sun- day school 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning worship 10 :30 a.m.; Sunday evening Bible study at 6 p.m., in the fellowship hall; Monday from 10 -11 a.m. la- dies' prayer; Tuesday, 6 p.m. ladies' Bible study (12 women from the Bible), 6 p.m. youth group meeting in the trailer behind the church; Wednes- day evening, Bible study at 6 p.m., in the fellowship hall, first and third week, Dare to Care, in the church basement and Thursday 8 a.m., men's breakfast at Denny's. Irene's Room Food Pan- try is open from 9 -11 a.m. the third Saturday of each month. Use the entrance on the west side of the building. The Spirit of God is moving in our church. The hearts and lives of people are being re- freshed and renewed. We are continuing to experience re- vival that began in early Au- gust. We would love to meet you and share what has been happening in our church. God's love and presence is evident. We hope to see you soon. Our Mission Statement: To Know Christ; To Share Christ and To Live Christ. "Lord, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, In our time make them known; In wrath re- member mercy" (Habakkuk 3:2). Fred J. Grenier, Pastor Corinna Williams, Reporter Pentecostal 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 worship service at 10 a.m., with Sun- day school classes at 10 :45 a.m.; Every other Tuesday night, prayer at 7 p.m. Evangelist Keith Barron will be at House of Mercy De- cember 17-19. Sunday at 10 a.m. and Monday and Tues- day at 7 p.m. Come to receive from God. A season to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Sav- iour, and reflect the lives that we are living. This is the time of buying and exchang- ing gifts, but our lives as chil- dren of God we should be ex- changing the gift of eternal life with those around us. We will receive gifts of blessings from the lives changed and also from heaven above. Is it more about now than later? Think about it. Pray for your country, our president and government, your local government, our soldiers and all pastors. Re- member to pray for the sick and afflicted, and those in the nursing homes and hospitals. Be a friend to your neigh- bors, co-workers, any with whom you come into contact. To have a friend, you need to be a friend. Jesus said what you give out is what you will receive back. May you find peace and joy in your life this week. God's Servant and friend to Humanity, George Bruce, Pastor