» Faithfully All In

How would you live if you were not afraid? Fear is used by politicians to gain our votes, by the media to get our attention, by advertising firms to sell us what we don’t need, and by TV evangelists to get our donations. What fears are used against us? One is scarcity, the fear that we won’t have enough or won’t get our share. Our false belief that having more money and “stuff” will save us binds us as slaves. In many cases, having less can free us to live by faith.

The writer of Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” But like the pain that warns us of injury and nausea that tells us we are becoming ill, our fear has a positive use: it lets us know our vulnerability, and it tells us what we truly value and truly trust. “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). The powers and principalities promise us what we can see. Where do put our true faith and trust?
No matter where you are or however you find yourself in your faith journey, know that you are most welcome here.
Thank you – for attending worship and the congregational meeting on November 1. The proposal to purchase a 2nd new boiler with the proceeds from the insurance settlement passed unanimously. We look forward to having the system fully functional by Christmas.
Join us at 8 AM or 10:15 AM on Sunday for worship. Visit our website or Facebook page for information and announcements.

Finding My Way Back Home: On Saturday November 7, you are invited to a community forum led by New Dawn Facilitator James Cahill. Hear the stories of veterans as they transitioned home and learn how the greater Sparta community can assist our soldiers. The program is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM.

PSS Thanksgiving Project: The donations for the PSS Thanksgiving project are coming in. Thanks so much. We are still looking for hands, cans, and money donations. Check out the chart and the sign-ups in the narthex. We are accepting donations through November 15.Save the date: On Friday November 20 in the evening, we will pack the food and household donations for Sunday distribution.

Brown Bag Bible Study: The letter of James is a letter in the Christian Scriptures that we don’t spend a lot time studying. But it is a letter full of practical wisdom on living one’s faith. Join us on Wednesdays at Non in the parish hall. For November 11, we will study James 4.

Help Wanted: Fellowship after worship is in jeopardy. There are no hosts scheduled for November and into December. Fellowship hour depends on volunteer hosts to set-up, serve, and clean-up. If you are able to host (and we’ll help), please sign-up at church or contact the church office!

Lunch Bunch: Join the group onThursday November 19 at 1 PM at the Boathouse in Newton. Conversation and community abound. Questions? Contact Jane Lewandowski for more information.

Nite Crafters: Do you stitch, knit, hook, loom, or create something? Join the crafters to share your project and for community on Thursday November 19 at 7 PM.