News for the week of September 7 - 13, 2023

I’m sitting here in my church office on this beautiful September afternoon and I’m grateful for this sunny but cooler weather.

The memorial service for Mary Archer last week was one of the most beautiful services of celebration I have had the privilege to participate in. I was moved to tears by the words spoken in tribute to this remarkable woman. She radiated the love of Jesus in everything she did. Her genuinely love for people was the hallmark of her life and the special bond between her and her husband Norman was evident to us all.

She was a mother known for her morning cup of tea. The children would awaken to the tingling of the spoon in the tea cup. On the day of her departure into the presence of her friend Jesus, I can imagine the tingling of the heavenly teacup drawing her home to another room in the Father’s house. Home at last. Thank God Almighty home at last.

This is our hope as believers. When our earthly journey is done we are warmly welcomed into our eternal habitation.

Please continue to pray for Norman in this period of adjustment.

This Sunday I want to reflect on the life of one of the saints of the New Testament, Barnabas, whose name means Son of Encouragement. Please read Acts 11:19-26 in preparation for this week’s service.

I would like to reflect on the qualities of his life that made him such an effective mentor to people. These are qualities that I personally seek to emulate and model in my life.

In closing let me encourage you to continue to pray for members of our faith community who are aging and unable to attend our Worship Services as regularly as they would like.

We must not forget them.