Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday November 2. Move your clocks back 1 hour.
I am going to ask you to please indulge me for a few moments. Most of you are very aware of my enthusiasm for nature and the way in which it proclaims the awesome majesty of God. If you need a very obvious reminder, just spend some time reading Psalms 148, 149 and 150. All creation is involved in praising the name of the Lord.
In the last few days, we have moved from the season of summer to fall. Our first day of fall officially began Monday, September 22, 2008, at 11:44 AM EDT. I don't understand all the details of this transition but I do know that even here in Yuba City fall is in the air. In a few weeks, Joyce and I will have the joy of traveling to Italy to be with our daughter and her family. Kristi tells us that this is a very beautiful time of year, rich in colors as the leaves turn from their summer look to the gorgeous adornment of fall. I have vivid memories of my first fall along the James River in Lynchburg, Virginia. Once again, I am reminded of the many ways in which God displays His majesty and power.
Have you ever stopped, really stopped, to take in the beauty of a bird? My information sources tell me that there are over 10,000 species world wide with new ones being discovered on a very regular basis. Have you ever looked at the colors of the feathers belonging to the mallard duck, or the morning dove, or the humming bird, or the various hawks? Our airplanes are equipped with right and left ailerons, right and left flaps, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, wings, a rudder, a fuselage, and some kind of propulsion. The anatomy of a bird includes hollow bones with strut like structures in them, allowing for both light weight and strength.
The tail consists of feathers with intricate design for maneuvering. Both legs and feet are designed with specific intent based on the birds living and eating patterns. The legs tuck under in flight in order to reduce drag-sounds almost like a retractable landing gear. I have watched with jealousy as the small house finches feast on the sunflower seeds we have provided them, taking the enclosed seed into their beaks and quickly dispensing of the shells. Oh that it was so easy for me to enjoy such a treat. And to be released to enjoy the rising thermal air currents on outstretched wings as one of the many birds soar upward until they are no longer even visible to my gaze.
Have you ever watched a female deer with one or two of her fawns? Stand very still, just look, don't move, or they will all be gone in a blink of an eye. Fawns like to play just like little toddlers like to play, and they love it when mom calls them out of hiding and they get to run and jump. The fawn will bed down in absolute silence while the doe is away. You can literally walk within inches of the young deer and she will not budge unless you step on her. Instinctively, this little one will lay hidden and motionless until the call of safety is heard from the mother deer.
Do I need to mention the stars, the trees, the flowers, even the bugs? All creation praises God. Let me encourage you to take time this fall to reflect on the majesty and power of God, and to be gripped in praise at the motion of the sea, or the movement of the clouds, or the companionship of a dog or cat, or the splendor of a sunrise or sunset. Then take time to read Matthew 6:25-34 and be gripped with the thought that "He cares for you."
Pastor Paul
Sunday, October 5
2:30 - 3:30 PM
Annually on the first Sunday in October, LIFE CHAIN invites the churches in each city and town across America to stand on a designated local sidewalk and pray for one hour while holding one of the approved pro-life signs. The pro-life activity gives you an opportunity to show your support for life to the community while spending time in prayer and meditation on God’s Word. If you are interested in participating, visit the sign-up sheet in the church foyer or see Russell Rohleder for more information.
Following the evening service on Sunday, October 26.
Quarterly Reports will be available on Sunday, October 19, following the morning service.
Join us for Sunday School every Sunday at 9:15 AM!
Sunday School Schedule
| CLASSES Babies & Toddlers Kindergarten - 3rd Grade 4th Grade - 6th Grade 7th Grade - 12th Grade Ladies Sunday School Class Adults & Couples Adults |
LOCATION Church Nursery Gym Room 7 Gym Room 6 Youth Room at Preschool Gym Room 2 Gym Room 5 Gym Room 3 |
TEACHER Bill & Laurie Craig Abby Lopez & Trish Sexauer Jason Tamura Brenda Wolcott Pastor Paul Bob Schultz |
I grew up in a Christian home, and it was at the age of five that I accepted Christ as Savior. Growing up as a pastor’s kid gave me firsthand exposure to ministry. God used this, as well as continual contact with missionaries who visited our church, to begin to give me a heart for missions.
During my freshman year at San Diego Christian College, I realized the Lord was leading me to the mission field. During my college years I took two mission trips to Durban, South Africa, spending a total of 10 weeks ministering there.
Following my graduation, God led me to Lisbon, Portugal, where I served for 18 months as a part of the ABWE Assistant Missionary Program. My time in Portugal was spent teaching 7th - 12th English at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy, leading girls’ Bible studies and playing piano in a Portuguese church. In July of 2007, shortly after my return from Portugal, I was appointed as a career missionary with ABWE.
The need to reach youth and young adults in South Africa is great. My desire is to see youth and young adults come to Christ, grow in their faith and train for leadership.
Laura will be visiting Grace Baptist Church on Sunday, October 19.
Grace Baptist Church
Wednesday,
October 29