Pastor Paul’s monthly article (taken from the October edition of The Chimes)
Pastor’s Reflections
Rev. Paul H. Lee
From Our Pastor…
Greetings in the love of our Lord Jesus
Christ!
How is it with your soul? I pray that you are
filled with Christ’s grace and peace.
I want to express my deep gratitude for your ongoing
support of our vibrant and vital ministries here at the
church. Your involvement and generosity, whether it’s our
inspiring worship services, the Bible studies that deepen
our faith, the Confirmation class of 17 confirmands this
year, or the many community service projects that touch
lives, make these ministries thrive. Your contributions have
been instrumental in our growth and service this year.
It has been an exciting year as we continue to grow in
fellowship and service. Your dedication—whether in
teaching, serving, offering a word of encouragement, or
giving financially—reflects the love of Christ and
strengthens our community. I am continually inspired by
the way this church embodies the spirit of generosity and
compassion.
Thank you!
Greetings in the love of our Lord Jesus
Christ!
How is it with your soul? I pray that you are
filled with Christ’s grace and peace.
I want to express my deep gratitude for your ongoing
support of our vibrant and vital ministries here at the
church. Your involvement and generosity, whether it’s our
inspiring worship services, the Bible studies that deepen
our faith, the Confirmation class of 17 confirmands this
year, or the many community service projects that touch
lives, make these ministries thrive. Your contributions have
been instrumental in our growth and service this year.
It has been an exciting year as we continue to grow in
fellowship and service. Your dedication—whether in
teaching, serving, offering a word of encouragement, or
giving financially—reflects the love of Christ and
strengthens our community. I am continually inspired by
the way this church embodies the spirit of generosity and
compassion.
Thank you!
Reflecting on this year’s blessings, we also recognize that we face some financial challenges. Currently, we are about 15% short of what we need to be to fully support our ministries and church administration. It’s through the grace of God and the support of faithful people like you that we have come this far, and I am confident we can continue to make an even greater impact together.
I request your prayerful consideration of an extra measure of giving during this time. Your financial gifts will help sustain our worship, Bible studies, service projects, and all the other ways we serve our congregation and the wider community. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a significant
difference. We trust in God’s provision and believe God will supply our needs. Your generosity is a testament to your faith and commitment to the work of God’s kin(g)dom here at our church. As we face this moment together, let us remain united in purpose, steadfast in prayer, and joyful in our giving, knowing that God’s grace is abundant.
Thank you again for your faithful support and for being an essential part of our church family. May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and devotion.
What’s Coming?
Photo for Church Directory (Sept. 29th, Oct. 5th, 6th): Help us keep our church directory up-to date! Make sure to schedule your family’s photo session.
World Communion Sunday (Oct. 6th): Join us for a special service at 8 AM or 10 AM as we unite with Christians worldwide to celebrate the Lord’s table.
Blessing of the Pets (Oct. 6th): Bring your pets to the church for a special blessing as we give thanks for all of God’s creatures.
Defibrillator Training (Oct. 8th): Learn life-saving skills at 5:00 PM.
Church Workday (Oct. 12th): Roll up your sleeves and help us maintain our beautiful church grounds and building! We’ll start at 8:00 AM.
Chili Cook-off & Dessert Auction (Oct. 20th): Bring your best chili and dessert, or just come to taste and enjoy! Stick around for the dessert auction, with proceeds supporting missions.
Fishing Day (Oct. TBD): A fun day of fellowship by the water—stay tuned for the date and location.
Trunk-n-Treat (Oct. 27th): Decorate your trunk and hand out candy between the worship services(starting at 9:30 AM). A safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween for kids of all ages!
All Saints Sunday (Nov. 3rd): Join us as we remember and honor the saints during our worship services.
Church Conference (Nov. 4th): Come and participate in our annual Church Conference at 7:00 PM as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future.
Veteran’s Sunday (Nov. 11th): We will honor and thank those who have served in our military on this special Sunday. Please join us in showing our gratitude.
I request your prayerful consideration of an extra measure of giving during this time. Your financial gifts will help sustain our worship, Bible studies, service projects, and all the other ways we serve our congregation and the wider community. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a significant
difference. We trust in God’s provision and believe God will supply our needs. Your generosity is a testament to your faith and commitment to the work of God’s kin(g)dom here at our church. As we face this moment together, let us remain united in purpose, steadfast in prayer, and joyful in our giving, knowing that God’s grace is abundant.
Thank you again for your faithful support and for being an essential part of our church family. May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and devotion.
What’s Coming?
Photo for Church Directory (Sept. 29th, Oct. 5th, 6th): Help us keep our church directory up-to date! Make sure to schedule your family’s photo session.
World Communion Sunday (Oct. 6th): Join us for a special service at 8 AM or 10 AM as we unite with Christians worldwide to celebrate the Lord’s table.
Blessing of the Pets (Oct. 6th): Bring your pets to the church for a special blessing as we give thanks for all of God’s creatures.
Defibrillator Training (Oct. 8th): Learn life-saving skills at 5:00 PM.
Church Workday (Oct. 12th): Roll up your sleeves and help us maintain our beautiful church grounds and building! We’ll start at 8:00 AM.
Chili Cook-off & Dessert Auction (Oct. 20th): Bring your best chili and dessert, or just come to taste and enjoy! Stick around for the dessert auction, with proceeds supporting missions.
Fishing Day (Oct. TBD): A fun day of fellowship by the water—stay tuned for the date and location.
Trunk-n-Treat (Oct. 27th): Decorate your trunk and hand out candy between the worship services(starting at 9:30 AM). A safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween for kids of all ages!
All Saints Sunday (Nov. 3rd): Join us as we remember and honor the saints during our worship services.
Church Conference (Nov. 4th): Come and participate in our annual Church Conference at 7:00 PM as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future.
Veteran’s Sunday (Nov. 11th): We will honor and thank those who have served in our military on this special Sunday. Please join us in showing our gratitude.
Peace In Christ,
Rev. Paul Lee
Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you
would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your
hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from
hurt and harm!’ And God granted what he asked.
• 1 Chronicles 4:10
would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your
hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from
hurt and harm!’ And God granted what he asked.
• 1 Chronicles 4:10
A friend of mine from Florida said it was challenging to adjust
to the four seasons in the Midwest, especially the cold and windy
winters with heavy snow because where he came from, they only had hot, hot, hot, and less hot weather.
We are blessed to witness the beauty of nature with its four
seasons. We know that Spring is coming when we see the dark brown grass in the yard turn green and flowers persistently survive and bloom again. With the Spring revival of nature, we may glimpse Jesus’ promise of life after Earth. That’s why we are looking forward to new beginnings and excited to see what God unfolds in the new chapter of life.
Another school year will begin soon, and kids will be busy
shopping for their bags, books, and notebooks. They might want to
spend more time hanging out with their friends, enjoying the last moments of their summer break. And they might find themselves in chaos with things that still need to be sorted out.
Let us keep all the kids, teachers, and school staff in our
prayers and support. When we pray for them, I hope you remember Jabez’s prayer, asking, “God, bless me and enlarge my border. Have your hand be with me and keep me from hurt and harm.” Jabez is not a prominent figure in the Bible.
You can find his name in only two verses in the first book of Chronicles. But his prayer is beautiful, asking God to grant our fundamental life needs. It is a prayer that we humbly ask God to consent to all of us, regardless of our age. Let’s continue to keep one another in our prayers and support.
We will have the Blessing of the Backpacks on August 13 (Sunday). We will have one worship service at 9:30 am around the Gazebo. It will be a time for all of us. Kids will have fun, and we will enjoy fellowship with hot dogs. We will have a moment of worship, blessing our children, teachers, and staff. And we will bless one another. As we bless one another, I hope you hold Jabez’s prayer deeply in your heart.
to the four seasons in the Midwest, especially the cold and windy
winters with heavy snow because where he came from, they only had hot, hot, hot, and less hot weather.
We are blessed to witness the beauty of nature with its four
seasons. We know that Spring is coming when we see the dark brown grass in the yard turn green and flowers persistently survive and bloom again. With the Spring revival of nature, we may glimpse Jesus’ promise of life after Earth. That’s why we are looking forward to new beginnings and excited to see what God unfolds in the new chapter of life.
Another school year will begin soon, and kids will be busy
shopping for their bags, books, and notebooks. They might want to
spend more time hanging out with their friends, enjoying the last moments of their summer break. And they might find themselves in chaos with things that still need to be sorted out.
Let us keep all the kids, teachers, and school staff in our
prayers and support. When we pray for them, I hope you remember Jabez’s prayer, asking, “God, bless me and enlarge my border. Have your hand be with me and keep me from hurt and harm.” Jabez is not a prominent figure in the Bible.
You can find his name in only two verses in the first book of Chronicles. But his prayer is beautiful, asking God to grant our fundamental life needs. It is a prayer that we humbly ask God to consent to all of us, regardless of our age. Let’s continue to keep one another in our prayers and support.
We will have the Blessing of the Backpacks on August 13 (Sunday). We will have one worship service at 9:30 am around the Gazebo. It will be a time for all of us. Kids will have fun, and we will enjoy fellowship with hot dogs. We will have a moment of worship, blessing our children, teachers, and staff. And we will bless one another. As we bless one another, I hope you hold Jabez’s prayer deeply in your heart.
“Lord, bless me and enlarge my border. Walk with me and have your hand be with me. Keep me from hurt and harm.”
I pray that the answer to Jabez’s prayer will be ours, too: “God granted what he/she asked.”
Peace In Christ,
Rev. Paul Lee