January 17, 2025
Dear Church Family,
This Sunday our sermon will come from the second half of chapter 1 of the Epistle to the Ephesians. Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:15-23 remind us of the hope, power, and unity we have in Christ. He commends the believers for their faith and love, a reflection of our own congregation’s spirit. In verses 17-18, Paul prays for wisdom and revelation, that we may know God better—a timely prayer as we navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.
Paul speaks of “the hope to which He has called you” (v. 18). Despite unsettling headlines that often trouble us, our hope is in Christ, who reigns over all. We see this hope in everyday acts of kindness—in volunteers, teachers, healthcare workers and many others serving with love.
Finally, Paul reminds us of God’s “incomparably great power” for us who believe (v. 19). This resurrection power strengthens us through personal trials. Let’s lean into this power, knowing His grace is sufficient.
This week, meditate on this passage. Pray for wisdom, hope, and strength. May God open our hearts to see His work in our lives and world.
Looking ahead, on Friday, Feb. 7, we will hold a chili cook-off in conjunction with our monthly trivia night. The entrance fee for all participants will be $5. For that, you will get chili and 5 votes to place for your favorite chili. Please consider bringing a pot of chili to enter into the contest. The winning chili will earn 10 big points for his or her team toward that night’s trivia trophy! We will also have a big pot of house chili, which will not be in the contest, to make sure everyone gets plenty to eat. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the chili eating to begin by 6:30 and trivia to begin immediately thereafter. What are your free trivia answers for February’s trivia night you ask? They are obvious, of course: “With meat,” “Coney Island” and the “McIlhenney Company.” The money raised from the entrance fee will be used as a cash donation to the food pantry at Troy People Concerned.
Stay warm and we’ll see you Sunday!
Pastor Dan