So today is May 2nd, the day after these snapshots are supposed to go up on our church website. Why am I a day late? Because I can’t think of what to say…well sort of. I had something written. It was elegant and biblical and snappy all at the same time. Yet I just couldn’t bring myself to post it. Because all of those things I described don’t translate into how I feel.

Long story short, our church has had it rough the last week or so. Many people dealing with physical ailments while others have been hit hard emotionally due to a number of deaths in our extended church family. And as I sit with all of those emotions of my church family along with how it hit me, the end result has been less than stellar. As we say in church circles, “When one hurts, we all hurt”, and that certainly is what it feels like this past week – everyone hurting. 

So what do I do when I need some self-therapy? I pick up my guitar, place my music book full of 100’s of songs to play from on the stand, and just start strumming and singing along to whatever song I land on. Sometimes it just helps to belt out a difficult vocal song or play a song that brings back fun times with stories to tell. Today as I played I came across a song I hadn’t played in quite some time called “Even If” by Kutless.
The chorus goes like this:
(Click HERE for the whole song)

 

It occurred to me in the midst of my troubled soul that no matter what I’m feeling, God was (and is still) God. He’s still in charge of it all; He still cares deeply and passionately. Therefore, there is nothing I feel or do or experience that will change who God is and who I am to Him. He still loves me whether it’s been a great week, a crummy week, or the best week of my life. When life feels at its’ worst, we must trust in what we KNOW rather than what we FEEL. 

So if your heart is troubled and in need of some support, know that God is forever faithful. Maybe these verses will help and comfort you:

• Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God  merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
• Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
• Lamentations 3:22-23 – Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
• Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

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Events in May:

• Mother’s Day (May 14th) – We’d like to wish all of the Moms, Grandmas, and Mothers-to-be a wonderful and special day to celebrate what they mean to us as well as God’s work in their lives. Join us for a special recognition that Sunday morning for all the Moms!
• Gap Male Chorus (May 21st – 7:00PM) – Coming to California EC Church on May 21st will be the Gap Male Chorus. If you have never heard them before, here’s your chance to come and be blessed by their special time of music and fellowship! Join us at 7:00PM! You might even want to come early to get the best seats as it will fill up quickly.
• EC National Conference (May 24th -27th) – Every year the Evangelical Congregational (EC) Church gathers for our annual meeting. During this time leaders from the denomination share about what God is doing in the local church, the denomination, and around the globe during this 3 day event. Pastors and Lay Delegates from all EC Churches gather for worship, sharing, and updating each other about their churches health and future goals/plans. This year’s theme is “Press On” based around Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Join us in prayer for all the pastors, lay delegates, and denomination leaders as we listen to God’s wisdom for our churches.

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Upcoming Events:

• Father’s Day (June 18th)– We’d like to wish all of the Dads, Grandfathers, and one day Dad’s a terrific day to recognize how much we are thankful for their influence and teaching in our lives. Be sure to join us for a recognition that Sunday morning for all of our Dads!
• Serve at Opportunity House in Reading, PA (June 17th) – Our church will be serving breakfast at Opportunity House in Reading, PA on June 17th. We could use all the help we can get from helpers/prep cooks/servers to be there serving on the day of as well as people before hand donating food supplies. If you and/or your family would like to be involved please contact Pastor David and he’ll be sure to point you in the right direction!
• Vacation Bible School (VBS) – Be sure to check back next month for more details and how to get involved in this wonderful ministry!

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Don’t forget to stay in touch here on our website as well as at our church! Feel free to comment AND SHARE with your friends on social media and we look forward to seeing you at California EC Church this month!

Don’t want to miss out on new posts? Be sure to check back for more Monthly Snapshots (always on the 1st of the month), “The Gospel According to…” reviews, and lots of other great things here on our church blog!