Sunday Morning Sermon: Sunday's sermon is titled “When You Have Turned Back” from Luke 22:31-46. The Old Testament reading Job 2:6-12, and the New Testament reading is John 21:15-19.
Live streamed Virtual Church (link) is available streaming at 9:00 AM.
Virtual Foyer on Zoom (link) at 10:15 AM.
There will be only one MCC in-person service this Sunday at 9:00 AM.
The recorded services are also available on MCC YouTube Channel (Link).
Week 50 of 52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know by Dave Adamson: “Shanah” = change. I have noticed that we tend to react well to the changes we can anticipate, like the changes in seasons or approaching holidays. I have often said that for teachers and students, “The calendar is our friend.” But sometimes we react negatively to the changes that highlight our lack of control, like many of then changes we all have endured over the past year. I hope it helps to know that we serve a God who does not change.
The prophet Malachi recorded these words from the Almighty, “I am the Lord, and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6). It is because of this firm foundation that the Lord’s people are empowered to endure the inevitable changes around us. And not only that, but we are also empowered to embrace the change that is necessary as disciples who are following Jesus.
MCC News:
The memorial service for Steve Boytis is this afternoon (Saturday, 2/6), at 1:00 PM. This one is at the church, but it will not be like our traditional funerals. The building will be available for the family, but we are asking our congregation not to attend this service in person. We will live stream the service on YouTube for out-of-town family and our local congregation. The link to the service is here:
Wheels for the Strunas! About ten or twelve years ago, our congregation enjoyed the opportunity to sponsor a motorcycle for the Strunas. This year, I am hoping that we will be able to buy them two motorcycles (in addition to our routine support). We can do this in two stages since Sharon is still in Florida. Sharon’s Honduran commuting will not start until later in the spring. Chris lives at the orphanage where is already serving as school administrator, so he does not have to commute for daily work, but of course he will need a vehicle for other trips. The cost of a reliable, used motorcycle in their area is roughly $5000, so that is our target. I hope we can do this once in February and again in April. I will ask someone with art skills to make a chart for the wall of our foyer so we can track our progress. Please pray about how you might join this effort.
Ash Wednesday is February 17th. This year, I will publish a 40-day Bible reading calendar for those of you would like to join me in a devotional series to prepare for Easter. I will not make daily posts about the readings. I would also ask our congregation to prepare for Easter by praying for those around you who need to hear the good news. Consider whom you might invite to church for the end of our Luke series, either virtually or in person.
Please join us for worship at Melbourne Community Church this weekend, however you can. The live service begins at 9:00 AM, and it is live streamed on our YouTube channel. The full service is available on our website after that.
Our “virtual foyer” Zoom meeting is a group of attenders who connect briefly (about 45 minutes) after the worship service. Newcomers are always welcome. Please let me know if you would like to join us this Sunday, and I will send you a link.