God is, above all, faithfull...It is not simply a matter of faithfulness being a human value, which we then elevate to the divine sphere. Rather, it is that God, Himself, is faithful. God is faithful, first of all, to Himself, in that he is true to His own ways and purposes. God cannot, as Scripture declares, "deny Himself." (2 Timothy 2:13). Being faithful to Himself, by His own behavior, means being faithful to all that He has made, the pinnacle of which is humankind Therefore, in the second place, God is faithful to us. The Son of God, begotten of His Father, comes to Earth to redeem us; Hymnic phrases like, "O thou who changest not, abide with me," (LBW, 272) and "We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree, And wither and perish, but naught changeth thee," (LBW, 526) are lyrically inspired to testify of God's resolve toward and for us. The "underbelly" of the reality of God's faithfulness toward us is that we are faithful to God, since the Spirit of God dwells in us. Wherever God's Spirit is doing God's "proper work," the church is illustrated, again and again, with pictures of the committed people of God, abounding in good works. (Titus 2:14). By the instigation of God's own Spirit, human lives are transformed for God's use and glory to the Name of God is accomplished. The hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness," (WOV, 771) is the church's consummate song, praising the primal behavior of God. During this month of November, God's faithfulness, from both sides of the divine/human equation, will be honored: |
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY "Both Living and Living" All Saints Sunday is observed on this day, emphasizing the unbroken promise of God's destined love for all God's people. The Commemoration of Our Dear Departed, the distribution of St. Paul's All Saint's Bulletin and the Sacrament of Holy Communion bring honor to our God and unite us with our "ancestors in faith." St. Paul's Altar Guild, celebrating its 97th year of devotional service, will be recognized as well. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 PENTACOST SEASON CONCLUDES "No Time to Grow Weary" The Season of Pentecost, otherwise known as the "Season of God's Spirit," or "The Season of the Church," is precisely our time to busy ourselves with God's work. God calls us to a life of "unwearied doing" on his behalf! St. Paul's Friday Nighters, celebrating their 50th years of fellowship and service, will be recognized for "well doing!"
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY "The King and His Court" As a Christian congregation in and with the neighborhood, St. Paul's is proud to recite its history, accomplishments and future purpose, radiating from Fifth and Nedro. A special feature of this day is to receive New Members into our fellowship, welcoming their ideas and energy for the mission of our church. St. Paul's Heritage Society, a newly created organization, dedicated to the future funding of St. Paul;s mission, will be recognized. Following worship, friends and family of the congregation gather for the Autumn Luncheon to celebrate Our Heritage. During the luncheon, new honorees of St. Paul[s Heritage Society will be inducted. God is faithful. Let us also be faithful unto God and His Church, giving thanks for all goodness and the pleasure of performing good deeds! Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! See you in church! - Pastor Kopp |
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Rodney S. Kopp, Pastor ©2004-05
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