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The month of March found many in the UPVPC family digging deeply into Scripture together as we concluded our Lenten study, Imago Dei. We were reminded that every person who has ever lived or who will ever live is created in the image of God. Therefore, there is no one who is unworthy of our time and attention. We had rich conversations about this - challenging ourselves to look with great intention and compassion on the people we might automatically pass by. Thank you to Joni Frey, Karl Barry, John Boozer, and Laurie Parsons for leading discussions that mattered to our souls and, we pray, to the souls of those around us.
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The team of people you see above partnered together to offer a beautiful time of worship for Maundy Thursday both in person and online. Thank them when you see them! Thanks also to Donnie & Pat Allison for inviting us to come to the Neelyton property again this year for our Easter Sunrise service! It was a beautiful morning! Thanks to Karl Barry for a great message about the HOPE we have in Jesus!
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How wonderful that we were able to worship online and in-person for Easter this year! As announced during the weeks prior, the Easter offering was dedicated to our 4 missionary families. We don't have a final figure quite yet, but $9,000 is a close approximation! Thanks be to God that we will be able to gift our missionary families with a minimum of $2,250 each! This is amazing and wonderful - and it is all God's work - moving in our hearts to give for the spreading of the Gospel here, there, and everywhere!
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WORDS TO PONDER from
Dr. Bonnie Cornelious
You may think I’m “unusual,” but I talk to myself. Actually, I have written before about the benefits and importance of self-talk. There is a practice in counseling about which I giggled when I first heard of it. Then I figured out how helpful it can be. I call it the “Is It True?” method. Here are some possible conversations.
- When we are worried, anxious, struggling we might say: “This will never get better.” “Is It True?” The answer to the question is the important part and might sound like: “I’ve been frightened, worried, confused before about what is going on around me, and it has always been resolved. God is watching over me, caring for me, protecting me.” “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who watches over my way.” Psalm 142:3
- “My sins are too many and too serious for me to be forgiven.” “Is It True?”
Answer: “God has promised me that He will forgive me if I repent and return to Him and He always keeps His promises.” “Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, You forgive them all.” Psalm 65:3
- “I’m so unlovable. I try and try to be like my friend that everybody admires, and I just can’t be like her.” “Is It True?” Answer: “I am commanded to imitate and reflect Christ, not to please other people. It’s good to have friends (we need them) and to see the wonderful things they do for God, but our example is Christ.”
“Am I trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of God.” Galatians 1:10
These are just the tip of the iceberg examples. Try “Is It True?” in your moments of doubt, dread, and self-deception. God will provide the answers. Our peace, love, comfort, joy all come from Him. If we’re looking somewhere else, we’ll be disappointed.
Precious Lord, as believers, we know that whatever the question, You are the answer. Thank you for Your truths, Your watch over us, Your unfailing love, Your many blessings. Amen
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Weather Permitting: Let's gather at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 16
at the Spring House Farm. Bring your own chair and a dish to share!
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Worship in the UPVPC Sanctuary on Sundays at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Small groups for all, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
ONLINE worship https://upvpc.online.church at 8:27 a.m. and on YouTube. |
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Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 128,
Spring Run, PA 17262
717-349-2603
www.upvpc.org
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