OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
October is upon us as we feel the cooler temperatures and get to cast our eyes upon God's great artistic abilities by viewing His beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It is important for us to embrace these changes and prepare for days ahead. The cooler temperatures show us fall is in the air along with shorter days too. Harvest time is upon us. As many are gathering their crops to store up for the future, we recognize this to be preparation for things to come. For centuries, we have done this and this year is no different. We are preparing for things to come!
As we have our charge conference this month we will elect new people to positions in the church. By doing this we will expect them starting in January to carry on the business of the church, thereby recognizing change and doing our best to prepare for what is ahead. May I encourage you to do your part in making the transition a good one. Each of us play a very important role in our church. For example, living out our testimony every day in the world in which we live. In doing this we live out what we believe to be Truth, showing others by our example, even Paul said, "Let us be a pattern to live by.” So every day as we walk before others may we consider our conversations, actions, reactions and thoughts as we travel with JESUS down the pathway of righteousness. Peter says it best in 1 Peter 1:13-17 "13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy .' " (NKJV)
So as I was thinking on these terms I thought of this scripture to help encourage us to lean not on our own understanding but Trust The LORD as we prepare for our future. These changes in leadership will give those in new positions the ability to share their God-given gifts and talents to be a blessing to our Church. We need willing, energetic, creative, and considerate people to develop a vision in preparation for the things to come. So may we accept the change in leadership as we do God changing the weather?
Please read the following in a prayerful state: Proverbs 3 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. If he has done you no harm. (NKJV)
Thank you ahead of time for all of your participation in the process in selecting our new leadership and acceptance of the role you will play in the future of the church. I am proud to be your pastor and my family is proud to be a part of this community of faith. Thank you for all you have done and do for our family to enable us to make a difference in the Kingdom of God. We are looking ahead, expecting great things to come! Have a blessed month of ministry!
In Christ Jesus,
Bro. Tony Antonelli