The Word
Good Wednesday to you,
Welcome to the New Year! This past Sunday we got off to a good "theological" start in looking at the authority of Scripture in our lives. To repeat, the Word of God (aka the Bible, Holy Scripture, and the Written Word) is the first and final authority in all areas of faith and life for the disciple of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ we need to be committed to reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on this primary, external authority in our lives. As followers of Jesus, we must reject anything that seeks to invalidate, contradict, or reject what the Bible tells us about God and how we live with God and one another. We also reject any subjective reading of Scripture. It is God's Word and Self-revelation to us.
If you are looking for a "read through the Bible" program, check here. It’s not too late to start! If you need further advice or insight, feel free to email me and we can chat about it.
Next week, we will be looking at John 1:1-5 again, but looking at "The Lord as Creator." As I said on Sunday, I am looking to do a "deep dive" theologically and doctrinally through the lens of the Gospel According to John. It is so important to know what we believe, why we believe it, and why it matters. This is a challenging opportunity for all of us!
It is with sadness and gratitude that we bid farewell to our Director of Children’s Ministries, Rebecca Smith. If you missed the announcement on Sunday, Rebecca received and accepted a position as the Director of Children’s Ministries closer to her home in Chula Vista. Her final day with us will be next Wednesday. If you would like to send her a note, you can email her, or mail a card to her care of Graham Memorial, and we will ensure she receives it.
As Rebecca departs, we are pleased to announce that Megan Smith is stepping into the role of Interim Director of Children's Ministries. She is no stranger to Graham, and remains committed to pursuing God's call in her life to Cameroon. As she waits upon the Lord, she has agreed to help us "bridge the gap" between Rebecca and her successor. Please join me in welcoming Megan to our staff!
If you have not sent in a pledge to Graham Memorial for this year, you still have time. We will be setting our budget at this month's Session meeting on January 19. Your pledge helps us to set an accurate and responsible budget. Thank you!
Last, but not lease, our annual congregational meeting is coming up on January 28. The meeting will be at 6:00pm and we will enjoy a catered meal afterward. If you are planning to join us for the dinner, please, please, please RSVP your attendance. (No need to RSVP if you are only joining for the meeting.)
This New Year starts with some significant challenges. God is faithful. Please continue praying for the ministries of our faith community.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
