The Epistle 2020 Christmas Publication

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RT. REV. BISHOP JEFFREY N. LEATH – PRESIDING PRELATE REVEREND KENNETH J. GOLPHIN – PRESIDING ELDER REVEREND DR. ROBERT A. STRODE – PASTOR REVEREND BARRY FRAZIER - RETIRED ITINERANT ELDER REVEREND FONSECO M. FRAZIER - ITINERANT ELDER REVEREND KELLY ROBERTS – LOCAL ELDER REVEREND MONICA LAMB – ITINERANT DEACON EXHORTER SHELBY G. STRODE EXHORTER DORIS J. COFFEY - EDITOR 1

Greetings and Blessings Historic St. Paul AME Church Family!

Angels We Have Heard on High is one of our most beloved Advent Carols, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke. The song focuses on the shepherds encounter with the angels foretelling of the birth of the newborn child. “Gloria in excelsis Deo” which means “glory to God in the highest” in Latin.

The origin of the song is French. It is believed that French Shepherds would sing the beloved carol, along the countryside and cities, far and near. The shepherd’s song must have truly sounded like angels calling to one another in celebration of the birth of Christ for the Christians living in nearby regions. Also, the song reflects the shepherd’s joy that the time of the holiday season arrived yet again.

Angels We Have Heard on High is most prevalent today. We sing the song of shepherds, spreading the birth of Christ, through song. In spite of the pandemic, God is still worthy of all praise! The joy of Christmastide is in the air, permeating our hearts. For it is by faith that we declare the Coming of Christ!

Let us not lose hope. God is still on His throne, reconciling us back to the garden experience, and generations to the Birth of Christ, and the birth of the Christian church. Our faith in the birth of Christ will assure our future within His Kingdom. In the face of many calamities, let us, as followers of Jesus Christ continue to spread the joy of our soon coming King!

Sister Shelby and I pray that you and your family will celebrate Advent with the joy of anticipation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the soon coming King. Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Glory to God in the Highest!

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Don’t Forget Jesus

By M.S. Lowndes

Christmas is a special time To reflect on Jesus Christ, The wonder of His lowly birth Brings meaning to our lives There really is no other reason We celebrate this day, The birth of God’s precious son And the life, He willingly gave But so much seems to distract us In the busyness of our lives, We looe our focus in all the happenings, Not knowing, we leave out Christ We lose sight of the true meaning As we endlessly rush about, Trying to find that perfect gift Seems to cloud our Saviour out We need to stop and reflect awhile, Remembering our precious Lord, His birth, His life, His sacrifice And all that He stands for For thought the world may celebrate It seems, though, for other reasons, Let’s keep in mind that Jesus Christ Is the true meaning of the season

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Generally we celebrate with the attitude...you celebrate your way and I’ll celebrate mine.

This year Christmas and the celebrations will be quite different, due to COVID -19, the Pandemic, Social Distancing, wearing Masks and staying in as much as possible.

Maybe you are financially restrained this year for whatever reason and not able to celebrate in your usual manner…The cure for that is to remember “why” we celebrate in the first place and to understand what Christmas really means. “Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God.” Maybe you are old enough to remember when you just got one gift and it did not hamper your joy in any way. “I recall a letter I have from my late mother (who was from a family of nine) where all she asked for was for Santa to bring her little sister an apple and an orange.” Can you imagine kids (us) today asking for so little and for someone else.

While no one wants their children to be disappointed, it is a time of reckoning…a time when facts must be faced…Don’t be afraid to share your circumstances with your children (teens and family as well)) Times have changed…things are different… How nice it would be if we could all get back to the pure joy of giving and receiving, of hanging out with friends and family (virtually this year) of simply celebrating new life and new hope?

During this time of change, maybe it would be wise to resort to this suggested list…and not all 6…choose wisely. 1. Something they need 2.

Something they want 3. Something to wear 4. Something to read 5.

Something to do 6. Something for someone else.

I am well aware that this will not be easy…but most children are happy just to see packages under the tree. Make ends meet…check out the Dollar Tree, Goodwill, Salvation Army, On-line, Paparazzi jewelry ($5.00) for most pieces. Think practical: Clothes, Educational Items (books, pens, crayons) Think warmth: Throws, Socks, Scarves, Gloves, etc.

To make more festive…Wrap each item separately… and limit number of gifts…

Regardless of how you plan to celebrate Christmas, how much you spend, what gifts you buy…Please do not leave Christ out of Christmas…Wishing you the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year 2021.

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5 Scriptures to Find Peace During Uncertain Times Submitted by Sister Dinah Johnson (Dayspring) Life is surreal right now… With the days just blending together, nothing seems to be staying the same or changing, which can’t possibly make sense, but for some reason does. We sometimes have to remind ourselves what day of the week it is. While we are trying to find our way in this everchanging world, there is always one thing that we can ground ourselves in and know will never change – God’s Promises. His Word is the one thing we can depend on to be true regardless of the circumstances around us.

Most of us are in the house during this quarantine, trying to figure out our routine and stay away from each other at least a little bit, which is hard to do sometimes - whether you're distant from all of your family or friends, whether you’re able to live and spend this precious time with family, or whether you’ve been able to adjust to your ‘new normal’.

Allow these Scriptures to be the anchor for hope… Each one reminds us that God loves us unconditionally and He is always there. Because of that, we can cast all our worries onto Him. Matthew 11:28 NIV - Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Jesus said to come to Him… It is amazing that He is willing to take our burdens away, to bear that weight so we don’t have to. He will bring us through this, and His glory will be so evident once all of this is over.

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

This verse gives us so much hope. It reminds us that His Spirit lives in us and He wants to lead us to live without fear and with love and selfdiscipline.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. I know that is MUCH easier said than done. Knowing that the King of Kings wants us to come to HIM with everything, with every detail of 5

our life because He loves us so much that He wants to spend time with us.

That is peace within itself..

Romans 8:18 NLT: Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. While we don’t know how all of this will end, we do know that this world is not our home, that spending eternity with Jesus will be worth everything we’ve had to go through in this life.

Hebrews 10:36 NLT: Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

DAILY reminder to be patient, to wait on the Lord, we have to continue trusting in Him and His Will to receive all that He has promised us. No matter what things looks like now… God will keep His promises. His love will never fail. He will never forsake or leave you. He is/always will be there when you need Him.

His Word is the one thing we can depend on..

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God WILL Use This Difficult Time (COVID-19 2020 by Glenda (Dayspring) God is good at all times and in every way! You know it’s true, but right now you’re just not feeling it. Right now––a storm is raging in your life, and you’re wondering if He’s even noticed. Right now––waves are crashing over your head and you feel like you’re drowning. Right now—the winds of adversity are threatening to capsize your boat and send it to the depths.

In the Bible, we read about a storm on the Sea of Galilee. At the end of a long day, Jesus suggested that He and His disciples go across to the other side, probably to escape the crowds and get some much-needed rest (see Mark 4:35–41). As soon as the boat left shore, Jesus settled down in the stern and fell asleep. Soon after, and without warning, the Sea of Galilee (notorious for sudden storms) began to rage around them. Waves crashed over the boat threatening to sink it, and still Jesus slept peacefully.

Finally, fearing for their lives, the men awakened Jesus and asked, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus stood and spoke to the storm, “Peace, be still!” Immediately, the winds ceased and the sea became as smooth as glass. “Where is your faith?” He asked His disciples.

Jesus used this storm on the Sea of Galilee to strengthen His disciples’ faith. He knew the times ahead would be difficult. In a dramatic 6

demonstration of His power, He hoped to teach His disciples that He would always be with them, ready to answer whenever they called on Him. Jesus was there to rescue His disciples, He’s here with you as well, right in the middle of the storm in your life. God always uses the struggles in our lives. He doesn’t allow us to suffer in vain. Ask yourself what lessons He might be teaching you.

1. He may be drawing you closer to Him. God is much more than the far-away Creator of the Universe. He wants to be right there with you as you encounter the struggles of this life. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Open your heart to Him, go to your place of prayer, and reach out to Him. 2. He may be strengthening you. The stronger you are spiritually, the better you will fare when the storms come. Psalm 138:3 says, “On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me.” God wants to make us soldiers, ready to fight the good fight of faith. Pray boldly and stand strong in your faith.

3. He may be teaching you compassion for others. Jesus understands how we feel because He became one of us and experienced our suffering.

In the same way, the storms in your life will increase your compassion for others. You can understand how another person feels because you’ve been there yourself. In 1 Peter 3:8 , we read, “All of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble.” Reach out to those you know who are suffering and point them to Jesus, your storm chaser.

4. He may be increasing your patience. An infant cries bitterly over every discomfort, expecting immediate attention to his or her needs. We often do the same. We want God to deal with our discomfort and meet our needs—right now! But God asks us to wait, to develop patience. Waiting often produces valuable insight into ourselves and our situation. Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Ask God to give you peace as you wait on Him. No matter how fierce the storm, how strong the waves, how deep the water, God is there with you, ready to use the storm for His purposes in your life. You are not alone in your suffering. He sees your struggle, and just as He did with Jesus’ disciples on the Sea of Galilee, He will carry you safely to the other side.

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AN ORDER OF FAREWELL TO SISTER MARIAN COLLINS (Adapted) The Church is a Family. United by the common recognition of Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are all brothers and sisters. And, for a time, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church is our home. Like every human family, our church family is formed and reformed over time: as members are born, as they die, as members are adopted into our family, and as they leave our congregation for a new home, in a different place.

For a time, Sister Collins has lived with us. We have shared with each other good times and bad, we have shared each other's joys and sorrows, we have lightened each other's heavy loads. Together we have laughed and cried, together we have worshiped and praised God, together we have lived.

We feel sorrow in your leaving, yet we rejoice with you in anticipation of this new phase of your life. We will miss your love and support, you have added much to our lives. We pray for you and your new journey of faith.

Dear God: We humbly place in your hands our dear Sister Marian Collins, who is leaving us. Keep her O Lord, in all health and safety, both of body, mind, soul and spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sister Collins - Go in the peace of Christ. Our prayers go with you. Amen.

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The John Fullwood Family Brother John Fullwood was a staunch warrior and man of God…He served St. Paul faithfully as a Trustee for numerous years. His work did not go unnoticed and he is sorely missed.

The Lillian Gentry Family Sister Gentry served devotedly in the Church, she was a pillar of the Missionary Society, Stewardess and a former Steward…Her untiring service is gratefully noted. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The Nancy Miller Family The Miller family is well known for their devotion and numerous contributions to St. Paul AME Church. Memories and evidence of their work is part of the history of the Church. Rest in Peace Sister Nancy.

The Wanda Thomas Family Sister Thomas is sorely missed, her participation in several activities of the Church, including Sunday school, Ways and Means Chair, former steward and class leader…Always with a smile, nothing seem to get her down.

CONDOLENCES TO: Paula C. Rudd Family in the loss of sister in law Priscilla Sullivan family in the loss of sister in law Reverend Fonseco Frazier (Caulder)) family in the loss of brother Boderick Caulder.

AND TO ALL WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS IN 2020 9

Coping with Grief and Loss during COVID-19 Many people are experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grief is a normal response to loss during or after a disaster or other traumatic event. Grief can happen in response to loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability. Common grief reactions include: • • • • • •

Shock, disbelief, or denial Anxiety Distress Anger Periods of sadness Loss of sleep and loss of appetite

Some people may experience multiple losses during a disaster or large-scale emergency event. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be unable to be with a loved one when they die, or unable to mourn someone’s death in-person with friends and family. Other types of loss include unemployment, or not making enough money, loss or reduction in support services, and other changes in your lifestyle. These losses can happen at the same time, which can complicate or prolong grief and delay a person’s ability to adapt, heal, and recover.

People cope with losses in different ways. If you need help dealing with your loss, resources are available to help.

Adolescents may also experience grief in ways that are both similar to and different than children and adults. Adolescents may experience significant changes in their sleep patterns, isolate themselves more, frequently appear irritable or frustrated, withdraw from usual activities, or engage more frequently with technology. It is important for parents or caregivers to engage with their adolescents over their grief to promote healthy coping and acceptance. Parents may also need to obtain mental health services for the adolescent and family to deal with grief.

Take care of your mental health You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.

Get immediate help in a crisis 10

Call 911 Disaster Distress Helpline external icon: 1-800-985-5990 National (8255)

Suicide

Prevention

Lifeline

external

icon:

1-800-273-TALK

National Domestic Violence Hotline external icon: 1-800-799-7233 National Child Abuse Hotline external icon: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-4224453) National Sexual Assault Hotline external icon: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) The Eldercare Locator external icon: 1-800-677-1116 Veteran’s Crisis Line external icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health SAMHSA’s National Helpline external icon: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) If you have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic Grieving the loss of a loved one while coping with the fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic can be especially overwhelming.

Social distancing, “stay-at home-orders,” and limits on the size of in-person gatherings have changed the way friends and family can gather and grieve, including holding traditional funeral services, regardless of whether or not the person’s death was due to COVID-19.

However, these types of prevention strategies are important to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Some actions you can take to help you cope with feelings of grief after the loss of a loved include: •

•

Connecting with other people o Invite people to call you or host conference calls with family members and friends to stay connected. o Ask family and friends to share stories and pictures with you via mailed letters, email, phone, or video chat or via apps or social media that allow groups to share with each other (e.g., group chat, group messaging, Facebook). o Coordinate a date and time for family and friends to honor your loved one by reciting a selected poem, spiritual reading, or prayer within their own households.

Creating memories or rituals.

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Develop a virtual memory book, blog, or webpage to remember your loved one, and ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories. o Take part in an activity, such as planting a tree or preparing a favorite meal, that has significance to you and the loved one who died.

Asking for help from others o Seek out grief counseling or mental health services, support groups, or hotlines, especially those that can be offered over the phone or online. o Seek spiritual support from faith-based organizations, including your religious leaders and congregations, if applicable. o Seek support from other trusted community leaders and friends. o

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family and close friends of a person who died of COVID-19 may experience stigma, such as social avoidance or rejection. Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Some people may avoid contacting you, your family members, and friends when they would normally reach out to you. Stigma related to COVID-19 is less likely to occur when people know the facts and share them with extended family, friends, and others in your community.

If you feel distress from other types of loss or change During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel grief due to loss of a job; inability to connect in-person with friends, family or religious organizations; missing special events and milestones (such as graduations, weddings, vacations); and experiencing drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that bring comfort. You may also feel a sense of guilt for grieving over losses that seem less important than loss of life. Grief is a universal emotion; there is no right or wrong way to experience it, and all losses are significant.

Here are some ways to cope with feelings of grief: •

•

Acknowledge your losses and your feelings of grief. o Find ways to express your grief. Some people express grief and find comfort through art, gardening, writing, talking to friends or family, cooking, music, gardening or other creative practices.

Consider developing new rituals in your daily routine to stay connected with your loved ones to replace those that have been lost. o People who live together may consider playing board games and exercising together outdoors.

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o

People who live alone or are separated from their loved ones may consider interacting through phone calls and apps that allow for playing games together virtually.

If you are worried about future losses, try to stay in the present and focus on aspects of your life that you have control over right now.

Helping children cope with grief Children may show differently than adults. Children may have a particularly hard time understanding and coping with the loss of a loved one. Sometimes children appear sad and talk about missing the person or act out. Other times, they play, interact with friends, and do their usual activities. As a result of measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, they may also grieve over loss of routines such as going to school and playing with friends.

Parents and other caregivers play an important role in helping children process their grief.

To support a child who may be experiencing grief: • • • • • • •

Ask questions to determine the child’s emotional state and better understand their perceptions of the event.

Give children permission to grieve by allowing time for children to talk or to express thoughts or feelings in creative ways.

Provide age and developmentally appropriate answers.

Practice calming and coping strategies with your child.

Take care of yourself and model coping strategies for your child.

Maintain routines as much as possible.

Spend time with your child, reading, coloring, or doing other activities they enjoy.

Signs that children may need additional assistance include changes in their behavior (such as acting out, not interested in daily activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, persistent anxiety, sadness, or depression).

Speak to your child’s healthcare provider if troubling reactions seem to go on too long, interfere with school or relationships with friends or family, or if you are unsure of or concerned about how your child is doing.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE CDC GUIDELINES BY PRACTICING… SOCIAL DISTANCING WASH YOUR HANDS WEAR A MASK STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE 13

Why Is Psalm 91 Important During COVID-19?

Psalms 91 is God’s way of telling us that whoever runs to him and seeks his divine protection will be saved from calamity and destruction. When we pray the words of this psalm it becomes a powerful shield of protection from fear.

Our world has been turned inside out as we continue to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s hard not to think about the virus because it has literally touched every area of our lives. We’re separated from family and friends.

Churches have closed their doors. Schools are closed, jobs are either on a total loss, on hold, or some are working from home. Gyms, restaurants, and other small businesses are forced to close and grocery stores have limited hours. Then there’s the news; every story or report seems grimmer than the next.

The coronavirus pandemic is confusing and frightening for hundreds of millions of people. During this historical moment in history, it’s hard not to be anxious or worry. One doesn’t have to look too far before Psalm 91 shows up on their newsfeed. It’s no wonder because Psalm 91 is literally the 9-1-1 to our mighty God. It’s brimming with declarations and promises of God’s protection. During this time of global pandemic with COVID-19, this Psalm speaks of God’s presence, power, and protection against fear. Fear is the one emotion God doesn’t want to overtake us; because when we fear, it reveals in our hearts how we are relying on our own efforts and not trusting our Savior.

The Apostle Paul encouraged his protégé, Timothy, to cling to faith by reminding him, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). This is essentially the battle call in Psalm 91.

In the face of this pandemic or anything else in life, we have the right to be concerned but we do not have the right to worry or fear. There are over 365 verses about fear in the Bible and even Jesus tells us three times 14

in Matthew 6:25-34, “Don’t worry.” He doesn’t want us to fear or worry because these emotions become king instead of Jesus being our King.

Psalm 91 Is Our 9-1-1 So why are millions of Christians around the world praying Psalm 91? The power of Psalm is a reminder that no matter what happens, a financial collapse, job loss, war, cancer, or COVID-19, God is still in control. In the very first two verses, we are told exactly who God is.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

Hidden in plain sight are four of God’s powerful names: The Most High, the Almighty, the Lord, my God. Why does the writer use four different names in two verses, and what is significant about it during this pandemic? The first name the Most High, is the Hebrew word Elyon. The name signifies God's majesty, sovereignty, and pre-eminence.

We are reminded in this passage that we live, breathe, move and have our rest in God. He assures us of protection, comfort, and care. It reminds us we don’t dwell on the news, we don’t dwell in anxiety, worry, or the pandemic.

He is our dwelling place.

The second name, the Almighty, is translated from the word Shaddai means a God mighty beyond our imagination or comprehension. It appears 48 times in the Bible and references that God is the God of the wilderness or God of the mountains.

The point being, God can cause mountains to tumble, he can part the seas, he can protect us from the enemy. He can protect us during this pandemic because no matter what happens, we will be with him for all eternity.

The third name, the LORD, translates to Yahweh. It is the personal name of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 6:2. It has been translated as Yahweh, Jehovah, and more often as the LORD (in all caps).

It means that the Lord is God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and knows us on a deep, intimate level. He knows the exact number of hairs on our 15

heads, the color of our eyes when we lie down and wake up, he knows the number of our days on this earth.

The fourth name, my God, comes from the Hebrew Elohim. This name first appears at the very beginning of the Bible in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” It also means “supreme one” or “mighty one.”

In just these first few verses of Psalm 91, we are reassured beyond a shadow of a doubt that we serve a mighty God. It reminds us that even though we live in a fallen world, he is still with us. Even in perilous times as the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re reminded he is our shelter, our protector, our deliverer. We are reminded God is in control, forever and always.

The Message of Psalm 91 Psalms 91 is God’s way of telling us that whoever runs to him and seeks his divine protection will be saved from calamity and destruction. When we pray the words of this psalm it becomes a powerful shield of protection from fear.

However, some people mistakenly thought the teaching is an unconditional promise and proof that life would be smooth sailing; that we won’t face hardship, illness, or any other crisis.

This kind of thinking is often preached by pastors and ministers who teach the false and deceptive prosperity gospel. Nothing can be farther from the truth. God promised protection, but it doesn’t mean that we won’t suffer even in the face of this pandemic.

What we can count on are the promises found in this Psalm. It is filled with the goodness and power of God with eight promises: (1) I will rescue him... (Deliver, Cause to Escape) (2) I will protect him... (Set Him on a High Place) (3) I will answer him... (Respond to, Speak) (4) I will be with him in trouble... (In Afflictions, in Distress) (5) I will deliver him... (Rescue, to Bring into Safety) (6) and honor him... (To Make Rich, Strong, Heavy with Honor) (7) With long life will I satisfy him... (To Have Abundance in the Journey) (8) and show him my salvation. (Let Him See my Deliverance and Victory).

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What Does This Mean?

God doesn’t promise that we won’t get sick or witness loved ones suffer at the hands of this illness or anything else in life. What he does promise is to be with us and protect us from fear. The promises and plans he has for each of us offers us comfort that he is in control.

As Christians: We live and walk by faith. Faith is trusting in God — in his goodness, his faithfulness, and his plans. And it’s the result of fearing God: We recognize God’s supremacy, goodness, and control, and so we trust him.

“You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!” (Psalm 115:11).

Psalm 91 Prayer Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

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The New Year Whether you’ve just walked through the greatest year of your life, or are incredibly glad to see this one finally over, one truth still rings clear amidst it all. You are not alone. Not ever.

Our God is a “with us" God. On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King, that reminder has the power to carry us right into a fresh, new start. He is Immanuel, God with us. And though things and people around us shift and change, our God never changes.

As we enter a new year, we need God more than ever. The complexities of the world’s problems are immeasurable. As we come to 2021, pray that our nation would turn its eyes to God and His Son Jesus Christ who paid the debt of sin with His own blood. His wisdom is limitless and His love is unfailing.

Whether or not 2021 is going to be a ‘happy’ new year remains to be seen. But as in 2020, there won’t be a day this year You’ll fail to send us new mercies, give us sufficient grace, and be at work for our good. Because you have hidden our lives in Christ, your love will be the most constant, liberating, and reliable reality in our lives. You will delight in us, quiet us with your love, and rejoice over us with singing 24/7 (Zeph. 3:17). May this good news be more precious and real to us than anything else.”

While we can’t know what is coming in the New Year, we can find hope in God’s word, and maintain a positive outlook that things will be better than ever in this coming year.

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Yes, a new day is on the horizon. While this past year has been trying and difficult at times…We take our scars from the past with us as lessons that make us better to serve, to love well...., God is always faithful, and if we look at the past year, we’ll find that he has been with us, and has been working in our lives – even when we didn’t realize it!

“For those who have put their faith and trust in Christ, you can take comfort in knowing that no matter what comes, He has promised, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5). Are you beginning 2021 with Him?” “Dear God: May this be a year filled with knowing you better, resting in your grace, and serving you more faithfully. Though the temptation for things like approval, riches, and control will continue, may the joy of knowing you seize our hearts, shape our schedules, and consume our days.” “May we dance and suffer, work and play, serve and give all to your glory. May the Gospel compel us to love mercy, work for justice, and walk humbly with you until the day you take us Home.”...Amen.

At the dawn of the New Year we are filled with hope for what is to come, and have thankfulness in our hearts for what has already passed. We pray that we will keep our focus where it needs to be this year and that we’ll all have a year filled with joy, love and happiness.

Whatever the New Year brings…Lord, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are Able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for Who You are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! Amen.

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KNOW YOUR CHURCH Presented by The Lay Organization in collaboration with the Media & Public Relations (MPR) Team

Christmas 2020 is just a few weeks away and the idea of the usual gathering of family and friends presents a lot more anxiety than in years past. The novel COVID-19 pandemic has required us to make changes in our businesses, our personal lives, and in our mindsets and goals. We are encouraged not to travel and to avoid large gatherings.

Despite all the anxiety and hubbub this season brings, let us not forget “the reason for the season”. We may have doubts about celebrating with family and friends, putting ornaments on the Christmas Tree or hanging a wreath on the door, but we should never doubt that about two thousand years ago, between 6 and 4 BC, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah whose coming the prophets had announced for thousands of years, actually was born in Bethlehem – not in majesty and power, as expected, but in poverty in a stable with a manger for his crib. There were no family gatherings or flashing Christmas Tree lights, with gift boxes and lots of toys underneath.

Regardless of the challenges we now face, we Christians show our “Joy To The World” as we celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate, let us resolve that during the coming year we will try with all our might to make Jesus, the Messiah, the absolute center of our lives.

Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come Advent and Christmas Carol (As of the late 20th century, "Joy to the World" was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America) Text: Isaac Watts: 1719 Psalm 98, 96:11–12 and Genesis 3:17–18

Melody: "Antioch" by George Frideric Handel: 1685-1759

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns; Let men their songs employ;

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, 21

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Continue to Pray for our Sick and Shut-In Lizzie Conner Marian Dunn Rev. Barry Frazier Carolyn Higgins Marjorie Johnson Anna Walker Joan White Viola White

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