December 7. 2025
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a murmur, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” ~ Psalm 107:28-29 (HCSB) ~
PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
This week I am reprising a past blog I wrote on December 8, 2019, with a few updates. It is worth remembering those who gave their lives or survived to join in the battle.
In the first week of December 2019, three mass shootings made the news. Two high school shootings in Wisconsin, and then a shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.An active-duty sailor apparently shot three Department of Defense employees and then himself. That one caught my eye not only because of the tragedy of it all, but because I had already planned to write about Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
December 7, 1941, is a date that will live on in American history. On that quiet Sunday morning, Japan attacked our naval fleet anchored there, killing 2,403 people. 2,008 from the Navy. 109 Marines. 218 from theArmy and 68 civilians. Of that total, 1,177 were aboard the USS Arizona. It is estimated that by 2024 only 14-16 survivors were still alive. Lou Conter, the last surviving crew member of the USSArizona, passed away in April 2024 at age 102.
That attack literally changed the course of history. The United States entered World War II the very next day.
This Sunday we will observe the 84th anniversary of that infamous attack on our country.
For 15 of the 20 years I served as a chaplain in the US Navy Reserve, I was living in San Diego. At that time San Diego was home to one of the largest chapters of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. It was always great to see them marching in patriotic parades wearing their white pants, colorful Hawaiian print shirts and white and navy-blue Fore-and-Aft caps. During those years it was my honor to officiate at many of their memorial services. Most who could, would attend the services. Over the years, as would be expected, their numbers decreased greatly. Their presence at parades dwindled from many walking the parade route, to just a few riding in cars. They were a group with enthusiasm for life, and a great love for our country. I miss them greatly.
I woke up this morning with a song in my mind. It is officially titled: Eternal Father Strong to Save in our hymnal, but the Navy simply calls it “The Navy Hymn.” It was adopted from a poem written by Englishman, William Whiting, in the 1800’s. It is believed to have been inspired in part by Psalm 107:28-29. The first verse is as follows…
Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm does bind the restless wave, Who bids the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea.
I enjoy singing many of our old hymns that have been reimagined with a modern voice, but this is one hymn I hope will never change. Let it remind us that our God is eternal He is theAlmighty God and our lives ultimately rest in His hands.
Blessings on your week. I pray that you will not get too busy with life that you forget to thank some of our veterans from past wars some of which are right here in our church family. I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday as we look at the third installment of “SIMPLE CHRISTMAS” as we look at GIVING BETTER GIFTS.
Pastor Terrell
in DECEMBER
Sunday, December 14: Cookies ‘n Carols
6 PM in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 21: Christmas Sunday Family Worship 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Wednesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5 PM in Worship Center
ScheduleforSunday,December7,2025:
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Preschool Worship opens @ 10:15 AM KID CITY
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ (K-6th) dismissed during Morning Worship CHRISTMAS PARTY DAY!
Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday@ 3:15 PM Good News Club @ Granville Elementary
Wednesday@ 6:25 PM Choir Rehearsal in Room #206 @ 6:30 PM Youth Group in Fellowship Hall
Thursday@ 6:00 PM Adult Bible Study & Prayer in Fellowship Hall
Saturday@ 2:00 PM Senior Care Home Ministry in PV with our activities.
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th @ 6:00 PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
IF YOU NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE
Deacon of the Week:
Gene Moore
928-350-8789
This week is our Christmas Party!
Thank you for the generous gifts so many have given for the club!
Gospel Conversations
Total : 50,042
Morning Worship at a Glance
“Joy to the World”
“Emmanuel” “Come, Now is the Time to Worship”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer WHAT IS THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING?
Kidz4Christ dismissed
“Hope of the Nations” “Offering”
2820 N. Pleasant View Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265 PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS MOST Giving Better Gifts
Matthew 2:1-12
“Shine on Us” “Shine, Jesus, Shine”
Offerings and Connection Cards will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center, as well as in the Office Hallway.
Advancing the Kingdom of God one heart at a time.
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