FROM THE PASTOR
John 15:13
"… the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. “
February is the month for valentines and expressions of love. In our passage for today Jesus is talking about the highest form of love in the world. That love is the willingness to sacrifice one's well being and in some cases even their life for the sake of another. It brings to mind stories of soldiers falling on hand grenades in order to save the lives of their buddies in the foxhole. Or perhaps it's a story about some brave soul who risked and lost his or her life to save somebody who was drowning or trapped in a burning building. Whether it’s the love of country or the love of God or simply the love of life, love is the strongest motivational source in the world. In fact I John 4:7-8 tells us that the very nature of God is love. That makes it the most powerful positive motivational force in the world. When we love our enemies and refuse to succumb to hatred and anger it sets the stage for peace and justice to flourish in the world. After all, the things which we nurture and feed in our self and in the world are the things that grow and produce more of the same.
Perhaps the greatest of all expressions of love can be found in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God loved us so much that Jesus came to earth for one very important reason. He came in order to die on that cross so that we might be reunited with God for eternity. That is the greatest sacrificial act of love that will ever take place in our world.
If you stop and consider the value of love you will find that it's really a good thing to invest your time. Here's why: 1. The more Love you give away the more you receive it from God and others. 2. The person who is loved can be a pauper, yet feel like the richest person in the world. And finally, but certainly not the end of the list: The Bible tells us in I Corinthians chapter 13 that love is the only thing that lasts forever.
Is 2012 the year that you decide to put away all anger and unforgiveness and to be reconciled with the world and with others? In this year the one in which love will reign in your heart and overcome all obstacles so that peace, joy, and contentment will replace strife, fear, and anxiety. God loves you and wants those things for you.
God Bless You
Pastor Kent Svendsen
A Servant of Jesus Christ
THANK YOU FROM THE PASTOR AND FAMILY
Paula and I would like to thank all of our church members and friends of the church for their support, friendship, and generosity. We feel blessed and privileged in serving here. We are looking forward to serving as the pastoral couple of the church cooperative in the future.
I want to offer a big thank you to all those who have agreed to be a part of our church leadership in the upcoming year. And a big “Thank You” for all those who have served this last year and have now rotated off of a committee. You service was appreciated and we hope you will be willing to serve again sometime in the future. I was once asked this question: “How is it decided who works in a group or committee?” The answer is simple: If you’re a member and have an interest in a particular group or committee simply attend one of their meetings so you can find out more about the work they do. We are always looking for people to serve on committees and welcome your interest. With Administrative Council approval we can add new members to groups and committees at any time. The work of nominations and personnel is a continuing process which takes place throughout the year.
I also want to thank all those people who do the little jobs around the church that often go unnoticed. I was about to begin mentioning all the different work areas and various tasks but stopped because there are so many that I didn't want to leave anyone out. Thank you.
