Dear Caldwell,
No, the headline to this message is not meant to be a weather forecast (though, it’s about to be true). That is a snippet of the Gospel Reading for this Sunday (Matthew 3:13-17). This Sunday we set aside to consider Jesus’ baptism … and our own. With Epiphany now past (see my last message), the gospels seem to be in a rush, as if to say, “Let’s get Jesus baptized and his ministry underway.” And why not? We were all better off when Jesus gave up carpentry.
Our adult Sunday School, which was wonderfully packed last Sunday, begins a study of the book of Joshua at 9:45 (!, really!). And we will make a special welcome for our three newest members who joined last Sunday (you have to come Sunday to see who they are).
One of the happy aspects of my call here is that there are many others who preach and preach well. So I can only hope my message this Sunday is as well received as Elizabeth Hyland’s was last week. Thanks again, Elizabeth. We will get it and others posted to the website, which admittedly needs some catching up on the sermon page.
I am happy to report that Beverly Bryan Nance is recovering nicely from a procedure to remove a nodule from her neck. We continue to pray for her speedy recovery and the strength of her caregivers, the Nances. Also, as you may know, Kevin and Tovi Martin continue to need our help.
Best to you and yours,
John