Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In 1 Corinthians 3:16, the Apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” The word “you” here is plural. In the South (being from Alabama), we would probably translate it “Do y’all not know that the Holy Spirit dwells in y’all?” Paul is emphasizing the one Spirit that dwells with the whole church community. A few chapters later, in 1 Corinthians 6, he builds on this powerful truth: “[D]o you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It is a comfort to know that during a time of such uncertainty (at least from a human perspective), God dwells with his people, and that we belong to him, both body and soul. When we are confident that we are not our own but belong to our Savior, we will boldly proclaim through our words and actions the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Sunday we focus on the third feature of Christian fellowship: We share a common Spirit.
This week’s livestream worship service (9:45am) can be found here.
This Sunday: Adult Sunday School (4 pm, Worship Center)
Our adult Sunday school has been rescheduled for this Sunday at 4pm. We will discuss the chapter on Goodness in the book Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.
Mission trip Informational Meeting: Sunday, January 31 at 4pm
This summer we will be sending a team to join others from our presbytery to Cavaillon, Haiti (July 23-31). On Sunday, January 31, Ted Powers will lead an informational meeting about the trip. We will meet in the Worship Center from 4pm-5pm. Anyone interested in attending the trip or wanting to know more about our partnership with Chicago Friends of Haiti is encouraged to attend.
Prayer Requests
Myra Denlinger: Please pray for Myra, daughter of Carrie Denlinger (a close friend of the LaBelles), who was taken to the emergency room today after experiencing a possible seizure.
Chuck Pheneger and family: Donna Pheneger, a dear friend of Phyl Holt, went to be with the Lord on January 10. Please pray that our God would bring comfort to Donna’s husband, Chuck, the Pheneger family, and our sister, Phyl.
In Him,
Pastor Rhett