The Clerk Communicator

Dear Maple Runners,
August has been quite a month of learning and contemplation for me.  I am very much enjoying Pastor John’s sermon series from 2nd Timothy.  Things I have picked up on so far are:

• Our faith can grow stronger generation to generation.  I am reminded of the words of the song, “The Footprints we leave behind.”  Am I passing on to my children and grandchildren an example and a heritage of seeing God active in my life, my home, at all times?
• 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord...We need to be bold for our love for the Lord.  To be ready and willing to share our testimony, to live a life of love and self-discipline.  For me, this requires daily prayer asking for the willpower and self-discipline.
• We have to be on guard that we do not compromise our faith, our ethics, our morals.  There are so many times that Satan is working to put temptations in front of us that would ask us to make compromises to our core beliefs.
• We have to be willing to give grace (unmerited favor freely given) just as God grants grace to us.

Other things I have thought about is “Finishing Forward”.  I heard a speaker talk about how it is important that we all “Finish Forward”.  What I interpreted is that we all have to give our best every day regardless of our age.  The speaker related the concept to Joseph.  Joseph had the dream about his brothers bowing down to him, obviously his brothers were not thrilled and he got thrown in the pit, sold and ended up in Potiphar’s house.  He gave his best and was rewarded with great responsibility, again things went wrong and he ended up in the prison.  Once again he did his best and was rewarded with responsibility.  Joseph ended up interpreting the King’s dream and once again found himself with great responsibility, called on to manage the grain warehouses and saved Egypt and the surrounding communities from starvation during the famine and his brothers, who did not recognize him, came and bowed down before him when asking for grain for the family.  During Joseph’s last days, he was still helping his family and giving them direction for the future.  Joseph never compromised his faith, ethics or morals in the face of great challenges. (See Genesis 37-50) Many times we may face life challenges, it is how we respond that makes the difference.  Please consider if you are finishing forward.
I am excited for things happening for Maple Run;

1. Ben & Aubrey are going to be working with our youth and asking other members of our church to assist monthly.
2. We have written for a grant for a new ministry outreach for the 18-24 year old group.  This is a group that sometimes gets lost during late high school and college.  Please pray about this new ministry opportunity.  More information to come as the opportunity develops.
3. Our Give Kids the World group is working on making blankets for the families that visit the GKTW Resort, they are well over 50 made and ready to go.  I heard last night that a couple that attended last March, from outside our church, has been making pillows for the pillow tree and has sent well over 100 since our last trip.  What an awesome outreach and life changing opportunity.

Wow, there is a lot to consider, pray about and become involved in.  Our next Monthly Meeting will be September 10, hoping you will be able to join us.
Go With God,
Jenni

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