Newsletter for March 11, 2026

Join us for a new Family Night Bible study as we explore timeless biblical principles through the simple life and values of a small town.

From integrity and forgiveness to patience, humility, and faith, we’ll discover how everyday moments can point us to lasting truth.

Come grow with us as we learn how small-town wisdom connects with God’s Word and speaks to life today.

Supper is at 6 PM, followed by our study.

On The Menu
Chicken and Dumplings, Tossed Salad, and Brownies

If you would like to attend the Praise Service, Sue Mastrario will be driving the bus. Please let Sue or Jonathan know if you plan to go so we can make arrangements.

Mark your calendar!
Wednesday, March 18, 2026

We would love to have you.

Sunday, March 15

Join us for a special day with Murray Tilles from Light of Messiah Ministries as he presents “Jesus in the Passover.”

Have you ever wondered what the Jewish Passover has to do with Jesus and the Lord’s Supper? Discover how the Passover meal beautifully points to Christ and the redemption He brings.

Murray will be sharing during:
Sunday School, Morning Worship Service, and a
special Passover lunch presentation.

A traditional Passover table will be set up, and you’ll gain powerful insight into the Jewish roots of our faith and the meaning behind Communion.

This will be a meaningful and eye-opening experience for all ages.

To support this ministry, we will be taking up a love offering to
cover the cost of this event. 

Fellowship & Fun – Join Us!

We are excited to invite you to our next time of fellowship and fun as we travel to a Mennonite restaurant in Montezuma on Saturday, March 21! There is nothing better than enjoying good food and sweet fellowship together, and this promises to be a wonderful day of both. We will leave the church at 10:30 a.m., so come ready for a relaxed and enjoyable outing with your church family.

If you would like to attend, please sign up in your Sunday School class or let Jonathan know as soon as possible. We hope you will join us for a great time of food, laughter, and fellowship!

Don’t miss Brother David’s Mid-Week Devotions.
New messages are posted every Wednesday on our media page—take a midweek moment to be encouraged and refreshed in God’s Word.

Budget for 2026 . . . . . . . .  $343,528.00
Tithes Needed to Date . . . .  $66,063.10
Received to Date . . . . . . . .  $59,102.13     
Needed for weekly budget . . . $6,606.31
Tithes Received this week . . . $3,647.80

 

In Philippians 4:5b, we read, “…The Lord is near.” God is not “out there somewhere.” He is close to us. The Father is always watching over us. The Son is always interceding for us. The Holy Spirit is within us to strengthen, encourage, guide, and intercede for us. God is near His people.

What real difference does that make in our lives? Is all that merely theory, or does it impact us? What concrete differences does the reality of God’s nearness make in our lives? The Apostle Paul answers that question in verses 4-9. He shows us the wonderful ways God’s presence makes a difference in our everyday lives.

We first see that the Lord’s nearness enables us to live in joy. Verse 4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” That doesn’t mean rejoice because we have hard, painful experiences. It does mean that we can rejoice in hard, painful circumstances because God is in control, has an ultimate good plan for us, and is using the situation to grow and mature us. God’s nearness enables us to rejoice even in difficult situations.

God’s nearness enables us to keep ourselves under control. Verse 5 says, “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” When we remember that the Lord is with us in every situation, we can trust Him to enable us to handle those situations in a godly manner. We don’t have to “blow up,” lash out, or attack. We can be calm in the reality of His presence.

Recognizing God’s nearness enables us to trust Him. Verses 6-7 say, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” That experience requires a God who is near. That is what we have!

God’s nearness also leads us to a life of excellence. In verse 8, we see that this impacts our thinking. We will put our minds on things of value and turn away from the worthless. Verse 9 speaks of our conduct. Remembering God’s nearness impacts our every thought and action. We begin to live a life of excellence.

Child of God, the Lord is near. Let the reality of His presence strengthen, guide, and fill your life.