Hello ICC Family!
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15
This past Sunday we had come to the end of our worship music block and I was saying something about the song we had just sung (something wise and worshipful and helpful, I am sure…) when Mama Reeves started walking down the middle aisle straight up to me. And let’s just say I had no idea what was going on or what I was supposed to do! I think I kept talking. I’m old enough to have learned that most of the time if you act like you know what you are doing - people won’t question the fact. But this time it turns out that I truly had no idea what was going on. You all had managed to organize a pastor appreciation time without me knowing at all!
Laurel and I can’t begin to express our appreciation and love for all of you. You blessed us with cards and gifts and a pizza party, but I am absolutely serious when I say… we are the ones that are appreciative. We owe our gratitude to all of you and to the Lord for calling us to ICC for me to be your pastor. So, if Sunday was pastor appreciation day, then I am declaring this to be church appreciation day, because I am truly appreciative of the ICC church family! We are a unique and diverse and sometimes challenging family, but I am thankful that we have the privilege of bearing with each other and forgiving each other and loving each other as the Colossians passage above talks about. As we serve and worship together and learn what it means to be one body together… we are called to be thankful through it all. Blessings and thanks to each one of you today!
Just a few verses later… Colossians 4:2 says “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” We have an opportunity tonight to do just this. As mentioned previously, we will spend this evening in guided prayer for our country, its leaders, the election, and the church. The whole country is watchful with just days to go - trying not to worry. I wish that the whole country was also praying and remembering to be thankful as well. Please join us tonight at 6:15 for prayer. 5:45 if you would also like to eat together!
Blessings to you all. And know that I am praying for you!
Pastor Aaron
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