The Lift!

Sunday, October 7th, was a big day for the Syracuse Church of God!   A project that had been years in the making is now a reality!   The "lift" is operational and now those who need the assistance can travel from the top floor to the basement!   We have enjoyed seeing it put to good use already!   We dedicated it into service following worship with Lloyd Kammerdiener breaking the red ribbon!   Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

The Life of the Church on the Hill!

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus...do I hear an amen?  

Our church on the hill has been  a hive of activity over the last few months.   We said good-bye to dear friends, the Wilczynski Family, as they left to continue their ministry in Illinois.  We hosted the community VBS which was total craziness orchestrated by God!  120+ kids joined us over the course of the week...God is good!   During this we were on a search for our next pastor...who was going to be right for us?   Where and how would we find them?

In July, we asked Stan Owen to "fill" the pulpit as we searched for our next pastor...and fill-in he did!   Stan and his wife Cindy have been with us each Sunday since July...they've helped with VBS, they helped clean-up the church for our fall clean-up, they LOVE to go on visitations....and they just became part of our church.  So this past Sunday (October 7th) we trusted Jesus and offered Pastor Stan the full-time pastor position at 104 East Washington!   It's official...we have a pastor---we are open and ready for the business of winning lost souls to Christ!   You are encouraged to join us soon and meet with Pastor Stan and his wife, Cindy---and see what God has in store for us!   We prayed and God answered that prayer!  

Community VBS!

This summer on July 30th to August 3rd our church is hosting the Syracuse Community VBS!   Join us from 6-8:30pm for all sorts of fun and fellowship!    We are expecting a huge turnout and look forward to seeing lives changes for Christ!   This is for ages 3 to 5th grade (that means they just finished 5th grade).   We hope to see you there!

Fan or Follower?

Yesterday, May 6th, we finished a sermon series that has spanned the last 15 or so weeks.   Have we decided where we fit?   Just glad to be a fan---a cheerleader for God...or are we putting our faith to work and following God's teaching and going forth to teach the world about Him and loving as He loved?   This week we witnessed first hand the example of following God---watching as our pastor and his family step out in courage and faith to a new calling to Mt. Carol Church of God in northwest Illinois  .We with heavy hearts grieve for what their leaving means to us, but we also rejoice in knowing they are setting that example for us and following God's will, even when it hurts...even when its uncomfortable!    Isn't that what a follower does anyway...stays with it thru the good and bad?    So where do you stand?  

Let's set forth today to pray...pray for the Wilczynski family as they prepare to move, pray for the Mt. Carol Church of God, pray for the Syracuse Church of God, and pray for our roll in following God's will.   Let us not becoming a stumbling block in building the kingdom, but let us focus on  listening to His call on our lives.   We are not forsaken, we are not forgotten, we are in the midst of God's will today and we can rejoice in His ultimate care and provision!    John 16:33 says "in this world you will have trouble, but take heart....for I have overcome the world!"   We have the ONE who overcame the world in our corner, He's rooting for us....and now we stand and follow HIM!   

Let us commit today to serve the risen Savior with fearless abandon and let us set our eyes on His prize...eternal life with Him!  

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."   Joshua 1:9

Tuesday - a thought for the day!

Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
Today's Thoughts: Seasonal Changes
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. - Psalm 1:2-3
My aunt came from the east coast to visit. Our days were filled with theme parks, shopping malls, and numerous activities. One evening, as we were planning for the next day, she said, "Can't we see what the weather does and then decide?" That question took me by surprise. Those of us living in Southern California tend to not factor in the weather until we actually see it raining. Why? Because there are few seasonal changes here. Even when the weather forecaster predicts rain, wind patterns change frequently and we often do not get the predicted rain or inclement weather.
Her statement, however, had greater implications. She was tired and ready to slow down and change the pace. On the east coast, weather is a natural boundary that helps adjust schedules and lifestyles. Although the sunny skies are an advantage for most daily events and plans, Southern Californians have to make a conscious effort to rest and slow down. God knows that we need cycles of rest as much as periods of productivity. He factors into our lives spiritual seasons of sunny skies, rainy days, snowed in days and even some hurricanes, tornados and thunderstorms. Why? Because in each of these events, God wants to show Himself faithful and build our faith to trust in Him.
Make a commitment to understand the ways of the Lord. If every day were perfect, there would be no dependency on the Lord or desire to be with God in heaven. Factor in time to spend with the Lord before your day starts. He will prepare you for the weather changes in your spiritual life for the day. The Lord's desire for you is to be stable and consistent, even when the seasons are not. By considering God in your day, you will find peace and joy regardless of what the weather brings.

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
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