From the Pastor

Making Peace

This time of year peace is a topic of cards, songs and lighted signs. Christmas and peace go together. We look forward to the time when our Prince of Peace will return and take his rightful place as king. Oh how we look forward to that great day.
But what about now? Are we left with only a far away dream of peace? No. The sort of peace that Jesus will usher in can be enjoyed now in a small measure. It’s like a preview of what we will know in its fulness.
In Christ now we can have peace. Not worldwide peace, that’s Jesus’ job. But we can have peace among ourselves. That’s our job. We can manufacture peace (Matt 5:7). When we engage in the activity of peace making, be aware, the world may punish us (John 16:33).
As followers of Jesus, peace making is part of our mission. Scripture tells us; “As much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Rom. 12:18). Also, that peace is something we should pursue with everyone (1 Peter 3:11). And without making peace we won’t see God (Heb. 12:14). It’s clear that peace making isn’t an option that we can refuse. Peace making isn’t one of may items on the buffet line of Christian duties we can pass over because it doesn’t suit our taste or lifestyle.
I don’t want to leave you here. That wouldn’t be right. I want to point out how we can make peace. We have been given a divinely appointed set of tools so we can manufacture peace. These tools can be found in Colossians 3:12-14; “Put on therefore, as God`s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do.”
These are the qualities and practices we need to put into our lives so that we are equipped to make peace. For these to be fully operational, God’s spirit must dominate us more than our pride, ambitions, or our flesh. As Paul the Apostle wrote; “So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may build one another up” (Romans 14:19).
We need to use our divine tools to pursue peace which will lift up others. It may be hard work and it may also require a change in our thinking and actions.
So this season of peace is there someone who needs to see a new and improved you? Is there someone who needs tender mercy from you rather than sharp criticism? Does somebody you know need to receive kindness instead of harshness? Is there a person who would be blessed if they saw your humility and meekness rather than your overbearing and controlling nature? Do you know anyone who would need your longsuffering rather than experience your impatience? You may have someone in mind who would want your forgiveness rather than your score keeping tendencies.
Changing our attitudes and behaviors will bless others and will make us be peace makers. Make this a priority in prayer and practice. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thess. 3:16).
– Pastor Chuck


Advent Season The Advent season has began. We will be using the Advent candles again this year. Pastor Chuck is looking for people who are willing to do a reading and light candles. Interested? Talk to him.

Pot Luck
Are you ready for a pot luck lunch? December 30 is the next scheduled time for this. Plan to be there with a dish or two to pass and expect a good time. This happens right after our morning service.


There will not be a newsletter next week.

Prayer Items
Remember to pray for John Taylor’s family at this time of loss.

Keep Joan Dick in your prayers as she goes through this tough change in her life after Bill’s death.

Ken Macleod’s family should be in our prays as they suffer from their loss.

Ric Landry’s family. Pray for wisdom, peace and understanding for all of them.

Lois and Bill Davis as they confront changes of life.

David Mejia is now planning to move to Auburn, Indiana. This move will happen around the first of the year. Dannette and the children will move at the end of the school year

Gail Custer, Dori Puffer’s daughter with health concerns. 

Sally Harris’ friend Don Rosenthal is battling cancer and some relationship issues. She has asked us to pray for him.

Pray for those who are making invitations to their friends to come to church. Pray that the invitation will be favorably received.

Pray for Bill and Mary Coleman. They have had some difficulty over the past months. Pray that God’s peace will fill their lives.

Sunday’s Adult Fellowship

Next week’s Sunday School class will be discussing the book of 1 Peter. Now would be a good time to get started with us. We gather at 9 am.

Mid-week Bible
studies Tuesday night we will be gathering at Ron & Junko’s home at 7 pm to continue our study of Revelation.
On Wednesday evening we are meeting at the church to continue our discussion of 1 Corinthians.

Memorials We were saddened by the news of John Taylor’s death. His funeral was held on Wednesday December 12th in Rialto.

Ken Macleod’s memorial is scheduled for Dec. 22 at 11 am. The service will be held in our chapel.


Next Sunday’s Sermon Pastor Chuck will continue speaking on the topics of Advent with a message “The Joy of Life”. The Joy candle is the fourth candle that will be lit. We will also be lighting the Christ candle. Come and hear about what the Bible says about what joy can do for you.


Card Box Here is some help giving cards to others here at Church. There is a box in the foyer you can put them in, and take out the ones for you. It should work.


We have receive many responses from our Wisdom & Power letter. Have you responded yet?



Read through the Proverbs. Read the chapter that corresponds to today’s date. You’ll get through once each month.