Faith @ Fifth and Juliana

We will hear on Sunday the story of Jesus taking Peter, James and John on a trip up the mountain. The scene of awe and fear belongs to them. They were the only people present.

We are not called to life on that mountaintop but to one in the valley below where our cross waits for us; the cross we must pick up and carry even if the weight of it could rob us of life.

For in the end, it is not the mountaintop but here, wherever we live, that God waits for us, and welcomes us, supports and loves us. It is here, in the very midst of our busy and cluttered lives that He comes.

This does not mean we are doomed forever to live in fear. It is not cause for despair if we can learn with Moses and Joshua, Peter, James and John, that we are absolutely dependent on God.

I read this week a story about Robert Frost, the poet. He died more than thirty years ago. I had forgotten for a moment that he read a poem in 1961 at President Kennedy’s inauguration.

For all his public triumphs, his private life was dark. One son died at the age of three; another child committed suicide. A favorite daughter died of fever while giving birth. Authorities placed his sister in a mental institution; another daughter was also confined for mental problems. The only daughter who survived blamed her father for all these misfortunes.

Still Frost said “God seems to me to be something which wants us to win, just as God eventually survives the setbacks of the world to eventually win”.

It is here in our valley with all our weaknesses that He comes to give us strength, here in our sin and failure that He offers forgiveness, here in the midst of our sickness and death, He makes good His promise of life lived fully now…..and forever.

Jack+

We are so pleased to announce that a dear friend will be returning here for our Quiet Morning, February 20th! Rev. Steve Cuff, a former curate here in the early ‘90’s, now lives in Washington Courthouse, Ohio. He has graciously accepted our invitation to be present for the 10 a.m. service. If at all possible, please come and say “hello” to Father Steve!

Eucharist follows at 12:10 p.m.

Supper Club:

Just a reminder that Supper Club this month is being hosted by the Gyongyosi family! Please give Julie or Tom a call at 422-4121 if you would like to attend. It is this Friday, Feb. 8th. Come and join the fun!

 
Attention kids!! 

We are going to have a Mardi Gras party Feb. 10th during Sunday School class time. Join us and experience the fun before we begin Lent.

    Our Parish Prayers

Please hold these people, events and circumstances in your daily prayers. Also, we encourage you to always say a prayer for those unknown persons who have no one to pray for them. By-the-way, please remember to renew prayer requests monthly

Gene Smith, Julia Davis, Walter Kafka, Justine Eby, Woody and Gloria Thacker, Bob Lawrence-Berrey, Jennie Miracle, Tiffany, Gabe and Mason Bennett, Roy Uppwall, Tom O’Shea, Celia Smith, Philip Roper, Jane Wood, Ron Taylor, Mary Glen Rice, Doug Van Cleve, Marilyn Carney, Ruth Tepley, Conni Clark, Charlotte Mills, Ruth Elder, Carole Davis, Leon Cox, Dwight Merrell, Virginia Wyland, Margaret Butler, Bob and Sally, John W. Richards, Jr., Tracey and Ivan Fearn, Doris Nunn, Jim Johnston, Bob Richard.