Pathfinder

  Shepherds & Servants: How Christ Orders His Church At our February Session meeting we revisited Scripture’s teaching on the two biblical offices— Elders and Deacons —and why they matter for the health of our church. Elders are called to spiritual oversight: prayer, teaching, and shepherding the flock with character and maturity. Deacons lead us in practical mercy: meeting needs with hands‑on care and encouraging generous service. Together, these roles help us follow Jesus with both wisdom and compassion . We also celebrated a joyful moment: Session approved believers’ baptism for Sam and Jonah Seeger . Please join us in praying for them as they publicly profess faith in Christ and for all who are exploring the gospel in this season. Two simple ways to help the body right now: we’re praying for a Children’s Ministry Coordinator and a few additions to the music team (a drummer and a bass guitarist would be a gift). If the Lord is nudging you—or if you’d like to learn...

  With the cooperation of the USPS, most of you will more than likely have this month's Pathfinder in hand prior to Easter Sunday. I'll take that timetable and use it to wish you all a somewhat early, blessed Easter! Acknowledgment that Christ willingly gave up his life for us in a brutal and painful manner; and then, a mere three days later, resurrected from the dead to summarily re-balance the world order by forgiving its sins and definitively defeating death, is the faith that forms and defines the collective, passionately beating heart of Christianity. While we celebrate these amazing gifts that Father God has bestowed upon us, we ought to also take away a realization that we, as Christians, have a reciprocal obligation to help keep our world in the state that THE resurrection returned it to.          In an article on the website Christianity.com, Brian G. Hedges, lead pastor for Fulkerson Park Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan wrote: “The res...

  It’s that time of year when we start our annual inspections.  Last month the fire protection system was inspected, a sensor was repaired and the battery backup was replaced.    Soon the elevator and stair lift will be inspected, along with the fire extinguishers.  This year we will add the kitchen hood to the mix since its now mandated by county code enforcement who will be in to check the building as well.  Last year the “Kitchen committee” requested that we put an outlet in the floor under the banquet serving area to help with warming and crock pots – we finally completed that request.  With Fuel prices up, it reminds us to keep watch on the thermal boundaries, and secure lights when not in use. Folks have been doing a fantastic job of conserving and we thank you.  Finally, we plan on having a “Trustee Workday” May 2 nd , with a rain date of May 9 th . The trustee workdays wouldn’t be complete without an all-hands effort. Here we invite the co...

  The other night, my wife and I had a fight. It was loud enough that the 2 oldest kids heard us upstairs (or they snuck down and sat on the stairs, I’m not sure which- I was busy fighting).     When my wife went upstairs after the fight, she was met by the two of them. They expressed their concern to her. She told them, “We disagree sometimes. We fight sometimes. But neither of us is going anywhere.” My 12-year-old responded, “That’s what I told Lily.”      The next morning, my son and I sat down to read the Bible and pray together and I asked, “Did you hear us fighting last night?” “Yes,” he replied, “But I know everything’s ok.” And I said, “Yeah. It is. Sometimes, mommy and I fight. Just like sometimes you and I fight, but you and I aren’t going anywhere either, are we?” “No.” he said. “And I love you, right?” I asked. “Yes.” he said. “When I got upstairs, I had to say sorry to mommy,” I told him. “Because I was wrong.”     We would rather our...