A Message From Joel

February 2012

Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ.

January has been a time of transition for me, and I’m sure for many other people, as well. The form transition has taken for me this time is moving to a different home. We were asked to move by our landlord because of his family issues. We weren’t expecting to move, and because of the white-hot nature of the current rental market, we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to find something that fits our growing family and our budget. But thanks be to God, we were able to find something in the timeframe we were asked to follow, that fits our lifestyle, family size, and budget! We also wouldn’t have been able to do it without the generous help of several of the members of Faith, who gave of their time, energy, and trailer and truck. ☺

So, for those of you who remain “in transition” in one way or another, here is a hymn that has offered me hope and comfort in the past. Imagine “the seas” as being an allegory for your own situation.

Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm has bound the restless wave,
who bade the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power, all travelers guard in danger’s hour
from rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect them weresoever they go;
thus evermore shall rise to thee glad hymns and praise from land and sea.


If I didn’t forget to say it before, I’ll say it again: thank you to everyone who helped make everything that happened here in December a success! Faith wouldn’t be where it is without her wonderful volunteers! I thank God frequently for all that you do.

If you haven’t already, please plan on being a part of Faith’s “Fat Tuesday” celebration February 21. It will be a night of good-natured revelry, complete with pancakes for dinner and entertainment with the various musical groups of Faith afterwards. It all starts at 6:00 pm. If you haven’t been a part of this celebration before, come check it out!

The very next day, we remember the gift God gave to all of us through the work of his Son, Jesus, by his journey to the cross and resurrection. Join us as we begin our 40-day reflection of Christ’s love for us, February 22, 7:00 pm.

Then, Saturday, March 10, a very special group will be visiting Faith – the Watoto Children’s Choir will be giving a concert here at 6:30. This is a Christian organization that helps children that have been orphaned in Africa by AIDS, war, or famine. They are taught that they have a life worth living, and that they have hope and purpose in their lives; they learn that they are not forgotten.  Visit this YouTube.com clip for a taste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoR9lDCKp6c&feature=related
Be there, March 10, 6:30!

 

 

 

Selections from Joel's Recitals are available on the links below. Enjoy!