Strong Faith from Simple Truths
2 Peter 12-21
12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
This Sunday’s Service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, October 13, 2024
Greetings everyone,
We're continuing our trek through 2 Peter, this time focusing on chapter 1, verses 12-21. Consider, Peter had a sense that his time was coming to an end and so he focused on the messages that mattered to him the most. Notice the simplicity of what matters. "This is what I saw. This is all from God." I have continually been humbled by the needs at the base of every person in times of crisis: they rely on simple truths and honest connections with God. The simple truths carry. The honest connection to God persists. The simple truths preach. The simple truths are profound - and we always err when we presume that simplicity is shallow. Simple truths are worthy of being celebrated.
In my experience in the hospital, crises and troubles challenge us. Assumptions and comforts may fade and, with very few exceptions, the deep and simple basis of faith becomes a refuge and root from which a mature and stronger faith will grow. The simple and deep truths and trust in God persist.
This Sunday, please join me as we focus on a simple truth and together give thanks to God for the simple truths and run deep and the faith through Christ that endures.
Peace,
Zach
Pastoral Search Committee Update
What has happened:
1. We narrowed the pool down to 2 candidates and completed 2nd virtual interviews with each of them.
2. Update: We have now invited both of the candidates to visit Rochester for an in-person interview.
What's next:
1. The candidates will visit Rochester within the next 3 weeks.
2. The purpose of these visits will be for them to get a better feel for our community and for us to continue to discern together whether to extend an offer, bring them forward to the congregation for a candidacy weekend, and vote to call them to pastor NewDay. At these visits, they will have a formal interview with the search committee, meet with financial representatives of the leadership team to cover the compensation package, meet the staff, and tour our cabin and the city of Rochester.
3. The search committee will then vote on who to extend an offer to candidate, which would be a weekend to preach, meet the congregation, and have the congrgational vote.
What you can do:
1. Please continue to pray. We are grateful for all of your prayers and especially the dedication of the Search Process Prayer Committee.
Specific prayer needs:
1. For guidance for the search committee as we move through this process of discernment as we
interact in person with these applicants.
2. For our future pastor who is listening to God's calling, guidance on their decision, and safe travel.
3. For the search process to continue smoothly and for patience for our community as we move
through it together.
2. Please reach out to any of us at any time with questions and thoughts.
PSC members, roles, and contact information:
Roger Hofer: Chair. hofer.roger@gmail.com 507-254-3935
Natalie Woodberry: Vice-chair, communication coordinator. natalie.woodberry@gmail.com 612-747-3627
Kristi Florek: Secretary. mattandkristiflorek@gmail.com 507-202-0324
Charlotte Florek: Secretary. cnflorek@gmail.com 507-226-2569
Cindi Halleen: Church Chair, leadership team liaison. cp2halleen@gmail.com 507-358-5447
This meeting will be for prayer, planning and communication about the Orange Children's Ministry curriculum, and getting to know Laura Biesterfeld, our new Sunday morning KidsZone coordinator. This meeting will be for those currently involved with kiddos at NewDay on Sunday mornings, or would like to consider ministering to children in the nursery or in Elementary KidsZone.