September Newsletter Article
Romans 15:5-7 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Matthew 25:44-45 44 Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' 45 Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'
I have now been here a month and it still seems like every day somebody asks me if everything is going ok in the house or if I have found everything that I need around Fort Smith. This welcoming itself is welcome. It reminds me of the care and love that has surrounded me ever since I arrived. I want to thank everybody who gave food or money, and to all who helped to prepare the house for me before I arrived. I especially want to thank Warren Noetzelman, and Gary and Carole Shelby, for their frequent contact this summer while Pastor Don was gone on sabbatical and for helping to get me into my house and show me around the church.
As we begin the new school year there are new faces that we all meet, whether new teachers, new friends, or seeing old friends again after being gone for parts of the summer. The same occurs at our church as people who may have been gone during the summer return, programs resume and new programs arise.
In Romans, Paul asks the Roman church to take care to dwell in harmony with each other. He also speaks to us. When we come to church on Saturday or Sunday or during our daily travels any day during the week, we may meet strangers that we should welcome, but we should also welcome each other. You never know who may be going through a rough patch, or may be feeling a little lonely. The little smile, handshake or hug may be exactly what they need. The “least of these” that Jesus speaks of may not be a stranger, but may be our friend and neighbor and also could be ourselves.
Matthew 25:44-45 44 Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' 45 Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'
I have now been here a month and it still seems like every day somebody asks me if everything is going ok in the house or if I have found everything that I need around Fort Smith. This welcoming itself is welcome. It reminds me of the care and love that has surrounded me ever since I arrived. I want to thank everybody who gave food or money, and to all who helped to prepare the house for me before I arrived. I especially want to thank Warren Noetzelman, and Gary and Carole Shelby, for their frequent contact this summer while Pastor Don was gone on sabbatical and for helping to get me into my house and show me around the church.
As we begin the new school year there are new faces that we all meet, whether new teachers, new friends, or seeing old friends again after being gone for parts of the summer. The same occurs at our church as people who may have been gone during the summer return, programs resume and new programs arise.
In Romans, Paul asks the Roman church to take care to dwell in harmony with each other. He also speaks to us. When we come to church on Saturday or Sunday or during our daily travels any day during the week, we may meet strangers that we should welcome, but we should also welcome each other. You never know who may be going through a rough patch, or may be feeling a little lonely. The little smile, handshake or hug may be exactly what they need. The “least of these” that Jesus speaks of may not be a stranger, but may be our friend and neighbor and also could be ourselves.
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