Facebook is stupid! There, I've said it. Now that I've given vent to my frustration, let me explain. I began this year with an announcement: West Valley Community Church had a Facebook page and, for the next year, we were going to invite our "friends" on Facebook to share in our new online community. I thought it would be a great way for us to see how our individual actions and comments reflect on our entire church. Since many folks converse through Facebook, this would also provide a great way for our church family to disseminate information, such as supplies need for an upcoming social, etc.

Weather. Almost everyone talks about the weather. It can be extreme in winter and also in summer. Aren't we glad for variety?

David, in his "SAWS", writes about weather:

Dear God, you are so great; You have limitless strength. You shape the seasons of winter and summer. You make the thunder and lightening; the rain and the wind--pouring out of the North. You water the mountains from your heavenly cisterns; earth is supplied with plenty of rain. Your trees are well-watered. You pour out buckets in the desert; thorn and cactus become oases.

You fill the skies with light: the sun to watch over the day; moon and stars as guardians of the night. You welcome the sun in the East, and say "Farewell" to the disappearing sun in the West. You form clouds of many shapes, some white and fluffy, some gray and ominous.

You step down out of the heaven and ignite the volcanoes in the mountains. You hurl lightning in every direction. Fire and hail, snow and ice, all obey your orders.

Thank you, Lord, for your marvelous works and your multiple blessings--too numerous to mention.

Pastor Clio Thomas serves as "Area Director" for the Asia/Pacific mission field of the Advent Christian Denomination. One of his duties is to encourage mission workers in a variety of settings throughout Asia. The following is a weekly installment of his letter, sent literally around the world to those in his charge.

Dear Ones in Christ,

In Colossians 3:16-17 we read these words: "Let the word that Christ gives dwell in you richly as you teach and counsel one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

In the U.K. there is a candy called Brighton Rock.  It is a tube shaped roll which carries the words "Brighton Rock" on the inside.  It can also have other words, logos, or pictures inside.  The reality is though that the lettering or pictures run throughout the roll.  No matter where you cut it, lick it, or bite it, the words and/or pictures inside are visible.

I think that is what Paul is getting at in Colossians 3.  The Christian is to have Jesus inside.  Every bit of who we are is to be determined by Jesus.  No matter where and/or how we are dissected Jesus is to be revealed.  Jesus must run all through us.  Not half way.  All the way.  We are to be the BRIGHTON ROCK of the Lord Jesus!!



God bless you.

Love in Him,
Pastor Clio

Francine Rivers has done it again with the second book of the Marta's Legacy series.  HER DAUGHTER'S DREAM continues the generational story of mothers and daughters started in HER MOTHER'S HOPE and brings the story up to present day. Rivers has again made the New York Times Bestseller list.
 
You don't have to be a sports fan or a war history buff to enjoy UNBROKEN, the life story of Louis Zamperini whose Olympic running career was cut short by WWII.  His plane was downed over the Pacific and he survived only to be picked up by the Japanese to become a POW.  He survived terrible brutality and hated his captors. It was in a Billy Graham Crusade that Jesus saved him and brought purpose to his life.  At age 81 he carried the Olympic torch in Japan. Now in his 90's he still carries the torch for his Lord. A breathtaking, exciting, carefully documented story by Laura Hillenbrand who also authored SEABISCUIT. The book is also on the NY Times bestseller list.
 
Browse the library table for some of our newer titles. Also a few oldies have been placed. The ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series is a classic loved by children and adults as well.  C. S. Lewis'  NARNIA SERIES is always a good read. The books themselves are a beautiful edition.
 
Take time to browse. The shelves are full of good reading to be enjoyed.

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• These items will be listed on a weekly basis in our e-news. If you have recurring items, please keep the church office informed on a weekly basis by the end of day Thursday.