Friends,

What's the life of a pop music tune? A month or two? A year?

They don't last long, most of them. But every once in a while, a song comes along that really sticks.

That's true of this little ditty published by the pop superstar of his era, Stephen Foster, in the year 1854:

"Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears,
While we all sup sorrow with the poor;
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears;
Oh! Hard times come again no more.
Chorus:
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
Oh! Hard times come again no more."

Here's an folk-music supergroup performing it (including Emmylou Harris,  Kate & Anna McGarrigle and Rufus Wainwright, among others):


Modern stars such as Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris and James Taylor continue to sing it: surely because of its timeless message. None of us live in log cabins anymore, but most everyone's known hard times. And we don't want them to come back.

But if they do, what then? Where do we find the strength to journey through life's trying experiences and come out the other side?

This week's Old Testament lesson tells us how: trust in the Lord. For God is the one who says:

CHURCH ORGANIZATION LEADERS: Information for the Annual Reports was due on Friday.  If you have not submitted your information, please do asap. Reports will be ready for the congregation on Sunday, January 17, 2016.

OFFERING ENVELOPES - Are still located in the Narthex. Please try to save the church money by picking up your envelopes by the end of the month. Thank you!

AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS (AGO) OCEAN COUNTY CHAPTER -Will be presenting Sacred Choral and Organ Music on January 31, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. This choir festival will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, Washington Street in Toms River. A free will offering will be accepted.

CWS helps to provide primary health care for displaced and other families in need. In such far-flung places as Sudan, Pakistan and Nicaragua, CWS gives comfort and care to moms and babies, and helps children get the nutrition they need to grow up strong and healthy

And here in the U.S., CWS Blankets provide comfort in many communities hit by disaster, and in shelters or agencies assisting those experiencing hard times.