Pastor's Post 1/7/2022

Dear Shiloh Family,

How could anyone even notice?  It was a meager fare, but it was her contribution. Some begrudgingly gave large sums (small fractions compared to their total worth), but she gave all.  I am convinced that it wasn’t the amount, nor comparison that caught the Lord’s attention.  I believe it was that the widow gave from the depths of her heart.  

Luke 21:1-4:21 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.  3 So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had." NKJV

It was only a bowl of soup.  However, as Anita and I returned from the testing site, the realization of being COVID quarantined for a week, and the fact that we wouldn’t be attending Sunday worship at Shiloh, loomed large in our minds.  Even though we were already on the physical mend, the spiritual and psychological realms of our lives were a bit lacking.  As we entered the kitchen door from the back deck, the simple small basin of porridge, accompanied with a few cornbread muffins began a healing process within the depths of our souls.  Somebody cared; someone took time for us.  A sweet little lady, who already often cooks for half the church, delivered her heart in the form of chicken chowder.  It was some of the best soup I have ever eaten.

I had experienced a similar feeling a few weeks earlier when delivering an anonymous envelope to a COVID riddled family.  Like mine, their tears of gratitude expressed more than mere words. As I realized that I had now become the recipient of blessings, my understanding was greatly enhanced.  I am continually overwhelmed by the love that is poured out from the families of our church.  

Yes, many have been and will continue to be affected by this virus.  However, we can choose to allow it to defeat us, or use it as an opportunity for ministry.  I encourage everyone to continue to support the ministries of Shiloh, both financially and in attendance.  We will press through!  If you are not sick, your presence is needed on Sunday.  If you know someone who has been quarantined, leave an unexpected blessing on the doorstep.  Use this as an invitation to lift someone’s spirit.  Turn mayhem into ministry. 

Philippians 3:13-14:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. KJV

 The hireling finds an excuse.  The true servant finds a new ministry.   

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell

Refer to the ministry announcements for new times and locations in various ministries. 

General Announcements:  If you have announcements for the newsletter or Sunday morning service, please get them to Melissa by 12:00 PM on Wednesday.  This will allow the AV team to process relative schedules, letters, videos, etc…

Covid News: Your startup team, who kept us safe through the original crises, is monitoring the virus situation.  We are continuing to sanitize the main auditorium and outlying areas.   If you are concerned about social distancing, you might consider coming to the early (8:30 AM) service because the numbers are somewhat less.  However, there is still room in the second service as well.  I encourage you to continue attending, but please, be considerate of those who are more vulnerable or might have concerns. 

Please!  If you are sick, have experienced symptoms in recent days, or think you might have been exposed, stay home.  We can’t eliminate the virus, but we can help prevent an outbreak in our church.

THANK YOU NOTES:

  “I just wanted to thank my church family for all the prayers that lifted me up and helped me through my illness.  I also wanted to thank you all fro the love, support, and help you all have shown to us.  I love you all so much, and I am proud to be able to call you my church family because you all are like family to Debbie, the kids, and me.  I pray the Lord gives you all a special blessing for what you have done.”—Don and Debbie Woods

 “Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for the love, support, prayers, plant, and food you all sent.  I am beyond blessed to have such a loving church.”—Juanita Bloodworth

Ministry Announcements:

SHOWERS:

 There will be a shower for Jensen Floyd, January 16, at 6:00 PM.

• They are registered at Amazon

• There will be a Diaper Raffle

There will be a shower for Hannahbelle Clemmons Morehead, March 6, at 6:00 PM. They are registered at Target.

SECRET SISTERS: There will be a Secret Sisters Reveal Party at the Mean Mug Coffeehouse in Fort Oglethorpe on January 16th, at 1:00 PM.  If you are rejoining for 2022 or a potentially new member, please, pick up a form at Grand Central, fill it out and bring it to the party.  Existing members who are unable to attend the party should give their gifts and forms to Jamie Starr or Christie Bradley.

New Sunday School Class:  David and Tya Mercer have begun a new young adult Sunday School class.   This was formerly the 2430 class and will include married couples and single attendees.

Sunday Morning Worship:  8:30 and 11:00 AM in the main auditorium.

Sunday School:  9:45-10:45

CHILDREN’S CHURCH:  Tya Mercer will be conducting children’s church (Pre-K & Kindergarten) during the 2nd service.

JR. CHURCH:  Jr. Church (1st-5th) will meet upstairs in the FLC during the 2nd service.

Nursery:  Nursery will now be provided in both services.  However, we are still in need of adult workers in both services.  If you would volunteer to work in either service, please contact Lea or call Melissa at the church office. 

Men's Bible Study:  The men are meeting every Monday night in the FLC at 6:30 for the “Pursuit” Bible study.  Everyone is welcome.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 

• ADULT BIBLE STUDY:   Bro. David Jones and Pastor Paul will continue the Wednesday night Bible study and prayer meeting.  They are currently teaching a series on "Knowing God." Please plan to attend each Wednesday at 7:00.

• COLLEGE AND CAREER:  Jon Carson and Garry Trulove will be leading a Bible study each Wednesday night.  The group will be meeting downstairs in the main building.  

• YOUTH:  The High School/Middle School youth group will meet upstairs in the FLC.

•  AWANA:  3 Yr Old through 5th Grade - Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 PM