October 25th, 2023

Hey Church Family!
​What an incredible weekend of remembering our past, celebrating our present, and anticipating our future as God has lead and continues to lead his church.  I hope you had a wonderful time together as a church family this past week.  It was wonderful to see some familiar faces, gather together in worship, share in fellowship together, and be challenged by our District Superintendent, Dr. Eddie Estep.  God is good all the time!

I want to highlight something that was said in the service this week.  Dr. Estep mentioned that there will always be good days and not so good days.  Days that are wonderful and days that terrible.  Days filled with hope and days filled with dread.  But what do we do with those days?

You may find comfort in the fact that Jesus had this same dilemma.  He was enjoying the start of a new movement and the launch of his public ministry.  This was quickly followed by some believing but others wanting to kill him.  People's lives were being changed, and yet there were some who wanted his life.  There were good days and there were bad days.

One thing we see in John's gospel, however, is that Jesus went back to where it all began.  The place where it all began is refreshing.  For Jesus, it was the other side of the Jordan River.  The place where he heard his Father's voice, "This is my son, whom I love.  With him I am well pleased."  That place was a significant place for Jesus.

Where is that place for you?  Where is the place where it all began?  Was it at an altar in a church?  Was it driving down the interstate in your car?  Was it at a bedside?  Where did it all begin for you?  You may find that going back to that place will be refreshing, encouraging, and offer the strength you need.

As we celebrate 40 years of ministry, I encourage you to look back to where it all began for you.  How did you get connected with The Woods?  How did you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  How did you come to a place of commitment and service to him?  I pray that you would find the place where it all began uplifting and encouraging. 

Together in Christ,
Pastor Michael