“Following the Good Shepherd in a Time of Need”
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23, KJV
A Summer Haiku
Simplify your day
lay on the grass and pray
wait for God to speak.
– Carla A. Romarate-Knipel
It seems like time flew this year and it’s summertime again! But unlike the line in a popular song goes, the living is not so easy, as we would hope. Christian churches in America and around the world are facing the many challenges of being faithful to God through Christ, above all else; and contribute to the well-being of our community, our nation and the world. The many natural disasters as well as human-made or caused problems of war, violent conflict and divisions in our country and the world, cause us to worry and riddle us with fear. The hope that we seek to find in God, feels elusive at times. Yet, the message of Psalm 23 invites us to take a step back from our fears and anxieties, and put our trust in God, our Good Shepherd. As a worshipping and serving community of faith, we are encouraged by stories and sightings of God’s miracles that abound in and among us. We only have to make an effort to be on the lookout (“bolo”) for them!
Here at Central Baptist Church, with God’s Spirit helping us, we strive with who we are and what we have, to share the love of God, our Good Shepherd, with others – especially with those in need. I praise and thank God that Jeanette’s Closet, which re-opened on June 1, 2021, continues to serve our community in partnership with the Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries (GWCM). I thank God for the dedication and commitment of Libby Sellen with the help of volunteers from our CBC family, GWCM churches, friends and neighbors in our community. May all who are serve and give to this clothing ministry come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd who provides all that we need, protects us from evil and cares for us. We are blessed by those who come to shop as well, and opportunities that we can meet Jesus in them, and hopefully in us.
To you, Church family, for your ministry of prayer, generous giving of yourself, your resources, time and talents – many, many thanks! Let us continue to look to Jesus for encouragement and wisdom in times such as these through prayer, study of God’s word, worship and fellowship. May we make an effort to invite family and friends to join us for worship and service and share with them the blessing of knowing Jesus as our Good Shepherd who invites us to take time to rest, be renewed and be refreshed by God’s presence daily and especially this summer.
Have a Blessed, Healthy and Safe Summer! Happy Father’s Day to all Dads!
Yours in Christ’s service,
Pastor Carla
A Summer Reading Challenge: Start Reading through the Bible
It is usually in December or January that I invite you to read through all books of the Bible. Our worship Committee in its recent meeting asked me to encourage our church family (if you haven’t done it yet), to start reading through the Bible this year. You could do it as a summer reading challenge. There are many ways to do it: reading three or five chapters a day, using a hard copy of the Bible, Bible.com or Our Daily Bread, and a variety of online resources available. If you need any help with any of these resources, please feel free to contact me by email or phone. – Pastor Carla
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