
Seasons in the Son
Have you ever had a “season”?
I grew up with seasons – deer season, dove season, and even planned our wedding date around turkey season! But I am not referring to this kind of season. I am referencing a season in your life. One may not even recognize a season while in the midst but often with reflection, it is clear.
My recent season began with the most amazing celebration of my Call. Our congregation and this Presbytery hosted a wonderful installation service for the beginnings of my tenure as Commissioned Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Breckenridge. In my many years as a Presbyterian, I have seen few, if any, more affirming, loving service to begin a new chapter in a church. Members from the entire community came to celebrate what God has done!
Experiencing this high note and with confidence, I began to serve with joy and praise in my heart!
Then the “rattlesnake” season, as I shall call it began. We lost our puppy to a rattlesnake bite the following week. The pain and suffering of one of God’s creatures was heartbreaking and one week later, my brother, Bob, was bitten by a rattlesnake! In this same week, I tested positive for Covid 19. Within days, we were informed that our grandson, Josh, has been deployed to Afghanistan. What??? Is it raining? Is it pouring? Is it hurricane season? This certainly feels like too much!
Even with anxious hearts, grieving hearts, through it all, there has been a calm, a presence in our household. Experiencing this different season, I have found the same old truths to hold.
All of God’s promises are true.
God cannot lie.
Now is the time to lean into these truths.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the turbulent waters, I will be close to you.
Psalm 30: 11 I will turn your mourning into dancing and surround you with joy.
Romans 8: 35-39 Nothing in all creation will ever separate you from My love.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 36: 5 My love stretches to the heavens and my faithfulness extends above the clouds.
Joshua 23:14 Not one of my promises will ever fail you.
My brother is doing amazingly well. I am recovering and our last report, Josh is safe.The setbacks are the setups for God to do amazing things
.As believers connect with me to give support, my response remains the same, “Pray without ceasing and lean into the promises.” AMEN
Adult Bible Study Class and other church members donated money to purchase children's face masks, thermometers, and teacher face shields for the local schools.
Children's Face Masks, Thermoscan Thermometers for each school, and Teacher Face Shields were purchased for the local schools through donations from members.
Members are packing backpacks for women who have to leave home suddenly without packing their personal essentials. Backpacks will be delivered to the OPEN DOOR for distribution to women in need.
Members will be packing Christmas Shoeboxes for children all over the world to be delivered by Christmas. Donations are welcome .
You enter the First Presbyterian Church not as a stranger, but as a guest of God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. Come, then, with joy in your heart and thanks on your lips into God's presence, offering your love and service. Be grateful to the strong and loyal men and women who in the name of Jesus Christ built this place of worship, and to all who have beautified it and hallowed it with their prayers and praises. Beseech and pray for blessings on those who love this home of faith as the inspiration of their labor, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, and may those blessings rest on you, both on your going out and on your coming in.
REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES (10:30 AM)
SUNDAY SCHOOL SERVICES (9:30 AM)
The Session will call members
only if the service is to be cancelled for any reason.
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. To donate to any of the missions listed above, send your donations to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 588, Breckenridge, TX 76424 .
Dear Lord: We thank You for the gift of memories that allow us to hold our friends and loved ones close even after they have gone to be with You. AMEN.
In Memory of Cecil and Joyce Mayes by Judy & George Credicott:
This precious couple, each, at different times in their lives quoted these scriptures to me when I needed to hear them. They brought leadership, love, and laughter to our congregation and they are missed.
Psalm 141:1 (KJV)
1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
Psalm 40:12-13 , 17(KJV)
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.
Praying for others is part of mission of service to the community. There is a special Prayer Mailbox in front of the church where community members can place their cards and letters containing prayer requests which we honor every Sunday. Your prayer requests will be honored without any names being mentioned. These prayer requests are anonymous unless you tell us differently.Click the button below to send us your prayer requests.
This past month, several requests have included work, family, financial and health concerns.
Please allow our prayer warriors to pray for you and your family.
Martha Kelley, church member, designs and paints cards to send to our Sunday prayer requests and
shut-ins. Click the button below to give us the name of someone who needs to receive one of our cards.
We have added several prayer requests for spiritual growth, job and career concerns, as well as prayer for families with ongoing domestic issues to our Sunday worship service prayer list . We honor all requests with confidentiality and respect. If you have a prayer request, please let us know why selecting the button below and filling out the information for your prayer request.
The First Presbyterian Church of Breckenridge, Texas, can be found on facebook.
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Presbyterian Church and Community Information:
https://breckenridgetexan.com/
https://paloduropresbytery.org/
https://www.mo-ranch.org
https://www.buffalogapcamp.org
This is another painting on our prayer cards painted by our resident artist, Martha Kelley.
Christ calms the seas and turbulence in our live and is the source of our peace and comfort.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your calming influence in our lives. Help us remember that there is no storm too rough for you to handle.
AMEN
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