Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Getting through tough times”
Our Bible verse for today: “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “The church should be an oasis of comfort for those who are struggling.”
In the days after September 11, 2001 the area around the World Trade Center in New York City looked like a bombed out war zone. The devastation was mind boggling. The rubble, concrete, twisted steel and broken glass we piled many stories high. There were shattered windows on buildings for blocks around ground zero. Thick dust and soot covered everything.
Rescue workers toiled for hours on end removing the rubble and looking for bodies. It was hot, dirty, grueling work that was both physically and emotionally exhausting. It was the toughest thing any of them had ever had to do and because the job was so immense, it was going to take months and months to complete it. All they had to look forward to every day was more of the same.
In the midst of all that devastation the workers from the Salvation Army set-up aid stations. They were air conditioned tents offering cold drinks and food, eye wash stations and clean rest rooms, and they were staffed by kind compassionate volunteers. There was also a corps of Salvation Army Chaplains who offered counseling and prayer, and they were kept constantly busy.
Observing this scene, author Philip Yancey described these aid stations as “An oasis of compassion in a wilderness of rubble.” I think that’s an apt description and I think it should also describe the church.
People all around us are struggling with big problems and small ones. Broken marriages, rebellious children, unemployment, mental illness, and chronic health problems are just some of the things people face every day. Life is often hard and the church should be the place people can come to for respite, care, compassion, and kindness. The church should be an oasis in the midst of the turmoil of life. I think that pretty accurately describes Oak Hill Baptist.
This Sunday (September 13, 2015) is “Friends Day” at our church. It’s a special day when we’re asking all our members to bring friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to Oak Hill Baptist. Especially bring those who are currently going through tough times because at Oak Hill, they will find that oasis of kindness and compassion.
Join us this Sunday. From 8:30 – 9:00 we will have an early morning fellowship with coffee and donuts. Sunday school is 9:00-10:50. The worship service begins at 10:00 and we will have a potluck lunch together after that. We look forward to seeing you there.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 