Pastor’s Pen…

Greetings PBBC family:

Warmer temperatures this weekend probably helped cure many of us of  our winter blues. The sunshine was nice and its warmth felt good on the old bones.  It’s interesting how good weather can lift our spirits and give us a better outlook on things. You know, the church can do that too. We can enter the church with a feeling of defeat and worry but by the conclusion of an inspiring service our entire outlook on things is different. As long as many of us have walked with God I believe we are always still amazed at God’s ability to inspire us with hope within an hour of worship. Worshippers have found that this happens all the time. This is one of the reasons we need the church. We need each other and we need to be reminded that God is with us, loves us, is for us, and has our best interest in mind. If you are experiencing the chill of the wintery mix perhaps its time to enter the warmth of God’s sanctuary where His love radiates like the sun and gives warmth to the very core of our souls. Come on into the house, God’s waiting on you and His strong and resourceful arms will embrace you and warm you like an oversized down blanket.

Just recently one of our members asked me about my involvement with Hope Tree Family services, formerly known as VA Baptist Children’s Home and she also asked how things were going with my studies. I’ve kept the deacons apprised but I guess I have not done a very good job of letting all of you know. Let’s see if I can make up for that now.

I am presently serving on the Board of Trustees with Hope Tree and will serve through 2012. My committee assignments at this time are with the Children’s Committee and the Resources Committee of which I am Chair this year.

The mission of Hope Tree Family Services is to provide Christian residential and support services to at risk children and youth, and to adults with developmental disabilities. Our main campus is in Salem, VA along with Hope Tree Academy which educates our residents while they cope with their individual circumstances. We provide residential care for troubled and at risk youth as well as group homes for adults with developmental disabilities. I feel extremely privileged to be a part of the Hope Tree family. Hope Tree welcomes donations of any kind. If you would like to explore a way to make a donation you may call the Development Dept. at 540-389-2112. I have given our secretary, Mrs. Witt, a list of everyday small items that are always needed by the residents such as lotions, chapstick, shampoo, soap, washcloths, etc. Call the office and ask for it if you’re interested in helping in this way.

As for my studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, the pursuit of my Doctorate of Ministry is going very well. Typically I have taken a class in the summer and in the fall. These classes are week long intensives. At the end of a week I will have completed the in classroom hours that a student will do in an entire semester of college. It is hard work but it works well with my schedule. Presently, I am writing and reading for another class I will take in March. At this point I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as I have only to complete the March class, one other and write my dissertation. LTSP allows students six years to complete their work; I have two and one half years in the program and have a 3.8 GPA.

Let me take the opportunity to let our church family know how very appreciative I am of your prayers and support. The scholarship you have awarded me each year has made the desire to earn this degree a reality. I am deeply indebted to you for your kindness, encouragement, and generosity.

I hope to see you all in church this Sunday.

                                                                      Blessings and Peace,

                             Jim

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Deacon for February…

Vernon Garvin

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~ Sunday, February 6 ~

   Ushers: Smokey Pegram, Clyde Lawson

                           Ron Pigg, Charles Anthony

    The Lord’s Supper: Rachel Koontz, Mike Belton

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Grace Network...

Food item for February and March: powdered milk. Don't forget to drop your change in the offering plate each week for "Change for Grace."

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Mark Your Calendar...

Sat. Feb. 12: Pickers & Fiddlers Songfest, 10 am

Sun. Feb. 13: Blessing of Shawls

Tue. Feb. 15: Deacons Meeting, 7 pm

Mon. Feb. 21: Stewardship Meeting, 7 pm

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Two Wolves

This a Cherokee Parable that has been around before, but needs to be heard again...

An elder Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

"One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

"This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too." They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

                                                                                  --author unknown

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"For wisdom is better than rubies;

and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

Proverbs 8:11