Author: Margret Abbott
I am a wife, mother of 3, mother in law of 3, and grandma of 8 The important things in my life are my relationship with the Lord, my family, friends, and pets. I am active in my little country church.
I love to read, create whimsical Fairy and critter garden spots and spend time with family and friends. Our pups along with Graham and Gus Kitties have been entertaining folks with their antics so I thought it would be fun to devote a blog to them.
A Thought From Your Pastor 4/19/2020
A Thought From Your Pastor
Every time I turn on TV or my computer, people want to talk about COVID-19. I am concerned about the devastating results of it on the physical body. I see another problem also. This stay at home order is necessary and I fully agree with it. With that in mind we have to be careful we don’t turn into hermits, self centered people or just plain loners that are depressed.
What does scripture tell us? Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I miss you people but the stay at home order is so necessary. We all need to be careful about spreading the Virus.
I friend of mine has a mother in the rest home which he cannot visit. He set her up with a phone that they can see each other as they talk. I saw on TV a family standing in a rest home yard singing Happy Birthday to a relative in the home.
Snoopy has an idea; let’s do a little more praying for those loved ones we can’t get with. I got a crazy idea how about calling a loved one or even just a friend and talk to them on the phone and pray with them. My daughter Chris and Carolyn are getting together first thing in the morning on the phone and having a devotional together.
Sometimes people alone at home get tired of cooking. Could you possibly drop a meal off or even a fresh dessert? There are so many ways to stay in touch and show that you care for someone.
Jesus is our example: John 3:16 (NIV) 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
There are so many ways to reach out, stay in touch, show your love and still stay 8 feet apart. You have the time so sit down and ask God to show you what you can do.
As I said before: Keep praying but also keep rejoicing in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Hopefully we will be meeting together again in the near future.
God’s Blessing, Pastor Gerry and Carolyn
If
He Is Risen!
An Easter Thought From Your Pastor
A thought from your Pastor!
Happy Easter and May God Bless You!
Can you believe? It’s one of the church’s most well attended Sundays and churches all over the United States will be closed. Does that mean Christ is not raised? Does that mean our Salvation is unstable? Does that mean anything changes in our celebration of the risen Christ?
Not at all—Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday. He is in my heart and directs my life whether we are in church or in our own homes. Jesus is a personal Savior and when we receive Him, He is with us 24-7 whether we are in church or not.
Remember the Old Sunday school song: “God said it–I believe it–that settles it.”
Jesus keeps His promises and some of them are:
He tells us—“He will never leave us or forsake us” That is a special promise.
He tells us —We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us—- You can move forward in His Name.
He tells us —He is a friend that will stick closer than a brother— You can count on Him when you’re in need.
He tells us —Come unto me if you’re heavy laden and I will give you rest—- You can relax in Him.
He tells you —In my Father’s house are many Mansions—I go to prepare a place for you— You have a home when you leave this earth.
And best of all—–He promises us: Romans 10:13 (ESV) For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
He can only make and fulfill these promises if He walks with us day by day. Jesus is with us in the church and He is just as much with us in our home.
We’re all going through tough times but Christ is with us through it all. Always remember one of our favorite verses: Philippians 4:19 (NIV) My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Even if we can’t make a regular church service on Easter, take some extra time and celebrate the wonderful gift of Salvation that He has given us. Encourage one another and lift Jesus up for the fabulous gift of Salvation.
Just like Snoopy, we may want to have some Easter Eggs, some chocolate and even some “Peeps.” Easter is a time to have fun, but remember the real reason why it is so special.
And as always: Keep praying but also keep rejoicing in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Save me an extra chocolate egg. Hopefully we will be meeting together again in the near future.
God’s Blessing,
Pastor Gerry and Carolyn
Good Friday
~southern love and blessings
God’s Got This!
~unknown
What God Does
~from an encouraging word.
A Thought From Your Pastor for Sunday April 5th
A thought from your Pastor!
Psalm 33:3-11 (NIV) 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Did you ever think that you would be worrying about not having enough toilet paper? What about when can we go out to eat rather than where are we going to go eat?
This world is pretty mixed up right now, but look at today’s scripture. Of course, we need to realize that scripture is something we can count on and we can trust what is says.
We are to rejoice because no matter what—-God has it under control. We should be praising Him (as Charlie would say) not for the bad stuff happening around us but for the good stuff.
“5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.”
How does that compare to the virus? I’ll take God’s care over worry about the virus any day.
That does not mean we get silly and do dumb stuff, but we follow the rules and trust God to take care of everything in the long run.
Keep praying but also keep rejoicing in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Hopefully we will be meeting together again in the near future.
God’s Blessing, Pastor Gerry and Carolyn
Update Regarding St. Petrie Lutheran Church
Good Morning,
In accordance to Governor Pritzger’s extension of Illinois’s Stay at Home order due to Covid-19 virus, St. Petrie will be closed for services and all events through April 30th. This will be updated as the Governor directs.
Pastor Steele is sending out weekly devotions. They will be posted here along with our usual quips and quotes and Carolyn’s monthly devotions.
If you like you may worship online with AFLC congregations across the United States. The below is from the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations AFLC website http://www.aflc.org/
“In view of the recent and ongoing COVID-19 health concern sweeping our nation, The AFLC President’s Office and AFLC Evangelism & Discipleship are compiling a list of online sermon and service options featuring pastors and churches from our own Association. In addition, our AFLC staff will be recording a weekly worship service, and will be posting those videos online each week.” This list is found at the following link: https://www.aflc.org/listen-online/?fbclid=IwAR0hXKJGg4MlhGf5PvgAG0XhgjB3glHGniBHMIA4qzvvkD-7mFWSlgnM-kA
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
– Numbers 6:24-26
~St. Petrie Lutheran Church
St. Petrie Lutheran Church AFLC 