Sermon, Feb. 1st - Reverend Linda Pinson, "Do You Know God?" Scripture: John 1:14-18

"We the people of the United States of America ... in the YEAR of OUR LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven." The Constitution of the United States of America

Ten days ago will be remembered as an auspicious occasion for this country; it had to be an inspiring example of freedom and democracy throughout the world. The celebration and pageantry of the changing of leadership can only occur in a country such as America. But let us not forget that it is because of our Founding Fathers ' faith in the one true God that we exist, and that built the framework for our democracy. We are a country of diversity of cultures, heritages and faiths, but our one uniting element is our belief in God. Yet Christians and all faiths are seeing an erosion of that belief. While "In God We Trust" is being quietly removed from our currency, to instilling fear in the display of any symbol of Christianity, as a nation of believers have we forfeited our faith to appease the non-believers? Can our democracy exist without faith? "As servants of God, live as free people; yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor. " (I Peter 2:16, 17)

Starting February 8th, the times for the Church services will be 8:30 a.m. for the contemporary Praise service and 11 a.m. for the traditional worship service. Coffee and fellowship will follow with Sunday school starting at 9:45 a.m. Our Church leaders have worked faithfully to meet the congregational needs of the two services and still establish a feeling of unity within the Church. By changing the times we have an opportunity to get to know one another during fellowship Sunday morning and during the various Sunday Schools. If you have not been to Church lately, come join us in worship and fellowship.

February 4th will be Family Night Covered Dish Dinner, hosted by the Wesley Fellowship Class. If you are new to our Church or have not been able to attend Family Night, you are missing a great opportunity to share good food and fellowship. You need only bring one dish, your family's favorite, or maybe a new recipe. So bring your family, friends, in-laws, and share!

Saturday at 2 p.m. will be the "Kitchen Shower" for the UMC damaged in Hurricane Ike. Now is an excellent time to join the United Methodist Women's association. This year Natalie Smith is serving as President. The Shower should be fun as well as rewarding, in knowing we are helping a fellow Church recover from such a disaster. See you Saturday.

Happy Anniversary to: Tom and Gwen Jones.

Happy Birthday to: W.B. Alexander, Jennifer Travis, George Grantham, and Kasey Oliver.

Thought for the Week: "For whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50.