As the Corona virus continues to be a threat, all church group activities are canceled. How long this will go on is anyone’s guess. I am still keeping mu usual schedule at church. I am the only one here so I am observing social distancing! What am I doing? I am working ahead on sermons and Bible studies. I am doing the daily thought and prayer. I am going through books and CDS to see what I can discard. I am talking to members on the phone. I have the kind of job where there is always something to do.

Just a reminder that our expenses do not stop for the Corona virus! You may mail contributions to the church, PO box 968, attention Jackie Barb. No one will know what you contribute except our treasurer.

The sermon I am sending is one from 5 or 6 years ago. I tried to find a sermon relevant to the present situation. I hope it is helpful. When we all return I will continue with the Gospel of John and finish up with the Samaritan woman.

The question many are asking is “Why does God allow such pestilence to sweep our world.” I have a simple answer. I don’t know. I do know that we live in a fallen world and one of the consequences of that is sickness and death. I lost an aunt I never knew in the flu epidemic of 1918-19. 675,000 Americans lost their lives. Thank God our medical knowledge as vastly increased in the last 100 years.

But as we cling to faith in Jesus we know that heaven is our destiny, so everything is fine. I think one thing God is teaching us in these situations is just how much we need Him. Our country seemed to be on a very positive path, and then everything changed. God never changes. We can always depend on Him no matter what.

One day (soon, I hope) we will be back together as a church family. In the meantime stay safe, and keep the faith! Keep me updated on prayer requests or any other need that you may have.

Pastor Bowman

All I can say for certain about this week is that times are uncertain. If we are able to have church Sunday we will take one more look at Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. He gave her and us some insights on worship.

On Wednesday at 3:30 our Bible study will continue our examination of the Book of Hebrews. Choir follows at 3:45.

One final thought. In Matthew 14:22ff we read the episode where Jesus walked upon the surface of the sea. The disciples were in a storm and were terrified. They were terrified of the storm, and even more terrified when they saw a man walking towards their boat on the surface of the sea! Jesus speaks, “Do not be afraid” (14:27). I believe He would speak those same words to us today. We may be thinking, “But what about the Corona Virus? That is something to fear.” Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” We think, “But what if I catch it?” Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” We think, “But the economy is tanking!” Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” We think, “But what if…….” Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” The reason he told His frightened disciples to fear not is because of these words: “It is I.” Jesus was with them so they had no reason to fear. Jesus is with us and so we have no reason to fear. Yes, we must be cautious and practice good hygiene and common sense, but we don’t want to allow fear to overpower us. We want faith in Jesus to overpower us.

Pastor Bowman

This Sunday we continue our examination of John 4, the Samaritan woman. I will be doing a first person sermon, taking the role of an unnamed Samaritan man who was familiar with the Samaritan woman. Last week focused on the living water that Jesus gave to this woman. This Sunday I will be filling in some of the details concerning her life. Her “chance” encounter with Jesus transformed her life, and He will do the same for us.

On Wednesday at 3:30 Mark Simmons will lead us in our second lesson from the Book of Hebrews. Choir follows at 3:45. All choir members are urged to be present as we continue working on our Eater cantata. Easter Sunday (April 12) is drawing nigh!

Church Board meets tomorrow night (Tuesday, March 10) at 6 PM.

Have a wonderful week, and it will be wonderful if Jesus is at the center of your life.

Pastor Bowman

I will continue the sermon series from the Gospel of John. We will be examining Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. Some very profound words are spoken by our Lord on that occasion.

After our worship service we will enjoy our March fellowship dinner. Bring food to share.

Our FCM men’s group will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8 A M for a time of food and fellowship. Our FCW ladies group will meet Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30.

In our Wednesday 3:30 Bible study we will begin our study of the Book of Hebrews. I will be giving a basic introduction to the book and we will also look at Hebrews 1:1-4. a few verses full of profound insights. Choir will follow at 4:45.

Have a blessed week, Pastor Bowman

I will continue the sermon series from the Gospel of John this Sunday. I will be doing a first person sermon on Nicodemus. He learned that Judaism without Jesus is insufficient. He learned that he needed Jesus, as do we all.

Wednesday Bible study at 3:30 will be altered. I will be playing a DVD from the Ozark Christian College Conference Marie and I attended last week. It is a powerful message on prayer by Ed Stetzer from Wheaton College. I think you will be blessed by his message. We will begin on the book of Hebrews on March 4th.
Choir follows Bible Study at 3:45.

Looking ahead, FCM will meet on March 3 at 8 AM. FCW will meet on March 4 at 9:30 AM. The next fellowship dinner will be on March 8 following morning worship.

Marie and I appreciate so much the church allowing us time off to attended several conferences during the year. The One at OCC last week was outstanding. We will be sharing with you a taste of it on Wednesday.

Remember those on our prayer list.

Pastor Bowman