No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV

Awhile back I came across a saying that is used in 12-step programs to help people understand when they are most susceptible to giving into the temptation to return to their addictive behavior. It is based on the word H A L T and forms an acronym to remind us that we are all susceptible to giving in to temptation when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. One way to halt giving in to temptation is to ask if we are experiencing any of these things. Simply understanding what may be the cause of what we are feeling can help us to “halt” doing what we really do not want to do. I know from experience that when I am tempted, if I will simply take the time to ask myself if any of these are in play, I often find that they are -- usually more than one!

God provides many ways that we can endure the temptations in life. I am particularly grateful for those in our 12-step programs who have shared what they have learned which can help us all live meaningful, whole, and healthy lives -- the lives I believe we all want to live deep down inside.

This Sunday we are having our Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:30 AM in The Great Hall for the purpose of electing our Elder Nominating Committee and hearing a few brief reports on the life of the church. However, as we have said, we need a quorum, (10% of our membership), to be present to vote. So, if you can be here this Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Great Hall, we need you there.

However, we become aware of a number of other factors that may reduce our numbers attending at 10:30 AM. So, we are going to be offering an online option where you can join the meeting by zoom wherever you are. Just click here and you can register for the meeting and click here to receive the Annual Report -- but please do that as soon as possible.

We're also going to try to broadcast the meeting over FM so that those who attend drive-in worship can attend in the West parking lot nearest the ballfield. Just drive there after the service and we will be taking attendance and giving you a chance to vote.

If anything, the pandemic has taught us to be resourceful and resilient. See you Sunday!

Prayer for Today

Thank you, God, for our church family, especially for those women and men who agree to serve as elders. Thank you that even in the midst of this pandemic, we have learned to adapt as needed so we can do the work of your church and serve others in the name of Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.