One More Thing about my Last Sunday's Sermon

I have Ben at Home today. I can't do much when he is home. His needs are many and I must always be on alert because although he is now 33, he is still like a small child. But as I sit here on the screened in porch with him, he reminds me of what I was talking about this past Sunday. The scripture I used is: 

Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me all you that are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus was speaking of the heavy burdens that the current religious system was putting on people. He was letting the religious leaders of the day know that their laws and their demands for perfection would not produce the righteousness required for everlasting life. The laws and the rituals were a heavy burden that people weren't capable of accomplishing and it left them hopeless and joyless.

Jesus was trying to teach the people that all that is needed is for us to be yoked to Him, that He would bear the burden of perfection of which we are incapable. Only Jesus' sacrifice can accomplish our righteousness. Being yoked to Jesus is the only way people can enjoy salvation which produces the fruit of peace and rest for our souls. 

It reminds me of the time when I let my son Ben, "help" me mow the lawn. I put his hands on the mower and I put my hands on top of his and stood right behind him, together we walked very slowly and mowed, only for a couple of minutes because that was all Ben was capable of doing. He could not help me push the mower to complete the job, he probably had no concept of what it was we were doing, yet we participated in mowing the lawn together. He took part in the frailest way, but he was right there with me, and together that day, he helped me mow the lawn. 

Ben was and still is incapable of mowing the lawn. But, if he is yoked to me, he can still participate even if in the slightest way. You and I are no different. That is why Jesus wants us to be yoked to him because we are not capable of helping ourselves with our own salvation. It is only being yoked with Jesus that we can participate, though in a very inadequate way. It is the relationship and the trust and the love of walking with the only one who can help you accomplish something that makes all the difference. God's peace to all of you. Pastor Kent

About our prayer list. 

I want to share with you how I pray for the people on our prayer list. First of all, I pray for more than those who are on the list. The list is always people that I know have serious immediate need. I do not do well with schedules. So what I do is pray for the list and others when ever any of them come to mind which is frequent. It may be at a stop sign while I'm driving, in the shower, during lunch, during a walk, during a coffee break, in the evening and almost always in the middle of the night when I wake up to get a drink which is usually at least twice. I have no set prayer for anyone but I do find myself using the words, Lord I lift up ......... please bless them, heal them, surround them with your healing angels and fill their hearts with your healing peace. But this varies too. I pray when my heart is ready to pray. I have mentioned that I do not believe in what I call routine thoughtless prayers. I believe God hears only sincere hearts.  The following people need you to participate with God in His healing touch. This happens when we pray!

Mike Rodgers, Lori's husband for healing of back surgery.

Gaye Kell, Krista's mom healing for kidney surgery.

Allen Kunz MRI and tests for pain in legs and back.

Barb Weiss continued healing from back surgery.

Linda Cassens diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Cynthia Bastholm heart failure and other complications.

Cathy Watson going through chemo therapy for breast cancer.

Emily Norris, Donna and Will Bowers Daughter, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Stan Rutkowski continues to battle pressure wounds.

John Shear, pastor Jackie's husband for strength and healing from diabetes.

Brad Fultz, Faye Heucherts nephew for healing.
Bonni Rutkowski for continued strength and healing.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent

This Sunday

For the first time in about a month, PCF will be leading the worship service at 8:45am. I look forward to seeing everyone. The PCF singers and worship band will be leading the praise and worship and I am in the process of praying and developing the message. 

Even though it feels like the summer has slipped by quickly this year, the good news is, being with your spiritual family on Sunday morning and hearing God's words from the Bible can renew and refresh our dreams, our spirits, and the possibilities that lie dormant inside each of us. 

Do you have a seed inside of you that just hasn't germinated? A seed that could produce a whole new life for you and your loved ones?

Are you frazzled? 

Is there something deep inside of you that keeps picking at your heart? Something that is telling you that the road you are on just isn't going to lead you to where God want's you to be?

Is there a dream, an idea, a possibility deep in your heart planted by God Himself that just hasn't been watered allowing it to sprout and grow?

Then join us, we are all in this together! We gather together on Sunday's to experience the reality, the hope, and the power of God when people come together seeking His presence and wisdom. Come with your doubts. Let God come to your rescue.

Come with your questions.

Come with your disappointments.

Come with your hurts.

Come with your pain.

Come with your illnesses.

But come also with an open heart and mind and expectation of experiencing the life changing power of God!

Now watch this!

See you Sunday at 8:45. 800 North Main Edwardsville.

Sincerely, pastor kent

I Am Thankful

Today is my 61st birthday. Today, like everyday, I am thankful. 

Bonni and I have been very blessed to be able to serve the PCF family and all our friends at IUMC and Esic Baptist church. The journey continues to unfold each day and I will continue to be thankful.

Today I want to post the song I wrote for Shriners Hospital for those who haven't heard it. I have been writing songs my whole life but this song is extra special because it being used to help the Shriners Hospitals all over the country. Bonni's company produced the video. It's a happy song for a happy day!

Shriners New Song

Please continue to pray for these people:

Emily Norris, Donna and Will Bowers Daughter, Donna said that Emily will be having surgery on August 23rd. Let's lift Emily and her family with healing prayer.
Allen Kunz MRI and tests for pain in legs and back.

Barb Weiss continued healing from back surgery.

Linda Cassens diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Cynthia Bastholm heart failure and other complications.

Cathy Watson going through chemo therapy for breast cancer.

Gary Watson for strength and peace as he helps Cathy through the chemo treatments.

Faye Heuchert will be having tests for pinched nerves in her back causing leg pain and weakness.

Stan Rutkowski continues to battle pressure wounds.

Lee Knapp healing from infection and hip surgery.

John Shear, pastor Jackie's husband for kidney healing.

Brad Fultz, Faye Heucherts nephew in ICU on life support.
Bonni Rutkowski for continued strength and healing.

Announcements

Sunday August 20th Pastor Jackie with the PCF Praise Band

Sunday August Pastor Kent and the PCF Praise Band

See you all soon. Love, pastor kent

God's Peace

The greatest blessing I know of is God's Peace. There may be greater blessings that I am unaware of at this stage of my life, but currently I know of no greater blessing than living in God's Peace.

What is God's Peace?  God's Peace comes when our worries and fears fade from our existence. The Bible gives us these verses to contemplate and meditate upon.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times; O people, pour out your heart before him, God is our refuge for us."

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Most fear comes from the assumption of loss; loss of life, loss of health, loss of wealth, loss of love, loss of freedom, some even fear loss of salvation. The list varies from person to person but fear robs us of peace. So the big question is, "How can I receive God's Peace?" I wish I could give you a simple prayer or blessing that would allow you to connect with this awesome gift but the truth is, God's peace is only found by remaining in a close relationship with Jesus and His teachings. God's Peace is in direct correlation to the closeness of relationship with Him. I did experience what I will call an anointing of God's Peace when I first surrendered my life to Him many years ago, but it did not remain on me. It has taken me time to develop the relationship of trust to walk in God's peace as I do now most of the time. Yes I did say most of the time. If I allow myself to wander from our relationship for very long, I quickly find my peace wandering also. I find that God's peace allows me to have deeper understanding of the scriptures which in turn gives me deeper understanding of the events of this life. My suggestion is that you read the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and pray for God's peace and understanding in all things.  Love, pastor kent

Our updated Prayer list:

Allen Kunz MRI and tests for pain in legs and back.

Barb Weiss continued healing from back surgery.

Linda Cassens diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Cynthia Bastholm heart failure and other complications.

Cathy Watson going through chemo therapy for breast cancer.

Gary Watson for strength and peace as he helps Cathy through the chemo treatments.

Emily Norris, Donna and Will Bowers Daughter, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Faye Heuchert will be having tests for pinched nerves in her back causing leg pain and weakness.

Stan Rutkowski continues to battle pressure wounds.

Lee Knapp healing from infection and hip surgery.

John Shear, pastor Jackie's husband for kidney healing.

Brad Fultz, Faye Heucherts nephew in ICU on life support.
Bonni Rutkowski for continued strength and healing.

Worship schedule for August

August 13th, Pastor Jackie leads worship

August 20th, pastor Jackie leads worship PCF provides music

August 27th, pastor Kent and the PCF worship team

Announcements:

Community Children’s Ministry Brunch

Each year we are happy to be part of a great church ministry to help supply winter coats for some of our area children. This year we will again be serving a Brunch in our Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 13 from 9:45 am until 12:15 pm. 

A $7.00 donation will be collected for the Brunch. ($4.00 children 6-12, and Free for children age 5 and under). This money will be used to purchase 20-30 coats and perhaps help our families in need in the Edwards- ville area. Join us after Contemporary ser- vice at 9:45 am—serving until after Tradi- tional service until 12:15 pm.

We need some of our good cooks to donate and prepare breakfast foods such as, Sweet Rolls—Coffee Cakes—Sweet Breads—Fruit trays or cut fruit—Egg Casseroles—Potato Casseroles—Quiche and other items. We will also be serving Biscuits & Gravy. There are sign-up sheets on the table in the Hospitality Room.

If you do not or cannot cook or bake you may make a monetary donation—just mark your check “Brunch” or call Sharon at 633-2659. If you would like to make a donation to purchase winter coats, pick an envelope from the Christmas Tree in the Hospitality Room to put your check in and drop in the basket. Thank you for your generosity in helping the Community Children’s Ministry. Hope to see you at the Brunch. Always good food and good fellowship! 

Blessing of Backpacks

On Sunday, August 13th we will have our annual Blessing of the Backpacks for all students at both morning worship services. Students from preschool through college are urged to bring your backpacks for a special blessing on the school year. Invite your friends to attend this special service with you! 

Bible Sunday

It is our tradition at Immanuel to give Bibles to students who are entering the 3rd grade. We will give these Bibles to the students at both services on Bible Sunday, August 13th. If your child will be going into the 3rd grade and you did not receive a letter from us, please notify the church office as soon as possible so that a Bible can be ordered for your child. We don’t want to miss anyone!! 

If you need prayers or pastoral care please call the church office at 618-656-4648.

See you soon. Love pastor Kent and pastor Jackie

The Christian Secret to Success

If I could give anyone a formula for success it would come right from the Bible. First and foremost I would tell people to Glorify God in all that they do. No matter what the job or what the pay, make sure you are Glorifying God!

You cannot glorify God by hiding from work. 

You cannot glorify God by cheating your customers or your boss. 

You cannot glorify God by doing less than what you are expected to do or what you are capable of doing. 

You cannot glorify God by wasting company time or materials. 

The best shot you have of accomplishing your dreams is to follow this wisdom from the Bible and allow Gods wisdom to guide you in all your decisions and efforts. 

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Ephesians 4:28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share wit those in need.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

Love, pastor kent