E-mail: howard@spaciousskies.us 

As Another Year Draws to a Close

Marge and I want to express our appreciation to each of you for your faithfulness to Prince of Peace Assembly.  It takes wonderful people like to you to make a church.  It would be nice IF we were a perfect church but we “ain’t.”  Even so, we KNOW the Lord has called each of us to serve Him with our imperfections.  I’m sure glad, aren’t you?

We have received visits, cards and your expressions of love, for Christmas and because Marge hasn’t been feeling well.  Many of you, as a matter a fact, I think all of you have been praying for her.  We thank you for it.  She has made great progress over the last few weeks -- after the doc pulled her off all medications, in preparation for some tests, and now perhaps different meds.  Then we just have to get her ready for a “winter vacation.”  In case you didn’t know, it is colder in Kansas City than it is here.  But it will be worth it, because we’ll get to see our kids, their kids and their kids…meaning grand- and great-grand-kids.  It will be fun, and exciting to see how the teens and the young’uns have grown.

  Have a wonderful Christmas and we’ll “C” “U” “N” 2004!  Pastor M.

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He's the Reason for the Season! Have you been successful at keeping Christ in your Christmas buying, your activities, finalizing your plans? I sure hope so, after the message last Sunday.  Let’s make an all-out effort to keep Him “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” so we won’t have to ask the question “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” Some of you have mentioned how “hurried” you get because of all the activities, programs to attend, preparing for Christmas bazaars, dinners -- and some have been fighting the flu bug -- and you begin to wonder, when will things start to ease up?  I have a quote in the office at the parsonage that says “…cheer up, things could be worse.  So I cheered up and sure enough they got worse.”  Sorta sums it all up, huh? We want to thank all who have worked so hard on the program our youth and children are presenting today; helped decorate the church; prepared the “treats” to be given out following the morning service. With the schedules you all have, and your involvement in other activities, all I can say is “…thank you, leaders and children, for making this wonderful effort to help us remember why we celebrate Christmas.” "Next week is Christmas!"  It’s  almost unbelievable how quickly 2003 has passed.  And how about Skip and Teresa Deffenbaugh celebrating 25 years together, December 31?  Watch for more information and how to help them celebrate it! Listen to the words of the Prophet: “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 Someone has said, “Sometimes we’re so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.”  Psalm 77:11-12.  The greatest blessing of all time and eternity is that God sent His beloved Son Jesus Christ to bring us salvation!

It is a pleasure to be around people who inspire people, because they are what the Bible calls “encouragers,” and this is where you and I have the opportunity to serve:  in our Master’s vineyard called "Prince of Wales Island," located in what some people call the “last frontier.” The Gospel of our Lord Jesus is for all people!  Regardless of their heritage, their environment, their nationality, the Gospel is for everyone. It is such an encouragement when other Christians are able to see the positive side of a situation and offer support.   Think of occasions in the scripture where we find the words "Be strong and courageous...  Do not be afraid... For I am with you..." are just a few that come to mind.   These will spur us on in responding to the call the Lord has placed upon each of us. As your pastor, I want to simply “encourage” each of you to continue in your walk with the Lord, knowing that He will give you whatever strength you need.  As 2003 winds down and we're already a week into December, we wonder where that time has gone.  Of course, for children the time isn’t going fast enough because of their expectation of gifts to be received in a few weeks, as they gather around the family Christmas tree. Marge and I are getting excited about our “winter” vacation in New Mexico, SW Texas and Kansas.  We aren't really looking forward to the winter weather in Kansas, but we’ll survive it in order to spend time with family.  Another wonderful word “family!”  We are most blest with our church family!  Thank you! Our Christmas program will be next Sunday, December 14.  Treats will be given to the children following the morning service.  “CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR ….you finish the thought!

Keep reading for "Good News"

If you have been watching the news this past week, you will have seen pictures of our former president of these United States of America, President John F. Kennedy.  Pictures were displayed of his early years of presidency and finalizing with the horrific pictures of his assassination, leading up to the present theories of conspiracy involving his death.  Many of you do not recall those days 40 years ago, but I do very vividly.

What I cannot recall is the earthquake that hit Alaska in l964 that caused such destruction.  We were living in Ohio, and not much Alaska news filtered down to the mid-western part of the lower 48.   I know there are some of you who remember that event quite vividly. 

More recently, we have the 9/11 experiences, which we will never erase from our memories.  This was a worldwide event that got the attention of those in leadership -- that the world has a new threat called “terrorism.”  Our children will remember this tragedy that changed our world. 

Now, please allow me to go back even further…62 years ago this next Sunday, December 7, 1941, our nation was attacked by the Japanese, thus World War II.  As a 10-year-old boy, I remember hearing our President, Mr. Roosevelt, address the nation over the radio (before television) to declare war against the country of Japan, and less than 10 years later I was in the US Navy and the Korean Conflict was taking place. 

In sharing just a few of my memories, I know that none compare with the “birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ”!  We believe it happened because it is recorded in God’s precious Word.  We are at “war” today against sin!  And as wars have been fought, there have been victories and defeats…but the “first coming of Christ” setting the stage for His “second coming” will result in victory, so let’s keep our eyes focused on Him!

 “…Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

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Most of us are not “loners”.  We have somewhat of a difficult time in being alone.  I would suppose this is why God created us with the innate desire to be with people. 

When a baby is born, the need is for someone to keep an eye on that little person because it cannot care for itself.  As a matter a fact, a baby will die IF left alone without being touched and cared for.  I remember when David was about 4 months old, he had to have hernia surgery and his “roommate” was another 4- month-old who had been neglected. He was underweight and undernourished as a result of being uncared for.  One of the nurses made the observation that there was a tremendous difference between the two babies.  It was obvious that David had been with people and loved.  By the way on Thanksgiving Day, he will be 41.  Happy birthday, David!

What does this tell us about the need of being with other believers?  We do need each other in this church and in our daily living.  We are to become encouragers, encouraging one another to grow beyond the “milk stage” and feed on the meat of the Word!   “…Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.  (I Peter 2:2-4)

I want to encourage you “…do not let anyone sit by themselves in our services.”  This is what I call “developing friendships.”  Recently, I was attending a meeting of adults interested in the Meth problem on POW, and a lady came in, got her food and went to a table and sat alone.  Others seemed to ignore her, so I went to her and encouraged her to join us.  She elected to remain alone.  It bothered me that other ladies did not make an effort to get her involved.  Folks, let’s not let this happen in our church…ok?

THANKSGIVING DINNER TODAY…PLEASE JOIN US!

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In my message Sunday, I talked about being a servant of the Most High, God Himself.  One of the things I talked about was how much we would be paid to do a job.  In other words our finances … and to consider things like…what do we do with our money?  “Oh, Pastor, you don’t really want to know…because I am not sure myself” could be a response.

In being a good servant of our Heavenly Father, we must think about how and what we give to the church.  One of the things I purposed when I became your Pastor is that I would not beg for offerings, or take many special offerings and in almost 5 years I have adhered to this goal, and when a special offering is received, I will not pressure anyone to give beyond their means. 

Among the many things your Board and I deal with each month is the giving of folks in our congregation.  Let me say that we are proud of everyone who is faithful in supporting Prince of Peace Assembly with tithes and offerings.  Our treasurer, Teresa Deffenbaugh, knows how to make a dime “squeal.”  Our Board is very conscious about how the funds of the church are disbursed, and want you to know the books are open for examination anytime you may have a question.  We are within $885.60 of meeting the budget, year to date (October 30^th).  Folks, this is a miracle and I praise the Lord for it and for your continued faithfulness. 

In other words, “…together, we make a difference.”  As your Pastor I do not see the giving records.  I know God is the One who does the accounting and He knows.  Please accept my thanks for your faithful support.  God bless you all with blessings you cannot number!

“…The Bible says “…it is more blessed to give than to receive.”  (Acts 20:35)

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Friends are valuable!  It is important to have people you are able to connect with. And…in the church family there should be that connecting element evident.  For Prince of Peace A/G to “fly with the eagles,” we must continue to develop our friendship sphere.

Through October and into November we've been having Soup and Sandwiches available for our neighbors to come and enjoy with us.  To date we have not had “that many” new friends come and partake with us.  However, this has provided us a time of sharing with each other in fellowship.  By the way, the S & S lunches have been wonderful!  Everyone is doing such a fine job. 

So, based upon the fine “culinary” skills of you folks, I believe it would be beneficial IF we would continue this in the future.  One of the main reasons for this would be to help our families who are driving many miles to get here, which does cost in petro for their vehicles and an added expense for them is the cost of their meals.  Bringing food to the church to share with each other will help everyone.  What do you think?

This leads me to Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23^rd.  Let’s make this an “all-church Thanksgiving dinner” with all the trimmings.  There is a “sign up sheet” where you can list what you would like to bring.  Marge and I have two turkeys in the freezer, but we would like to have someone else prepare them…any volunteers?

The Bible calls this fellowship, “breaking bread”.  In Acts 2:46 we read “…And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,  praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

“…A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”  --Selected  (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

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During the past 5 weeks I have been preaching from the ** memory verse ** so many of us learned as children, and I know it’s impossible to exhaust that single verse, which impacts every believer who comes to the Lord. 

As a small kid growing up smack dab in the middle of the great state of Kansas and in the community of Lyons, that verse was quoted in every Vacation Bible School session I attended, at the Baptist Church, the Presbyterian, Methodist, and the Nazarene Church, and it became so imbedded in my mind that I will never forget it.  How about you?  What has been your experience with this verse?

Because of God’s love we are here today, gathered together worshiping our Lord.  This brings a “togetherness” that is reflected in our daily walk with the Lord. 

And…because of this verse, people leave their loved ones and travel to distant lands to spread the good news of salvation to those who have never heard the name of Jesus.  Marge and I have missionary friends from the southern parts of South America to the interior of Africa, and from India to the Artic Circle regions of Alaska.

This is where Prince of Wales Island comes in…because we have people here in Klawock who have never received Jesus as Savior.  Oh, they’ve heard His name, but in a profane way, so to them this message must be proclaimed as well. 

Oh, did I mention that the verse so many memorized IS NOT “Jesus wept” but “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16)? 

WE WILL WIN THEM, ONE BY ONE.

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Today we did it again!  We made a time change, since it is that time of the year when we wonder, which way do we turn the clocks?  It seems we can never remember, but they tell us IF we will but remember that in the “spring” we go forward and in the “fall” we move the hands back.  Now that should be easy to remember and we probably will …until next spring. (Smile)

Talking about “time,” this is the only thing everybody has the same amount of.  No one has more than 24 hours in day or 60 minutes in an hour, as well as 60 seconds in a minute.  But…why is it that some people seem to get so much more done than others?

Some get up earlier or go to bed earlier than others and spend more time during their wakening hours…some can spend hours in front of the television and never get up for anything or anyone unless it benefits them.  And…then there are others who get up very early, work many hours a day, and still have time to do what they want to do…I guess it is how we value the 24 hours a day we have and what we do with them.

Below is a “View from the Pew” by Marge.  She is telling about a man in her home church that had put off inviting Jesus into his life.  He almost waited too long before making that all-important decision.  You see, he thought he had plenty of time.

The Bible tells us to “…seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near”.  (Isaiah 55:6)  It also tells us that today is the day of salvation.  "AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU"; behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"   (II Corinthians 6:1-2)

Now, what is so important in your life that you cannot take time to prepare to meet God?  Your answer should be absolutely nothing!   

“…when you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God lives there!” –author not known

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