Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you today with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of belief that binds us together as followers of Christ. Belief is not just a passive acknowledgment of truths; it is the bedrock of our faith, the foundation upon which we build our lives and our community.

In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Our belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior is a gift bestowed upon us by God's grace, a gift that unites us and empowers us to live transformed lives.

Belief in Jesus Christ changes everything. It opens our hearts to receive His love, forgiveness, and eternal life. It compels us to walk in obedience to His Word and to love one another as He has loved us. Through belief, we are adopted into God's family as His children, heirs to His promises and blessings.

As we navigate the challenges and joys of life together, let us hold fast to our belief in Christ. Let us encourage one another daily, remembering Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

Let our belief in Jesus be evident in our worship, our prayers, and our actions. May it be a light that shines brightly in our community, drawing others to experience the transforming power of God's love.

In times of doubt or uncertainty, may we turn to God's Word and to one another for strength and encouragement. Let us pray fervently, knowing that our God hears us and answers according to His perfect will.

I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to cherish and nurture your belief in Jesus Christ. Let us never take for granted the privilege of knowing Him and being known by Him. Let us continually seek to deepen our faith, trusting that God will complete the good work He has begun in each of us.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

With love and prayers,

Bill Doane

                                                  The Power of Love of Jesus Christ 

The power of love with Jesus Christ is a transformative force that transcends all human understanding. In Christian belief, the love of Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love. His life and teachings emphasize loving God, loving others, and even loving one's enemies. This love is seen as redemptive, healing, and a source of strength and guidance in every aspect of life.

Christian teaching. 

1. Unconditional Love

• Agape Love: Jesus embodies agape love, which is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial. This type of love is exemplified in His life and teachings, particularly in His sacrifice on the cross for humanity's sins (John 3:16"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.").
•  It is a love that asks nothing in return and extends even to enemies (Matthew 5:44"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.").

2. Redemption and Forgiveness

• Forgiveness of Sins: Through His love, Jesus offers forgiveness and redemption. His love covers all sins, no matter how great, offering a path to reconciliation with God. This redemptive love is available to all who believe in Him and repent (Ephesians 1:7"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.").

3. Transformation

• Changed Lives: The love of Jesus has the power to transform lives. When individuals accept His love, they are transformed from the inside out, becoming new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation leads to a life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.").

4. Empowerment to Love Others

• Loving Like Jesus: Experiencing Jesus' love empowers believers to love others in the same way. This includes loving neighbors as oneself (Mark 12:31"And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.) and demonstrating love through actions, not just words (1 John 3:18"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."). It’s a call to live out the love that Jesus has shown, impacting the world around us.

5. Unity and Community

• Building the Church: The love of Christ binds believers together in unity. It fosters a sense of community and belonging within the body of Christ, the Church. This love encourages believers to bear one another’s burdens, support each other, and grow together in faith (Colossians 3:14"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.").

6. Hope and Eternal Life

• Hope in Christ: The love of Jesus gives believers hope, not only in this life but also in the life to come. His love assures us of eternal life with God, where there will be no more pain or suffering (Romans 8:38-39,"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
•  Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.").

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is with great joy and gratitude that I write to you today, reflecting on the incredible journey we share as a church family.

As I think of each of you, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words to the Thessalonians: "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

In these challenging times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. Yet, it is in these very moments that our faith is most profoundly tested and refined. Remember, dear friends, that our God is a God of hope, who fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him (Romans 15:13). He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

I am continually uplifted by the love and unity I witness among us. Your commitment to serving one another and our community is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love. Let us continue to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), always seeking to reflect the light of Christ in all we do.

May we hold steadfastly to our faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let us encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of us may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13).

I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in and through us, strengthening our bond and deepening our love for one another. May we always find comfort and inspiration in God's Word, and may we draw ever closer to Him in prayer.

As we move forward, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is our source of strength and our ultimate example of love and sacrifice.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

In Christ's love,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on a sacred and profound practice we share as believers: Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper.

What is Communion?

Communion is one of the most significant and sacred acts of worship in the Christian faith. It is a practice instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20). Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion, and during this meal, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Similarly, He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

The Significance of Communion

Communion serves multiple purposes and carries deep spiritual significance:

1. Remembrance: When we partake in Communion, we remember the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The bread symbolizes His broken body, and the wine (or grape juice) represents His shed blood. This act of remembrance helps us to keep the foundation of our faith—the sacrifice of Jesus—at the forefront of our minds.

2. Proclamation: Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:26, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Through Communion, we declare our faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice and our hope in His return.

3. Fellowship: Communion is also a time of unity and fellowship among believers. As we share in the bread and the cup, we recognize that we are one body in Christ, called to love and support one another. It is a moment of spiritual solidarity and communal worship.

4. Examination: Before partaking in Communion, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and seek forgiveness for any sins. This practice, based on 1 Corinthians 11:28, ensures that we approach the Lord's Table with reverence and purity, fully aware of the gravity and grace of the moment.

5. Nourishment: Just as physical food nourishes our bodies, Communion nourishes our souls. It is a means of grace that strengthens our faith, renews our spirits, and deepens our relationship with Jesus Christ.

How We Observe Communion

In our church, we observe Communion regularly as a vital part of our worship services. The elements—the bread and the cup—are distributed to all baptized believers who have professed faith in Jesus Christ. We do this with a spirit of reverence, gratitude, and joy, knowing that we are participating in a holy mystery that connects us to the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior.

As we continue to gather around the Lord's Table, let us do so with hearts full of love, gratitude, and reverence. May Communion always remind us of the immense love Jesus has for each one of us and the profound sacrifice He made to redeem us.

In Christ's Love,

Bill Doane

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to you today to share a reflection on the life of Noah, a man of unwavering faith and obedience to God's instructions. Noah's story, as recounted in the book of Genesis, offers us profound lessons on trust, perseverance, and righteousness.

In Genesis 6:9, Noah is described as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." This simple yet powerful statement sets the stage for one of the most remarkable acts of obedience recorded in the Bible. When God saw the wickedness of humanity and decided to bring a great flood to cleanse the earth, He chose Noah to build an ark that would preserve human and animal life.

God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build the ark, down to its dimensions and the materials to be used. Despite the seemingly impossible task and the skepticism of those around him, Noah followed God's commands without hesitation. Genesis 6:22 tells us, "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." This obedience was not just a matter of compliance; it was an expression of Noah's deep faith and trust in God's wisdom and plan.

Noah's faithfulness is a powerful reminder for us today. We may not be called to build an ark, but we are often called to act in faith, even when God's plans for us seem unclear or daunting. Noah's story encourages us to listen to God's voice, trust in His guidance, and act according to His will, regardless of the challenges we face or the opinions of others.

As we reflect on Noah's example, let us also consider how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. Are we listening for God's instructions? Are we willing to step out in faith, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources and strength to accomplish His purposes? Are we prepared to persevere in obedience, even when the path ahead seems uncertain?

I encourage each of you to take time in prayer and meditation, seeking to hear God's voice and discern His will for your life. Let us strive to be like Noah, walking faithfully with God and responding to His call with unwavering obedience.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His peace be with you always.

In Christ,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family,

As we gather to celebrate Father's Day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the profound and invaluable role that fathers and father figures play in our lives. This day is an opportunity for us to honor and express our gratitude for the men who have shaped our families and communities with their love, wisdom, and guidance.

Honoring Fathers

Fathers are often the silent strength in our families, working tirelessly to provide and protect, guiding us with their wisdom, and loving us with a steady, unwavering presence. They are our role models, our mentors, and our heroes. Whether they are with us in person or in spirit, their influence and legacy are felt every day.

Biblical Reflection

In the Bible, fatherhood is a revered and significant role. Proverbs 20:7 says, "The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." This verse reminds us that the actions and integrity of a father have lasting impacts on his children. As fathers, you are called to walk in righteousness, setting a godly example for your children to follow.

Encouragement to Fathers

To all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures in our congregation, we celebrate you today. Your role is vital, and your efforts are deeply appreciated. Continue to be the pillars of strength and beacons of faith in your families. Know that your labor in love does not go unnoticed.

Supporting Fatherhood in Our Community

As a church, let us also commit to supporting and encouraging the fathers in our midst. Let us create an environment where they can grow spiritually, seek guidance, and find fellowship. May we uplift one another and share the load of fatherhood, recognizing that it takes a community to raise children in faith and love.

A Prayer for Fathers

Today, let us lift up our fathers in prayer:   "Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the fathers in our lives. We ask that You bless them with wisdom, patience, and strength. Help them to walk in Your ways and to lead their families with love and integrity. May they find joy and fulfillment in their role, and may they feel appreciated and honored not just today, but every day. Amen."

Conclusion

On this Father's Day, let us cherish the fathers among us and remember those who are no longer with us. May we honor their legacy by living lives that reflect the love, dedication, and faith they have shown us.

Wishing all fathers a blessed and joyful Father’s Day!

In Christ’s love,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family

I am reminded of the profound truth that we serve The God Who Sees. In a world filled with uncertainty, pain, and struggles, it brings immense comfort to know that we are not alone. Our God is not distant or indifferent to our plight; rather, He sees us intimately and cares deeply for each one of us.

The concept of The God Who Sees is not merely a theological notion but a living reality that permeates every aspect of our lives. From the depths of our struggles to the heights of our joys, God's gaze is upon us, never wavering, never failing. He sees our tears in times of sorrow, our fears in moments of uncertainty, and our joys in moments of celebration.

In Genesis 16, Hagar, a marginalized and oppressed woman, encounters God in a profound way and gives Him the name "El Roi," meaning The God Who Sees. In her desperation, feeling abandoned and alone, God sees her, hears her cries, and ministers to her needs. This encounter reveals God's character as one who is attentive, compassionate, and intimately involved in the lives of His people.

As a church, let us take comfort in the truth that we serve a God who not only sees us but also acts on our behalf. He is our refuge in times of trouble, our strength in moments of weakness, and our hope in the midst of despair. Let us trust in His unfailing love and sovereignty, knowing that He is working all things together for our good.

Furthermore, as recipients of God's grace and compassion, let us embody The God Who Sees to the world around us. Let us open our eyes to the needs of the marginalized, the oppressed, and the hurting in our communities. May we extend God's love and compassion to those who feel unseen and unheard, demonstrating His heart for justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

In conclusion, let us take solace in the assurance that we serve The God Who Sees. May this truth inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love, knowing that our God is with us, sees us, and will never leave us nor forsake us.

With love and blessings,

Bill Doane