Tuesday's Update for October 14th

Dear Pilgrims,

I received many comments on the analogy used in Sunday's message regarding enduring difficult times and have been asked to put it into print. The analogy is from Corrie Ten Boom, who survived the Nazi concentration camps. Her Dutch family was imprisoned as a result of hiding Jews. Most of Corrie's family died in the camps, including her sister who died in Corrie's arms. Reflecting on those darkest hours of her life and God's sustaining grace, she wrote that encountering hard times is like riding a train that enters a tunnel. When all becomes dark, do you jump out of the train? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through the tunnel. When we face dark hours in life, we trust the engineer (God) to help us through to the other side. In these present turbulent times, God is our stability, our rock, the faithful One who will see us through. So, trust Him, rely upon Him, and know that He will help you and give you the strength to face each day, one day at a time.

Please remember in prayer Edith Allworden and Terry Ebrech, both of whom are hospitalized.

The pumpkin festival is only a few weeks away and all children are invited to join us for a morning of great fun and lots of candy. Mark Saturday, October 25, 10:00 - 1:00 on your calendar. We are in need of a few more volunteers and candy.

This Thursday at 11:00 a.m. we make sandwiches for those who are in need. You are welcome to help; the event takes place in the community center.



Don’t forget to join us for breakfast on Saturday 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.

The annual thank you church picnic is scheduled for Sunday, November 2. We had a great turnout and a super time last year, so plan on attending.

We are receiving donations for the church yard sale in November. Folks will be on hand Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9:00 - 12:00 noon in the large garage behind the community center to assist you.

All of us continue to deal with the roller coaster economy and its implications. Reports show that giving to churches is down approximately 25% compared to last year. At Pilgrim, we have are feeling the crunch also. As of the end of September, we were running a deficit of several thousand dollars in our operating income. If you can help out by going the extra mile during these challenging times, your generosity would be appreciated.

MEN: our next scheduled breakfast is October 23, Thursday, at 6:30 a.m. in the youth room located in the community center. All guys are welcome.

Readings for this week in correlation to the 1 Peter scripture are posted each morning on our website pilgrimonline.org. We urge you to read these passages, taking the time to reflect on them and allow the Holy Spirit to apply them to your heart.

Gas prices are down, the stock market had its best day ever on Monday, and God is in control. Give thanks.

In His Grace,

Pastor Matthew Neumann