Good Morning Purposeful Listeners! Is that you? I always aim to be, but am not always successful. It takes focus to listen intently, discern and fulfill your revealed purposes of each day and for life in Christ. Going on a month and a half of sleeplessness and health issues finds me hard to stay focused and listen. It's even hard just to keep my quiet time alive. This morning is another example of that. 3:00 and still no sleep. A very long day lies ahead and I need to be on my game and following my purposes intently, yet I just want to sleep. Only God knows what stretching or correction or growing is allowing this season. Or maybe it's Satan trying to sift me or a test of faith. Sometimes it takes all you have to seek, focus, listen and follow God. I'm trying!

Two devos for today really tie to this. The Upper Room's titled "Listen" And TWFYT's about finding your purpose. You can't find your purpose if you don't seek, listen, surrender and follow God. One of our purposes is to seek and listen to God. They go hand in hand. Check them out below and seek God with all your heart. Don't lean on your own understanding and allow Him to lad you to and through your purposes for today. he does have great plans for you. Step out in faith, boldly into them!

One of my purposes right now is to cling to God and not my own devices and allow Him to lead me beside the still waters and to the green pastures. I have to choose to let Him carry me there. I am at the end of me and totally exhausted. I hear several of you are enduring this too. May we spur each other on, keep covering each other in prayer, and just allow God to have His way with us. Better days are ahead and until then commit to seeking, knocking, listening, discerning and following just as you are and as best as you can. That's all God expects!

So, shalom shalom...perfect peace to you and yours. God does have a plan no matter what you are going through and He is always there upholding you in His strong right hand. Amen! Speak Lord. Your servant is listening and wanting to follow you to my purposes for today. Come! Have all of me! Amen

UR: Listen

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” - 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)

I eased back into bed hoping for a few more minutes of rest before another long day began. My original plan to sleep late had been interrupted by an early summons to attend to my husband’s healthcare needs. Although I am usually able to return to sleep quickly, that morning sleep evaded me. While I lay still in the pre-dawn quiet, I became aware of the caw of a crow, trills from a songbird, the patter of gentle raindrops, and the soft sounds of breathing. Nothing exciting. Just restful reminders that God surrounds me with small gifts of peace and joy when I take time to listen.

The day’s responsibilities still stretched before me. My body still ached for rest. Nevertheless, God’s message of hope helped me rise to begin my day with assurance that I did not have to face it alone.

As Samuel responded to God in the middle of the night, I want to remain ready to listen when God speaks. May we never allow the busyness and bustle of daily life to mute the voice of the One who loves us beyond all measure.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, grant us listening hearts, ready to respond whenever and wherever you call. Thank you for the peace of your presence. Amen.

TWFYT

Sarah update below

Zoom Huddle 10 am today

Good Morning Disciples that Jesus Loves! That is so true, but would you describe yourself that way? John did. Maybe if we did, we would be a bit more earnest in pursuit of and living for Jesus. we are so very loved by the  God who is love and then saved, empowered and sent to love like Jesus. That is our mission that transforms our lives and of those around us. How's that going? Has God revealed someone to you that needs His love? Has your team discerned someone to love like Jesus loves you. Has the Holy Spirit given you dreams and visions for how to? be bold and courageous and step into your anointing today. God has great plans just for you! Rejoice, trust and follow well!

I was able to get three solid hours of sleep and some 10-30 minute naps before that. However, I need more rest as I cannot keep my eyes open right now. God has led me in a step in the right direction. That flows form abiding n matter my circumstances and then trusting and following well, just as I am. Check out the UR's reminder that as we allow what breaks God's heart to break ours we will reap with joy. What's breaking your heart right now? What are you doing about that? Ask God for eyes to see, ears to hear and for His heart and mind to step into your purposes today. Ask for willing feet and hands that hold loosely to your agenda for this day. Find someone to pray about this, to discern with and to plan and then cover you and help you. That is God's plan for you! Yes rejoice and come as you are and allow Him to move you closer to what he has created you to be and do. Amen! TWFYT asks a simple question that Jesus asked and still asks, "Do you want to be made whole?" How you answer that will determine what happens next. Choose Jesus! Choose love! Choose to trust and obey. Choose to die to self, take up cross today and allow Him to lead you to His best. He's waiting for you! And we are praying into us discovering and stepping into our purposes boldly and ready. May it be so Lord! Come! Amen! The harvest is waiting! Revival is at hand! Amen! Shalom shalom! Know perfect peace as you trust, surrender and follow today!

UR: No Labor Lost

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. - Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

At an annual event that rewards hard work and excellence across sectors in Africa, our organization won an award. I went to receive it. As I stood on the podium, the chairman named the feats we have achieved over the years, and the crowd cheered. It was a spectacular moment because the hard work we thought had gone unnoticed was finally rewarded.

Reflecting on that moment, I thought of the future time when God will honor the saints, the martyrs, the unknown heroes of faith, the peacemakers, the generous givers, and others who work tirelessly for the cause of God’s kingdom (see Matt. 16:27). Even when we feel our service has gone unnoticed or seemingly unrewarded, God takes note.

Realizing that God sees my effort even when the world does not instills in me a fervent desire to serve God and humanity. I look forward to the day when I will stand before God among the cheering saints and hear God say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).

Today's Prayer

Dear God, when our heart and hands are weary, strengthen us. Amen.

TWFYT:

Sarah Update:

Good evening, all.....

What a gorgeous day it was today. Looks like the next couple of days are going to be the same.....sunshine and warmer temps.

Hope you all are able to find some time to enjoy the outdoors.

CONGRATULATIONS to Grandparents Debbie and Gerry Siegfried.  They are celebrating the birth of their

second grandson, who was born this morning.  Mommy and baby are doing well and Daddy is very proud.

  Baby's name is Arthur John.  Let's uplift this new family in our prayers as they begin this adventure together.

Parents of Arthur John are Michele and Michael Schuler.

Gwen Jones will be having surgery tomorrow morning (Tuesday) to have her pacemaker inserted. She is forever 

grateful for all your prayer support, brings her comfort.

Anna Mae Diefenderfer's funeral will be at Trexler Funeral Home on Thursday, at 11:00am, viewing hours will be from

10:00 - 11:00am.  Pastor Don will be officiating at the service.

Millie Flexer's husband had a heart procedure today (Monday)  Continue to pray for him and the results.

Howie - Gary Bastan's relative is dealing with a blood infection. Prayers for healing.

Lisa Wenner is asking for prayer for her nephew's wife Lauren who is pregnant with twins. One of the twins is not

gaining weight as they should.  There will be an ultrasound this week, and then a decision will be made as to what sort

of treatment is necessary.  Prayers for an answer and wisdom for medical team.

Kay Paul and her daughter Nancy as asking for prayers for safe travel for Larry and Enol and their sons. They are due back

into the states this week. Let's pray them home safely.

  Also keep Richard, their oldest son in your prayers as he transitions to college life at Lehigh University.

Also don't forget if you are not doing anything this Wednesday, we will be gathering at Rita's ice, in Emmaus, at 6:00pm.

   Where your St Matthew's tee shirt, if you have one.  Come one come all!

Thank you all for supporting one another in your prayers.

      Blessings,

   Sarah

This Week:

Tue 10 AM Zoom Huddle (All welcome)

Wed 10-12 Bread Min; 6 PM Rita's Chill Out

Sat. 10-1 Clothing Closet

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Good Morning! Please keep praying for me. I had one full night's sleep yesterday in over a month. Today seems to be back to no sleep. Gonna try again as soon as I hit send. This is really getting old! Satan be gone!

We had a great day of worship, sharing, and praying yesterday. Keep praying for our church to experience and bring revival and new life and learn to live,, love and make disciples like Jesus! Ask God what your part is in His Good News Delivery Company and step out in faith and with some friends. He has great plans for you and us! Amen! Kathy verified yesterday that we are very much growing to become the dynamic movement God and our bishop have called us to be for such a time as this. PTL!

Check out these devos. Do you see the thread? Is God speaking to your heart? Who are you processing that with? Many need deliverance and healing today. Sarah Young's devo spoke to my heart today about relaxing in God's healing. Chuck Swindoll reminds us of the importance of trusting God completely and how that can bring much inner peace. Our Daily Bread talks about persevering and running our races well and of God's loving mercy and grace when we fall short. The Upper Room reminds us how we can be part of something bigger God is doing and stepping out to advocate for and bless our neighbors. Try it!

OK. Enough! I thin God has spoken and I am now able to sleep. Please Lord!

Sarah Young

Chuck Swindoll

ODB

UR: Advocates

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NRSVUE)

Montez Bailey and his two friends were shot in my quiet neighborhood park. Montez died.

The community didn’t want revenge against the gang initiate who was responsible. They wanted healing. Several people in the neighborhood began to advocate for the area. They wrote grants. They lobbied. They urged the neighborhood council to take action.

Before long, they turned a run-down park into a gathering place with expansive lawns, soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts, a splash fountain, a playground, and picnic areas. The city agreed to establish The Forgiveness and Peace Garden — the only city-supported public garden where local people can tend a garden plot. Now families and groups enjoy a safe and peaceful time at the park.

The city built a community center nearby, one which had originally been planned for a wealthier area. My neighbor, one of those involved in this effort, told me how it impacts the lives and attitudes of the local teens. They now play sports in the park or go to the community center to hang out, study, and pursue fitness.

Advocacy is powerful. This is the heart of what it means to follow Jesus, our advocate in crisis and brokenness. Jesus is our source of peace.

Today's Prayer

Healer of all things, give us the courage to stand with others to advocate for justice and peace. Amen.

Good Morning Worshipers! Let us prepare our hearts to worship in Spirit and Truth and to enter His courts with thanksgiving! What praises, thanksgivings, and Kingdom stories do you have to share and celebrate with us today? I know God has used some of us and given us stories to share, tests that have become testimonies, and supernatural workings of God we all need to hear and celebrate. Come! Let us worship!

I'm thankful God is delivering me and preparing me to lead today. May has been quit the journey! BUT GOD! He has used it and will lead me from it pruned and ready for some good fruit production. PTL! He is the Potter. We need to remember we are the clay and to stay supple and moldable in His artistic hands. For we are His masterpieces, made new in Christ, to do the things he created and gifted us to do. What's you part in His Good News Delivery Company, masterpiece? What are you created, gifted, molded, and empowered to do for such a time as this? Let's discuss that, discover together and stay committed to praying into this! Check out the I to We devo about this below. I love how God often affirms what He's been saying and leading us to. Eph. 2:10 is one of our foundational purposes and we are His masterpieces, made new to do what we are created for. PTL!

Today we will pray, seek to grow in our connection to the Vine and discover some of our purposes as we pray and discern together. Our fruit grows from staying connected to and abiding in the Vine before and as we step out in faith to His plans. That often takes dying to self and crucifying our comfort to follow Jesus better. How's that going? How can we help each other? Check out the Upper Room below about this. Stepping out in faith and releasing our comfort for His stretching can be fear causing. Fear not for God is with you--always and he is always working all things together for good. lean not on your own understanding. Trust God to lead to His best plans for you and then be bold and courageous as you step out with Jesus and some partners. Check out The Word for You Today below about trusting God and stepping from comfort zones that will lead to good and lasting fruit! And then wrap up with the Connection prayer blog as you still self, seek and abide in preparation for what's next. I'm praying for you and God is cheering you and us on! Come! let us enter His courts with praise!

I to We

UR: Divine Connection

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (NIV)

In this age of the internet, it can be difficult to go about life as usual when connectivity is suddenly lost. All communication seems to come to a standstill. This happened to us when our home internet connection was interrupted. There was a loud pop, and then our Wi-Fi cut off. We couldn’t do any work on our computer or laptop. We had to depend on our limited mobile-phone data to complete our work and connect with others. Later we figured out that the Wi-Fi had been cut off due to a faulty power adapter.

Just like an internet connection, our spiritual connection with God can break down too. Unresolved sin in our lives can build up and make us feel distant from God.

If a strong internet connection is so important to our daily lives, how much more crucial is our spiritual connection with God! Without it, we can do nothing. We are like branches without a vine, a tree without its roots. But we can maintain a close connection with God by reading scripture, acting on our faith, and sharing the love of God with others, especially those who need hope in their lives.

Today's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the connection we have with you through Jesus Christ. Draw us near to you, and help us to rely on you. Amen.

TWFYT

Connection

It's thank God I'm forgiven Friday! Much to praise about that for sure! What amazing love and grace we know and get to share! Yes PTL!

Sarah update below

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Good Morning Praising Worshipers, faithful friends! Amen!

The hymn that goes, "I need you, oh I need you. Every hour I need You." Keeps rattling around in my head this very early morning. Yes we do need Him--every hour! And I keep singing "Peace like a river attended my way" As good as yesterday was, this day, so far, not so much. It's almost 3am and no sleep in sight. So I came down for quiet time and to write this before hopefully grabbing a few Z's before a doc appointment today. Please Lord!

It's so early the on line devos have not posted yet. I encourage you to engage with Our Daily bread and The Upper Room. They are speaking to my heart form God this morning! Thanks Lord! God does know best. We cannot see all he does nor the end like He does. We just have to trust and stay faithful. he is with us always and working all things together for good. Amen! And the UR discusses walking through those dark valleys like I've been trodding through with God by my side. PTL! I need Him--every hour and peace like a river can flow through that dark valley of we choose to keep our focus right. I'm trying! He is upholding me in His strong right hand and does have some great plans yet for me 9and for you too!)

He's looking at you and calling you by name to come abide in His love and rest. Do it! he will carry you or walk with you through whatever and peace and joy can be chosen as we cast all anxiety on Him. Amen!

Funny, God-thing, note: I pronounced that I was taking off for the month of May. I believe God is making sure I do. Just wish I was more refreshed to be still and abide and listen and receive. Seems almost everyday since our vacation (which was great and refreshing) has been a battle and very wearying---BUT GOD! Keep your eyes upon Jesus! There's just something about that name too! Jesus. Jesus. Jesus! Come! Fill us. refine us. prepare us and deliver us! Amen!

ODB just posted Find your Upper Room!

Sarah Update

Good evening,warriors,

We were praying for Jim Handfest's friend Bruce who was battling cancer.  They informed me today that Bruce has passed away today. They are

asking for prayer for his wife and their daughter during this difficult time.

Anna Mae Diefenderfer who is a homebound member of our church.  She passed away on Tuesday. She was 92 years old.

Her service will be at the Trexler Funeral Home on Thursday June 5th, at 11:00am.  There will be a calling period beginning 

at 10:00am.   Pastor Don will be officiating at the service.

Continue to keep Pastor Don and Karen in your prayers. He is feeling better and did get some sleep last evening.

 Praise God!

Thank you everyone for praying for one another 

Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!

Blessings,

   Sarah

A very Good Morning to You, My friends in Christ and Co-Laborers of His Kingdom! So, here I am at 12:45 AM. Thought that since I can't sleep at night anymore, I'd try to do this very early and see of it helps me to sleep. I don't know why, but I am unable to sleep until maybe 3:30-5:30 and then it's time to get up. I am bone tired as this has persisted for over a month with no real answers or resolutions. Please Lord, help!! I have nothing on my mind, just that until 2:30-3:30 every time I doze off I feel like I'm suffocating. It sure seems to be CPAP related but pulmonologist that I see says there is nothing wrong with my CPAP or me. The rest of the day I am able to use it without any hindrances. Weird, right? I am even taking sleeping pills before bed to no avail. Add to that some other health issues I am working to resolve and you find me at a place where I am in a fog much of the day, bone tired, and unable to perform my duties well. Times like this are times we need to rely on God to uphold and carry us, friends to pray, encourage and help and to tell Satan to scram. I'm trying these things to no avail as of yet. I'm believing God for a break through and deliverance and to lead me to the right docs. Thank you for praying, encouraging and assisting! You are a blessing! Anyway, just thought you should be updated. My plans are to attend bread min this morning but not if I am unsafe to drive without falling asleep at the wheel. Time will tell! If I am unable to attend, I believe God has a plan to use some of you to minister to the bread visitors in my absence. We need each other and we all have a part to play in this Good News Delivery Co. Amen! And I need you too! Thanks for being there!

Today, I want to look at two devotionals and discuss. Please engage with God using the other devotionals we use and open Bibles as you abide in His loving presence. He is speaking and calling you by name to come, reload and prepare to go live and love like Jesus today. Amen!

How appropriate that The Word for You Today devo is entitled "When You feel Blah"! That's the normal state I am in right now. Bone tired, unable to sleep and unable to do much else. BLAH! I love the reminder that God upholds us in His hand and strengthens us for the journey. he knows us and why He allows things. Could I be being stretched, humbled, being made aware of my need to trust God and move with Him or to rest? I have no clue but God does. I know He has set me down in the past when I overload and carry many burdens that are not mine to carry. God is Jireh--Enough! "He gives power to the worn out and strength to the weak." And as we wait on God He promises to renew our strength. Yes Lord please! may I have some of that today as I surrender, trust and try to step out in faith. Thanks! TWFYT also reminds us of the importance of teammates and others to lean on and to keep our focus on God no matter what we are facing.

Remember how Elijah became burned out after defeating the prophets of Baal? And he was depressed too. God led him to a place of rest and fed him. Then he led him to the mountain where he heard God whisper. What did God whisper? Elijah next assignment. he prepared the weary soul and rejuvenated him by calling him to go and fulfill His purpose. It was about letting go of the old and allowing God to lead to the new and revive Elijah and bless some others along the way. That's our call and focus--bless along the way as we allow God to uphold, prepare and use us for his lory. Amen. Check out the I to We devo about this (below). They remind us we need each other. God sent Elijah a new helper, Elisha. We all need others and are not to be lone rangers. Step out in faith to God's calling and your anointing and go love and love more like Jesus today and with some teammates. That's God plan for you and some friends. Try to do the ACT part at the end of the devo and actually write out then pray into and tweak what God is revealing as your calling. What's your calling? Go in faith and be encouraged. God is for you and with you!--always! Amen

TWFYT

I to We

Good Morning Praying in Faith Friends of Jesus--Teammates! Thank you for you patient, faithful prayers for my health and deliverance. God is hearing and answering. My pulmonologist made an unexpected adjustment to mt CPAP settings yesterday that seem to be working. PTL! I have some adjusting to do and some doc visits to follow up on, but actually had a decent night's sleep for the first time in over a month. Thanks Lord! Plase keep lifting and covering me. God is responding! Thanks!

Heard a great quote today: "Every miracle in the Bible, began as a problem! "That's true! What problem are you enduring and awaiting a miracle for? How can we pray and uphold and encourage you?

I usually begin my quiet time with reviewing yesterday's blog. Man God wrote a good one through this delirious awaiting, faithful servant yesterday! As I wrote it, I began to realize how God was allowing some stretching, renewing, new provisions and a miracle was coming. It brought to mind that God's not finished with me yet and allowing a season of restoration and provision before the miracle to come. Maybe find it and reread it. I might have to make a sermon from it! God is preparing me and us for the long summer season of ministry ahead, whispering His love over us. Providing, protecting and sending us to the new thing and future teammates He has for us! PTL! and Amen! Please Lord! What's He whispering to you? How is He reviving and refining and preparing you? What's now and what's next? Talk to Him about that and process with some friends.

Check out the UR and Sarah Young devos! You are precious, valuable and worthy and he is calling you by name to come and rest in Him for a spell to refresh and reload before stepping into the new things for the summer ahead. The I to We devo reminds us of the purging, letting go and holding loosely as we learn to die to self, take up cross daily and prepare to follow Jesus to the new things ahead. TWFYT continues to speak into the importance of co-laboring and waiting on the Lord with friends and encouragers. Who is your team? What's God saying and preparing you for? What might be some new thing to try this summer? Talk to Him and process with your team!

Now, Jesus said, Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest for your souls." Amen! I was weary and God forced me to rest during and after our vacation. he is preparing us for what's next too. Now I have to remain faithful, hold loosely to my plans and ideas and release them to Him as I receive His whispered new assignments. I need to hangout and process with some friends as we seek and trust and obey together! God does have some great things ahead for us to discover and grow into as we don His easy yoke and seek to follow refreshed, ready, provided for and faithful! What an awesome God we serve! PTL!

Do you anticipate time with God and His new things like my dogs awaiting Karen's return? keep watching and knocking, believing and preparing for His coming and sending--His easy yoke! Amen! Abide then thrive! Come alive in '25!

UR: Remembering Our Value

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:31 (NRSVUE)

Beside our front door we have a window box full of flowers in the summer and pine garlands in the winter. One day my husband mentioned that he thought a bird had made a nest in the window box. Impulsively, I went outside and moved the garland. A frightened mama wren immediately flew out of her nest under the garland, exposing five olive-sized eggs. I carefully covered it and went inside. We peeked out the window all evening, waiting for the wren to return. No chirping. No movement. Concerned, we wondered what would happen to her vulnerable eggs. I went to bed with a heavy heart, feeling guilty for causing the bird stress and the possible destruction of her family.

Early the next morning, I carefully looked to see if the bird had returned. I was thankful to see her wiggling under the leaves she had placed to shelter her family. We were delighted to see baby birds a few days later.

Through that little bird, God reminded me that even the smallest birds are valuable and how much more valuable each one of us is! In all of life’s busyness, we can forget how much we are valued by our heavenly Father. When we are burdened with fear, we can remember that we belong to God, who tenderly cares for us.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, we give thanks for your tender care. Help us to value all of your creation just as you value us. Amen.

Sarah Young

I to We

TWFYT

Good Morning Refreshed in Christ Co-Laborers! Amen! He leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls! PTL! Often that refreshing comes through us as we come alongside a fellow traveler who has become weary or downcast. We are gifted to not only grow God's Church but to encourage and bless each other. How's the fruit of that ripening in your life today? Jesus promises rest to the weary traveler that comes to Him and dons His easy yoke. He reminds us that He is gentle in spirit. How often do we wrongly view God as a harsh task master or demanding boss. That is NOT His nature. So, stop striving in your own strength and understanding or trying to meet some standard God has not set for you. Allow Him to renew your thinking and lead you to green pastures and refreshing waters of His grace and mercy. Go live and love like Jesus and encourage some others who need to feel God's loving presence through you. You are created, gifted, empowered and sent for such a time as this! PTL! Go! Love! Be renewed!

I am still struggling some with my health and sleep. BUT GOD! He is hearing our prayers and delivering me from the evil one and my season of weariness. PTL and thank you! Keep praying and let us be committed to coming along side each other, encouraging each other and helping each other to redirect and choose the best, healing, and refreshing paths. I actually had a great night of sleep going until the thunder around 1. Then the dogs tripped out and awoke us in nervous panting and crying. It's cool though because I had been sensing God wanted to talk. I have had little in me to spend deep time with Him this past month and today may have been a break through with that. PTL! I need to be refreshed and am readying for a very busy week ahead as our mid-week ministries fire back up, I have Anna Mae's funeral, some pre-marriage counseling and twins baby dedications this week. God will make a way and carry me through. He knows what lies ahead and is preparing me. He is awesome and loving! And yes, even in the busyness, His yoke is easy and custom fit for me, my circumstances and according to His plans. That allows me to choose to trust and follow and experience His peace and joy. How can I help you with that? Whom might He be sending you to help? Do it! Is there some random act of kindness God is putting on your heart that might bless a weary fellow traveler? He does have plans and people just for you. Step into those plans in faith and watch what He will do that will glorify His name and lead to worship. Let go and let God! Exhale the junk and breathe in a fresh breath of the rejuvenating Spirit and then go live and love like Jesus! He was always comforting and coming beside weary travelers and He still upholds us in His strong right hand when we need it. And He often sends us to be His helping vessels. Remember too that often the breakthroughs come as we let go, refocus and go bless others in spite of our troubles and weariness. Talk to God about that today and process that with some co-laborers and go bless others in the love of Christ. Someone that God is preparing, needs you today. I'm praying for you right now! I'd love to hear your stories of how God is using you! Maybe He will give us some praises to share tomorrow? Blessing others leads to our joy and refreshing. I know I need that! How about you? let us go live and love like Jesus a little more focused on Him today. he is working all things together for good for those who are called by His name. That's you, me and our Body! PTL! Pray for revival, refreshing, and readiness to go. Amen

Reminder: We have one more week off before restarting for the summer. Remind everyone that due to Pastor Don's health issues, we are pushing our Rita's hangout to next Wed, June 4th. Tues Zoom Huddle will resume Tues June 3 at 10. Thank you for your prayers and patience with me as we try to resolve several health issues. I am feeling your prayers! Please continue! I will be attempting to make several more specialist appointments this week. The main need is the need for sleep as I have been only able to sleep about 2-3 hours a night for over a month, even with sleep aids. It seems to be CPAP/pulmonary related.

See Sarah's update below.

Good Morning Amazed By Grace Worshipers! Isn't God's grace simply, well...amazing! Dwell and meditate on that this morning. What makes you go, "WOW!" when you think of Jesus, His Word, and/or what's He's doing? Check out ODB about that below, as well as, Sarah Young's devo about seeking God's face daily and putting on Jesus, His righteous, heart and mind. It's how we are able to live and love like Jesus and our courage, wisdom and strength to go make disciples. Seek first the Kingdom of God and He will add all we need to complete our missions. PTL!

OK, time to try to get some sleep as I was only able o log about two hours over night. I'm trying to be still, abide and rest in the Lord! help me, Lord! Heal and deliver me from Satan's testing grip. Thanks! Amen!

Sarah Young:

ODB

Sarah Update

Hi prayer warriors,

Dean Marks is asking for prayer for his oldest son, Ryan and family. They lost their dog on Monday, and Ryan's daughters are crushed. 

Their dog has been a part of their lives since they were born. The girls are 6 and 8 years of age. 

Dean is also praising God for the great service and brunch on Sunday - he says thanks Mike and Lori!  His parents were in attendance

and really enjoyed their day with St Matthew's!

** ** **

Today Pastor Don received a call from Anna Mae Diefenderfer's son: He shared that his mother is currently in the care of Hospice at

Ephrata Manor, and is nearing her time on this earth. She is patiently waiting for the Lord to call her home. Please keep her family

in your prayers during this difficult time.

** ** **

I have also included our May Financial update for you to look over.

St Matthew’s Financial Update

The figures for the “General Fund” include all revenue and all expenses for the month. This includes all revenue from offerings, rent, and other income. The expenses reported above are actual expenses for the month. The totals reported for Missions and the Rebuilding Fund are also included in the “General Fund” figures.

Please continue to keep Pastor Don, Pastor Mike and myself in your prayers as we continue to serve the Lord in many 

unique ways, sharing God's love, peace and hope with those we come in contact with.

We all covet your prayers for our health, safety, and wisdom.

Praying you all have a good rest of your week.

   Blessings,

     Sarah

We will never forget those, who like Jesus, were willing to and actually laid down their lives for our freedoms. Meditate on that today and pray for all our service personnel, families and all our first responders. May God bless them, keep them and provide for all their needs. Amen

No blog today--just worship and praise God for allowing us to be born in the land of the free because of the brave! Freedom is not free!

Here is Sarah's update from yesterday. Thanks Sarah, Mike and all for covering for us and for leading us to worship. I needed that, Mike! Thanks!

Good afternoon, warriors,

What a great day of worship today! Thank you Pastor Mike for your unique message through the Word and music!!

   We also had a great yummy brunch. Thank you, Lori and team that helped to make our May brunch a success.

Praying that we all follow through with what Pastor Mike suggested - making the most of our worship time; remembering 

that Our God is for us, then who could ever stand against us.

   Reflect on the beautiful name of Jesus......saying the name of Jesus changes and affects your heart. What a powerful name of Jesus.

And even when we don't see that God is working, He is STILL working, He never stops. What a comforting feeling.....knowing that God is STILL working even when don't feel that He is......don't forget that!

   We have been given the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us.  So remember each morning, and through whatever you may be 

going through, allow the Holy Spirit Lead YOU!!

Here are the praises and prayer needs this week:

Dean Marks son, Bret - continue healing from back surgery

Karen Kern's father, Russ - currently in hospital with spine infection

Terry - recovering from hip surgery

Gary Bastin's relatives: Mary - having stomach issues - having a biopsy to see what is happening

                               Howie - currently in hospital, having difficulty getting out of bed, and heart issues.

Darlene Geiger - son in law's stepfather - going through chemo - Jeff

Ken - Sandy Ritter's husband - some grey areas with his MRI, waiting for more information.

Jim Handfest's friend, Bruce - battling cancer

Randy Schmidt requested prayer for healing of his leg. He also reports that his Mom is doing good.

Prayers for the young couple's family from Israel that was shot and killed in Washington.

Pastor Don and Karen - prayers for healing throughout Pastor Don's body.  Prayers for Karen  as

she has added work responsibilities on her plate.

Praises:

Kay Paul's relative, Dean, had a stroke this past week, he had surgery and is back home, and is back to his normal

routine.

Lisa Wenner had a wonderful time in TN and was amazed at all the Baptist church she saw on her trip.

Sally Williams praising God for her daughter being cancer free for over 20 years.

Thanking God for all the opportunities presented to use to share HOPE and LOVE and PEACE to our community.

** ** **

Praying you all have a great week, remember to allow the Spirit to lead!

   Rita's even has been moved to the month of June.

Blessings,

  Sarah