While cleaning out some of the storage areas in the church building last weekend, we came across a box of old newsletters produced from 1977 to 1986. I don’t know if there were more after the first quarter of that year, but it is interesting to look back at some of the activities, concerns, and teaching at the church in those days. I don’t plan to reproduce them entirely, but I may share an article or two from time to time that is of interest. The following is a message from the pastor, a testimony, and a ministry update dated April 1, 1977 in Echoes from Emmanuel, Volume 1, Number 3. I will reproduce the material as accurately as possible.
Parson to Person by Pastor Eckman:
The phrase, “Just suppose”, has raised some challenging questions to me recently. “Just suppose” everyone does the following things just like you do: votes in elections, respects the law (including speed limits), prays for leaders (including the ones they don’t agree with), reads the Bible, goes to church, gives financially to the Lord’s work, spends time training their children from God’s word and uses excuses for not doing what they know they should. “Just suppose” everyone was as sure (or unsure) of their soul’s salvation, of being ready for heaven, or of being right with God as I am. “ Just suppose” everyone had the following just like mine: moral standards, courage to stand up for convictions, family life, attitude toward their boss, vocabulary and thoughts.
God is not concerned so much about what the other guy is like, as He is about what I am like. Many times we criticize or condem [sic] in others what we condone in ourself [sic]. We may have double standards: a low standard for ourself [sic] and a high one for everyone else. But God says in Romans 2:1, “Therefore, thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doeth the same things”. “Just suppose” and then with the Lord’s help, go forth and live as if you stood at the threshold of Eternity.
Testimony by Virginia Wright:
Driving home from church, Psalm 34:8 came to my mind, and it brought back the past to prove the goodness of God. I know that the trials of life are allowed by God to make us grow. When He took my son, it lead [sic] me to study His word and grow in the knowledge that brought me to my salvation. When my husband died 3 years ago, my faith was strengthened by a closer walk with God. He healed my broken heart and guides my way each day. What a privilege to love the Lord and know a great Love is returned. “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him”. Ps. 34:8
Toddler’s Church by Marge Kammeraad:
Did you know that one learn most within the first 5 years of life? That is why toddler’s church is so important and needs your prayers. For March, we are stressing “Children obey your parents” Eph. 6:1. Our stories have been about David and Jesus obeying their parents. We had a story about a small boy, Jimmy, who lost out on something special because he did not obey his mother’s first call. Please help teach your child Eph. 6:1. Memorizing scripture is most important at this time in their lives.