connecting individuals to Jesus
In 2020, pastors found ways to care for their members responsively, creatively, and faithfully. The following is one way a Michigan District pastor found to do just that during Holy Week and beyond. Rev. Mark Hetzner has been a pastor at St. Thomas, Eastpointe for 25 years. One of the blessings of his longevity is that he is fairly familiar with the congregation’s constituency. The following is an account of St. Thomas’ journey in 2020.
Our Primary Prayer focus for this week is on Christ’s work through his Word: Calming all hearts that are filled with fear, shame, pride, or grief. As we discover new ways to search the scripture together and care for our neighbor. As the Holy Spirit develops faith in children and youth – through family devotions and other means. For people and families to read from the Bible and pray together daily.
Beginning on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Roseville Community Schools will be distributing meals on Tuesday and Thursday each week via pickups at Steenland, Huron Park and EMS, as well as at the bus stop routes. Home deliveries will continue to be on Fridays.
26 families came through the Clothing Closet on December 12 and we are now keeping it available throughout the month. At least 80 families will be helped with holiday food baskets … thanks to your generous support and a couple groups of dedicated volunteers.
Groups of more than 5 who wish to sit together for the 4:00 p.m. service, please make reservations
This year you will be assigned the same envelope number for offering envelopes as you had in 2020. Your box of envelopes is in your mail slot/box. If you do not have a mail slot/box, you will find them on the table in that area. (If you would like a mail slot/box, please contact the church office.)
• The Macomb County Office of Senior Services will distribute care packages with essential items for local senior citizens on Thursday, December 17. The drive-through distribution event, which will take place between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Macomb County Family Resource Center.
Did you keep a diary or write in a journal in your past? Remember how important it was to make sure you had all the details correct in your writings. Everything was important to note because it was the record of the day. When was the last time you pulled the diary or journal out of storage to jog your memory and stir your mind with the words you wrote?
This year has been one for the history books. For many of us, it certainly has had its fair share of challenges and heartache. It also has been a year of watching miracle after miracle unfold before our very eyes. Who would have ever thought that a pandemic would test how quickly we could adapt as an organization? I’m sure each of you have incredible stories about how 2020 has changed your life as well.