Annual Report of the Pastor

Here are some Highlights of Pastor Steve’s Annual Report

January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

The full report is on the literature table in the lobby at the church. And the video is here or you can read it below.

The Power of Connectedness

The day before Christmas Eve, we were troubleshooting the lights in the parking lot. We checked the timer and the breaker. We went out to the light-poles and checked. Nothing. No power. We were dumbfounded. Then one of us said, “Are we flipping the wrong breaker?” We were. When we found the right circuit, the connection was made and the lights worked.

Connection – it’s essential to light, to power, to living.

This has never been more evident than in the past couple of years. Believers need connectedness in two areas: First, we need connection with God. Jesus says that if we abide in Him and His word abides in us, we will bear much fruit. Connection to Him brings fruitfulness and life.

A second connectedness we need is with one another. You have heard the parable of the log that became separated from the fire and eventually went cold. And you’ve seen it happen to people in their walk with Christ. It’s heartbreaking.

For some, living in 2021 has made this second connection difficult. I know few people whose lives haven’t been touched in a serious way by the pandemic. And this causes them to think twice about connecting socially – in person.

Those who are spiritually perceptive feel it. They feel the spiritual drain that comes with separateness. Others seem to know something’s wrong, but they don’t know what it is or what to do about it. It’s disconnectedness.

The solution for disconnectedness is…. Wait for it…. Connection!

And if you’ve been disconnected, you may find that you need to be intentional – even deliberate – in reconnecting with God and with his people. Those two necessities are as close as two sides of a coin. We need them both.

The way God connects us with Himself at Curwensville Alliance is beautiful. He works through the music in both morning services to bring us near to Himself. He knits our spirits together in the prayer time – when an elder uses his own words to express our hearts to God. God is there. And as we open God’s word together, His Spirit speaks to our open hearts. The connection with God is sometimes palpable.

In addition to that, we see the beauty of what Christ continues to do at Curwensville Alliance as He continues to connect us – personally. Have you seen the people gathering before the 8 am service? Have you been in a Sunday School Class and heard the people sharing their hearts together? Have you caught the conversations about family and friends unfolding in the lobby? Have you stayed around after a Sunday service – just to connect? After a committee meeting – just to catch up? After a gathering – just to talk? Have you seen people praying together in a small group – in unexpected places?

When we connect that way, our hearts find peace because we are where we should be – connected with God and with one another.

It was good to have light in the parking lot for the Christmas Eve service; I am thankful that we made the proper connection. And it’s good to have light – and life – in our midst as we “make the proper connections”.

As we move forward into 2022, it’s my prayer that each will look for ways that God wants to connect, personally – and that we will look for ways to connect with His people, personally.

Words of Thanks

Elders and Board of Ministries

As always, I want to thank the Elders and the Board of Ministries for their cooperative oversight in leading in 2021. They help us connect with God and with each other. Their leadership causes Curwensville Alliance to flourish.

Personally

More and more, my wife, Laurel, finds creative ways to help people connect with God and with one another.

Thank you, Laurel.

-Respectfully Submitted,
Pastor Steve

Starting Sundays…

This Sunday, we’re starting a small group for adults that will coincide with the Youth and Children’s Meetings. You’re welcome to join us in the sanctuary at 5:30 on the days we are meeting.

The remaining 2021 Schedule is here.

Subscribe to this blog so you will be alerted as to the schedule each week.

If you choose to participate, you will get a free copy (limited supply) of the book Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortlund.

Ortlund begins with these words:

“This book is written for the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Those running on fumes. Those whose Christian lives feel like constantly running up a descending escalator. Those of us who find ourselves thinking: ‘How could I mess up that bad—again?’ It is for that increasing suspicion that God’s patience with us is wearing thin. For those of us who know God loves us but suspect we have deeply disappointed him. We have told others of the love of Christ yet wonder if—as for us—he harbors mild resentment. Who wonder if we have shipwrecked our lives beyond what can be repaired. Who are convinced we’ve permanently diminished our usefulness to the Lord. Who have been swept off our feet by perplexing pain and are wondering how we can keep living under such numbing darkness.”

Dane Ortlund in Gentle and Lowly, p. 13

Our time together on Sundays will be run like a small group rather than an evening service. We won’t feel like we need to squeeze 60 minutes out of the material or feel we must limit our time.

This Sunday (9/19/21) at 5:30 PM we will distribute the books and look over the introduction.

I hope you’ll join us.

To register, and get your free copy of the book this Sunday evening, sign up on the bulletin board near the elevator or complete this form.

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