Message from Pastor Jim Faulks 10/12/2026
Newsletter 10/12/2026
From the desk of Pastor Jim
Have you ever noticed that some things in life are just impossible to hide? Eat a powdered doughnut, and somehow half of it ends up on your shirt. Spend an afternoon gardening, and the dirt under your fingernails tells the whole story. Well, according to the Apostle Paul, our faith should be just as noticeable!
In 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10, Paul celebrates a church known for its work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope. These folks weren't famous for their beautiful building, fancy programs, or wonderful potluck dinners—although I certainly hope they had good potlucks! They were known because their love for Jesus showed in the way they lived.
And isn't that what being the church is all about?
Our faith isn't supposed to stay tucked away in our Sunday clothes until the following week. It should follow us into the grocery store, the doctor's office, our homes, and even those moments when someone takes our favorite parking spot!
God's grace is always working in us, helping us become a little more patient, a little more forgiving, and a whole lot more loving. Of course, some of us are still enrolled in God's advanced patience class, and graduation seems a long way off!
The wonderful news is that God doesn't expect perfection. God simply invites us to keep growing, keep loving, and keep sharing the joy of Jesus.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if people in our community said, "That's the church where everyone feels welcome! That's the church where people care about one another! That's the church where you can see Jesus at work!"
Friends, we don't have to do extraordinary things to make an extraordinary difference. A friendly smile, a phone call, a helping hand, or a simple prayer can brighten someone's day and remind them that God loves them.
So this week, let's put our faith into action, spread a little joy, and let God's love shine through us. After all, the world could use a little more kindness, a little more hope, and a whole lot more Jesus!
And remember, you may be the only glimpse of Jesus someone sees today. Make it a joyful one!
Blessings, laughter, and God's amazing grace to you all!
