From a Local Minister

Pastor Wayne, Pastor Connie, Pastor Phil, Pastor Rob, Members and Friends of the Albion Church of the Nazarene:

Earlier this month we had our women’s retreat with the theme of Wonder Woman. We examined Psalm 139 and how God is all-knowing, always with us, His personal concern in every detail of our lives, and how He is in control. In every part of our life He is there and He wants nothing more than to have an intimate relationship with each one of us. This is more than our human minds can comprehend! How great is our God!

Psalm 139:14 says, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”
No matter who you are, man or woman or child, you are a wonderful creation and God loves you! He knows you by name! He is worthy of our praise, no matter what our circumstances may be in life.

It has been a great year and I look forward to the new church year. We have had many opportunities to serve others and to share the Good News. We once again had Kidz Klub at Northwestern Elementary, both in the fall and the spring! VBS in the park last summer was wonderful! We had several children participate in children’s quizzing this year. They studied the book of Matthew. I love that our children are learning and studying the Bible in depth and know that it is something they cannot keep to themselves. They are to share it with others! I am thankful and praise God for all the many volunteers and teachers we have to work with our children!
In January, some of us embarked on a journey to reclaim a healthier life with the Daniel Plan. We have been learning how to take care of our bodies that God has given us. We have experienced a healthier way of eating, weight loss, and having more energy. While food and fitness are two areas that are focused on in the Daniel Plan, it also looks at faith, friends, and focus. It isn’t just about losing weight, but becoming healthier in all areas of your life. Anyone is welcome to join at anytime. I am thankful and praise God for friends who are doing this with me.

I have also had the privilege to host a Bible study in my home for the last year. We spent the year doing Tell THE Story Bible studies. After going through the discipleship class Passages, with the board, we are now doing Passages. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that the Bible is from God and teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us in righteousness so that we will be equipped for every good work. If you aren’t a part of a discipleship group, I encourage you to find a way to be in one.

One thing that has been with me all year is a song of praise in my heart. The song sometimes changes, but there is always a song there to praise and worship God. I have had a year with a lot of changes and firsts—moving, taking classes for ministry, preaching, leading a Bible study with women, etc. With each there have been challenges and doubts and frustrations (mostly with myself), but the joy and peace of knowing that God is with me, He is in control, and He has a plan, far outweigh any trial I have endured. I praise Him for who He was, is, and always will be! I praise Him for His care and love for each one of us! I praise Him because He is holy and Lord God Almighty! I praise Him because He alone is worthy of my praise!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve over the year as children’s ministry director, a board member, through Women’s ministries, and as a locally licensed minister. As we embark on a new church year, I leave you with the song that is in my heart today—How Can I Keep from Singing. Do you have a song of praise in your heart? Have you praised Him and thanked Him today?

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Tonya