Several of our men made the trek out to Ashland to enjoy a beautiful evening right near Mahoney State Park.  Thank you to Josh and dad for the spot, for Neil making us food, for Randy hauling tables and chairs out, Troy leading us in a few songs, and for everyone else who lent a hand in making it a neat evening.  So many aspects were just perfect (weather, sunset, surroundings, conversation, and music).  Across the creek there were some campout sites for Mahoney that had people.  I wonder what they thought as several men sang praises to God.  I also wonder what they thought as a fire was started with a flamethrower.    What a night!  


Moving forward in Ephesians 4:20–24, the message reminded us that learning Christ is not about adding Jesus to the life we already want to live. Christ is at the center, and everything else must be evaluated in light of Him. His finished work on the cross and His resurrection need nothing added to them, but our lives must be transformed by the new identity He has given us. We noted the three movements in that transformation: putting off the old self, being renewed in the spirit of our minds, and putting on the new self. The old way of life is like a sinful rut, sustained by deceitful desires and false beliefs. We cannot escape it simply by changing our behavior; our thinking must continually be reshaped by God’s Word and the truth found in Jesus. As we live out our new identity, we increasingly reflect God’s character in true righteousness and holiness—doing what is right according to His standards and living as those who belong to Him.


A few of our folks are going to Columbia in January on a mission's exposure trip.  Be in prayer for them especially as they prepare (passport, finances, time off, training, and spiritually).  You may also give to them personally if you'd like to.  Ask Pastor Ken or Jaime for details.  

Thank you for the encouragement, gifts, and well wishes these past few weeks.  I'm not a fan pastor appreciate "month" - I hope you appreciate me during the year.  That's the desire for us in this idea of "encouragement" is that we would continue to see ways to encourage one another.  As I shared yesterday, it is a privilege to serve the Lord alongside of you.   SSB is His church!  May we partner in encouraging one another in the gospel.  The DHS uses the phrase, "if you see something, say something" to prevent terrorism.  May we use this as a reminder of being encouragers..... if you see something, say something. When you see something that causes you to think of an encouraging word, say it.    I believe, personally, that we keep most of our encouragement contained.   We think of saying something encouraging and then we forget or just refuse to do it.   We are told to "encourage one another" (1 Thess 5:11) and even "exhort one another every day" (Heb 3:13).   Remember that "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (Prov 25:11).    Who have you thought of encouraging while reading this?  Right now:  Send them an encouraging note!  

Thank you for your encouragement!  - Pastor Ken W