From Pastor Bill

Take a glowing coal from the fire, lay it aside from the rest, and watch it as it gradually dims, then turns gray.

Take a leafy branch from a tree, lay it carefully aside, and watch as the color fades and the leaves go limp, then dry.

Take a fish out of water, place it on the grass, and watch as it frantically twists and struggles, then its gills begin to work more slowly, and it eventually becomes lifeless. 

Take a child of God and carefully remove him from communion with Christ and Christian fellowship. Separate him from prayer, Bible study, and worship services, and then watch his conscience quiver less and less, listen as he rationalizes his neglect, and observe how he tries to shift the blame by finding fault with the church as his entire spiritual life wanes.

A coal can be tossed back into the fire; a branch can be grafted back into place; a fish can be thrown back into the water; but only a person, by an act of his own free will, can place himself back into community with Christ and His Church! 

Separation is a killer, and yet life brings many opportunities for becoming separated from the Lord and His Church. Misplaced priorities may cause you to “miss just a few Sundays,” and this may seem harmless at first, but irreparable damage can be done. You see, it is always more difficult “to catch up” on our personal devotional life, on our ministries within the church, and in our financial stewardship than we first thought. So, if you have become separated from the fullness of Jesus Christ and His Community, let this coming Lord’s Day be set aside for worship, healing, restoration, and recommitment to God’s will for your life. You’ll be welcome at Northway Community Church. Come and grow with us! 

Devotedly yours in Christ, 

Bill Blanchard, Pastor