03-03-13 Pastor Rob Gerber – 1 Thessalonians

March 1st, 2013
Greetings,

I just got back late last night from sunny Palm Springs, California. I spent a week out in the desert with 13 other individuals in solitude, silence and fasting in a desolate and hostile environment. Our purpose was to encounter God in a fresh and powerful way. I can say that this happened for me along with a brush with wind storms, killer bees and coyotes. In a couple of weeks I will share my story and what I learned.

I hope that you can join us this Sunday, March 1st, at 9am and 10:45am for our Winter Break Sunday. This event has become an annual tradition at Cedarcreek. About this time of year, the cold, the grey skies, and the battle with snow and ice can affect our enthusiasm and spirit. There is a disorder that has been identified with this condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Cute acronym!

“Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter.”

But we at Cedarcreek say instead of getting SAD, let’s have a party. This Sunday at the end of the second service we will have some baptisms. A baptism is a celebration of salvation that God gives to a person on believing and trusting Jesus to be their payment and Substitution for sin. We as a church body can rejoice with these individuals and marvel at the gift of new life. How can that not be encouraging? Then we will share a meal together as a church. The meal is free and we want all to stay and enjoy it together.

I hope that I will see you there!

Pastor Dave