Clatskanie Church

Soup Bones
(Pastor Bill's Thoughts to Flavor the Mix)

At our Session retreat we discussed the concerns brought forth through the small group gatherings. Two areas of concern that came my way are: being more sensitive in the language used during sermons; and hymn selection.
I will work on trying to be more sensitive in the words I use during a sermon. If I should slip it is appropriate for you to visit with me and let me know where I have offended.
As for hymn selection, a small committee is being formed to help with this process. I will give them the scripture passages and theme for worship and they will help to pick familiar hymns that fit in. If we select a hymn that is new we will make arrangements for the congregation to learn it. This should help all of us to better participate in worship.
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From the Editor's Desk

God's Annointed

Around the early 90's I watched with shock and sadness as a national newscaster presented an in-depth exposure of three ministers from television ministries. They were the subjects of supposed indiscretions in their ministries.
Perhaps one or more of them were guilty of the charges brought against them. But one of them responded immediately with documentation to prove the charges leveled against him were untrue. Many of my Christian friends knew this man personally and knew he was honest and completely above all allegations.
The reporter came back on the next week and explained that proof had been given the minister in question was innocent and publicly apologized to him but the damage was already done. His ministry was totally damaged. He completely left the ministry and went into exile to try to seek God for what his life had become.
I call no judgement upon the reporter but I would surely "shake in my shoes" if I were that person. The Bible speaks very distinctly about what happens to people who speak against God's annointed servants.
In the old testament when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, God struck Miriam with leprosy.
Numbers 12:1 says, "And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman he had married... 2. And they said, Has the Lord spoken only by Moses? Hasn't he spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it....5. And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth...10. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, Miriam became leprous, white as snow. (SAV)
Of course as many of you know of the old story, Moses entreated God for Miriam and after seven days of leprosy, she was restored and back into the camp.
In Psalms 105:15, it states, "Touch not mine annointed, and do my prophets no harm."
It is important that we remember to respect those that God sets in authority over us. That includes our local, national and even worldwide leaders, but especially our ministers, prophets, deacons, session members and all those called of God for his purpose.
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