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November 2023
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There are TWO ways to watch our FKPC live-streamed worship service. 1. CLICK BELOW LINK or IMAGE to join Zoom worship Note: Use this option for meeting participation chat and interaction. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85783031679?pwd=T0lNRGYya0JpMTd3N2psandJbitidz09 Meeting ID: 857 8303 1679 Passcode: Micah6:8 ***Zoom opens early at 10:00 AM, for anyone wishing to test audio/video connections and pre-worship chat. Worship Service starts at 10:30 AM.  2. CLICK BELOW to join LIVE simulcast on FACEBOOK Live  Facebook stream is a simulcast, so does not include user interaction, which is very important to most. Worship and Crossroads II live-stream links are always available on our website and Facebook pages, too. https://www.facebook.com/FKPCinOcala  
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We've all seen people do odd and crazy things. Go ahead, you must confess that you have done some odd or crazy thing at some time in your life. I don't mind admitting that I searched for my glasses until I was just about exasperated only to discover they were on top of my head. Or the time I sat in a chair that wasn't there. Whoops! There are some things in the scripture that are bewildering, and we might find odd: 
Can you imagine your reaction if someone told you they were swallowed by a great fish? Or, in a crowd watching a man hitting a rock with his staff? How about your shock and fear when a chariot of fire swoops down and takes your friend in a whirlwind into the heavens? Head For The Hills! Every day, God performs miracles that bless and enrich our lives. Miracles that we don't understand and don't always see, but by faith, we believe. As the old hymn says, "faith is the victory that overcomes the world". I like the Amplified Bible's version of Hebrews 11:1. 
Have faith my friends. God Is On His Throne!
Have a blessed day and see you Sunday. With a song in my heart, Rick  Good Thoughtful Thursday Morning! A wonderful thought to ponder today: 
How true. I get all warm and fuzzy when I know that I am loved. I get all warm and fuzzy when I express my love to someone else. The love I am writing about is Agape Love. Agape love is defined as one of several Greek words for love. When the word “agape” is used in the Bible, it refers to a pure, willful, sacrificial love that intentionally desires another’s highest good. The essence of agape love is goodwill, benevolence, and willful delight in the object of love. The scriptures have a lot to say about love: 
I don't believe I can offer any more comments that would further exemplify love. It is enough to know God Loves Us unconditionally, just as we are, lovingly forgiving us for our faults and shortcomings. Amazing Grace!
Ponder on that. Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick  Good Wonderful Wednesday Morning! I sure hope you are staying dry during these rainy days. I've been catching up on my housework (I'll be glad when the sun comes out.) Wednesday is "Quote of the Week" day. Here is a good one:  To say "thank you" is a tribute to someone who has been an influence in your life. To say "thank you" is gracious. To say "thank you" is to acknowledge appreciation for a deed well done. To say "thank you" to someone who has offered constructive criticism confirms your character. I sometimes think we don't say thank you enough. We begin to take for granted the everyday goodness that impacts and betters our lives. Think about it. I know you prize being "thanked" and as a result, you feel good about yourself. Psalms has a lot to say about thanks: 
God is worthy of thanks and praise. All that we have is a gift of our Creator. Thanking God every minute could never surpass the multitude of blessings bestowed on us. God is so good to us. Thank you, God. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I believe we should take a special time to focus on the things that most matter to us. Among mine are family, home, church family, country, and health, as well as many other blessings. I will, and hope you do too, offer up thanks with gratitude and praise. I like the song "We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord". Where is God's house? In your heart. Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick
The members of the church had gathered there and were discussing the pastor’s message on the 23rd Psalm. As Pastor Gilmore listened, he started to write, and within a short time, had completed the hymn. Giving the hymn to his wife, the good pastor soon forgot about it. A few years later, while visiting a church in Rochester, New York, to his surprise, he found his song in a new hymnal the church was using. Apparently, Mrs. Gilmore had sent the words to a Baptist publication. William Bradbury, the Father of Gospel Music, had seen the words and added some music. Thus, a new hymn was born. (Bill Daigle) This song was one of the first songs I learned to play many moons ago. It has always touched my heart because it exemplifies the love of God. It was my grandmother's favorite hymn, and she would go about her daily duties humming the melody. Trusting in God is trusting leadership. In all things, we seek our Creator's help in our decision making, our health concerns, and many other things. But the Master took leadership to another level. Here's what the Bible says:  We are abundantly blessed by our church leadership. A Pastor who so ably brings us God's message and lovingly "shepherds" us. Elders who secure the well-being of our church. Leadership by teachers of the adult classes, Crossroads II. Dedicated members who lead our youth programs. A church Executive Secretary who not only does the day-to-day duties of the church, but also has an "ear" for our questions and concerns. A choir that leads our singing in worship. A dedicated servant who is technology talented and brings worship to our members via Zoom. The audio-visual folks who help us hear and screen read. And so many others that bring excellent and meaningful leadership in all of our ministries. God has certainly equipped Fort King to lead! Psalm 23 is undoubtedly among the most significant scriptures about Gods leading: The Lord is my Shepherd......leads me in the paths of righteousness.......prepares my table.....annoints my head....rod and staff comfort me......I will dwell in the house of the Lord, FOREVER! Praise God! Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick  Good Monday Morning! It was special yesterday in church as 2 wonderful people were recognized: Louise Olivera and Buddy Mackay. Both are fine example of Christ-like character and service to others. Praise God for them! Let's start the week with a joke from Reader's Digest: 
That seems to be the same for me every year. TAXES! Property taxes, income taxes, school taxes, sales taxes. Is there no end? I pay them all, sometimes not happily. But I stop to think about the benefits of taxation. A safe community provided by law enforcement. Quality schools to provide education to our youth. Health care for the disadvantaged. Food for the less fortunate. I could go on and on, but you get the point. The bible has some comments about taxes. Here are two of the thirty-eight verses found in the scriptures: 
You may find this hard to believe, but I have heard people say that giving to the church is like a tax. How sad. They don't realize that everything we have is God's. God's gift to us is the ability to have the knowledge to have a well-paying occupation. It is God's gift to us to be able to sustain life and family. It is God's matchless love for us that we have those things that make our lives comfortable and fulfilling. Again, I could go on and on, but you get the point. Returning to God is not only monetary, but in service to the furtherance of the kingdom. Reaching out to others. Serving on a Ministry. Singing in the choir. Being a liturgist. Being a scripture reader. Being an usher or a greeter. Oh, I could go on and on, but you get the point. Our family of believers is truly blessed to be committed to support the church financially and committed to service. To help others, to meet the needs of those less fortunate, to have a beautiful facility to worship in. I could go on and on, but you, thankfully, get the point. Have a blessed week. With a song in my heart, Rick  I've had a good week and hope you have, too. Friday is crazy things day, so I wanted to share with you some crazy misspelled bulletin announcements: 
I sure don't want to go hear that speaker! Simple mistakes make a difference in meaning or our being. After all, our choir doesn't invite anyone who enjoys sinning. Heather Harrington wrote an article about mistakes we all make, but hopefully only make them one time: Trying to Fit in, Instead of Being Yourself - When we try to fit in, we mask the thing that is most attractive: our authentic selves. Trusting and not Verifying - "That sounds too good to be true." Seeking Shortcuts and Instant Gratification - The truth is that success is hard, and it isn't guaranteed. Burning Bridges - Be careful! The hardest thing to do in life is knowing which bridge to cross or which to burn. Following Someone Elses Dream - It's critical to have the courage to chase your own dreams and make the choices that make you happy.I think those are some sound thoughts. I cherish the verses from Hebrews 4:12, and 2 Chronicles 7:14 - 
It is pleasing to me to know that when I make a mistake and do the hardest thing I can do, admit the mistake, there is forgiveness. Have a blessed day and see you Sunday. With a song in my heart, Rick There are TWO ways to watch our FKPC live-streamed worship service. 1. CLICK BELOW LINK or IMAGE to join Zoom worship Note: Use this option for meeting participation chat and interaction. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85783031679?pwd=T0lNRGYya0JpMTd3N2psandJbitidz09 Meeting ID: 857 8303 1679 Passcode: Micah6:8 ***Zoom opens early at 10:00 AM, for anyone wishing to test audio/video connections and pre-worship chat. Worship Service starts at 10:30 AM.  2. CLICK BELOW to join LIVE simulcast on FACEBOOK Live    
Good Thoughtful Thursday! Here is a thought for you to think about: “I realized that I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life.” (Kerry Washington) I have strived for perfection all my life. How I live; how I play the piano or the organ; how I do meal preparation; or how I do anything I do. It is always my goal to be "perfect". But most of the time, I only achieve excellence. If I totally depend on "me", I fall short of perfection. I need help to be perfect. "Perfection" is a simple and complex word. What? How can something be simple and complex at the same time? "Perfection" is easy to say. On the other hand, according to the dictionary "perfection is a flawless state where everything is exactly right. It can also be the action of making something perfect." How can I make something perfect? The Bible has a lot to say about it: 
And my favorite: 
Striving for perfection is highly prized in this world we live in. The revelation is to trust in God, not ourselves. Our Creator, in all perfect ways, has made us children of perfection and excellence. God's love for us is perfect and if we reflect on God's love, we can't be anything but pilgrims striving for perfection. Think on that! Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick  We have invited our friend and neighbor, Manal Fakhoury to return to Crossroads this Sunday. When asked to describe her various roles, Manal replies “P-soup: peace activist, prison counselor, parent, philanthropist, public speaker, and Palestinian-American.” Manal is a vital leader in our community, and she is the National Board Chair of CAIR, The Council on American-Islamic Relations. Judith Bullen will read one of her poems, and both she and Joanne Ohlman will introduce Manal and facilitate the discussion. The discussion will pick up from the last two weeks, and will focus on justice and peace near to home and across the world. *The devotional for this week by Ray Ruark is attached to this email. Please join us for coffee (and on Zoom) at 8:45 and class will begin at 9:00. Meeting ID: 832 1163 8783 Passcode: Micah6:8 Our Church/Ourselves: Living the Life and Teachings of Jesus Session 10: Justice for All A devotional reflection by Ray Ruark JUSTICE in general is the standard by which the benefits and penalties of living in society are distributed. This is the basic meaning of the 143 times the word justice is found throughout the different books and types of writings of the Bible. Biblically, justice is not just a minor emphasis. It ranks as a coequal partner with love. It is the challenge to make human life fair for all. Justice is founded in the being of God, for whom it is a chief attribute. God is the sure defender of the poor and depressed, grounded in God's role as the sovereign creator of the universe. The demands of God's justice extend beyond the nation of Israel. A concern for justice is demanded of God's people. When they properly carry out justice, they are agents of the divine will. Paul presents God's justice as a grace flowing into and through the believers to the needy. Need is the criterion for distributing benefits. A special focus is upon the oppressed such as the poor, widows, the fatherless, slaves, resident aliens, wage earners, and those with physical infirmities. Justice is associated with the basic requirements of life in community. These needs include land, clothing, and shelter. Justice is a deliverance, rectifying the gross social inequities of the disadvantaged.  Good Wednesday morning. It sure was chilly this morning. I stayed under the covers a little longer than usual. I didn't have the courage to get out of bed. Speaking of courage, today is the quote of the week: 
I will always remember the first time I gave an organ recital. I was the ripe old age of 14 and was asked to give a Sunday afternoon recital at my church at the time, Coliseum Place Baptist Church. I eagerly agreed. But the closer the date got, the more reluctant I became. What if I make a mistake? What if I don't play what the audience would like to hear? What if I fell off the organ bench? The day of the recital, I prayed like I have never prayed before asking for strength and courage. Have you ever experienced situations like this? For instance, the first time you drove a car by yourself? Or perhaps it was leading your Sunday School lesson? Maybe it was the day you decided to join the choir, or agreeing to serve on the Session? The Bible has several verses about courage and strength: 
Over the years, I have found that putting trust in God has strengthened me and given me the courage to undertake whatever our Creator asks of me. I have also found that anything, yes anything, can be done if done to the Glory of God.
Needing stanzas to go along with the hymn, Showalter called upon the Rev. Elisha Albright Hoffman to see what he could do. Hoffman, born on May 7, 1839, in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, attended Union Seminary in New Berlin, Pennsylvania, and was ordained in 1868. This hymn first appeared in “The Glad Evangel: For Revival, Camp and Evangelistic Meetings,” published in 1887. An easy, as well as upbeat and encouraging, hymn, the refrain goes like this: “Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” What was the verse Showalter was quoting to his former students? 
God understands that sometimes we are just too weak to carry on, sometimes we become overwhelmed by our life. Yet, God knows, and God helps us. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we find, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Seek the joy and peace of God, for God blesses us, giving us joy, rest and blessedness as we “lean on his everlasting arms.” Have a blessed day. With a song in my heart, Rick |
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Fort King Presbyterian Church
13 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 Church Phone: (352)-694-4121 Church Email: fkpc@ftkingchurch.org Website: https://www.ftkingchurch.org Website Contact: fortkingpresbyterian@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FKPCinOcala This website is maintained by members of Fort King Presbyterian Church. |