SPOTLIGHTS
Pastor's Message
December 2019
It wasn't until 2004 when the Elf on the Shelf was born. Before there was an elf sitting on your shelf or table or whatever in your house, it was simply up to Santa himself to "watch over" you and judge your behavior to see whether or not you would get presents for Christmas. Regardless of your opinion about the creepy elf that sits on your shelf or mantle or whatever and watches every move you
make, one must agree that such a tactic to keep your kids well-behaved may just work for adults, too.
However, instead of Elf on the Shelf, what if we thought about the Spirit on the Shoulder? Much like we think of guardian angels, especially those old cartoons that had a heavenly angel on one shoulder and a devilish one on the other, wouldn't it be nice if we could materialize the Spirit in some way and place it on our shoulders as we went about our day? You know, telling us what to do in every situation, how to respond to people's comments, etc. that will keep us out of trouble. Not to mention the wonderful opportunity for evangelism as people walk by and wonder what that is on your shoulder! (assuming they're not creeped out by it and run the opposite way)
We might not ever create such an item (heaven forbid the Moravians become well known for another product instead of our faith!) but I'm wondering how helpful it might be to always think about the Spirit that goes with us wherever we go. The Spirit that not only guides us and empowers us, but also gives us the ability to believe in the Lord Jesus and understand what it takes to be obedient to the commands of God. In every situation, we have a choice to make. We can glorify God by our actions or words of loving kindness or we can dishonor His holy name by our actions and words of malice. In every situation, consult the Spirit. Let the Spirit lead you to do the right thing. That way, there's nothing but good reports delivered to God while you sleep. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (on the shoulder and everywhere else), Merry Christmas!
God's Blessings, Rev. Russell Williams
January 2020 - Garden Ministry
New Beginnings Moravian Garden is an outreach ministry of New Beginnings Moravian Church. The garden will be located on a 13-acre tract of land the church owns at the corner of Black Farms Road and N.C. Highway 73, about 3 miles from downtown Huntersville.
The primary purpose of the garden will be to provide fresh produce for local food banks, fulfilling the Biblical imperative to feed the hungry. The garden ministry will also offer education and outreach programs that will strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of the community while communicating the church's prime message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Phase One of the project will break ground in January 2020 and will consist of a fenced 30' x 30' foot area with eight 4' x 8' Square Foot beds, a tool storage shed and a 4' x 15' "lasagna" flower bed. Phase Two, which is expected to launch in 2021, will double that growing capability.
For more information, please visit our Garden Ministry facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NBMGarden/
December 2019 - Service Sunday
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