SPOTLIGHTS
Pastor's Message
March 2024
Well, it finally happened. My Otterbox Defender Series case for my iPhone finally broke. For those of you familiar with this brand, you'll know that Otter- box cases have a lifetime warranty. The claims process is easy; with just a few clicks of the button, a new one will be shipped to you within a week. You just have to pay about a $10 shipping and handling fee (which is a fraction of the $60 retail price of a new one).
In the meantime, I have chosen to carry my phone without the case. (For what it's worth, I could still use the case if I let MacGyver work on it.) Carrying my phone without its case has increased my anxiety levels in ways I did not expect. Now, I hesitate just getting the phone out of my pocket for fear that I might drop it and damage it.
Staying connected to God acts as a protective case to shield us from the damage and harmful influences of the world. Through prayer, scripture, worship, fellowship, and mission, we can find strength and guidance to navigate life's challenges and resist temptations. Under God's protection, nothing can scratch our faithfulness and devotion to the Savior. Even if we fall, we are protected and comforted by a wonderful set of loving arms.
What a benefit of having a relationship with God; to know that His protection has a lifetime warranty! Re- member, a warranty won't keep bad things from happening to your phone. It just helps when bad things DO happen. Make sure your life is protected by the best warranty available so when the cracks, drops, or losses come your way, you are quickly and fully restored by God's grace.
God's Blessings,
Rev. Russell Williams
Monthly Spotlight
March 2024 - Mission Garden
In an effort to provide the community with access to fresh fruit and vegetables and encourage “neighbors helping neighbors,” New Beginnings Moravian Church started our Garden Ministry on our black farm property. The beneficiary is Angels & Sparrows Soup Kitchen here in Huntersville.
Want to help? Speak with John Marek!
You can weed, pick veggies, water the crops, learn about gardening, and more...all while helping to feed your neighbors!
For more information, please visit our NBMC facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NBMGarden
Health Beat
March: Blood Clot Awareness
Anyone can be affected by a blood clot regardless of age, gender, or race. This Blood Clot Awareness Month, learn the signs and symptoms of a blood clot and find free resources to share with friends, family, and colleagues to help raise awareness about blood clots.
What is a blood clot?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower leg, thigh, pelvis, or arm. A blood clot can partially or completely block blood flow in the vein. When a DVT is left untreated, a part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a blockage known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Why is it important to learn about blood clots?
In the United States, an estimated 900,000 people are affected by a blood clot every year, yet they are often underdiagnosed. Blood clots can cause serious medical conditions that can lead to illness, disabil- ity, and even death if not treated early. Blood clots can affect anyone, but certain risk factors such as pregnancy, cancer and its treatment, and hospitalization can increase a person’s risk for a blood clot.
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a blood clot so that you know to seek medical treatment as early as possible. Knowing the symptoms of a DVT or PE can help alert you to seek medical treatment as early as possible, although they sometimes occur with no symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of a DVT:
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Swelling of the affected area
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Pain
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Tenderness
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Redness of the skin
If you have these signs or symptoms, alert your doctor as soon as possible.
Common signs and symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism include:
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Difficulty breathing
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Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat
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Coughing up blood
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Very low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
Reference: Center for Disease Control.
Submitted by M. Hauser