Winter takes its time, but it does make some brief appearances here in Nort Texas. We don’t like it much, but we can be thankful that it doesn’t stick around. It’s going to be cold this weekend with a chance of some freezing precipitation moving in Sunday evening. So far, it doesn’t look like a problem for us, but we’ll keep an eye on things and let you know if that changes. For now, bundle up and come on in!

For anyone who may not have gotten the news, I’m happy to report that Priscilla’s eye surgery went well and she has been recovering at home. I’m hoping we get to see her Sunday, but no pressure. 🙂 It was good to have Don back with us after his recent challenges. I was also encouraged by the discussion we had after the service. Let’s keep thinking about how we can be about God’s work in the community.

I’ll be continuing in John Chapter 17 this week with verses 6-11. Jesus is praying, and he now turns his attention to his disciples. He notes that the father has given them to Him and that He has revealed the character and nature of the Father to them. They believed His words, and He was glorified through them. Jesus makes a point that this prayer is for them and not for the world. He then makes an amazing request, “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.”

The theme of unity is expressed repeatedly in this prayer and follows Jesus’ teaching on how they, and we by extension, ought to love each other. He desires for them, and for us (see John 17:20-23) the same kind of unity that He has with the Father! How is that even possible? Does the church today look like that prayer is being answered? Be assured, it will be answered. The only question is whether we will cooperate willingly. I pray that we will hear the very heart of God expressed in this prayer, and commit ourselves to the fulfilment of His desire out of our love for Him.

I hope to see you there on Sunday. For those who may be trying to connect online, I apologize for all the technical difficulties we have been experiencing. I hope to be able to try something different this week that may help with the sound, and we’ll pray for no more connectivity issues. We lack the resources for professional quality production.

Love y’all!