Murray Presbyterian Church

During the past couple of weeks and months there has been a lot of anxiety in our country. We have seen major financial problems in our country’s markets. Major investment firms and banks have been dissolved. Many Americans have been worried about the future and what is going to happen. There exists a great deal of uncertainty in our country. The worry that many people now have about our country’s economy is understandable. But how should we as Christians face these problems? How should Christians handle money?

Money is an important part of our lives and we need to manage our money and invest wisely. As Christians we need to be good stewards of the money God has given us. Yet we must make sure that money does not rule our lives. In the gospel of Matthew Jesus instructs us to not store up our treasures on earth, but in heaven. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If money becomes the number one priority in our life then we will become unsatisfied people. As Christians we need to have the right priorities in life.

In Matthew Jesus also makes the point that we “cannot serve both God and money.” One must have a higher priority in our lives. We must put God first. Jesus then deals with the issue of worry by noting that worrying cannot add a single hour to our lives. The Bible teaches us that we are not supposed to be people consumed with worry. Instead we are supposed to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

The fundamental problem of making money the center of our lives and having great anxiety over it is that we lose our sense of perspective. We need to remember God’s fatherly care for his children and that nothing can separate from his love. We are not alone. Underneath all the problems and bad situations that we are facing or may face we need to remember the everlasting arms of God (Deuteronomy 33:27). As individual Christians it will be hard to hold onto this knowledge when we are going through problems and that is why we need Christian friends who will support us. When the apostle Paul was dealing with great difficulty he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that we are to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

It is very important that we have the right priorities and the right perspective on life. This should help us with our worries. May we continue to put God first and remember the eternal blessings that are found only in him.

Don Loftin: Prayers for healing & strength. (9500 Milford Rd.-Beaver Lake, NE 68048)

Dave, Jenny, Samantha & Ella Cook: Prayers of strength for the family & healing for Ella. (9923 12^th Street – Murray NE 68409)

Jayne Pool: (Julie Nickels sister) Prayers for strength & healing. A few cards or notes would help lift her spirit. (328 Auburn Way – Coppell, TX 75019)

Dennis Gochenour: Prayers for healing and strength. (404 N. Elm Street – Weeping Water, NE 68453)

Nessie Swedlund: Prayers for healing and strength. (P.O. Box 61 – Murray, NE 68409)

Janelle Sorenson: Prayers for healing and strength. (17812 18^th Street – Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Nickey Johnson: Prayers for healing and strength. (922 N. 9^th St. Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Additional Prayer Concerns:

Cathy Balfour as she battles cancer. (11509 A Street-Avoca, NE 68307)

Nickey Johnson: Prayers for her parents, especially her Mom.

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Thoughts & Prayers for our shut ins:

Lottie Johnson: continual prayers. (1750 S. 20^th Street-Lincoln, NE 68502)

Mildred Moritz: continual prayers. (1300 Avenue D-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

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*Remember the members of our Armed Forces, who are serving overseas and stateside. We especially pray for those stationed in the Middle East.

*Philmore Williams – Stationed in Germany

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Continued Prayers of Comfort for:

The Family of Haley Eldred

The Family of Barbara Wohlfarth

The Family of Rick Riekemann

The Family of Char Gochenour

If you are interested in attending Membership Class - Pastor Jeff McDonald will be glad to talk to you! Please call (402) 682-1439

Join the Women’s Circle every month, on the second Wednesday, at the church at 7pm!

Please join us at the church on Saturday, November 15^th any time between 11 and 2

Tell your friends – we hope to see you there!!

Attention All Young Couples

If you know of a family with children that would benefit, or if you would like to adopt a family, please call Jen at 296-4477

If you would like to learn more about the Christian faith, join Rich and Karen Gregerson at their home

*Denise Ayers is always looking for Liturgists. If you are interested, please let her know. If she asks you – please participate and know that your service to the church is appreciated. A special Thank You to all who done so in the past.

If you have information that needs to be put in the Congregational Life or Newsletter, please send an email to the church address, which is murraypresbyterian@windstream.net Thank you!

November 2008

Dear Church Family,

Thoughts & Prayers for our shut ins:

Tell your friends – we hope to see you there!!

Attention All Young Couples