Upcoming Events
All May Activities and Services have been cancelled. Messages from Pastor Dave"Pentecost""Eternal Life"
Running Blind Years ago, I worked at a summer Bible camp with my cousin Erik. As an evening staff meeting concluded, a sprinkle suddenly became a downpour. Counselors sprinted off toward cabins, while Erik and I, who didn’t supervise youngsters, debated whether to wait out the storm. We opted to run for it, but being visually impaired, I soon realized the sheets of rain, added to the dark, hindered my view. “I can’t see!” I yelled through the wind to Erik. Immediately, he grabbed my hand, pulling me along. “It’s okay!” he shouted back. “I can!” The sensation of running blindly yet feeling so secure became a metaphor for me about what I can handle and accomplish through faith. When I let God grab my hand and guide me, even when I’m running through dark, stormy times, I experience peace. For though I cannot see what lies ahead, I know God can. —Heidi Mann 
Family Web
Genealogy research turns up some intriguing relations; for example, Barack Obama and Sarah Palin are 10th cousins, and Britney Spears and Prince Albert of Monaco are 17th half-cousins. In the Bible, Jesus is linked to Rahab and Ruth, members of nations that were enemies of Israel. Searches for family connections quickly reveal not only roots but also a web. Only a few generations up in the branches of each family tree are so many people that trees intersect. Scientists speculate that most people living today are related through a recent common ancestor. So there’s a “web-like tapestry” rather than a “tree that fans out exponentially,” according to writer Carl Zimmer. Realizing we’re all connected should affect how we treat others. After all, we’re related to people with diverse backgrounds and opinions. In terms of genealogy, as well as living as Jesus’ disciples, we belong to one another. 
Unshakable Faith No one wishes for crises, but Christians who’ve endured them often speak of the faith benefits that result. Here are two examples: Author and Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie, who lost two babies to a rare genetic disorder, writes: “Trusting God when the miracle does not come, when the urgent prayer gets no answer, when there is only darkness … this is the kind of faith that cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken” (Holding On to Hope, Tyndale). Christian musician Danny Gokey, whose first wife died from congenital heart disease, writes: “Sometimes we don’t discover our purpose until the darkest moments strip us of everything and all we are left with is brokenness and heartache. It is in these moments, ironically, when hope becomes our strength and carries us” (Hope in Front of Me, NavPress). |
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Mend the Wing Photo Gallery Zion's web-site now accepts on-line donations! UCC Daily Devotions
Each day authors from the UCC provide a powerful devotional. Click on the link to take you to the day's reflections. Contact Us:
Rev. David Moffett-Moore - Transitional Pastor Susan M - Office Manager zionuccbaroda@gmail.com Rhonda H - Bookkeeper zionuccbaroda@gmail.com Music Director zionuccbaroda@gmail.com Jessica M - Christian Education jmachiniak@gmail.com Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Welcome Rev. Dr. David Moffett-Moore
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