Matthew 5:4 – [Jesus said] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Or as the New Testament scholar Jeff Gibbs translates these words of Jesus: “The people who are mourning are blessed because they will be comforted.”

The people who are mourning, we know them. We are them because there is no life that has not tasted some bitterness of grief. Hundreds of millions of Christians this week are celebrating the festival called All Saints Day. It’s a day in which we pause and give thanks for those people of faith, both in our lives and in the history of the church who paved a foundation for us to walk the journey of faith with Jesus.

All Saints Day, it’s an intergenerational event, but it also opens us up to pathways of pain called grief, acknowledging and remembering the heroes of the faith who went before us, on whose shoulders we stand. And when we stand on their tall shoulders, we ourselves can see further down the road. We can see the blessing of comfort coming to us from the eternal future of God. And there we can also see further backward the history of the saints in the Bible and in the church and how they kept the faith and overcame their tests and trials and were blessed in the stresses of their time.

There is healing in remembering. And so, we remember Christ and the cross and standing there with Him before His cross. We are strong against sin that we may not be damned by it. We are strong against death that it may not devour us. We are strong against the devil that he may not keep us captive. If that doesn’t help you, another word is added in 1 Peter, the verb “establish,” which means that God will root us in a state of blessing for our shattered situations, a state of comfort for our complex predicaments, and a state of hope for the hurt that we are in. Yes, it’s undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted, unconditional, and unbreakable. And yes unto us who mourn, but are counted as blessed.

(This Devotion was written by Rev. Dr. John Nunes.)

JESUS CONNECTIONS
Your Rewards are Great in Heaven

When we choose to be gentle, caring, and fair, we show the kind of heart that makes God smile. Even when things are hard, God promises to be close to us and bless us for doing what’s right. Being kind and peaceful makes the world a brighter place!

God blesses those who live with love, kindness, and a humble heart.

Fellowship for Sunday, November 9
Pie Pleasure

People are passionate about pie. Pie is a classic comfort food that can be eaten in sweet or savory flavors. Making a pie is a timeless tradition that is sure to please any member of the crowd.

 Pie makes all things better!

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers - Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Jerry Byers - May God grant healing, peace, comfort, and encouragement as Jerry continues to battle pancreatitis. 

Helen Cantrell - Health issues, pray for comfort as she continues treatment.

Eddie Henson - Recently diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer. Please keep me in your prayers—for healing, strength, and peace.

Tana Doerr - Thankful for coming home again!  It's been a long road, but God is good!

Mark Dubois - Peace and comfort for the pain he is experiencing.

Mathew Eisinger - Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland, Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Daniel Hood - Daniel’s wife, Cand, passed away on October 23rd. He asks for prayers of comfort, peace, and strength as he grieves her loss and remembers her with love.  

Jenna Berger - (Stephanie’s Daughter) Her surgery went great, and she is now home resting/recovering. Continued prayers for a speedy recovery. 

Caroline Johnston – Continue prayers for recovery at home.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, November 7th, 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

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