Dear Church Family, 
A number of years ago, a dear friend made a beautiful blue stole for me which depicted Romans 12:15, “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.”  It was a verse I often quoted because it reflected a quality Christians are instructed to cultivate—empathy, the capacity to see the humanity of another person and connect with their feelings. Perhaps because we have several family members who are looking for jobs, I  am feeling particularly empathetic towards those who have lost jobs because of the governmental shakeup. Whatever our politics, in whatever arena in which we find ourselves-- home, school, health care, government, business--Christ desires that we live by the fruit of the spirit. I pray every day that God might help me express those fruit--  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)  Not easy, but important if we are followers of Jesus. 
I hated to cancel our service last Sunday, but it wouldn’t have been wise given the conditions on the roads.  The service will be what we intended last week. The sermon is “Practical Saints” and the texts are Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:20-36.   
See you Sunday.
Rich