Like most everyone, I was shocked by the power of Hurricane Matthew this past weekend. Although we avoided a direct hit, scores of people in our community were dealing with flooding, power outages, and downed trees. Many roads were impassable. The weather predictions, which seemed more and more optimistic as the week went on, were just a little bit off. It happens.

But God is never “off,” not even a little. Furthermore, he rules and reigns over every storm of life. “He made the storm still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet…Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love” (Psalm 107:29-31).

When Jesus was woken up by his frantic disciples on the raging Sea of Galilee, Mark 4:39 tells us that “he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

On Sunday morning, things were so bad that we had to cancel services. By Monday morning, we were enjoying the most beautiful Fall weather of the season. Let that be a reminder that no matter how bad it seems, storms pass. God will get you through it, and he has something beautiful for you on the other side of the storm.

Now, for this Sunday. It is going to be a big day in the life of our church. We are calling this Commitment Sunday. We will have a special time of commitment in which we will have the opportunity to turn in a card that will indicate our giving pledge to our building fund over the next three years. After the service, we will have a great lunch and time of fellowship, featuring Nixon’s Barbeque. If you have not yet RSVP’d, please let our office know you are coming.

Since we had to cancel last week, our series on Nehemiah, which was due to conclude this Sunday, will conclude on Oct 23rd. Our text for this Sunday will be the same as that was planned for this past Sunday – Nehemiah 8:1-12.

Also, because of the storm, you will have the opportunity to turn in your building pledge cards either this Sunday or October 23rd. We will have special commitment and prayer times on both Sundays.

Be in prayer about what you will pledge, and make your commitment in faith. Remember God’s faithfulness to provide for those who give sacrificially to His work.

I hope to see you Sunday, and share some fellowship with you at lunch afterwards. It’s going to be a great day!

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.