stelmococ.org

What’s new at St. Elmo 2012?

stelmo — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:56:16 +0000

We hope you have noticed our new sign and the thoughtful sayings that are being posted there.

St. Elmo continues to be involved in the Fifth Sunday program for 2012. We have had two services so far
and it has been a wonderful experience to worship with the other participating congregations. Five congregations
host the service each fifth Sunday and it is open to anyone who would like to attend.

FIFTY-SIX

stelmo — Sat, 05 May 2012 14:46:03 +0000

Last night I went to a dinner given in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of my college graduation. Along with the laughter and conversation there was also a time of serious reflection. A large panel had been placed on tables in memory of our classmates who have died. As I looked at their names and pictures I saw some whose passing I already knew about, but I also saw others I didn’t know had passed on. One died only a few weeks ago. Altogether I counted fifty-six of my classmates who have gone on. It was sobering to remember the good times and friendship we shared and to realize I would never talk or laugh with them again in this life. But that is how God has designed it. Death is an appointment we all will keep. I’m thankful for the memories of them, and I’m also thankful for the reminder that this life will someday end. God bless the fifty-six, and I look forward to a great Reunion still to come. –JTS

THE KNOWN FUTURE …

stelmo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:45:19 +0000

A friend of mine in Arkansas used to say that God has given us two great blessings. One blessing is the happy memories we have of the past, and the other is the fact that we do not know the future. John 18:4 tells us that Jesus knew the future, especially concerning the details of his own death. He knew Judas would betray Him, that Peter would deny Him, that all the disciples would run away when He was arrested, and that His death would be by crucifixion. In beginning a lesson recently on this subject, I asked a lady in the small class if she was planning to die some day. Her answer was, “I die every day.” Good answer. It reminded me of Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 15 where he said, “I die daily.” When we became Christians, did we realize we would face a daily death? Do our lives show that we really die every day? –JTS

TALK’S CHEAP …

stelmo — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:44:27 +0000

We have all probably used or heard the saying “Talk’s cheap.” Talk is cheap – it doesn’t take much effort or much of a man to say something. But to back it up with action – now that’s another story. James agrees that “talk is cheap.” Notice in the second chapter of his book, verses 18, 21, 22, 24, and 25 the following phrases: “what I do,” “what he did,” “what he did,” “what he does,” and “what she did,” Each of these phrases sets before us the principle that faith is shown by our actions of obedience. It’s easy – yes, even cheap – to talk a good life. But James reminds us that it means nothing unless it is accompanied by obedience and action. What kind of faith do you have? Is it talk, or is it real? –JTS

“HE IS NOT HERE …”

stelmo — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:43:29 +0000

With four simple words the angel made one of the greatest announcements in the history of the world. He told the women at the empty tomb of the resurrection of the Lord. One of the best attested facts of history is the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried just days earlier. The fact that He was not in the tomb means He was somewhere else, so we can now say “He is here.” He is at the throne of God interceding for us; He is dwelling in His church; He is living in each believer’s heart; He is preparing a place for us. Be thankful we can say with confidence, “He is here.” And as He Himself said just before the ascension, “Lo, I am with you always.” –JTS