December 8, 2024
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a murmur, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” ~ Psalm 107:28-29 (HCSB) ~
PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
December 7, 1941, is a date that will live on in American history. On that quiet Sunday morning, Japan attacked our naval fleet anchored there, killing 2,403 people. 2,008 from the Navy. 109 Marines. 218 from theArmy and 68 civilians. Of that total, 1,177 were aboard the USS Arizona.
That attack literally changed the course of history. The United States entered World War II the very next day.
This Saturday we will observe the 83rd anniversary of that infamous attack on our country. The youngest active-duty military personnel would have been about 17 in 1941, making them a centenarian today, like Lou Conter, the last survivor of the USSArizona battleship that exploded and sank, who died earlier this year at 102.
For 15 of the 20 years I served as a chaplain in the US Navy Reserve, I was living in San Diego.At that time San Diego was home to one of the largest chapters of the Pearl Harbor SurvivorsAssociation. It was always great to see them marching in patriotic parades wearing their white pants, colorful Hawaiian print shirts and white and navy-blue Fore-and-Aft caps. During those years it was my honor to officiate at many of their memorial services. Most who could, would attend the services. Over the years, as would be expected, their numbers decreased greatly. Their presence at parades dwindled from many walking the parade route, to just a few riding in cars. They were a group with enthusiasm for life, and a great love for our country. I miss them greatly.
with Pastor Terrell
I woke up this morning with a song in my mind. It is officially titled: Eternal Father Strong to Save in our hymnal, but the Navy simply calls it “The Navy Hymn.” It was adopted from a poem written by Englishman, William Whiting, in the 1800’s. It is believed to have been inspired in part by Psalm 107:28-29. The first verse is as follows…
Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm does bind the restless wave, Who bids the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea.
I enjoy singing many of our old hymns that have been reimagined with a modern voice, but this is one hymn I hope will never change. Let it remind us that our God is eternal He is theAlmighty God and our lives ultimately rest in His hands.
Blessings on your week. I pray that you will not get too busy with life that you forget to thank some of our veterans from WWII at least one of which is right here in our First Southern family. I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday as we look at the third instalment of The Gospel According to Christmas. We will engage with Simeon’s Story: The Inescapable Jesus. Then we will come together for our Quarterly Meeting immediately following our time of Worship.
Pastor Terrell
Next Sunday, December 15, 2024 @ 10:30 AM
First Southern’s Celebration Singers present: “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” Join us for this Christmas musical and experience the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the viewpoints of many who witnessed it firsthand, featuring heart-warming solos, poignant narration and festive orchestration.* This service is Family Style with all ages together in the Worship Center.
Invite a friend!
*description credit to Lifeway
Bake up your favorite Christmas cookies and bring them to share!
NEXT SUNDAY 12/15/24 @ 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall:
COOKIES ‘n CAROLS
Don’t miss this event! We will gather, sing Christmas songs & share cookies!
ScheduleforSunday,December8,2024:
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Preschool Worship opens @ 10:15 AM in Kid City
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ dismissed to KID CITY during Worship time
Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM Men’s Bible Study in Room #202
Wednesday@ 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal in Worship Center
Wednesday@ 6:30 PM Youth Group in Cabin
ANNUAL
SUNDAY, 12/8/24
In Worship Center, following Morning Worship
Thursday@ 6:00 PM Mid-Week Adult Bible Study & Prayer in Fellowship Hall Currently studying the life of the Apostle Paul at 10 AM Tuesdays in Room #202
Wednesdays 6:20 PM Worship Center
Share the Good News of Jesus! Gospel Conversations since 2021 Total : 49,427 with our activities.
This Week’s Opportunities
YOUTH GROUP
Students in grades 7-12 Wednesdays 6:30 PM at the CABIN !
STUDY
THURSDAYS
IF YOU NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE
Deacon of the Week: Doug Crow 520-831-0146 @ 6 PM INFELLOWSHIPHALL
928-772-7218 fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265 PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713 PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
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