When It Comes to Storms....Be Prepared!

This time of the year, folks along the coast experience a slight increase in storm anxiety. More now than in the past, we receive a variety of perspectives on the weather from multiple media outlets...newpaper, radio, television, and internet. While these outlets provide relevant and important updates and information, an overload of weather information can elevate your sense of anxiety.

When you see storms that could potentially hit our area lined up in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, or the Gulf, it's a reminder to be prepared. Preparation is better than panic. Panic is when you become so obsessed with anxiety about a potential storm that you fail to prepare and unnecessarily interrupt your plans and responsibilities. Storms should not create fear but a healthy sense of respect about the powerful force of nature.

The best course to follow when confronted with the possibility of an oncoming storm is to be prepared. Stock up on items such as non-perishable foods, batteries, and drinking water. Keep your automobile fueled up. Have a sufficient amount of cash on hand. And if you have a generator, have it on standby with fuel safely stored, in the event it is needed.

Good preparation might encourage you to develop a contingency plan. For example, if you live in area where you might be called on to evacuate in the event of a serious storm, have a plan in place so that you are ready to activate the plan if necessary. A good contingency plan might enable to continue with your normal routine with a greater sense of peace and comfort knowing that you are well-prepared for any weather scenario that emerges.

While we should take potential storms seriously, we do not have to be overcome by storm anxiety. Many potential storms do not develop into their full forecast strength or follow their anticipated paths. Forecasts tend to become more accurate as the storm gets closer.

At our church, we will always try to put the safety of our members and our community above our need to fulfill our weekly schedule. When there is a need to adjust our schedule or cancel an event, we will send out e-mail notices, make necessary phone calls, post the change on our web site, and communicate the schedule change through local radio and television networks.

When it comes to storms, don't panic. Be prepared!

Remember Our Church ROCKS!

As we get in gear for an exciting season of mission and ministry this fall, Remember Our Church ROCKS!

This Sunday we begin a new series which will continue throughout September and highlight the ROCKS, or foundational pillars, upon which we are planning our ministry. Our goal and our prayer is that all of our ministries and activities enable us to build on these five ROCKS:

Recreation: recreating a right spirit and a right body
Outreach: accenting an open invitation to those who are disconnected
Commitment: making our faith and participation a priority
Knowledge: getting better acquainted with God and ourselves through the teachings of the Bible
Stewardship: being wise managers of all of the resources God has placed in our care

Fall is a great time to connect with a disconnected friend, inviting them to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study.