LETTER FROM YOUR PASTOR "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.  In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be." May the Innocent, who suffer, find comfort from the Hands of the Comfortable. This is for all who live in comfort, who have extra savings in the bank, who enjoy the best restaurants, buy expensive clothes and new cars: Jesus is not jealous. He wants you to enjoy your life and take care of the people you love. He hopes you have the attitude of gratitude for the good things you have in life. He prays your gratitude moves you to help the needy, feed the hungry, and provide for those who want to learn. He hopes and prays you will bring comfort to the innocent who suffer from violence, war, abuse, famine, prejudice, neglect, natural disaster, disease or disability. May the innocent, who suffer, find comfort from the hands of the comfortable (Luke 10:25-37). Respectfully, Rev. Joseph M. Corley Want to be Great?     Years ago Mohammad Ali identified himself as “the greatest” boxer of his time.  But more importantly, I like to remember what Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr., had to say about “greatness” in his inspirational sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct”, given in 1968.     In that speech Dr. King said that Jesus gave us a new definition of “greatness” that demanded a desire to serve.  In brief, Jesus said to serve is to be great.  MLK took the teaching of Jesus and used it to remind folks that they didn’t need lots of money, possessions, or academic achievements to be considered great.  “Anyone with the desire to serve could be great…all you need is a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love to be great.”     As our nation stops to remember MLK’s birthday, let us reflect on one’s desire to serve others as a sign of greatness.   Let us pray that parents, teachers, spouses, politicians, laborers, ministers, citizens, people of all stations and status will be blessed with the desire to serve with hearts redeemed by grace and souls on fire with love.                 Respectfully,                 Rev. Joseph M. Corley “Baptism of the Lord” He stood in line with sinners Who longed for mercy – A spiritual scrubbing that would Begin the grace of another chance. He stood in line with sinners To fulfill the promises and Be plunged into the river of life Not needing public affirmation by the divine. He stood in line with sinners To begin His mission To call us to die and rise with Him To receive His spirit and Offer the light of gospel goodness To a dark and disconnected world. He stood in line with sinners This we should remember when we Baptize. Dip our fingers in the Holy Water Stand to renew our faith and Connection with each other. Good Health and Happy New Year                 Respectfully,                 Rev. Joseph M. Corley