Maysville Presbyterian

He saw both God and the devil. Chilean miner Mario Sepulveda reported that trapped underground he saw both God and

the devil. His ordeal began on August 5, 2010, when a mine collapse sealed Mr. Sepulveda and 32 other miners. In an instant, his life and

the lives of the other miners were dramatically altered. One moment they were at work in the San Jose mine, bringing out precious

minerals. The next minute they were sealed, possibly in their tomb.

During the time he was trapped inside the mine, Sepulveda said, he saw both good and evil. “I was with God, and I was with the devil. They

fought, and God won,” he said. Sepulveda said he grabbed God’s hand and never doubted he would be rescued.

Perhaps you can relate to the experience of this miner. In the blink of an eye, your life was turned upside down. We can quickly go from a serene life to a place that feels very dark. Like being in a tunnel underground.

During these times it is quite common to experience a faith crisis. How has this happened to us we ask? Where is God in all this? We might even be tempted to abandon God, feeling abandoned by him. The time to recharge your faith is before a crisis strikes. Here are 9 ways to recharge your faith.

1. Look Behind

If God seems far away, take a moment to remember a time when you had God’s help in the past. When you remember times of divine guidance in the past, you can develop gratitude and look for divine guidance in the present. How did God help youwhen you were in a dark  place?

2. Time Out

If a time out works for children, it can work for you. It’s not about punishing yourself; it’s about pulling away from all the daily distractions, the frustrations, and the tantrum-inducing surroundings you deal with every day. If you can get away to a relaxing pond, do it. If that’s not an option, a few quiet moments to breathe and to be grateful can restore your equilibrium.

3. Read an Inspirational Book

Every day someone is writing a new inspirational book or a new prayer guide. Just keep an eye out for something that speaks to you — even if the theme is something like, “How to feel closer to God when you just want to take a nap.” I am currently reading the book The Way of Serenity, by Jonathan Morris.

4. Don’t Run from Doubt

Sometimes that “blah” feeling can mask major doubts. Doubts can feel scary, but if you’re wrestling with deep questions of faith, that’s okay. Peter, the rock, had his doubts. And Mother Teresa as well. If you are wrestling with doubt, ask me to preach on that subject.

5. Read Scripture

According to the Congregational Life Survey which we filled out in 2017, the majority (71%) of worshippers at First Presbyterian Church of Maysville are spending time in private devotional activities at least a few times a week. This

is great. Keep up the good work.

6. Pray or Meditate

You don’t have to pray like a saint or meditate like a guru. But all of us can pray the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

7. Talk to Someone

Find a friend who will listen respectfully. The simple act of telling someone how you feel may take away a bit of the burden.

8. Practice Gratitude

It’s hard to be grateful when everything seems the same as it ever was. There is no need to deny your feelings, but it’s also important to appreciate the good stuff. As I continue to compile my list of blessings, I have added the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and the invention of the internal combustion engine. What’s in your wallet? Consider carrying a card size list of things you are thankful for.

9. Wait for High Tide

Finally, sometimes your faith life just feels like a tidal pool, a bit shallow or still, no matter what you do. Remember high tide will come, and soon you’ll be back in the deep water. Just as the seasons change, this season of your faith life will end.

During these times, the most important thing is to keep going, to have enough faith to get to the next day and to keep your eyes open for something beautiful and surprising. One of these days, the tide is bound to turn. Tell yourself, “I can get through this day.”

Blessings,

Pastor Jim

Church mailing address is P O Box 490, Maysville, KY 41056.

The post office will not deliver if addressed to 21 W. 3rd St. 

Pastor Jim Dougan’s cell number: 317-513-8229

Session Meeting will be held on Monday, November 2nd at 5:30 p.m.

Bible Study on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Adult Sunday School will meet every Sunday morning in fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m.

Tech Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim via Zoom will not meet on October 13th and October 20th.

Pastor Jim will be on vacation beginning October 12th and will be back in the office on Monday, October 26th.

Virtual Tour of the Vatican will Pastor Jim on Tuesday, October 27th at 3:00 p.m.

The Worship Committee will meet on October 29th at 5:30 p.m.

Adult Sunday School to Resume In-Person: The session voted on September 28th to resume in-person adult Sunday school beginning on October 4th. Mr. Harry Denham will lead the class. Be sure to wear a mask and sit at least six feet apart in the fellowship hall. The class starts at 9:30 a.m. “Flowers for the Sanctuary” Sign-up: The Congregational Life Committee would like to thank all who have contributed flowers for the “Bountiful Bouquet”. With cooler weather, we will no longer have those flowers available. To keep the lovely flowers in our sanctuary, there will be a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall, if you would like to donate a bouquet for a particular Sunday. We have made arrangements with Carol Jean Flowers for a $40 arrangement the first of every month. If you want something special in your arrangement, please contact Leslie at the flower shop (564-6836) or Peg Crum (there may be an additional charge). If you would like a special note in the bulletin, such as birthday or anniversary wishes, in memory of, or other special celebration, just let Gwen know. Or perhaps you would like to make a donation for “Flowers for the Sanctuary” to keep the “Bountiful Bouquet” alive. Thank you!

St. Patrick Catholic Church has announced the annual Walk for Life will not happen this year due to Covid - 19. The various speakers and groups who had planned to speak/sing at this year’s event will be invited to be part of next year’s Walk. St. Patrick will have a special Pro-Life Mass at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 13th.

The Older Youth Group (ages 13-18) will meet on Sunday, October 4th at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

The Youth Group (ages 5-12) will meet on Sunday, October 11th at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Offerings: You may mail your checks to P O Box 490, Maysville, KY 41056, if you wish to mail in your offerings while we are going through this pandemic or you may pay by credit or debit card through a link on the church’s website: www.maysvillepresbyterian.org