The Patten Weekly Sunshine: Spiritual Braces



Recently, my two children got braces. At first, they were excited about the change, but by the next day, they were complaining of significant pain. From early morning, they were eating popsicles and had no appetite for real food.

This made me realize that the process of correcting and aligning something is often not a joyful experience in the immediate moment. It involves discomfort and pressure. However, it is an essential process—a necessary path toward wholeness and a perfect smile.

In this New Year, I find myself praying about the "spiritual braces" God may be asking us to wear. As we walk this new journey of faith together—with a new pastor and a renewed congregation—we may encounter moments of discomfort as we are reshaped. I pray that we can recognize the "braces" God is using to align our lives with His will, trusting that He is leading us toward spiritual wholeness.

Today, we also celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In a way, we are wearing "braces" together to bring alignment between races and communities. This day serves as a great reminder of hope during this time of adjustment for our families, church, town, country, and the world.

January Sermon Series: "The Kingdom of God"

Daily Devotional Reading: Rest in the Bible 

Our family has a tradition of sharing a "verse of the day" during breakfast. It helps us think of one another and keeps us encouraged in our prayers. Now that my two older children are away at boarding school, we continue this through text messages. Being connected daily through God’s Word helps us grow together.

This year, one of my resolutions is to share my daily verse with our congregation. I want us to grow together! You can follow along at [Link]. Also, if you would like to share your "verse of the day" with us, please send it through Facebook Messenger or our text group. Let us grow together with the Covenant Wrist Grip πŸ˜Š


Patten Fire Community Response 

We had a wonderful meeting with four church leaders and the town leadership. We are going to help by collecting housing leads, household items, monetary gifts, and organizing lunch fellowships. We will discuss the luncheon for the victims in March at our church during the AD meeting (Feb 1st). Here are the Minutes of the meeting (1/8/26)

Announcements

  • Spiritual Growth Plan: Please complete your 2026 plan by the end of January.

  • BTS (Bible Thursday Study): 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

  • Sunday Bible Study: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

  • Directory Update: Please provide any updates for birthdays, anniversaries, or contact info!

  • Membership Classes: If you are interested in joining, please let the Pastor know.

  • Media Team Class: This Thursday.

  • Ad Council: February 1st

  • UWF Monthly Mission: Hope and Justice (Collecting single bed sheets and other necessities).

Prayer Requests

Joys:

  • For everyone who helped the Patten fire victims.

  • For the blessing of gathering again after illness and bad weather.

  • For the resumption of our Media ministry, UWF, Leadership Retreat, and BTS, and for the new faces joining us.

Concerns:

  • Health Issues: Maddie (Pneumonia), Rene, Audrey, Amelia, Inara (Flu), and Patsy (Cancer).

  • Family: Our children and grandchildren—Michael, Zack, and unspoken names.

  • Grief: For those mourning the loss of Linda and Sara.

  • Community: For the search for a new Town Manager, our neighboring churches, and the ongoing response to the Patten Fire.

  • The World: For our denomination, our country, and global peace.

Prayers for the World:

  • Especially for Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, and Israel.

  • For our country's leadership and our denomination's Bishop and Cabinet.

  • For our community, the fire victims, and Calvary Baptist Church.

Prayers of Comfort for Those Who Mourn: The families of Lori Mason, Chelsey Ann Weeks, John Marr, Joyce Cummings, T.J. Ryan, John Flannery, Loren Goode, Jackie Sponseller, and Phil Sherman.

Prayers for Healing: Donnie Adams, William Barton, Little Beckham, Gary Blake, Rev. Dan Blevins, Robin Bosse, Dana Carver, Mike Casey, Ethan Childs, Kempton Coolong, Gordon & Roseanne Daughinee, Ron Dennis, Raymond Deshaines, Ross Gowen, Zachary Gowen, Emily Harris Family, Chris Heath, Hope Heath, Denise Jutras, Justin Karcher, Coty Kelso, Matt Lane, Ronnie Lepage, Jim Mason, Judi MacArthur, Shaun McAvoy, Dean McFarland, Pam McGary, Amy Milo, Danette Moody, Roberta Moore, Rick Murray, Adrianne Parsons, Robin Pettengill, The Richards Family, The Alfred Savage Family, Mickey Savage, Dennis Sanborn, Kari Sanborn, Keith Shields, Rena Shorey, Butch Smallwood, Dickie Somers, Steve Trembly, Jolene Webber, Zach Weeks, and Linda Zalieka.

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