December 2005/January 2006

January 1 - Happy New Year!

January 30 - Registration begins for CFMR’s 2006 Winter Wonderland Retreat

February 14 - Happy Valentine’s Day

March 3-5 - 2006 Winter Wonderland Retreat

April 28-30 - Proposed date for Men’s Retreat

CFMR’s 6th Annual Winter Wonderland Retreat:
If you are looking for a great weekend getaway for your family and/or friends, you don’t want to miss this retreat! CFMR is sponsoring their 6th annual Winter Wonderland retreat at Alpine Lake Resort in Terra Alta West Virginia. We have reserved a rustic, but very clean, facility that sleeps up to 29 people. Each bedroom contains a separate bath. The activities for the weekend will include snow tubing at Ski Wisp (weather permitting), indoor swimming, hiking and much more. There is no charge for this retreat, however, donations are accepted. There will also be an opportunity to give a donation some time during the retreat weekend. If you are interested in signing up for this retreat, registration begins Monday, January 30, 2006 at noon. Please call Joan at 717-738-1596 or email the ministry at cfmr@pa.net. Registration is based on a first come first served basis.

Words of Encouragement - Diligently seek the Lord in 2006!

Scripture: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

I’ve been thinking about my New Year’s resolution for 2006 and thought about the scripture found in Hebrews 11:6. Based on this scripture, I can see that God is a good God and desires to send blessings to His children, especially those who seek Him DILIGENTLY. The Webster definition for the word diligent is “characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic application and effort; painstaking." Based on that definition, I can see that serving God truly requires much effort and energy. Although the process may be painstaking at times we can be of good cheer because God’s word tells us He will reward us for our efforts. The principle of a reward system is something every person can relate to and is nothing new to any of us since it is something we are exposed to on a regular basis. In this life, we each desire to be rewarded for our efforts whether it is for a job well done at work or accomplishing a task that is worthy of praise.

For 2006, I am going to do my best to live according to Hebrews 11:6 in faith believing that God, because He is so merciful, will pour out many blessings (or rewards) in my life. As I continue to desire this for my life, I will continue keeping all of the CFMR partners and friends in my thoughts and prayers as they too seek God for His blessings! Happy New Year!!

Inspirational Thought for Married Couples:
“Even if marriages are made in Heaven, man has to be responsible for the maintenance.” Author Unknown