‘Tis the season for sneezes and sniffles, cold and flu remedies, and a bowl of chicken soup. As a result, our church attendance this Sunday was down a bit. While we missed those suffering from winter maladies, we appreciate them not spreading the “ah-choos! nausea, aches and pains, and high temperatures— and we hope to see them soon. Oddly, I think I’m coming down with something just from thinking and writing about it! Remember that we will be having the First Sunday Breakfast next Sunday morning at 9:00. Be there to see what’s on the menu and enjoy a good meal along with a time of Christian fellowship. Women’s Bible Study is scheduled for February 5th at 9:30. As always, the study is open to all women in the Atwood area, regardless of their church affi liation. Invite some friends and come join the study to both learn and to share your insights and questions. Youth Nights are scheduled at the church every Thursday evening at 6:30. Youth Minister Alex Arnold and his fiancée, Yashna, have interesting activities, discussions, studies, and concerts and other outings planned. Teens who would like to visit or join a group seeking to follow the teachings of Jesus will find a warm welcome here. Also, any teen wishing to attend the Winter Jam needs to have their ticket money in to Alex by Feb. 3rd. James Hammonds sang “I’ll Tell the World that I’m a Christian,” as the special music selection this week. He mentioned that it is a song his dad, Bob Hammonds, sang from time to time when he was song leader here several years ago, and he also recalled that Becky Hardage played the piano for Bob when he sang that song. Seems like only yesterday to us older youth group fogies. James proved that Bob taught his young ‘uns well. Rev. Brown’s message was from Numbers 6:22- 27 and was titled “The Benediction.” In this passage are the words God wanted Aaron and his sons to say as a blessing over the children of Israel. It is also worth noting that in Old Testament times, words of blessing were used in greetings to one another as they wrote to or met and took leave of one another. There are four aspects to this greeting: First is the orientation. “The Lord bless thee…” begins the priestly blessing to the congregation. The Lord is the source of all blessings—always. Second is the words “and keep thee,” which indicate the Lord’s preservation. As He did for men like Isaac, Moses, and Joshua, God keeps us and sustains us and all that we commit unto Him. Third, “The Lord make His face to shine upon you,” reminds us that the Word of God illuminates us. It is a bright and shining light that guides and illuminates the individuals and churches who draw close to the Lord. Eventually, this way of living results in the glory of God being refl ected Where there is trouble let us pray that the light of Jesus shall shine upon it. God’s Word can transform the world, and it can transform us. The term ‘pacifi cation’ describes the fourth part of the blessing, which is grace and peace. Grace is the first word because without the grace of God we could have no peace. In the New Testament Jesus speaks of the sheep who are told to receive their inheritance. As Christians who have experienced grace through salvation, we receive peace. Therefore, we are blessed here on earth, even before we get to heaven. The same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, our God is indeed an awesome God! He blesses and keeps us, makes His face to shine upon us, is gracious us to us, shows us His favor, and give us peace!