Update on ZPV news

As you know, the roads last Sunday morning were horrible. While we heard of a few spin outs, we have not heard that anyone was hurt. We discussed ways we could get the word out for mornings like last weekend. We could send out a phone tree message, email, website post, etc. What would work for you? Pastor Trent invites you to send him a note to trent@zionlife.com. For example, we could have postponed services until 4PM that day. The roads were safe by then. And so you know, we have snow plowing service for the white stuff, so our parking lot (at least) should be accessible.

• Speaking of last Sunday, an audio version of the message is available online (from the Clarion campus), http://www.zionlife.com/media/message.aspx?messageID=74 as are all Zion messages. It's a good one, and I encourage you to take the time and check it out.
• For the rest of December, the Olkowski, Gibson, and youth (FUEL) groups will not be meeting. No Garage December 20 or 27.
• We still have invitations for the Christmas Eve Family Celebration service. Plan to bring your kids as there will be a special part for them. If you need invitations before Sunday, let me know. The ZPV service starts at 7PM. Clarion will have the same service at 5PM and 7PM. We may need help with childcare for the wee-little ones. Any volunteers?
• Be sure to check the worship folder this Sunday about our next EQUIP course starting in January!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley

In this case, one is two.

Paradoxes are fun. There’s a “permanent press” setting on the clothes iron. Apartments are stuck together. The Greek Parthenon is actually curved to make it look straight. Funny, huh? The Apostle Paul writes about another paradox where he implies that two things are actually one: “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

In this chapter, Paul explains his impressive spiritual pedigree. In the end, he calls it garbage, and he admits that he still has so far to go to “gain Christ.” He is in process. But here is his one thing (but is it two?): forget what’s behind and strain towards what’s ahead. While he lists two things, they are so intertwined that they must be considered together. It’s futile to forget but not press forward, and insane to press forward without forgetting. They are like ham & eggs. They just go together.

If Paul had not reached the finish line, then I must be way back in the pack. But, I must do this one, two-part thing too. If I have any past victories or failures, forget them. Tis not the day to wallow or celebrate the past. But right on it’s heals, I press on. This is not a flesh thing I do on my own. I forget/press by what Christ has already given me. If the forget/press thing does not happen, that is truly a paradox, for I am missing what I most strongly desire: Jesus Christ.