The phrase “What would Jesus do?” holds significant meaning for many people, especially those  with a Christian background. The saying is rooted in Chrisitan teachings and ethics. It encourages believers to consider how Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Bible, would respond to a situation. The idea is to emulate Jesus’ behavior, compassion, and wisdom when faced with moral dilemmas or challenges.

     When confronted with a problem, asking “What would Jesus do?” prompts individuals to reflect on their actions and decisions. It encourages them to align their behavior with the teachings of Jesus, such as love, forgiveness, humility, and selflessness.

     Some critics argue that over simplifying complex issues by asking, “What would Jesus do?” may not always lead to practical solutions. Others question the assumption that there is a single “Jesus-like” response to every situation.

     In summary, the phrase “What would Jesus do?” serves as a moral compass, urging believers to seek guidance from Jesus’ teachings when faced with life’s challenges. It encourages thoughtful reflection and a desire to live in accordance with Christian principles.

     Woodburn Presbyterian Church recently lost our Pastor, Scott Bunting, who passed away from his courageous battle with cancer. Our loss of our Pastor Scott as our spiritual leader and shepherd has deeply impacted our congregation. His dedication to sharing God’s Word with us through his 60 recorded sermons on our You Tube page on the front page of our website has left a lasting legacy.

     We would like to encourage you to reflect on his teachings that were recorded on our You Tube page from December 20, 2020 through December 10, 2023. As you reflect on his sermons and his legacy, may you find comfort in the hope of eternal life that he proclaimed.

     The messages he delivered duirng those years continue to resonate with those who heard them, and they serve as a reminder of God’s love, grace, and truth. Many of us fondly remember Pastor Scott proclaiming in these sermons that he was looking forward to going to heaven where he would feast on steak and white bread at God’s dinner table.

     May God’s peace and comfort surround you and our Woodburn Presbyterian Church family duiring this time of mourning.

     Although you don’t see them standing by you on a daily basis, various religious teachings and beliefs assures us that each person has a guardian angel assigned to them. These celestial beings have specific missions: to protect and guide individuals throughout their lives. It is sometimes that little voice that you hear in your head or a gut feeling that tells you what you should do.

     Billy Graham, a prominent Christian evangelist, emphasized that for  believers, nothing happens outside God’s control. The Bible states that God commands his angels to guard us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11). Although largely unseen, angels watch over us and work for our good. Rather just one angel, God surrounds us with a host of angels to protect and guide us. They all can fit into your car or house, no matter how big or small they may be!

     Some people believe that each person has their own dedicated guardian angel who focuses mainly on helping them throughout their life. Others think that people receive help from various guardian angels as needed, with God matching their abilities to the specific assistance required at any given time. However, I don’t think they wash dishes or do your laundry!

    Guardian angels can appear as human beings to offer help or guidance. Sometimes, they may resemble ordinary people, blending into our surroundings without us even realizing their divine presence. These encounters often leave individuals feeling comforted and protected, even if they are unaware that a guardian angel was near. Have you ever experienced some unknown person coming up to you asking you if you needed some help or assistance? Now, was that a guardian angel or a helpful good samaritan?

     Remember that while guardian angels are real, our focus should remain on worshipping God alone, and salvation is found through Christ.

1. Acronym for “Bible” – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth !

2. Only two nuts are mentioned by name in the Bible: almonds and pistachios.

3. Satan was never named “Lucifer”. The only use of the word Lucifer in the Bible was by Isaiah, who was referring to the fall of Babylon, not Satan.

4. Peter obviously knew he would never be a part of a rapture because Jesus told him how he would die. (John 21:18-19)

5. When the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee, and told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, they hauled in 153 fish. (John 21:1-11)

6. When Jesus was walking on water, he intended to pass by the disciple’s boat. (Mark 6:48)

7. When Jesus cast out the demons out of a demoned possessed man into a herd of pigs, thye went into about 2,000 pigs. (Mark 5:13) Is this where deviled ham came from?:)

8. Although not named in the New Testament, tradition names the two thieves crucified at the same time as Jesus as Dismas and Gestas.

1. Before you speak, listen. Before you act, think. Before you give up, try.

2. Anyone can say that they care. But watch their actions, not their words.

3. A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.

4. By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

5. No regrets, just lessons. No worries, just acceptance. No expectations, just gratitude. Life is too short.

6. When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take seconds to say, but for them, it could last a lifetime.

7. If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

     Seeking new elders and deacons and hiring a new pastor for our church community are crucial tasks for us to achieve. However, the order of priority may depend on our specific circumstances.

     Elders and deacons play essential roles in our church’s leadership and ministry. They provide spiritual guidance, oversee church affairs, and serve the congregation. Since we are experiencing a shortage in both elders  and deacons, its essential to identify new leaders. This ensures continuity and stability. However, we are also experiencing a shortage of active church members from which the elders and deacons are selected from.

     A strong team of elders and deacons can share responsibilities, support the congregation, and address pastoral needs. The process of selecting new elders and deacons involves the congregation, fostering a sense of ownership and participation. And the rest of the congregation can also encourage others they know who are looking for a church to belong to, that they should seek out our church for their spiritual needs.

     Hiring a new pastor is quite important as well. A pastor provides spiritual nourishment, conducts worship services, and leads the congregation in prayer and study. A pastor supports members during life events (births, deaths, marriages) and provides counseling. A new pastor can bring fresh vision, energy, and ideas to the church community.

     So, which process is more urgent than the other? Seeking new elders/deacons or a new pastor? In some cases where a church lacks pastoral leadership, hiring a new pastor may take precedence. Searching for a pastor also involves the congregation in identifying potential elders and deacons. These processes can happen concurrently. The real challenge is establisihng a balanced approach during this selection process.

     In order to help us select a new pastor, we also need your input in what you desire from a new pastor. We will soon be putting together a questionnaire to hand out to you requesting your input of your expectations for a new pastor. And if any active church member desires to be an elder and/or a deacon, please contact our church office. Thank you for your continued support and let us pray together for spiritual guidance during this time of need of leadership for our Woodburn Presbyterian Church here in Leland, North Carolina!