Isa 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
This verse from the Bible extends some real comfort to those who are aged and suffering losses or sickness. Not only does it relate to the elderly in our aging society, but it also includes those who will become aged. God simply says that he has made us all, and that throughout our lives he will carry us. We need not worry, he will take care of us.
Recent census figures for America tell us that in our country alone God has a big job. There are over 310,000,000 of us today in America!
At Emmanuel we make sure that when our visitors come to worship with us that there are no steps to climb, the restrooms are conveniently located, the services aren't too long, and that the voices of those who sing or when the pastor preaches all can be heard.
These things are important because we want everyone to be able to know that there are answers to the basic questions about life, relationships, God and the future. we invite and welcome young and old to joino us. We need to be anchored by something that we can rely on and draw strength from as we think about what is next in our lives. That's when we talk about Jesus Christ.
Basically there are two faces of aging. Aging is not one process, but many, and it has many possible outcomes, some positive and some negative. in a book on aging it is put this way: "On the one hand, increasing age brings greater experience and expanded opportunities for wisdom or skill at a variety of activities ranging from politics to music." The other side of the coin is there too: "On the other hand, aging is a losing proposition for some people. They may lose physical and mental capacities, good looks, opportunity for employment and income. They may outlive their spouse and friends."
We offer an invitation, therefore to those who are young and old. We invite you to come and join us for worship and learn the answers to some of the questions you may have. You will be glad that you came, we can guarantee it.
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