We have a “Food Blessing Box” for those in need to be able to grab non-perishable food items for a meal or two. Feel free to take advantage of these items. We also need non-perishable food items to replenish the box when needed. Please bring your items to church or add your items to the box. May ALL who give and receive be blessed!
LETTER FROM PASTOR DONNA
November 1, 2025
The verse of the day in my Bible app today is 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says, “So we fix
our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, and what is
unseen is eternal.” I love how God sends us just what we need to hear right when we need it the
most. It has certainly been a day for me. As I have heard is said before, “It is the ‘Monday-est’
Tuesday I have seen in a while.”
You know how it is when we have a day with a full schedule and we are wondering how
we will get it all done, and then, out of nowhere, an unexpected issue pops up that demands our
immediate attention. What do we do when that happens? We turn all our attention to the issue.
We think and we agonize, and we work out the different ways we can solve it. We worry and we
stress, and we look for a solution. In other words, we fix our eyes on what is seen, that which is
temporary, and we forget that what we do not see, what we overlook because of our worry and
stress, is what is eternal.
Now, I’m not saying we forget about the problems we are facing. It is necessary to assess
the issue and try to find a solution, but while we do that, it is also necessary to pray about the
problem and keep things in perspective. Worry and stress do not solve a problem. They never
have and they never will. Clear thinking, rational planning, and God’s guidance is what it takes.
So often, we get caught up in thinking we have to find a solution – right now! – that we don’t
take time to pray about the situation.
Paul tells us, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice here that Paul
doesn’t say to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but to give thanks IN all circumstances. There
is a difference. We could very rarely muster up the effort to give thanks for the hard times when
they arrive. But even in the hard times, we can always find something for which we can give
thanks to God.
So, today, in the chaos and busyness in which I find myself, I appreciate the reminder that
what is happening today does not affect eternity, so it will work out the way it should, and I can
trust God with my problems. I will fix my eyes on Jesus, and I will give thanks to God for all the
things I can think of for which he deserves credit – life, love, salvation, family, friends, a safe
home, food, a car that runs, etc.… The list could go on and on, but you get the point.
I know God sent me this reminder today because he knew I would need it. His timing is
always perfect, as is his plan for my life. The good news is that it is true for all of you, too. So,
whatever you are going through right now, try this: Take a breath. Hold it for a few seconds. Let
it out. Picture that when you breathe in, you breathe in God, and when you breathe out, you
breathe out the worry and the stress you are feeling. Now, take a moment to list some of the
things that you are thankful for. It helps us get a new perspective. Maybe even a perspective on
what is temporary versus what is eternal. Can you breathe easier now, just for a minute at least? I
know I can – one more thing for which I am grateful.
Have a wonderful November and a blessed Thanksgiving.
With a heart that is grateful for all of you,
Pastor Donna
The verse of the day in my Bible app today is 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says, “So we fix
our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, and what is
unseen is eternal.” I love how God sends us just what we need to hear right when we need it the
most. It has certainly been a day for me. As I have heard is said before, “It is the ‘Monday-est’
Tuesday I have seen in a while.”
You know how it is when we have a day with a full schedule and we are wondering how
we will get it all done, and then, out of nowhere, an unexpected issue pops up that demands our
immediate attention. What do we do when that happens? We turn all our attention to the issue.
We think and we agonize, and we work out the different ways we can solve it. We worry and we
stress, and we look for a solution. In other words, we fix our eyes on what is seen, that which is
temporary, and we forget that what we do not see, what we overlook because of our worry and
stress, is what is eternal.
Now, I’m not saying we forget about the problems we are facing. It is necessary to assess
the issue and try to find a solution, but while we do that, it is also necessary to pray about the
problem and keep things in perspective. Worry and stress do not solve a problem. They never
have and they never will. Clear thinking, rational planning, and God’s guidance is what it takes.
So often, we get caught up in thinking we have to find a solution – right now! – that we don’t
take time to pray about the situation.
Paul tells us, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice here that Paul
doesn’t say to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but to give thanks IN all circumstances. There
is a difference. We could very rarely muster up the effort to give thanks for the hard times when
they arrive. But even in the hard times, we can always find something for which we can give
thanks to God.
So, today, in the chaos and busyness in which I find myself, I appreciate the reminder that
what is happening today does not affect eternity, so it will work out the way it should, and I can
trust God with my problems. I will fix my eyes on Jesus, and I will give thanks to God for all the
things I can think of for which he deserves credit – life, love, salvation, family, friends, a safe
home, food, a car that runs, etc.… The list could go on and on, but you get the point.
I know God sent me this reminder today because he knew I would need it. His timing is
always perfect, as is his plan for my life. The good news is that it is true for all of you, too. So,
whatever you are going through right now, try this: Take a breath. Hold it for a few seconds. Let
it out. Picture that when you breathe in, you breathe in God, and when you breathe out, you
breathe out the worry and the stress you are feeling. Now, take a moment to list some of the
things that you are thankful for. It helps us get a new perspective. Maybe even a perspective on
what is temporary versus what is eternal. Can you breathe easier now, just for a minute at least? I
know I can – one more thing for which I am grateful.
Have a wonderful November and a blessed Thanksgiving.
With a heart that is grateful for all of you,
Pastor Donna
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Morning education classes
Classes for Pre K- Adults of all ages are meeting from, 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
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Young ones (Birth - Pre-K) - the nursery
*Pre-K - 1st Grade - downstairs with Ms Connie *2nd - 5th Grade - downstairs with Ms Roberta 6th - 8th Grade - downstairs with Ms Sabrina |
9th - 12th Grade - downstairs with Mr Chris
Young Adult/College & Career - in the library Russ Bowman's Class for adults - at Dunkin' Donuts Alpha and Omega for adults -in the Fellowship Hall |
Watch previous week's messAGES FROM pASTOR dONNA (AND OTHERS) ON OUR worship services PAGE OR ON OUR fACEBOOK PAGE (@ROOTSTOWNCHURCHofhope)
For more news, updates and info, check out our News page!
Habitat of portage county Apostles Build
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Apostles Build Story: The project that was started in July 2019 has been completed! The Hummel-Tucker family were presented with their home on April 25th at 2 pm! Blessings to the family as they begin to move in and get comfortable! Thank you to all who helped, prayed for, donated to this project!
