Last Sunday, we had two special visitors, grandchildren of two of our members. And, as is our custom, we let them light the candles to start the service. It wasn’t easy for them to remember exactly how to do it. And being rather small, they had some difficulty reaching the candles to light. But they did it, and they did such a good job that we broke out into applause.

Applause isn’t given lightly among us. Presbyterians aren’t called “The Frozen Chosen” for nothing. Even Jesus taught us not to expect constant accolades for doing the Lord’s work. But sometimes, appreciation is just called for. We need encouragement (the infusion of courage) to keep up our good work, to prevent becoming weary in well-doing.

Ecclesiates tells us “Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.” God gives us our community for just that purpose. We’re awfully good at critiquing one another. But to keep up a strong, courageous community, affirmation needs at least equal time, and for best results, much more.

We invite you to join us Sunday morning, at 9:30 a.m. for adult Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. for worship. We’re located on the corner of First and High Street in Steelville. For more information, check out our website at steelvillepresbyterian.org.