This is in response to The Pastor’s Pen Personal Interchange on November 9, 2014 regarding the use of smart phones. I spoke with a Sister in Christ regarding the Pastor’s letter. She said it may be too harsh for the congregation. I love my smart phone and I use it every day. However, Pastor’s letter really spoke to my heart. I must agree with Pastor Shaw, that the smart phone has really taken away intimate face-to-face, voice-to-voice contact. I do not agree that Pastor’s message was too harsh. The first scripture that came to my mind is 2 Timothy 4:3-4(NIV) 3 for the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. This is why it’s so important to read the Bible, God’s word, every day. John 8:32-33(NIV) Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So let us not feel judged when we hear the truth. Let’s be willing to learn and grow. The Bible is not a book of condemnation, it is a book to teach us how to love, believe, and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It also teaches us to love one another, bless one another, and have hope. Hebrews 10:23-27 (NIV) 23 let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Your’s in Christ

Janet Emley

Church Secretary