InTouch Monthly News

We have all seen the “Love Tester” machines that were once a staple at arcades and amusement parks. You would put a coin in, squeeze the handle, and then have the machines rate your “love” from clammy to red hot. These machines generally measured the moisture in your skin or the temperature of your palm.

Biblically, we are instructed to “examine yourself…(and) test yourself”. (2 Corinthians 13:5) This encouragement stems from the reality that “the Lord searches hearts and tests minds.” (Jeremiah 17:10) We hear the painful assessment of the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:16 as “lukewarm” and long for a better setting.

If the status and setting of our hearts matter to God, we would be wise to engage in our own love test. Unlike the “love tester”, true heart examination requires Biblical calibration and honest assessment. We need Biblical insight to remember the importance of the test, that this is a self-test, and to recall what are the pertinent areas to assess.

The first question to consider is do you love Jesus as Savior? Do you trust His saving work on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins and His resurrection for eternal life? Do you rely on His gift of grace or are you still searching for other or additional means for salvation and peace?

Do you love Jesus as Lord? How does Jesus’ Lordship impact your daily life? In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus is teaching that obedience to Him and His teaching is a mark of our love for Him. Just as a spouse whose requests are constantly ignored begins to questions to what level they are loved, the same is true for our Savior.

Do we love Jesus enough to love others? From the new commandment that Jesus gives in John 13:24 to the second of the two greatest commandments, Jesus stresses loving others. From our brothers and sisters in Christ to our neighbors, from the least to our enemies, Jesus wants us to be known for our love.

Where is your treasure? Jesus tells us that “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) This reminds us that our choices and passion reflect what is truly important. Do the details of your life and the use of your resources paint a picture of one whose treasure is the Lord? If an investigator combed through the details of your life would it evident that you loved Jesus?

Unlike the “love tester” there is no handle to squeeze for a quick diagnosis, but there is great value in assessing our hearts and our love for the Lord.

It is now the time of year when I am very busy with the Troops/Veterans projects for the upcoming Holidays. Last Sunday I began handing out the envelopes for those who were willing to write a note to be enclosed in a Christmas card that will be mailed to those who are stationed overseas and stateside. There are still a few families that need to get any updated rank changes and or mailing address changes to me immediately so I can make the changes in time for the mailing. Also included in this process is purchasing and the packaging of clothing for active-duty troops and local homeless veterans. We would love to have more participate, you have until 11/15 to turn in your notes back to me.

Items such as toiletries are always in great demand (tooth brushes and toothpaste, bars of soap, shaving cream and razors, body wash and body lotions/cream, mouthwash, and hair shampoo). Clothing items needed are: long-sleeved t-shirts, long pants/sweat pants, neck scarves, hats and gloves. Let’s help those that are in need, that is what we do, help those in need.

The Mission Committee is always happy to be helping out our Church-connected Military and our local veterans that find themselves homeless. We thank Church members and friends from our community. This is the way we can continue to have our military ministry be a success now and throughout the year.

THE TRUE STORY OF HOW ONE MAN’S FAITH UPLIFTED A NATION

Considered one of the finest films about Christianity, starring Richard Todd as Peter Marshall. Although a Presbyterian minister, Peter Marshall’s sermons had a great appeal to people of all denominations.

FREE MOVIE
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Fireside Room

Sponsored by Ladies Drop-In, everyone is invited. Snacks available.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 • AFTER WORSHIP • FELLOWSHIP CENTER

Join us for our annual Communal Thanksgiving Buffet on Sunday, November 22, in the Fellowship Center immediately following worship.

Sign-up sheets will be available in the narthex on November 1, 8, and 15. Arlene Stewart will provide the ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and pies. Congregation members are invited to bring a salad, vegetable, or dessert to share. Hilltop Hospitality will coordinate the buffet.

Men’s Fellowship will serve the meal and offer the blessing prior to dinner. We are also delighted to welcome Mary Lee Lehrich as our Pilgrim Lady once again. Decorations will be provided by Mary Lee Lehrich and Debbie Olson.

Although the schedule will be a little different this year, we look forward to sharing a wonderful time of food, fellowship, and thanksgiving together.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 • FROM 9:00 A.M. • FELLOWSHIP HALL

Hilltop Hospitality invites everyone to our annual Chili Dump on Saturday, November 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Coffee and doughnuts will be available at 9:00 a.m. Chili will start being served later that morning until 12 noon. This has become a favorite annual tradition as many church members gather to decorate the church for Christmas.

We hope you will join us for a morning of fellowship, food, and holiday spirit as we prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • NOON

The Out and About group will meet on Wednesday, November 18, at Noon at Streets of New York, located at 16841 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills.

Reservations are requested. To sign up, please contact:
Joyce Leo at 803-522-2889
Bonnie Mattie at 815-260-5031

We look forward to enjoying great food and fellowship together!

Close to sixty of our church family gathered for fellowship and a tasty brunch to honor Pastor Jim Rizer of Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church. It was a fun, hearty celebration of his leadership and guidance through his good works and on-going discipleship among us and our Fountain Hills community. Blessings!

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58