Life Link Community Church

03/31/2026

Chap's Chat - "Be Prepared"

No doubt many sincere people face challenges by staying prepared for daily uncertainties, driven by self-awareness, along with a sense of responsibility toward others. When I was a boy, I was a Boy Scout for a time. The motto for the troop was "Be Prepared." These words have stayed with me all of my life.

I believe it is a bit unrealistic to be prepared for every eventuality. Certainly, we want to be mindful of life's necessities, and even emergencies that may arise; but even, the all-bases-covered kind of person has limitations. None of us possess the ability of knowing everything, thinking everything or doing everything. After all, it is not a violation against our character to admit our humanity. So often, our efforts of preparedness have revolved around the more major considerations of our life: family, home and health. Much of the time, money and energies are devoted to what we evaluate as the larger and more important issues.

Let's look a little deeper into the subject of personal preparedness. I don't know who first said, "I didn't think I would need that, until I did!" However, this quote does beg for our attention and exploration. I think it is a very evocative thought. Most of us eventually learn the lesson that it is often the smaller things which have a way of developing into bigger issues, by simply underestimating or overlooking them. They can end-up steering our whole day. May we begin a new way of appreciating the little things of life; such as:
• An umbrella during a sudden cloud burst
• A flashlight at night for a flat tire emergency
• A safety pin for a failed zipper
How haunting those words, "I didn't think I would need that, until I did," becomes a reality. Yes, the seemingly trivial details can quietly, but assuredly, alter the course of a moment or a whole day.

So, as we part ways another time, I would like to encourage you not to minimize or dismiss the significance of "little things."

As many of you are aware, this coming Sunday is the most significant Christian event of all time. We celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I wouldn't want to fail to wish you and your loved ones, a beautiful and Happy Easter!

Blessings Upon Thee!
Chap

03/02/2026

"Perhaps The Cruelest Word!"

Like many others, I have a deep appreciation for the English language. From the alphabets 26 letters (5 vowels and 21 consonants), we form words from our thoughts, emotions and convictions. Few tools are as powerful as carefully chosen words placed side by side. They comfort, instruct, inspire, and sometimes, wound. Our dictionaries continue to expand; the Collins English Dictionary, now contains hundreds of thousands of entries with thousands more added each year. Among all these words, which are beautiful, hopeful and expressive, there are words, however, which carry a weight far heavier than the rest.

It is only my personal opinion; but perhaps, the cruelest word in our language is the word "betrayal." We need not consult a dictionary for its meaning. Most of us already know what the word means, not because we've read the definition, but because we've felt it. For many, it is a living word in the heart. Even the sound of the word carries a harshness: b-e-t-r-a-y-a-l. It casts such a far-reaching shadow that is so very encompassing. It leaves behind ruin, much like a violent storm. Even in Biblical times, we see it. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and even more famously still, Jesus was betrayed by His disciple for money.
I believe there is value in examining why the word "betrayal" is so very cruel.
• First, it usually requires planning, thus giving the guilty party time to reconsider; but yet, they proceed with intent.
• Second, the depth of pain for the wounded is often beyond description. Many testify that no other experience has been more painful.
• Third, the offense is usually committed by someone considered to be the nearest and dearest.
• Finally, for many people, it is the most difficult wound to heal, by way of forgiveness. (There is no five-minute remedy.)
No matter how devastating the event, it does not have to become a life-sentence. Take the time to look around. You will discover people everywhere who have survived what once seemed unsurvivable. Healing may be slow, but it is not impossible. Joseph, as well as Jesus, retained enough room in their hearts for forgiveness. If forgiveness was possible under their circumstances, then there is indeed hope for all of us as well.

Blessings Upon Thee!
Chap

02/03/2026

Chap’s Chat – “Sweetwater Farm”

There are several reasons why I always welcome the month of February:
• First, it is the shortest month of the calendar, which brings us much closer to March, and spring. By now, the thoughts of flowers, gardens, frostless nights, and warmth are just enough inspiration to get us through winter.
• Second, (as you already know) February ushers in, on the 14th, Valentines Day. Advertisers won't let you forget it. It is their day of getting into your pockets, once again. But who cares, it is a time to celebrate. This will be the day of romance, flowers, $9.00 Hallmark Cards, candy and letting cupid have his way. Oh, I'm glad the emphasis will be on love! I am nearly 81 years old, and for 60 of those years, love has been the theme of wedded-bliss for Miss Nancy and me. I thank God every day for the most wonderful, beautiful and devoted companion that a man could have ever desired. (How I love her!) Hearts are always on display in our home. She is still my "Valentine."
• Third, in our region, February also marks the beginning of Maple Syrup Season. As the temperatures shift and sap begin to flow, it becomes the time of anticipation along with hard work. In our family, the season is especially meaningful. It was the time when my son, Jason, and I embarked on an unexpected adventure into maple syrup production. What began as a simple idea, soon grew into a rewarding enterprise, transforming our modest "Sweetwater Farm" into a very sweet product.
In the early days, our quest was filled with curiosity, along with a fair amount of uncertainty. We started with just a handful of taps and the necessary equipment for an educational project. The process was simple, yet quite challenging. What began as an experimental hobby, soon evolved into a more systematic venture. Through it all, the sojourn was not just producing syrup, it was about the privilege of working along side my son, and the joy of shared achievement. I suppose you could think of it as pride in creating something pure and sweet from nature's gifts. I would not want to overlook the memories we forged along the way. Though we may not still produce maple syrup today, the experience remains one of the most satisfying chapters of our lives.
May the month of February be a time for you to recall some "Sweet Memories" in your life. Also, let's focus on creating some new ones to add to our lives for future reference.

Blessings Upon Thee!
Chap

01/27/2026

Due to the extreme cold temperatures, our Pantry Distribution has been canceled for tomorrow, 1/28.

01/24/2026

We are cancelling service tomorrow due to the inclement weather The Governor has declared a state of emergency and is requesting everyone to forgo unnecessary travel.
Please take the opportunity to worship at home. I am going to be reading & considering Matthew 6:25-34 (see Comments for full text) and being challenged to keep running hard after the Kingdom of God, trusting in God for every need.
Here are a couple of the songs that have been playing in my mind along with these thoughts; https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSChbpZXYefeyOPc0MEzr9ULmGS2PrgWe&si=F82SH7sXz7teG57B

01/05/2026

Chap’s Chat – “SMART Advice”

New Years Day seems to provide the inspiration point for making well intentioned resolutions. As you know (perhaps because of your own history), the success rate is often pretty checkered at best. Obviously, the motivation for making a more improved version of oneself is to be championed and admired. It doesn't matter what causes you to desire to take more control of your life, be it: Possessions (spending), Problems (worry), Pounds (weight), or Proclivities (tendencies). Anything can stray out-of-bounds. It won't take long to discover that being an overcomer requires more than just a pledge. As my old grandmother used to say, "Promises are like pie crusts; they are easily broken." I can nearly hear someone protesting with the excuse, "I didn't know making a vow required so much discipline."

In my younger years of training and leadership, there was an abundance of emphasis on vision and setting goals. (Both of these are really the secret sauce.) If you truly want success, you must SEE it, and then DO whatever is demanded to bring it to reality. Success begins as a process of planning and setting goals. The passion that first motivated you to change, must be fueled with a refusal to let it die.

Now to those who have never had the advantage of attending a class, or even reading the literature along the lines of goal setting, please allow me the favor of helping you understand how to set a goal. (This is not original with me, but it is worthy of your consideration and attention.) For your goal to be a real goal, it must be a "SMART Goal."

• S-pecific = Name it clearly; identify it. Don't think and speak in generalities in reference to your goals.
• M-easurable = Develop a plan that offers a guide for intervals, helping to regulate your progress in reaching the target.
• A-ttainable = Believing you can achieve it. Your confidence will prove your commitment level. Share your goal with others, who will encourage you and keep you accountable.
• R-ealistic = Your goal needs to be reasonable and supported by a well-defined plan. It is within your reach.
• T-imeline = A definite date to begin, and a time when to stop.

This is only a small framework for what you hope will develop into a full picture. Your reward will come by a confluence of many ingredients; all working in concert with your efforts and reliability.

I began many years ago, as part of my morning prayer: "Lord, help me to add value to another life today." That is indeed a "SMART Goal."

Blessings Upon Thee!
Chap

12/21/2025

12/21/2025

Worshipping together on this 4th Sunday of Advent as we celebrate the source of all Love.
Patty Plotner Kevin Plotner

12/19/2025

Our Pantry Distribution for today and Sunday has been canceled due to illness. We apologize, and plan to see you in January.

12/13/2025

Our 10am Sunday service will occur at its regular time, however, the continued snow and bitterly cold temps are likely to present some hazardous conditions in our parking lot. Please use wisdom in deciding whether to drive in to church or join via Zoom.
Should either Delaware or Marion counties progress to a Level 3 Snow Emergency, the building will be closed and service will be via Zoom only.

Our Zoom meeting link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/933878749

12/10/2025

Our Pantry Distribution is canceled for to today.

12/02/2025

Chap’s Chat – “The Christmas Spirit or The Spirit of Christmas”

Are you on the hunt again this season for that elusive, magical Christmas spirit that everyone seems to be talking about? You can't quite define it, no matter what color, size, cost or shape you imagine it to be. Maybe you have never truly had it; yet you are sure it must exist. If only there were a map to guide you. Something that would lead you unerringly to where "X" marks the spot! You would go to any length. You would pay any price; if only, you could find it, and finally declare, "I've found it!"

But alas, year after year it quietly slips away. Every attempt seems to end in disappointment, leaving you weary, disillusioned and maybe, a little poorer for the effort. You wonder if the answer lies in one more purchase, another cruise, that long anticipated vacation; or perhaps, even a "Hallmark Movie Marathon" to rekindle the mood. Yet, after all the chasing, you still come up empty. Could it be that you have miscalculated what is truly missing is not "The Christmas Spirit," but rather, "The Spirit of Christmas!"

"The Christmas Spirit" is shallow and short-lived, more of a feeling of seasonal cheer, than anything lasting. "The Spirit of Christmas" is not found in glitter, gifts or gatherings. It is sacred; embodied in a person, Jesus Christ, the Son of God! The Advent Season reminds us that Jesus' incarnation (God made flesh), is the greatest and most priceless gift ever given! He came not to create a holiday, but rather, to bring hope, forgiveness and life to a weary world. Oh, yes! There is more than a minor difference between "The Christmas Spirit" and "The Spirit of Christmas." Again, the first one is casual, while the second one is deeply spiritual.

Now, from Miss Nancy and me, may the true "Spirit of Christmas" fill your heart and home. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Blessings Upon Thee!
Chap