Forsythe Family News

January 9, 2026

Greetings Forsythe Friends! As you know, the first half of John’s Gospel is devoted to sharing seven signs or wonders that tell us about Jesus. In Sunday morning’s sermon we will be studying John 2, the first sign, the first miracle, when Jesus turned water to wine. I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday to worship the King!

Here are some reminders …

• PRAYER MINISTRY Sunday mornings, 9:00 - 9:30.

• JANUARY COLLECTION for Wellspring Women’s Shelter. Bath/face cloths (white), umbrellas (small), Kleenex, Lysol Spray, Lysol/Clorox Wipes, Handsoap. Also: Hygiene Bags (bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant). Wishlist for convenience is HERE.

• WEDNESDAY adult class- a study of angels by Doug White. The first one was this past Wednesday night and is available on our YouTube channel HERE.

• NURSERY HELP: To be included in the volunteer rotation for the coming year, please let Stacie Enlow know (318-805-8733).

• GRIEFSHARE begins January 28 at 2:30. Register at GriefShare.org. See John Dobbs, Vera Owens, or Mignon Riley.

• SUBSCRIBE! Go to FACOC.org and look for ‘How to be in Touch’ to sign up for emails, texts, news from Forsythe Church of Christ.

Adult Bible Classes Sunday

• Daniel & Brooke Kirkendall- 17-25 years, young adults.

• Gary Davis - Sermon text discussion (first classroom on left)

• David Gordy- Sermon text discussion (first classroom on right)

• Kevin Smith / Grady Lewis - Romans (second classroom on right)

• Doug White - Unseen Spiritual Warfare (auditorium)

Mother

The wedding celebration at Cana in Galilee is Jesus’ first miracle recorded in John’s gospel. Yes, it is amazing that He turned 180 gallons of water into wine. True, it was almost done in secret, with only a few people knowing what happened, as Jesus talked to the servants and gave them instructions. The host was surprised at how good the wine was! Of course, if the Son of God were going to create wine, it would be the best!

My favorite part of this story is the interaction between Mary and Jesus. I wish there were more insights into the relationship and conversations of the one who God chose to give birth to the Christ child and the man who that child grew up to be! But we have only a few episodes.

This interaction tells us of the respect Jesus had for His mother. It tells us of Mary’s awareness of his ability and identity. It tells us that God does not object to celebrations. It may tell us how important mothers are, even if you are the Messiah.

I had a conversation with someone who was aghast at the cost of the wedding of one of her young relatives. She countered that weddings should be somber occasions, and all this outlandish expense should be reigned in. I might agree a little, but then I consider Jesus creating 180 gallons of the best wine! Jesus did not try to get by on the minimum!

Mary had confidence in her son. “Do whatever he tells you.” That is a good message for us as well. Do whatever he tells you.

R. C. Sproul wrote, “No one ever received better instructions from anybody in all of history than these servants received from the mother of Christ when she told them to follow Jesus’ orders. That exhortation has application far beyond the immediate task those servants had to do.”

John tells us that “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11). He spends the next few days surrounded by the people who knew him best. His brothers and his disciples and his mother.

In all of the glimpses we have of Mary throughout the Gospels, she is presented as a wonderful example of obedience and faith. I do not believe she is to be worshiped or addressed in our prayers, but there was something very special about the woman that Jesus had as his mother.

From Seven Signs, Seven Days

John Dobbs

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