Introduction
This morning I would be honored if you would take a journey with me. I invite you to assume whatever posture helps you feel the most comfortable and allows your imagination to take over. Take a moment and prepare yourself. Some of you may like to bow your heads and close your eyes, other may like to open your hands palm facing upwards towards the sky. Remember the goal is get into a posture that allows you to relax, listen, and imagine. Ready?
Let's Go
I am going to describe a place to you and invite you to create that place in your mind's eye. With as much detail as you can. Before we start out on our journey I want you to mentally acknowledge any distractions you have, schedules, physical or mental exhaustion, stress, whatever it may be. Take a deep breath in...hold it...let it out. Take in another deep breath...hold it...let it out. Clear your mind...empty it of all thoughts just for this moment.
Imagine you are standing on a hillside, in a grass field. There are a few rocks scattered throughout the landscape. In the distance you can see a few houses from the edge of your village. The sky is clear and it is relatively quiet except for the occasional bleat from the sheep you are tending. Personally, even though you have to constantly deal with people making fun of you because you are a shepherd, you know you are doing noble work and feel confident in your role. Your family is not wealthy and needs your earnings to survive and that is all the affirmation you need to know you are doing the right thing. You have always been the type of person that your family depends on. You have proved time and time again your reliability and dependability. And for that you are very proud.
The sun is beginning to set and you are getting ready to turn your attention to the night and making sure the sheep stay safe. You are gazing over the horizon, looking for predatory animals, hunting animals, poachers, and all other hazards that could harm or hurt these sheep. There are a few other shepherds with you. You are talking a bit with each other, but nothing other than idle conversation.
It is now night, black night. The only light you have is from the stars above. The temperature has dropped and you are bundled up trying your best to stay warm. You think about starting a fire but that means unbundling and you find yourself unwilling to do that just yet. Then you begin to notice this glow form behind you and as you turn around it culminates in a brilliantly bright light. You begin to hear a voice out of the light say, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” You are too awe stuck to breathe, must less move. As the voice fades you begin to hear a thunderous song break out, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” You almost fall backwards from the power and concussive sound of this experience. Your heart begins to beat again, slowly and with tremendous force. Your body is almost numb and you notice that the light, the voices, the music are all gone. You are left alone with only the darkness, the chill, and a whole host of questions.
As you and the rest of the shepherds try and make sense out of what just happened, little Avi, a young man and by far the newest guy on the job, leans towards your ear and whispers, “now what?”
You may open your eyes. That is the question that not only little Avi ponders, but I think many of us do as well. Christ was born, now what? People from generation to generation and from around the world ask themselves, now what?
Peace is Ours
That babe born so long ago is a gift from God. That babe, our Messiah, came so that we might be forgiven and restored. Our Messiah came so that we may find peace. Peace in knowing our salvation is assured and we have been reconciled with God our Creator. Peace in knowing that because of that baby we will be rescued from an eternity of emptiness. Peace in knowing that we are so loved, so adored, that God came to us. After all, Emmanuel means God with us.
My prayer for each of you is that this Advent, you find a peace that reassures you of your place in God's heart. A peace that makes you certain God is with you, believes in you, and has assured your salvation. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, Christ the King. And I encourage you to answer your “now what” by sharing this message of assurance and salvation with another who needs it this Advent.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Bible Challenge 12/12 - 12/18
Greetings Bible Challenge Friends!
I pray you have been able to stay on track with the holiday season in full swing. It can be difficult but it is rewarding to be able to spend daily time in the Word. This week we finish up 1 Timothy and move through 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, and begin the book of James. Here is the schedule
12/12, Sunday: 1 Timothy 3-6
12/13, Monday: 2 Timothy 1-4
12/14, Tuesday: Titus 1 - Philemon 1
12/15, Wednesday: Hebrews 1-4
12/16, Thursday: Hebrews 5-8
12/17, Friday: Hebrews 9-12
12/18, Saturday: Hebrews 13 - James 3
Be Blessed!
I pray you have been able to stay on track with the holiday season in full swing. It can be difficult but it is rewarding to be able to spend daily time in the Word. This week we finish up 1 Timothy and move through 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, and begin the book of James. Here is the schedule
12/12, Sunday: 1 Timothy 3-6
12/13, Monday: 2 Timothy 1-4
12/14, Tuesday: Titus 1 - Philemon 1
12/15, Wednesday: Hebrews 1-4
12/16, Thursday: Hebrews 5-8
12/17, Friday: Hebrews 9-12
12/18, Saturday: Hebrews 13 - James 3
Be Blessed!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday Fives
Here are few things that I wanted to bring to your attention.
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we will continue our preaching series aimed at helping all of us rediscover the joy, peace, hope, and love that God intended for us during Advent. This week we will focus on peace, that peace that was made known and revealed itself in the birth of Jesus. I hope to see all of you there!
2. Open House - On behalf of Pastor Debbie, Parker, Wesley, and myself, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to our open house. On Sunday, December 19th, from 12pm-2pm feel free to stop by and see the parsonage all decorated and enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Once you have had lunch in Fellowship Hall, feel free to walk up the backyard, or drive around, and stop by. We would love to see you.
3. Advent Bible Study – This week we began our three week Advent Bible Study based on the 1977 film by Franco Zeffirelli, Jesus of Nazareth. This week we began with Mary and Joseph becoming betrothed and went through their wedding. Next week we will focus on the birth of Jesus. If you missed this week, no worries, you can always just join us this week. The class will run December 16th and 23rd at 11am and again at 7pm and it is free. I hope you will come and join us in what is always a great time of learning and fun!
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. Choir Cantata – This Sunday is our annual Christmas Cantata. Please join us as we celebrate the hope, peace, joy, and love, that is Jesus the Christ. It will be a wonderful morning of worship and song. I hope you can bring a friend and I look forward to seeing all of you there!
Have a blessed weekend!
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we will continue our preaching series aimed at helping all of us rediscover the joy, peace, hope, and love that God intended for us during Advent. This week we will focus on peace, that peace that was made known and revealed itself in the birth of Jesus. I hope to see all of you there!
2. Open House - On behalf of Pastor Debbie, Parker, Wesley, and myself, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to our open house. On Sunday, December 19th, from 12pm-2pm feel free to stop by and see the parsonage all decorated and enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Once you have had lunch in Fellowship Hall, feel free to walk up the backyard, or drive around, and stop by. We would love to see you.
3. Advent Bible Study – This week we began our three week Advent Bible Study based on the 1977 film by Franco Zeffirelli, Jesus of Nazareth. This week we began with Mary and Joseph becoming betrothed and went through their wedding. Next week we will focus on the birth of Jesus. If you missed this week, no worries, you can always just join us this week. The class will run December 16th and 23rd at 11am and again at 7pm and it is free. I hope you will come and join us in what is always a great time of learning and fun!
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. Choir Cantata – This Sunday is our annual Christmas Cantata. Please join us as we celebrate the hope, peace, joy, and love, that is Jesus the Christ. It will be a wonderful morning of worship and song. I hope you can bring a friend and I look forward to seeing all of you there!
Have a blessed weekend!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
New Bible Study
Hey Everyone!
Just a reminder that we are starting a new Advent study series tomorrow based upon the movie, Jesus of Nazareth. Tomorrow we are going to begin with the study, "The Coming of God in the Flesh".
If you did not sign up, no worries, come on down anyway. We will meet at 11am in the Fellowship Hall and if that does not work for you, I am doing it again at 7pm.
Hope to see you all there!
Just a reminder that we are starting a new Advent study series tomorrow based upon the movie, Jesus of Nazareth. Tomorrow we are going to begin with the study, "The Coming of God in the Flesh".If you did not sign up, no worries, come on down anyway. We will meet at 11am in the Fellowship Hall and if that does not work for you, I am doing it again at 7pm.
Hope to see you all there!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
All I Need to Know I Learned at Christmas: Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 1:39-56
Introduction
This morning we are going to begin a new preaching series aimed at helping us to recognize those aspects of hope, peace, joy, and love that God so generously modeled for us 2000 years ago. In addition, we are also going to explore how that model is still active and alive right now. Today we are going to begin with joy, that unabashed, child-like emotion that God has for us and that we would be wise to rekindle in ourselves.
Have You Jumped Lately?
In my lifetime I have come to understand that the older we get, the less joy we exhibit. Now do not get me wrong, as individuals we still get happy. Just not as happy. Case in point, my sons Parker and Wesley. This week Debbie and I decided that it was time to start decorating the house for Christmas. We got out our calendars, looked at what night would be best and begin to develop a plan. No joy, no excitement. We were not unhappy about it, but we had relegated it to a chore in our mind. Just something else that had to get done. Now for the boys, as soon as they heard the word decorations, or maybe it was the word Christmas, they came tearing into the living room. We were literally taken aback by the emotion that was right in front of us. These two boys were smiling, jumping, and talking a mile a minute. “When can we start?” “When can we do to help?” “I want to do the tree!” “I want to put up the Santas!” Their joy was uncontainable, uncontrollable, and quite frankly awesome to experience. I then became very cognizant of how I had approached the decorating. I looked at it as a task. These boys were viewing it as a wonderful opportunity to see the house transformed into a Christmas wonderland, to see lights and bright colors splashed all around, and their joy and jumping about expressed that.
When was the last time you jumped? As an adult, when was the last time your feet left this earth, voluntarily mind you, and you actually jumped for joy? The only place where adults give each other permission to jump is at a sporting event, as a player scores the winning touchdown, basket, or goal. Other than that, I do not see too many adults jump. We're pretty shy about expressing so much giddy happiness that we literally jump for joy. We leave that to children. And in fact, in today's gospel reading it's a child who jumps for joy when the miracle of Christmas first appears.
Jumping Johnny!
In his first prophetic act, the still unborn John the Baptist leaped in his mother Elizabeth's womb when Mary walked in and greeted her cousin. The reason for the child's joy jump at the sound of Mary's voice was given to Elizabeth through the accompanying presence and interpretive power of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth pregnant with a miracle child herself, recognizes that her cousin Mary is pregnant, and that she has been chosen to be "the mother of my Lord" (verse 43). The messiah himself is now before Elizabeth and her unborn child. This awesome proximity immediately fills Elizabeth and Zechariah's small home with all the joy, all the hopes, all the prayers for the redeeming messiah that the people of God have been waiting for. Redemption is at hand. No wonder the yet-to-be-born John the Baptist jumps for joy.
Jesus Is Happy!
Now I ask you to take a moment and think about every representation, movie, painting, or caricature, you have ever seen portraying Jesus. My guess is that most of you are picturing a serious, stoic, somber Jesus. Why is that? Leonard Sweet once remarked asking what evidence do we have that Jesus was always some “tall, long-locked, solemn, sermon-spouting fellow who walks as though he is treading on eggshells and whose face always looks as though he has just finished sucking on a big kosher dill.” Many of you have heard me say that my favorite depiction of Jesus is the portrait called “Laughing Jesus”. In this picture his head is cocked back, his mouth wide open, and he is giving this enormous belly-laugh. His whole face is absolutely lit up!
That is how I envision my Savior. Look at Scripture and the situations Jesus found himself a part of, the miracles that he performed. How many times do we read about people clamoring to get close to him? About Jesus being forced into a boat because there were so many people on the shore, that he ran out of land? About people climbing trees, houses, and cutting through crowds just to touch, glimpse, or hear our Savior speak? As humanity we want to be around those people that make us happy. So if that many people, time and time again, are going to these great lengths to be around Jesus, I cannot believe that Jesus was a 24/7 somber, solemn, and joy-less person.
Forgetting about the personality aspect for a moment, think about the miracles that Jesus performed. Remember the paralytic man in the Gospel of Mark that was lowered through the roof to be healed by Jesus. After being paralyzed for years, when he got up, picked up his mat, and walked, do you think Jesus just sat there? I would have to think these men grabbed each other and jumped around in circles, ecstatic at what just took place.
Remember the daughter of Jarius who died? Mark 5: 40b-42 tells us, Jesus came and “...after he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Do think Jarius was not overjoyed to point of jumping. Surely Jesus, who so loved to have children surround him, scooped her up and swung her around in delight, for her life was a miracle. We can be here for the next several hours recounting story after story of the wondrous things Jesus did that would have had to cause joy in the people affected.
Jesus: The Joy Maker
From today's gospel text we learn that the first reaction, from the unborn John the Baptist, to Jesus' presence on earth, of God-in-our-midst, was joy. Joy so tremendous, joy so utterly overwhelming that it must somehow escape the bounds of earth itself and jump towards the heavens.
In John Ortberg's wonderful book The Life You've Always Wanted (Zondervan, 2002), he writes: “We will not understand God until we understand this about him: 'God is the happiest being in the universe' (G. K. Chesterton). God knows sorrow….but [his sorrow like his anger] is his temporary response to a fallen world. That sorrow will be banished forever from his heart on the day the world is set right. Joy is God's basic character. God is the happiest being in the universe.”
My favorite verse in Scripture is from the Old Testament, from the book of Zephaniah, not one that would typically make your favorite verse list. But I invite you to close your eyes and listen to the words: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Think about that. God sings a song of joy over you!
Joy is part and parcel of Christmas. Whether it is sparked by any number of family traditions such as the trees, carols, cookies, or presents, all of these are expressions of the joy that was given to us with the birth of Jesus.
Even His Birth Announcement Brings Joy!
This birth of Jesus was not only a miracle but a tremendously huge ordeal for the teenage mother. Remember now, Mary, probably just entering her teens, is engaged and an angel appears to her with this unbelievable news that she has found favor with God and will give birth to the long awaited Messiah. Mary is also told that her older, previously believed barren cousin, is already six months pregnant with a son of her own. This causes Mary to travel the 70 miles or so to see her cousin Elizabeth and that is where we experience Elizabeth’s baby jumping for joy. All of this helps to bring Mary joy about this event and she responds in song with what is often called “the Magnificat.” In fact that song is what our Call to Worship was based upon this morning.
Mary found joy in this all of this. Listen to her words: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be with me as you have said.” Mary had a deep trust and faith in God that carried her through even times when she could have questioned and doubted the wisdom of God’s plan for her. She had surrendered her life into the hands of the Almighty and trusted him to take care of her. That’s how she was able to journey into peace and joy instead of sorrow or bitterness over her upcoming journey.
Conclusion
This time of year can and does cause a whole range of emotions. This year I encourage you to find the joy that was intended with the birth of Jesus. Surrender your fears, your questions, and your doubts to the Almighty. Know that the One that sings a song of joy over you has delivered you. Delivered you from sin and death, and provided a way for you to experience joy not of this world. This joy is freely given to you so that you may be encouraged, uplifted, and affirmed. This joy is freely given to you so that you may freely give it to others. I pray you know joy this year in a way that is deeper and wider than you have ever known before.
This morning we are going to begin a new preaching series aimed at helping us to recognize those aspects of hope, peace, joy, and love that God so generously modeled for us 2000 years ago. In addition, we are also going to explore how that model is still active and alive right now. Today we are going to begin with joy, that unabashed, child-like emotion that God has for us and that we would be wise to rekindle in ourselves.
Have You Jumped Lately?
In my lifetime I have come to understand that the older we get, the less joy we exhibit. Now do not get me wrong, as individuals we still get happy. Just not as happy. Case in point, my sons Parker and Wesley. This week Debbie and I decided that it was time to start decorating the house for Christmas. We got out our calendars, looked at what night would be best and begin to develop a plan. No joy, no excitement. We were not unhappy about it, but we had relegated it to a chore in our mind. Just something else that had to get done. Now for the boys, as soon as they heard the word decorations, or maybe it was the word Christmas, they came tearing into the living room. We were literally taken aback by the emotion that was right in front of us. These two boys were smiling, jumping, and talking a mile a minute. “When can we start?” “When can we do to help?” “I want to do the tree!” “I want to put up the Santas!” Their joy was uncontainable, uncontrollable, and quite frankly awesome to experience. I then became very cognizant of how I had approached the decorating. I looked at it as a task. These boys were viewing it as a wonderful opportunity to see the house transformed into a Christmas wonderland, to see lights and bright colors splashed all around, and their joy and jumping about expressed that.
When was the last time you jumped? As an adult, when was the last time your feet left this earth, voluntarily mind you, and you actually jumped for joy? The only place where adults give each other permission to jump is at a sporting event, as a player scores the winning touchdown, basket, or goal. Other than that, I do not see too many adults jump. We're pretty shy about expressing so much giddy happiness that we literally jump for joy. We leave that to children. And in fact, in today's gospel reading it's a child who jumps for joy when the miracle of Christmas first appears.
Jumping Johnny!
In his first prophetic act, the still unborn John the Baptist leaped in his mother Elizabeth's womb when Mary walked in and greeted her cousin. The reason for the child's joy jump at the sound of Mary's voice was given to Elizabeth through the accompanying presence and interpretive power of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth pregnant with a miracle child herself, recognizes that her cousin Mary is pregnant, and that she has been chosen to be "the mother of my Lord" (verse 43). The messiah himself is now before Elizabeth and her unborn child. This awesome proximity immediately fills Elizabeth and Zechariah's small home with all the joy, all the hopes, all the prayers for the redeeming messiah that the people of God have been waiting for. Redemption is at hand. No wonder the yet-to-be-born John the Baptist jumps for joy.
Jesus Is Happy!
Now I ask you to take a moment and think about every representation, movie, painting, or caricature, you have ever seen portraying Jesus. My guess is that most of you are picturing a serious, stoic, somber Jesus. Why is that? Leonard Sweet once remarked asking what evidence do we have that Jesus was always some “tall, long-locked, solemn, sermon-spouting fellow who walks as though he is treading on eggshells and whose face always looks as though he has just finished sucking on a big kosher dill.” Many of you have heard me say that my favorite depiction of Jesus is the portrait called “Laughing Jesus”. In this picture his head is cocked back, his mouth wide open, and he is giving this enormous belly-laugh. His whole face is absolutely lit up!
That is how I envision my Savior. Look at Scripture and the situations Jesus found himself a part of, the miracles that he performed. How many times do we read about people clamoring to get close to him? About Jesus being forced into a boat because there were so many people on the shore, that he ran out of land? About people climbing trees, houses, and cutting through crowds just to touch, glimpse, or hear our Savior speak? As humanity we want to be around those people that make us happy. So if that many people, time and time again, are going to these great lengths to be around Jesus, I cannot believe that Jesus was a 24/7 somber, solemn, and joy-less person.
Forgetting about the personality aspect for a moment, think about the miracles that Jesus performed. Remember the paralytic man in the Gospel of Mark that was lowered through the roof to be healed by Jesus. After being paralyzed for years, when he got up, picked up his mat, and walked, do you think Jesus just sat there? I would have to think these men grabbed each other and jumped around in circles, ecstatic at what just took place.
Remember the daughter of Jarius who died? Mark 5: 40b-42 tells us, Jesus came and “...after he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Do think Jarius was not overjoyed to point of jumping. Surely Jesus, who so loved to have children surround him, scooped her up and swung her around in delight, for her life was a miracle. We can be here for the next several hours recounting story after story of the wondrous things Jesus did that would have had to cause joy in the people affected.
Jesus: The Joy Maker
From today's gospel text we learn that the first reaction, from the unborn John the Baptist, to Jesus' presence on earth, of God-in-our-midst, was joy. Joy so tremendous, joy so utterly overwhelming that it must somehow escape the bounds of earth itself and jump towards the heavens.
In John Ortberg's wonderful book The Life You've Always Wanted (Zondervan, 2002), he writes: “We will not understand God until we understand this about him: 'God is the happiest being in the universe' (G. K. Chesterton). God knows sorrow….but [his sorrow like his anger] is his temporary response to a fallen world. That sorrow will be banished forever from his heart on the day the world is set right. Joy is God's basic character. God is the happiest being in the universe.”
My favorite verse in Scripture is from the Old Testament, from the book of Zephaniah, not one that would typically make your favorite verse list. But I invite you to close your eyes and listen to the words: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Think about that. God sings a song of joy over you!
Joy is part and parcel of Christmas. Whether it is sparked by any number of family traditions such as the trees, carols, cookies, or presents, all of these are expressions of the joy that was given to us with the birth of Jesus.
Even His Birth Announcement Brings Joy!
This birth of Jesus was not only a miracle but a tremendously huge ordeal for the teenage mother. Remember now, Mary, probably just entering her teens, is engaged and an angel appears to her with this unbelievable news that she has found favor with God and will give birth to the long awaited Messiah. Mary is also told that her older, previously believed barren cousin, is already six months pregnant with a son of her own. This causes Mary to travel the 70 miles or so to see her cousin Elizabeth and that is where we experience Elizabeth’s baby jumping for joy. All of this helps to bring Mary joy about this event and she responds in song with what is often called “the Magnificat.” In fact that song is what our Call to Worship was based upon this morning.
Mary found joy in this all of this. Listen to her words: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be with me as you have said.” Mary had a deep trust and faith in God that carried her through even times when she could have questioned and doubted the wisdom of God’s plan for her. She had surrendered her life into the hands of the Almighty and trusted him to take care of her. That’s how she was able to journey into peace and joy instead of sorrow or bitterness over her upcoming journey.
Conclusion
This time of year can and does cause a whole range of emotions. This year I encourage you to find the joy that was intended with the birth of Jesus. Surrender your fears, your questions, and your doubts to the Almighty. Know that the One that sings a song of joy over you has delivered you. Delivered you from sin and death, and provided a way for you to experience joy not of this world. This joy is freely given to you so that you may be encouraged, uplifted, and affirmed. This joy is freely given to you so that you may freely give it to others. I pray you know joy this year in a way that is deeper and wider than you have ever known before.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Bible Challenge 12/5 - 12/11
We are entering our final month together in this year's challenge. If you have stayed on track then you are closing in on reading through the entire New Testament for the second time this year.
This week we will finish up Galatians, move through Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and begin 1 Timothy.
12/5, Sunday - Galatians 3-6
12/6, Monday - Ephesians 1-4
12/7, Tuesday - Ephesians 5 - Philippians 2
12/8, Wednesday - Philippians 3 - Colossians 2
12/9, Thursday - Colossians 3 - 1 Thessalonians 2
12/10, Friday - 1 Thessalonians 3 - 2 Thessalonians 1
12/11, Saturday - 2 Thessalonians 2 - 1 Timothy 2
Have a wonderful week and be blessed!
This week we will finish up Galatians, move through Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and begin 1 Timothy.
12/5, Sunday - Galatians 3-6
12/6, Monday - Ephesians 1-4
12/7, Tuesday - Ephesians 5 - Philippians 2
12/8, Wednesday - Philippians 3 - Colossians 2
12/9, Thursday - Colossians 3 - 1 Thessalonians 2
12/10, Friday - 1 Thessalonians 3 - 2 Thessalonians 1
12/11, Saturday - 2 Thessalonians 2 - 1 Timothy 2
Have a wonderful week and be blessed!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday Fives
Here are a few announcements and important items that I wanted to pass along this week!
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we will begin a new preaching series aimed at helping all of us rediscover the joy, peace, hope, and love that God intended for us during Advent. This week we will focus on joy, that emotion that is very much a part of the nature of God. I hope to see all of you there!
2. Open House - On behalf of Pastor Debbie, Parker, Wesley, and myself, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to our open house. On Sunday, December 19th, from 12pm-2pm feel free to stop by and see the parsonage all decorated and enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Once you have had lunch in Fellowship Hall, feel free to walk up the backyard, or drive around, and stop by. We would love to see you.
3. Advent Bible Study – Beginning on December 9th, I will begin a three week Advent study. We will gather each week and watch a clip from the movie Jesus of Nazareth directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and then discuss it. The class will run December 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 11am and again at 7pm. There will be a signup sheet in your bulletin this week that you can drop in the plate, or you can call the office or email me to register. The class is free. I hope you will come and join us in what is always a great time of learning and fun!
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. White Sunday – This Sunday is White Sunday. Items being requested are napkins, toilet tissue, paper plates, foam or paper cups and plastic forks. Dish soap and 55 gallon heavy-duty trash can liners would also be helpful. There will be wicker baskets on the front pew for you to drop off your donations. Thank you for your continued support.
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we will begin a new preaching series aimed at helping all of us rediscover the joy, peace, hope, and love that God intended for us during Advent. This week we will focus on joy, that emotion that is very much a part of the nature of God. I hope to see all of you there!
2. Open House - On behalf of Pastor Debbie, Parker, Wesley, and myself, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to our open house. On Sunday, December 19th, from 12pm-2pm feel free to stop by and see the parsonage all decorated and enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Once you have had lunch in Fellowship Hall, feel free to walk up the backyard, or drive around, and stop by. We would love to see you.
3. Advent Bible Study – Beginning on December 9th, I will begin a three week Advent study. We will gather each week and watch a clip from the movie Jesus of Nazareth directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and then discuss it. The class will run December 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 11am and again at 7pm. There will be a signup sheet in your bulletin this week that you can drop in the plate, or you can call the office or email me to register. The class is free. I hope you will come and join us in what is always a great time of learning and fun!
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. White Sunday – This Sunday is White Sunday. Items being requested are napkins, toilet tissue, paper plates, foam or paper cups and plastic forks. Dish soap and 55 gallon heavy-duty trash can liners would also be helpful. There will be wicker baskets on the front pew for you to drop off your donations. Thank you for your continued support.
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