Collection Sunday is November 16
We recently enjoyed the ministry of George and Kathy Abbas in concert during one of our Wednesday night services last September. Although I cannot share the exact quote, George did tell us that many things in life do not measure up to our expectations, but grandparenting is one of those things that does in fact measure up and even goes beyond expectations. As Joyce and I have joined the ranks of being grandparents, we have already discovered some of the joys and exuberance of embracing this new role.
I like to define objectives and determine to accomplish goals. As I look into the Scriptures, I see a multitude of objectives and goals for those in the grandparenting role. Let me share just three of them with you today:
First, a general goal for all of us, but one that is especially important to grandparents. It is my goal to praise the Lord and to share His wonderful works with all those willing to listen, especially the young children that I have the privilege of influencing. Psalm 107 lists this goal no less than four times in verses 8, 15, 21 and 31: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
Second, it is my goal to establish "memorial stones" along the path of life so that when I have gone on to heaven, those "memorial stones" will still speak. This principle comes from Joshua 4 and the history includes the armies of Israel crossing over the Jordon River on dry ground as they prepare to possess the Promised Land that God has given to them. Verses 5-7: "And Joshua said unto them, "‘Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
Then ye shall answer them, ‘That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever."'
Third, it is my goal to accomplish all that God desires of me while here on this earth. This goal comes from one of those favorite passages in Psalm 71, and it speaks of living with purpose all the days of your life. Verse 18 says, "Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." I would encourage you to read the surrounding verses as well. What a great prayer that is filled with both privilege and power!
And there may be even one more, something that excites me too. Maybe not at the same level as the above mentioned goals, but try asking me for a picture of the new family member. I am sure that my chest will swell with just a little pride and I will be glad to do a little showing off……I think Joyce will too.
Pastor Paul
Sunday, November 23
Join us for a special Thanksgiving Dinner, following the morning service. Turkey, ham and dinner rolls will be provided. If your last name starts with A-L, bring a traditional Thanksgiving side dish such as potatoes, cooked veggies, stuffing or salad. If your last name starts with M-Z, bring a dessert dish. To ensure that we have enough food, please bring a dish that serves 8-12 people. Watch for a sign-up sheet in the Sunday bulletin.
Beginning Sunday, November 9
Join Bob Schultz’s Sunday School class for a five week video tour of Israel’s history. Through this series you will visit the past, present and future of Israel. Meet promptly at 9:15 AM, in the auditorium. Everyone is invited to this special presentation by Middle East expert Elwood McQuaid. Episode 1 spans the period from the call of Abraham through the Holocaust of WW II.
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November 23 - November 26 - November 26 - December 7 - December 14 - December 21 - Dec 23-Jan 2 - December 24 - December 28 - |
Thanksgiving Dinner in the Gym, No Evening Service Church Office closes at noon and closed November 27 & 28 No Children’s Program or Adult Bible Study Evening Children’s Christmas Program Evening Choir Christmas Program Sunday School, Morning & Evening Services Church Office Closed Christmas Eve Program Missionary Rich Davis |
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Voice of the Martyrs is calling on Christians worldwide to set aside November 9 to pray for Christians around the world living daily under the threat of persecution as a part of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). VOM will join hundreds of churches and thousands of individuals in remembering our brothers and sisters suffering around the world. These believers risk discrimination, imprisonment and even death because of their active witness for Jesus Christ. "This is an important day in the church calendar," said Todd Nettleton, VOM’s Director of Media Development. "Scripture instructs us to remember those in bonds as though we were bound with them. This special day of prayer is one of the ways corporately we do that."
Christians are encouraged to pray for continued boldness and courage for believers as they share the gospel and for hearts to be softened to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray not only for persecuted Christians, but for the persecutors as well.
The Christian Assistance Network helps needy families in our community pay their rent, clothe their children and helps with lodging for the homeless.
As the winter months approach us, the need for help becomes greater. Please remember to bring your canned goods every first Sunday of the month and place them in the CAN collection box.
For more information see Larry Garvin or Ruth Clark.