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Friday, January 30, 2015

Announcements, Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/1/15)

Announcements:

  • Sunday is “Souper” Sunday when we bring cans of soup for the Ministerial Alliance Food Bank.
  • We would like to have a Christian Education Committee meeting next week if you would like to be a part of it please let Jim know. We can hopefully all get together at church Sunday and see if we can firm the date.
  • Sunday we will have our first prayer meeting at 9:15 in the fellowship hall please come join in praying for our church and our members and friends.
  • Sunday School starts at 9:45 for all ages Angela Ervin is there to provide child care for those too young to attend a class.
    • PreK-1st meet in the Concrete Room taught by Marcia Clark
    • 2nd-5th meet in the Blue Room taught by Zee Wootan
    • Middle and High School meet in the Red Room taught by Ford Johnston
    • We also have 3 adult classes meeting 
      • Taught by Jim or Laurie in the green room currently studying Church History
      • Taught by Jennifer Kneese in the Fellowship Hall currently studying the names of God
      • Taught by Phil Stapp meets in the church parlor currently studying The Story

Scripture for Sunday: 
Matthew 6:7-21 (ESV)  
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. [9] Pray then like this:
    "Our Father in heaven,
        hallowed be your name.
        [10] Your kingdom come,
        your will be done,
            on earth as it is in heaven.
        [11] Give us this day our daily bread,
        [12] and forgive us our debts,
            as we also have forgiven our debtors.
        [13] And lead us not into temptation,
            but deliver us from evil.
[14] For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, [15] but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [16] "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,  [18] that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. [19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What role did prayer play in your family’s life when you were growing up?
  2. What should be our attitude toward God? (6:9)
  3. What should be our attitude toward God’s kingdom and will? (6:10)
  4. What should be our attitude toward life’s necessities? (6:11)
  5. What should be our attitude toward those who have wronged us? (6:12)
  6. If God knows what we need before we ask, why should we pray?
  7. Why do many Christians feel uncomfortable praying out loud?
  8. When you pray in front of a group, how can you concentrate fully on what you are saying to God rather than how your prayers sound to others?
  9. What sins or offenses by others do we find especially difficult to forgive?

Thursday, January 29, 2015

February 2015 Newsletter

Click on the link to view this month's newsletter.

February 2015 Newsletter

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Announcements & Scripture for Sunday (2/1/15)

Announcements

  1. Tuesday:  Kids for Christ, our after-school program resumes 3:30 to 5:00.
  2. Wednesday:  PYF Youth Group resumes gather @ 6:00 dinner served at 6:30.  Nancy Nunns is providing dinner.
  3. Sunday we will have our first prayer meeting at 9:15 in the fellowship hall.  Please come join in praying for our church, our members and friends.
  4. Sunday School starts at 9:45 for all ages.  Angela Ervin is there to provide child care for those too young to attend a class.
    • PreK-1st meet in the Concrete Room
    • 2nd-5th meet in the Blue Room
    • Middle and High School meet in the Red Room
    • We also have 3 adult classes meeting 
      • Taught by Jim or Laurie in the green room currently studying Church History
      • Taught by Jennifer Kneese in the Fellowship Hall currently studying the names of God
      • Taught by Phil Stapp meets in the church parlor currently studying The Story
Scripture for Sunday
Matthew 6:7-21 (ESV)  
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. [9] Pray then like this:
    "Our Father in heaven,
        hallowed be your name.
        [10] Your kingdom come,
        your will be done,
            on earth as it is in heaven.
        [11] Give us this day our daily bread,
        [12] and forgive us our debts,
            as we also have forgiven our debtors.
        [13] And lead us not into temptation,
            but deliver us from evil.
[14] For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, [15] but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [16] "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,  [18] that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. [19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (1/25/14)

Announcements
Vina Nail went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, January 21st around 7:00 AM. The service will be at our church on Friday at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be Thursday 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Sunday following morning worship we will have our annual congregational meeting to hear reports from the Pastors, Clerk of Session and the Treasurer.

Scripture
Matthew 5:1-20 (ESV)
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.  
[2] And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
[3] "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
[5] "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
[7] "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
[8] "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
[9] "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
[10] "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
[11] "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  [12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 
[13] "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 
[14] "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 
[17] "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  [18] For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.  [19] Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  [20] For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Questions for Reflection
1. Why do people commit crimes and evil acts under cover of darkness?
2. How are we like light? (5:14)
3. What are improper and proper uses for a lamp? (5:15)
4. What use of a lamp teaches us about living? How? (5:15)
5. According to Jesus, how exactly are Christians to be like lamps? (5:16)
6. What specific behaviors mark the life-style of a salty, shining Christian?

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (1/18/15)

Scripture
Matthew 4:1-17 (ESV)  
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  [2] And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  [3] And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."  [4] But he answered, "It is written, " 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple [6] and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, " 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and" 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' "  [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  [9] And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me. [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, " 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.' " [11] Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. [12] Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. [13] And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,  [14] so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: [15] "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—[16] the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." [17] From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

Questions for Reflection
1. Why are some temptations harder to resist than others?
2. Why do different people struggle with different types of temptations?
3. How did Jesus respond to the temptation?
4. How would you define temptation?
5. Besides physical appetite, what are some other sins of the flesh?
6. What would have been appealing to Christ about the devil’s second temptation?
7. What would have been appealing to Christ about the offer of all the kingdoms of the world?
8. How can memorizing Scripture help us combat temptation?
9. In what specific area of your life is temptation the strongest these days?

Friday, January 9, 2015

January 2015 Newsletter

Click on the link to view this month's newsletter.

January 2015 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (1/11/15)

Please don't forget that we will be having a covered dish luncheon and baby shower for Philip and Kenna Stapp after church Sunday.

Scripture
ESV Matthew 3:1-17 
1  In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight." 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Questions for Reflection
1. What was John’s message? (3:2)
2. Why was John’s ministry significant? (3:3)
3. What did John look like? (3:4)
4. How did people receive John’s message? (3:5)
5. Where did John perform his baptisms? Who came? (3:5-6)
6. What kinds of religious leaders came to listen to John? (3:7)
7. What harsh name did John call the religious leaders? Why? (3:7-10)
8. What does it mean to repent?
9. Why do you think John lived such an eccentric life?
10. Why was John the Baptist so harsh with the religious leaders of his day?
11. What is the significance of the images “winnowing fork,” “gathering His wheat,” and “burning up the chaff”?
12. What kind of “fruit” or character do repentant people produce?

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (1/4/15)

Happy New Year!

Scripture
Matthew 2:13-23 (ESV)  
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."  [14] And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt [15] and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son." [16] Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.  [17] Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 
    [18] "A voice was heard in Ramah,
        weeping and loud lamentation,
    Rachel weeping for her children;
        she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
[19] But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,  [20] saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."  [21] And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.  [22] But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.  [23] And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene." 

Questions for Reflection
1. Where did the angel tell Joseph to go? Why? (2:13)
2. How long was Joseph to keep his family in hiding? (2:13)
3. Why was it necessary for Joseph to take his family and flee? (2:13)
4. How did Joseph respond to the warning he received? (2:13)
5. What event allowed Joseph to depart from Egypt with his family? (2:15)
6. Why was the “escape to Egypt” significant in the life of Christ? (2:15)
7. Why is it important to listen to God?
8. Why is it important to obey God immediately?