June 2014 Newsletter

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June 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (6/8/14)

Scripture
Acts 2:1-13 (ESV)  

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

[5] Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. [6] And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. [7] And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? [8] And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? [9] Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, [11] both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." [12] And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"  [13] But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."

Questions for Reflection

1. Where did a violent wind come from? (2:2)
2. What was the importance of the wind and fire? (2:2-4)
3. When the Holy Spirit filled the believers, what did they do? (2:4)
4. How did the God-fearing Jews visiting Jerusalem react when they heard Christians speaking their languages? (2:6-11)
5. Why is the coming of the Spirit associated with wind, fire, and different languages?
6. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
7. How does God use us to witness to others?
8. When has God enabled you to do something that you didn’t think you could do?
9. How could your church benefit from greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (6/1/14)

Scripture 
Acts 1:1-12 (ESV)

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,  [2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

[3] To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

[4] And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me;  [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 

[6] So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"  [7] He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.  [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witactnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  [9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.  [10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,  [11] and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 

[12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.  

Questions for Reflection

1. What specific commands did Jesus give the apostles? (1:4)
2. What gift did Jesus promise to the apostles? (1:4-5)
3. What did the apostles misunderstand? (1:6)
4. How did Jesus answer the apostles’ question? (1:7-8)
5. What task did Jesus assign the apostles? (1:8)
6. After His resurrection, Jesus spent some forty days with His disciples; how do you think they felt about this time with Him?
7. How do we know when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?
8. What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being His witness?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/25/14)

Adelaide Copeland passed away around noon Wednesday at Kimble Hospital. Since Adelaide’s family members all live in the country, the home of Larry and Sarah Harrison will be the “base” for visitation, food, etc. The address is 402 W. Pine, north corner of W. Pine and Bluebonnet......with a driveway that cuts across the corner. Anyone needing directions may call 830-459-7766  or 446-3448.  

Funeral arrangements:
Friday 6 to 8 PM family visitation at Kimble Funeral Home
Saturday 2 PM funeral service at Kimble Funeral Home

Scripture
John 15:9-17 (ESV)  

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [10] If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  [11] These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 

[12] "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.  [14] You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. [17] These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Questions for Reflection

1.  What are the marks of a true friendship?
2. What do you do to maintain your friendships?
3. What command did Jesus give His disciples? (15:12)
4. Who did Jesus say were His friends? (15:14)
5. Why did Jesus call His disciples friends? (15:15)
6. Why did Jesus choose His disciples? (15:16)
7. When do you struggle with loving others the way Jesus has loved you?
8. What kind of friend are you to Jesus?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/18/14)

Sunday we will have a luncheon after church to honor our graduates and a baby shower for Lee and Myghan Meadow. The shower will be a diaper/wipes shower and there will be a money tree for them as well. Charles Hagood will be cooking brisket so please bring a side dish or desert to share.

Please be in prayer for the families of John Ball and Karl Owings. 

Memorial Service for John Ball will be Monday May 19, 4:00 P.M at the Hagood's  River  Place across Hwy 377 & 20th St. Casual dress bring lawn chairs, tea and water furnished bring favorite pictures to share. Please no flowers, if desired send Memorials to Meals on Wheels or your charity of choice.

Scripture
Psalm 31:2-24 (ESV)  
    Incline your ear to me;
        rescue me speedily!
    Be a rock of refuge for me,
        a strong fortress to save me!
    [3] For you are my rock and my fortress;
        and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;
    [4] you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
        for you are my refuge.
    [5] Into your hand I commit my spirit;
        you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
    [6] I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
        but I trust in the Lord.
    [7] I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
        because you have seen my affliction;
        you have known the distress of my soul,
    [8] and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
        you have set my feet in a broad place.
    [9] Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
         my eye is wasted from grief;
        my soul and my body also.
    [10] For my life is spent with sorrow,
        and my years with sighing;
    my strength fails because of my iniquity,
        and my bones waste away.
    [11] Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach,
        especially to my neighbors,
    and an object of dread to my acquaintances;
        those who see me in the street flee from me.
    [12] I have been forgotten like one who is dead;
        I have become like a broken vessel.
    [13] For I hear the whispering of many—
        terror on every side!—
     as they scheme together against me,
        as they plot to take my life.
    [14] But I trust in you, O Lord;
        I say, "You are my God."
    [15] My times are in your hand;
         rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
    [16] Make your face shine on your servant;
        save me in your steadfast love!
    [17] O Lord, let me not be put to shame,
        for I call upon you;
    let the wicked be put to shame;
        let them go silently to Sheol.
    [18] Let the lying lips be mute,
        which speak insolently against the righteous
        in pride and contempt.
    [19] Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
        which you have stored up for those who fear you
    and worked for those who take refuge in you,
         in the sight of the children of mankind!
    [20] In the cover of your presence you hide them
        from the plots of men;
    you store them in your shelter
        from the strife of tongues.
    [21] Blessed be the Lord,
        for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
        when I was in a besieged city.
    [22] I had said in my alarm,
     "I am cut off from your sight."
    But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
        when I cried to you for help.
    [23] Love the Lord, all you his saints!
        The Lord preserves the faithful
        but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
    [24] Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
        all you who wait for the Lord!

Questions for Reflection
1. To you, what’s the best example of strength?
2. Whom would you describe as a strong person? Why?
3. Why did David appeal to the Lord for help? (31:1-5)
4. What difficult circumstance motivated David to write this poem? (31:1-24)
5. What one theme unifies this psalm? (31:1-24)
6. How is the Christian view of strength different from the world’s?
7. When have you felt the same emotions that David describes in this psalm?
8. When is it most difficult for you to trust in the Lord?
9. Where do we usually turn when we face overwhelming circumstances?
10. What do people often do when they feel over-stressed or overwhelmed?
11. What does David teach us about dealing with stress through his example in this psalm?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/11/14)

Sunday May 18th we will have a luncheon after church to honor our graduates and a baby shower for Lee and Myghan Meadow. The shower will be a diaper/wipes shower and there will be a money tree for them as well. Charles Hagood will be cooking brisket so please bring a side dish or desert to share.

Scripture
John 10:1-21 (ESV)  

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. [2] But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. [5] A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." [6] This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 

[7] So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. [17] For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." 

[19] There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. [20] Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?" [21] Others said, "These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" 

Questions for Reflection
1. What person or group did you and your friends “follow” when you were a teenager?
2. Why won’t sheep follow a stranger? (10:5)
3. What effect did Jesus’ words have on His audience? (10:6)
4. What did Jesus say He was? (10:7)
5. To whom did Jesus say the sheep did not listen? (10:8)
6. What did Jesus say would be the result of entering through Him? (10:9)
7. How did Jesus contrast His coming with the coming of a thief? (10:10)
8. Who did Jesus claim to be? (10:11)
9. Why did Jesus say the hired hand would abandon his sheep? (10:12-13)
10. What type of relationship did Jesus say He had with His sheep? (10:14)
11. What did Jesus say He did for His sheep? (10:15)
12. In what way is Jesus like a shepherd?
13. How are we like sheep?
14. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus?
15. How can we better hear the voice of Jesus?

May 2014 Newsletter

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May 2014 Newsletter