Newsletter for September 1
Sep 1st, 2010 |
The September 1 Newsletter is online now.
AUGUST 22 - Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis
Aug 24th, 2010 |
The August 22 sermon - Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis, is available on the Sermons Page.
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
Aug 24th, 2010 |
Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the state of mind of many of us in America today. We have witnessed dramatic market losses, the collapse of the world’s largest insurance company, and many bankruptcies and mergers. Every day seems to bring another piece of economic uncertainty.
A 2008 survey found that over three in four Americans are stressed about the economy and their personal finances and I suspect that number has increased since then! Half were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. Over half of respondents reported feeling angry and irritable, and reported lying awake at night worried about this. The report concludes that, “The declining state of the nation’s economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide.”1
Join us in worship the next six weeks for a sermon series entitled Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Our nation is experiencing what many have described as the “American Nightmare.” Increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, and a volatile stock market are all a part of our economic insecurity. We have lived in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.
All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, over the next six weeks, we will be having a churchwide study and worship emphasis called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial management through corporate worship and small group study on Wednesday nights. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working through financial challenges. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation.
At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in the worship service on September 26th.
I hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy.
Schedule of Events:
Aug. 22 Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis
Aug. 25 Small-Group Study Begins
Aug. 29 When Dreams Become Nightmares
Sep. 5 Wisdom and Finance
Sep. 12 Cultivating Contentment
Sep. 19 Defined by Generosity
Sep. 22 Small-Group Study Ends
Sep. 27 Consecration Sunday
Oct. 10 Celebration Sunday – Results Celebration and Consecration of Next Year’s Ministry Commitments
1 “Eight Out of Ten Americans Stressed Because of Economy,” by Madison Park, from CNN.com, October 7, 2008; http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/10/07/economic.stress/index.html.
Preparing for Sunday, August 15: New Life’s 20 Year Anniversary!
Aug 11th, 2010 |
On August 12, 1990, ten people gathered at the home of Anne Esslinger (Hyatt) to organize a United Methodist Church for the Grant/Honeycomb area. And it is thanks to the vision and hard work and commitment of those ten people and those who soon followed that we can now gather together each Sunday to worship at New Life! This Sunday, we will have a chance to celebrate 20 years of ministry on the mountain! We will celebrate by worshipping together, hearing messages from our previous two pastors, and enjoying a wonderful time of fellowship as we eat and visit together following the contemporary service. We are asking you to bring two dishes -a main dish and a side dish or dessert. We hope to have lots of visitors so bring enough for your family plus a few more!
Come join us as we celebrate our past and thank those who have helped make this congregation a place where we can experience the love and grace of Christ. And join us also as we look forward to God’s future for New Life.
See you on Sunday!
Pastor Sherill
Preparing for Sunday, August 8
Aug 4th, 2010 |
This week many of our families are preparing for their children to return to school and for their young adults to return to campus. Our scripture this week is also about getting ready and being prepared for what is happening in our midst and what is yet to come:
32″Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35″Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. 39″But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Luke 12:31-40
This passage follows immediately after Jesus’ instructions to not worry and to seek the Kingdom. But then Jesus’ turns the tables a bit and says not to worry because it is God’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom.
- What does it mean to know that God desires to give us the kingdom and therefore, we should not worry?
- How does that knowledge change our understanding of what it means to seek the kingdom of God?
We find great comfort in Jesus’ command to not worry and to not be afraid (which is better translated “do not continue to be afraid”).
- What kinds of actions does Jesus expect of his non-anxious, courageous disciples?
- What fears and anxieties keep you from being that kind of disciple?
This passage encourages us to be ready for Jesus to return!
- What does Jesus expect to find us doing when he returns?
- If Jesus showed up today, would he find you ready and alert?
Hope you are having a blessed week and I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!
Pastor Sherill
Preparing for Sunday, August 1
Jul 29th, 2010 |
A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of worshiping under the leadership of our children. This Sunday, our youth will lead us in worship. Virginia Robinson will bring our message in both our services and we will celebrate Holy Communion with our youth serving us! This is a wonderful time to invite your friends and neighbors without a church home to hear the gospel as experienced by our youth!
Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Pastor Sherill
Preparing for Sunday, July 25
Jul 21st, 2010 |
This week, we conclude our Summer at the Movies sermon series with the movie The Apostle and our scripture lesson comes from 2 Samuel. To understand this section of scripture, you really need to take the time to read the entire story of David and Bathsheba found in chapters 11 and 12 of 2 Samuel, but in the midst of the story the fearless prophet Nathan holds a narrative mirror up to King David:
26When the wife of Uriah heard that her husband was dead, she made lamentation for him. 27When the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord,
12and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had very many flocks and herds; 3but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. He brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his meager fare, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. 4Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him.” 5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; 6he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” 7Nathan said to David, “You are the man! 2 Samuel 11:26-12:7
12and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had very many flocks and herds; 3but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. He brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his meager fare, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. 4Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him.” 5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; 6he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” 7Nathan said to David, “You are the man! 2 Samuel 11:26-12:7
- David was quick to judge the rich man while blind to his own. Why is it easier to see and judge the sins of others than to see our own sin?
- Have you ever experienced someone pointing out your own sin to you? How did it feel? How did you react? Did you change your behavior as a result?
- Is there such a thing as “private” sin? What are the consequences of sin? And does our repentance and God’s willingness to forgive change those consequences? If so, how?
Join us this Sunday as we consider how we are “the man” and what that means for our relationship with God.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Sherill
Preparing for Sunday, July 18 - Combined VBS Service
Jul 14th, 2010 |
On Sunday, we will all gather at 10:15 for one church-wide VBS celebration and our message will be on the Transforming Power of God’s Word and our scripture will come from Psalm 119:105-112:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
- Psalm 119 is a hymn of praise to power of God’s word. Obviously, the word of God was very important to the psalmist. How would you describe what God’s word means to you to others, especially to those who are new to the Bible or those who reject it?
- How much time do you spend with God’s word each day? Each week? Are you familiar enough with it for it to provide guidance in living your daily life? If not, what keeps you from spending time with the Bible or from finding guidance in it?
- The psalmist considers obedience to God’s word to be a grateful response to the gift of God’s word. Do you find obedience to be a requirement or a joyful response to God?
Just a few thoughts as we prepare for worship this Sunday. Be sure and invite your friends without a church home to join us this Sunday as our children lead us in worship and we are reminded of the transforming power of God’s word!
Pastor Sherill
Preparing for Sunday, July 11
Jul 7th, 2010 |
This week, we continue our Summer at the Movies series by exploring some of the messages from the movie, Bruce Almighty. Our scripture comes from one of the most powerful chapters in all scripture:
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:22-27
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:22-27
- What is your prayer life like? Do you spend much time talking with God? Do you spend time listening to God?
- Have you ever been mad at God for not answering your prayer? What were you praying for? Did God ever answer? Were you happy with the answer?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you did not know what or how to pray? What, if anything, gave you hope during that time? Would it have helped to know that the Holy Spirit was praying with and for you?
Have a great week! And I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday! Be sure and invite your friends and family without a church family to join us on Sunday!
Pastor Sherill
Preparing for Sunday, July 4
Jun 30th, 2010 |
Craig and I will be leaving for our annual vacation to Tybee Island, Georgia on Saturday. The Rev. Nancy Cole, our Natural Church Development coach, will lead you in worship on Sunday and we will have a video presentation about the youth mission trip as well as celebrate communion. Nancy’s scripture for the week comes from the gospel of John:
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day. John 6: 25-27: 35-40
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day. John 6: 25-27: 35-40
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How are events in this text similar to what is happening in the world today?
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Why do you follow Jesus?
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What are people hungering for in the world today including physical, emotional, and spiritual hunger?
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How are you or the church trying to alleviate those hungers?
Have a wonderful week! Our prayers are with you!
Pastor Sherill