Hi all & welcome to the class, Joy! I hope you all had a great Christmas! We talked today about marriage and the connection with us and Christ, and Christ and his church...the significance of submission and love!
It's that time again...coming up with a new lesson plan for the class. Please pray/think about it and send any suggestions on...anything you think would be fun to study together as a group. We'll discuss again during class on Sunday.
Thanks to all who bought/sold candles for the Sudan Project. I think Jamie said we raised over $200 (Jamie, correct me if I am wrong). Thanks also to all the great actors who participated in the Nativity program and for the guys who put the nativity together.
Prayer Requests
Check email for prayer requests.
Have a safe and happy New Years! See ya'll next Sunday!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Dec 6 Update
Hi everyone! We continued our Advent series today reading Matthew 1:18-25, this week focusing on the obedience of Joseph. Mike summed up the class reminding us that doing the right things sometimes costs us, but God is always with us ready to give us guidance, direction and peace if we ask Him to. Reminds me of Tebow's verse last night (John 16:33) and Jesus' words to us... "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Christmas Party ~ Next Sunday, December 13th from 6p-8p
Have a great week!
Joani
Christmas Party ~ Next Sunday, December 13th from 6p-8p
- I can't believe it is already here, but the Christmas party is next Sunday! Here's the scoop...
- Sam & Joani's house -- 3209 Riverside Ave (our number is 384-3267 if you can't find us)
- We'll have childcare at the church for the kiddos (you can just drop them off on your way to our house...if you pack them a dinner they can eat there)
- Wear your best tacky, cheesy sweater...there will be a contest!
- Bring an appetizer or dessert & BYOB (we'll have water and tea)
- Bring a $5-$10 funny gift if you want to participate in a white elephant exchange
- No need to RSVP, just come if you can!
Night in Bethlehem ~ Wednesday night, Dec. 16 at 6p
- Our Sunday school class is in charge of the live nativity. We still volunteers for the following activities:
- We need volunteers to set up the manger for the Night in Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec 12 at 9am. It will take about an hour and we need about 6-8 guys to get it together. Let Mike know if you can make it.
- We need volunteers to be in the live nativity on the evening of the 16th...we're still in need of shephers and wise men. Let Mike know if you are interested.
Sudan Project ~ Candle orders due by Dec 13th!
- This Christmas the church will be supporting the Sudan Project again. Click here for more info.
- Our class will be selling candles to help raise money. Feel free to print out the attached sheet around to your friends and family. We'll advertise it in the bulletin and set up a booth by the church entrance. We need all orders in by Sunday, December 13th in order to get the candles by Christmas. All of the orders will come to the church and we'll all help get them distributed.
Prayers & Praises
Check your email for prayer requests.
Have a great week!
Joani
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Nov 29 Update
Hi everyone! We started our Advent study this week from the book of Luke and the appearance of the angel and the obedience of Mary...
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[c] the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Announcements....
Night in Bethlehem
Check your email for prayer requests
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[c] the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Announcements....
Night in Bethlehem
- Wednesday night, Dec 16th at 6 pm.
- Our class will be in charge of the live nativity again, so we need volunteers for shepherds and wise men. Josh & Jamie will be Jesus & Mary:) Let Mike know if you are interested in participating. Danielle will make some initiations for us to invite friends/neighbors.
- We are going to set up the manger for the Night in Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec 12 at 9am. It will take about an hour and we need about 6-8 guys to get it together. Let Mike know if you can make it.
- This Christmas the church will be supporting the Sudan Project again. Click here for more info.
- Our class will be selling candles to help raise money. Feel free to print out the attached sheet around to your friends and family. We'll advertise it in the bulletin and set up a booth by the church entrance. We need all orders in by Sunday, December 13th in order to get the candles by Christmas. All of the orders will come to the church and we'll all help get them distributed.
- Save the date for our Fellowship Christmas party. Here's the scoop so far...
- Sunday, December 13th from 6p-8p
- Sam & Joani's house -- 3209 Riverside Ave
- We'll have childcare at the church for the kiddos
- Wear your best tacky, cheesy sweater...they'll be a contest!
- Bring an appetizer or dessert & BYOB
- Bring a $5-$10 funny gift if you want to participate in a white elephant exchange
Check your email for prayer requests
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Oct 4 Update
Hi guys! What a great class. I think we counted 28 people...we need to get a (bigger) room:) We finished up our parenting session and will be starting the combined Sunday School lesson meeting with the other classes in the chapel for 6 weeks. So for those Seminole fans, that means go to the chapel instead of the regular room (sorry, couldn't resist). The combined lesson will be called Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity.
Prayers
Check your email for prayer requests.
Announcements
Non-so-talented Talent Show this Wednesday as part of the weekly dinner and program. If you have never been, it is REALLY funny!
Don't forget that we'll be starting the combined Sunday school class in the chapel next Sunday
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206&version=NIV
Verses
Deuteronomy 6
1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.
20 In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" 21 tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."
Prayers
Check your email for prayer requests.
Announcements
Non-so-talented Talent Show this Wednesday as part of the weekly dinner and program. If you have never been, it is REALLY funny!
Don't forget that we'll be starting the combined Sunday school class in the chapel next Sunday
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206&version=NIV
Verses
Deuteronomy 6
1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.
20 In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" 21 tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sept 27 Update
Good morning! We had a great lesson again on Sunday. We learned that being angry is not a sin in itself, but we must not sin in our anger. As parents we must be careful not to exacerbate our children. We also learned to be careful what we complain about and wish for (see the Numbers verse below)! Here's some of the prayer requests, announcements and a reminder of the verses we covered in class. Let me know if you have any additional prayer requests you would like me to pass on. Thanks!
Prayer Requests
Check your email for prayer requests.
Announcements
Not-so-Talented Talent Show - Wednesday, October 7th! Start thinking about those unique skills and talents you have, or any ideas if you want to perform a talent as a class.
Our class hosted dinner for Family Promise on Monday night & everything went well. Thanks to all who contributed!
Verses
Ephesians 4:26-27
26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 6:4
4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Numbers 11:4-34
Quail from the LORD
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin."
16 The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.
18 "Tell the people: 'Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!" Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. 19 You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, 20 but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?" ' "
21 But Moses said, "Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, 'I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!' 22 Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?"
23 The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."
24 So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the Tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again. [a]
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!"
29 But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" 30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea. It brought them [b] down all around the camp to about three feet [c] above the ground, as far as a day's walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. [d] Then they spread them out all around the camp. 33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. 34 Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah, [e] because there they buried the people who had craved other food.
Prayer Requests
Check your email for prayer requests.
Announcements
Not-so-Talented Talent Show - Wednesday, October 7th! Start thinking about those unique skills and talents you have, or any ideas if you want to perform a talent as a class.
Our class hosted dinner for Family Promise on Monday night & everything went well. Thanks to all who contributed!
Verses
Ephesians 4:26-27
26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 6:4
4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Numbers 11:4-34
Quail from the LORD
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin."
16 The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.
18 "Tell the people: 'Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!" Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. 19 You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, 20 but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?" ' "
21 But Moses said, "Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, 'I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!' 22 Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?"
23 The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."
24 So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the Tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again. [a]
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!"
29 But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" 30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea. It brought them [b] down all around the camp to about three feet [c] above the ground, as far as a day's walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. [d] Then they spread them out all around the camp. 33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. 34 Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah, [e] because there they buried the people who had craved other food.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sept 20 Update
Hi everyone! Sorry I missed you all this week. Sam said it was a good lesson and big group! Here are the prayer requests, announcements and verses for the week...
Prayer Requests & Praises
Check your email for prayer requests
Announcements
Family Promise (http://www.familypromisejax.org/) families will be staying at our church starting next Sunday. Our class will be in charge of dinner on Monday. I'll check with Becky on any requests, but usually they want us to order Chinese food. I'll take care of getting the order and being there to serve on Monday. If you would like to contribute to the dinner you can bring some money in on Sunday. If you are interested in joining us for dinner and to help sever (6pm to around 7:30 in the Fellowship Hall), we would love to have you! Just email me at http://www.blogger.com/sam.joani@comcast.netif you are interested in coming so I make sure to order enough food.
Verses
1 Samuel 1:12-17; 22-25
12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD. 13 Now it was the practice of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice and while the meat was being boiled, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand. 14 He would plunge it into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot, and the priest would take for himself whatever the fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. 15 But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest some meat to roast; he won't accept boiled meat from you, but only raw."
16 If the man said to him, "Let the fat be burned up first, and then take whatever you want," the servant would then answer, "No, hand it over now; if you don't, I'll take it by force."
17 This sin of the young men was very great in the LORD's sight, for they [d] were treating the LORD's offering with contempt.
22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 23 So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the LORD's people. 25 If a man sins against another man, God [e] may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the LORD's will to put them to death.
Hebrews 12: 5-11
5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Have a great week!
Joani
Prayer Requests & Praises
Check your email for prayer requests
Announcements
Family Promise (http://www.familypromisejax.org/) families will be staying at our church starting next Sunday. Our class will be in charge of dinner on Monday. I'll check with Becky on any requests, but usually they want us to order Chinese food. I'll take care of getting the order and being there to serve on Monday. If you would like to contribute to the dinner you can bring some money in on Sunday. If you are interested in joining us for dinner and to help sever (6pm to around 7:30 in the Fellowship Hall), we would love to have you! Just email me at http://www.blogger.com/sam.joani@comcast.netif you are interested in coming so I make sure to order enough food.
Verses
1 Samuel 1:12-17; 22-25
12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD. 13 Now it was the practice of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice and while the meat was being boiled, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand. 14 He would plunge it into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot, and the priest would take for himself whatever the fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. 15 But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest some meat to roast; he won't accept boiled meat from you, but only raw."
16 If the man said to him, "Let the fat be burned up first, and then take whatever you want," the servant would then answer, "No, hand it over now; if you don't, I'll take it by force."
17 This sin of the young men was very great in the LORD's sight, for they [d] were treating the LORD's offering with contempt.
22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 23 So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the LORD's people. 25 If a man sins against another man, God [e] may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the LORD's will to put them to death.
Hebrews 12: 5-11
5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Have a great week!
Joani
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Mike's Fellowship Ordination Party
What: BBQ & Pool party to celebrate Mike's ordination!
When: Sunday, June 14th, 1:00-4:00 (if it rains, we'll reschedule)
Where: 4616 Princess Anne Lane
Hope to see you all there!
When: Sunday, June 14th, 1:00-4:00 (if it rains, we'll reschedule)
Where: 4616 Princess Anne Lane
Hope to see you all there!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Pastor Mike Ordination - June 12th
Congrats to our fearless Fellowship leader on his upcoming ordination on June 12th. We all wish we could be there, for those who are able to make it here's some info for anyone who is able to attend the big event...
The church is taking a bus down for the event. Contact the church office or Scott Lucas if you are interested in riding it. It will leave at 4pm and return around 11pm. Another option would be to caravan down together. We'll need to arrive at Bethune Cookman auditorium by 6:15pm (the service starts at 7pm).
CONGRATS, MIKE! WE ARE SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!
The church is taking a bus down for the event. Contact the church office or Scott Lucas if you are interested in riding it. It will leave at 4pm and return around 11pm. Another option would be to caravan down together. We'll need to arrive at Bethune Cookman auditorium by 6:15pm (the service starts at 7pm).
CONGRATS, MIKE! WE ARE SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!
Isaiah Study
Hey guys! Following is the schedule for the remainder of the Isaiah study we are doing in class this Summer. Each week there are a handful of chapters for personal reading prior to class as well as a section that we will be reviewing/discussing in class.
- June 7 - Personal Reading (PR) Isa 27-33; Group Lesson (GL) Isa 29:1-24/ Woes and Jerusalem
- June 14 - PR Isa 34-39; GL Isa 37:1-38/ Salvation From God
- June 21 - PR Isa 40:1-44:5; GL Isa 40:1-31/ The Comfort of God
- June 28 - PR Isa 44:6-48:22; GL Isa 44:6-23/ God and Idols
- July 5 - PR Isa 49 - 55:13; GL Isa 55:1-13/ God's Invitation
- July 12 - PR Isa 42, 49, 50, 53; GL Review the four "Servant Songs"
- July 19 - PR Isa 56-59; GL Isa 58:1-14/ True and False Fasting
- July 26 - PR Isa 60-66; GL Isa 60:1-22/ The Coming Glory
See you all on Sunday!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Updates
Hi all! Here's a few announcements from class this Sunday...
Dodging Diabetes tournament
- Danielle is moving to her new house this Saturday (3/21) and she needs help loading the truck in the morning and unloading in the afternoon.
- Josh & Jamie are picking up a truck and will be at Danielle's current appt at around 9:30 am - we need people to help load it up.
- Next we'll go to her new house to eat lunch and unload (so around noon).
- Please email Jamie (jame9292@hotmail.com) if you are able to help in the morning, afternoon or both. She will give you directions and get your phone number to call ya if any of the plans change.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Family Promise Dinner - Monday, Feb 2
Hello Fellowship! It's that time again -- Family Promise will be here the first week in February. Our class is in charge of meals for Monday, 2/2.
We'll be ordering Chinese (their request whenever we host). If you are interested in donating, you can bring it to class on Sunday. If you are interested in joining us (Maddie & I) for dinner, let me know! We get there around 5:30 and stay until about 7:00 (when the boyscouts arrive).
I think there were some questions about Family Promise so I wanted to pass along thier website if you want to check out what they are all about... http://www.familypromisejax.org/ .
Here's the official meal scoop...
Dear Family Promise Meal Volunteers,
Thank you very much for the meals and service you provided last year. You make my job as meal coordinator much easier. I have attached some reminders for anyone from your class who has not hosted a meal before.
We will be hosting the families the week of February 1 and I will call you soon to discuss your menu. John and Carmen and their three and Sandra and Elias are still with us. Sandra now has her CNA certification and is looking for work she can do without a car. Christina and her two children (boy, 2) and Soraya (girl, 1) joined the program December 1. Manny, Angelee and their two boys moved into an apartment in the Confederate Point area in December. They attended our 11:00 service this past Sunday.
Christina’s children have allergies to dairy products, eggs, and peanut products. They can drink soy milk and eat potato bread, which we will already have for them. Please keep their allergies in mind when preparing your meals. For example, let everyone add their own butter to potatoes, rice, or vegetable instead of cooking with it. If your dish uses cheese, please put some aside before adding it. You don’t need to alter any dessert plans as we will have jello and fruit for the children. Since they are so young, I doubt they eat very much.
The families should not take any food upstairs. You may have to firmly remind them of this rule.
Family Promise Dinners
· A group of 2 or 3 volunteers is suggested for the meal preparation. The meal may be prepared at home and brought to the church or it may be prepared in our church kitchen. Please remind all preparers to log in their time.
· At least 2 volunteers should be prepared to serve as the dinner hosts by sitting down with our guests and sharing the meal together with them. Dinner hosts should plan on being at the church from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The dinner hosts should pick up a key from Winslow in the church office by 4:30 Monday through Thursday and by noon on Friday. Saturday volunteers should be able to pick up key from Saturday afternoon volunteers in the education building. Please log in all time.
· The evening meal is served at 6:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. It may be served either buffet style or family style. Dinner is informal; the use of paper products is encouraged due to easier cleanup. Use your own creativity to make the table inviting like flowers or special napkins. There is a “Family Promise” box of navy blue placemats for your use.
· After dinner, guests are encouraged to assist with washing dishes and other cleanup. You may conduct children’s activities, help with homework, or assist a guest with a particular need.
· Any leftovers from the evening meal may be used by the guests for their lunch the next day. They may prepare the lunches that evening or the next morning. Friday evening hosts should remind our guests that a hot breakfast will be available Saturday morning. We have been flexible on the serving of Saturday breakfast since it is the only day they can sleep in.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Upcoming Study - Romans
For the next seven weeks, we'll be studying the book of Romans. Here is how we will break out the study (in case you want to read ahead)...
Week 1: Sunday, January 11th (Mike will facilitate discussion)
Week 1: Sunday, January 11th (Mike will facilitate discussion)
- Romans 1: 1-17 ~ The Gospel of Christ
- Romans 1:18 - 2:32 ~ The Bad News
Week 2: Sunday, January 18th (Joani will facilitate discussion)
- Romans 3:1-31 ~ The Good News
- Romans 4:1-25 ~ An Example of Faith
Week 3: Sunday, January 25th (Jamie & Josh will facilitate discussion)
- Romans 5:1-21 ~ Grace Reigns!
- Romans 6:1 - 7:6 ~ Alive in Christ
Week 4: Sunday, February 1st (we need a volunteer to facilitate)
- Romans 7:7-25 ~ The Law of Sin
- Romans 8:1-39 ~ More Than Conquerors
Week 5: Sunday, February 8th (we need a volunteer to facilitate)
- Romans 9:1 - 11:36 ~ God's Word is True
- Romans 12:1-21 ~ Responding to God
Week 6: Sunday, February 15th (we need a volunteer to facilitate)
- Romans 13:1-14 ~ Love One Another
- Romans 14:1 - 15:13 ~ Life Together
Week 7: Sunday, February 22nd (we need a volunteer to facilitate)
- Romans 15:14 - 16:27 ~ The Living Church
Note: I've included an intro to Romans from Mike's bible study guide in the post that follows.
Intro to Romans
Here is an intro to Romans from Mike's bible study guide...
Author: The apostle Paul
Date: Probably A.D. 56-57, but no later than A.D. 59
Theme: Being right with God through faith in Christ
Historical Background:
Paul wrote this letter to introduce himself to the church at Rome. he intended to stop there en route to Spain. He was eager to assure the Roman Christians that, in spite of any rumors they might have heard, his message was indeed the Gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. The church at Rome had not been planted by Paul. It may have been started by Roman Jews who were converted on the Day of Pentecost (acts 2:10-11). The church was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile believers. At that point in time they were experiencing some tensions between these two groups.
Characteristics:
The big issue in this letter is how anyone can be right with God on the final Day of Judgment. In his most precise theological statement in the New Testament, Paul asserts that right standing comes only through faith in Jesus Christ who died for us as a sacrifice for sin. In light of the Jewish-Gentile tensions in the church, Paul makes it clear that no one has an "edge" on God; rather, all stand condemned before him because no one has kept his Law. Having driven that truth home, he then declares the good news that forgiveness, acceptance and the new life of the Spirit come to all as God's gift to be received by faith. Chapters 1-11 speak of what God has done for all who believer, while chapters 12 -16 show how believers ought to live in response to the lavish grace of God.
Author: The apostle Paul
Date: Probably A.D. 56-57, but no later than A.D. 59
Theme: Being right with God through faith in Christ
Historical Background:
Paul wrote this letter to introduce himself to the church at Rome. he intended to stop there en route to Spain. He was eager to assure the Roman Christians that, in spite of any rumors they might have heard, his message was indeed the Gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. The church at Rome had not been planted by Paul. It may have been started by Roman Jews who were converted on the Day of Pentecost (acts 2:10-11). The church was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile believers. At that point in time they were experiencing some tensions between these two groups.
Characteristics:
The big issue in this letter is how anyone can be right with God on the final Day of Judgment. In his most precise theological statement in the New Testament, Paul asserts that right standing comes only through faith in Jesus Christ who died for us as a sacrifice for sin. In light of the Jewish-Gentile tensions in the church, Paul makes it clear that no one has an "edge" on God; rather, all stand condemned before him because no one has kept his Law. Having driven that truth home, he then declares the good news that forgiveness, acceptance and the new life of the Spirit come to all as God's gift to be received by faith. Chapters 1-11 speak of what God has done for all who believer, while chapters 12 -16 show how believers ought to live in response to the lavish grace of God.
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