It’s a privilege to be a member of a local church. It also carries with it some responsibilities. During our Equipping Hour, we are going to be looking at your “job” as a church member. Here is a study guide you might want to print out to be ready for our discussion.
During our worship service, we are going to be looking again at Luke 6 and thinking about how Jesus wants us to respond to our enemies. If you are familiar with Jesus’ teaching at all, the text itself probably won’t be that surprising, but as we meditate together on what it means I think you will find the implications shocking! We are going to be hated and mistreated for following Jesus, and Jesus wants us to love those who hate and mistreat us for following Him. Awesome! What do you think would happen if we as a church are characterized by this kind of radical, self-sacrificing love for those who don’t deserve it?
Come ready! Come praying! Come expectant!
Joshua
For the younger children this Sunday, you can have them listen for the word, “mercy.” To encourage them, Marda will have some treats afterward.
Over the next few letters I will include some helpful creeds and confessions from church history. You might take some time to think about them and what the implications of believing this are for your life and for our church. The following is the Nicene Creed. Why don’t you take some time with your family and confess it together out loud:
We believe in one God, the Father almighty,maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy *catholic and *apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.
*Catholic - universal, bigger than just our local church, God’s people across time and place
*Apostolic - rooted in the teachings of the apostles
Communion and Church Lunch. This Sunday we’ll remember Jesus’ death in our place by partaking of the Lord’s Supper. We will also enjoy church lunch together (tacos). While everyone is invited to stay for lunch, please do not partake of the Lord’s Supper if you are not a believer walking in obedience to Him.
Equipping Hour, Fall Series. When God saves someone through faith in Jesus Christ, he does a miracle in their lives. Paul's two-word summary of the change that follows is "in Christ" or "in Him." The more you grasp the extent of the miracle of being "in Christ", the more you will glorify Christ with your life. Next Sunday in Equipping Hour, we’ll explore the blessing of justification!
Membership Class continues this Sunday, October 16th. The class will meet at 9 a.m. in the Infant Room. Questions? Please email contact us.
Men’s Ministry. October 22nd @ 7:30 a.m. Gather with men. Eat Jim’s food. Listen to God’s Word. (Do you like meeting at 7:30am? If you have feedback on the time, shoot an email to Isaiah.
Missions Highlight. God calls us to go to all nations - what about those nations with persecuted churches, unreached people groups, underground churches, most within the 10/40 window? Explore these topics at the next Mission Highlight meeting on October 23rd at 12:30 p.m. in the wood floor room. We will have multiple speakers and a light lunch. All are welcome.
Bible Reading Project. Thursdays at 6:30 a.m.
Snacks Ministry. Do you enjoy preparing refreshments and extending hospitality to others? Then we invite you to consider serving on the Snacks Ministry. For those interested, please contact Jim & Ces Bitong or any other snacks ministry servants at the snacks table.
The Responsibilities of a Church Member
Equipping Hour, Fall Series. When God saves someone through faith in Jesus Christ, he does a miracle in their lives. Paul's two-word summary of the change that follows is "in Christ" or "in Him." The more you grasp the extent of the miracle of being "in Christ", the more you will glorify Christ with your life. Next Sunday in Equipping Hour, we’ll explore the blessing of justification!
Welcome and Call to Worship
Singing
Announcements
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43
Pastoral Prayer
Preaching of God’s Word: The World's Greatest Sermon - Luke 6:36-38
Communion
Singing