Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United...

6
Message from Reverend Hyung - Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Permit No. 44 McKeesport, PA Facebook: Port Vue United Methodist Church Website: www.portvueumc.com The office is registered with KDKA, WTAE and WPXI for event closings. Please turn to these channels for closing information. Preschool continues to follow the South Allegheny Closing Schedule. Upper Rooms Devotionals are available in the back of the Sanctuary. Weekly Worship Guide articles due in the office by Noon on Tuesday. All other articles will be included in the next publication. Newsletter articles due in the office on or before the 18th of each month. VAN PICK UP Please call the office and schedule for van pick up for Sunday Service before Thursday noon Port Vue UMC Purpose, Mission & Vision Adopted at Charge Conference - November 20, 2016 Purpose: The purpose of Port Vue UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Mission: We are a compassionate community of faith striving to worship, pray and grow as we serve God together. Vision: With Gods guidance, we will grow into an exceptionally welcoming and diverse community embodying the love of Jesus for all. Port Vue United Methodist Church 1565 Washington Boulevard McKeesport, PA 15133 Phone: 412-672-7289 Fax: 412-672-5353 E-mail: [email protected] Return Service Requested The world "out there" can be daunting, and it often feels easier to stay within the safety of our own perspectives and safe havens. But unless we open ourselves up, shift our perspectives, and take a good, reflective look, we risk living lives that are unexamined, unchallenged, and closed off to one another and to God. The 2018 fall sermon series is entitled, "Outside My Own Little World." This preaching theme is inspired by a song by Matthew west, "Outside My Own Little World." It resonates perhaps even more today than when he wrote it as an anthem of encouragement to get out of ourselves and our "own little world." It is true that beyond the stifling safety of "our own little worlds," there is God's abundant, beloved, messy creation! There, we are called to live deeply in relationship with one another, to make a difference in our lives and in the world, and to be transformed into the image of Christ by God's grace. In this sermon series, we will be encouraged to open up and let others in—other people, other perspectives, the Holy Other. We will also remember who we are - a Body together - being the hands and feet of Christ in a frightened and hurting world - and reaffirm our personal purpose in this world. Sermons in this series: September 9 – "Population Two" September 16 – "I Try to Stay Awake" September 23 – "What if There's a Greater Purpose" September 30 - "Look Me in the Eye" October 7 – "Give me Open Hands and Open Doors" October 14 – "Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours" October 21 – Laity Sunday October 28 – "Start Living Right Now" My friends, I pray that as we confront our uncomfortable places, we will be inspired to re-prioritize our lives both in the church and in our daily walk. Grace & peace, Pastor Hyung-Suk Joe

Transcript of Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United...

Page 1: Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United ...portvueumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018... · Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe,

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 44 McKeesport, PA

Facebook: Port Vue United Methodist Church Website: www.portvueumc.com The office is registered with KDKA, WTAE and WPXI for event closings. Please turn to these channels for closing information. Preschool continues to follow the South Allegheny Closing Schedule. Upper Rooms Devotionals are available in the back of the Sanctuary. Weekly Worship Guide articles due in the office by Noon on Tuesday. All other articles will be included in the next publication. Newsletter articles due in the office on or before the 18th of each month. VAN PICK UP Please call the office and schedule for van pick up for Sunday Service before Thursday noon

Port Vue UMC Purpose, Mission & Vision Adopted at Charge Conference - November 20, 2016 Purpose: The purpose of Port Vue UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Mission: We are a compassionate community of faith striving to worship, pray and grow as we serve God together. Vision: With God’s guidance, we will grow into an exceptionally welcoming and diverse community embodying the love of Jesus for all.

Port Vue United Methodist Church 1565 Washington Boulevard McKeesport, PA 15133 Phone: 412-672-7289 Fax: 412-672-5353 E-mail: [email protected] Return Service Requested

The world "out there" can be daunting, and it often feels easier to stay within the safety of our own perspectives and safe havens. But unless we open ourselves up, shift our perspectives, and take a good, reflective look, we risk living lives that are unexamined, unchallenged, and closed off to one another and to God. The 2018 fall sermon series is entitled, "Outside My Own Little World." This preaching theme is inspired by a song by Matthew west, "Outside My Own Little World." It resonates perhaps even more today than when he wrote it as an anthem of encouragement to get out of ourselves and our "own little world." It is true that beyond the stifling safety of "our own little worlds," there is God's abundant, beloved, messy creation! There, we are called to live deeply in relationship with one another, to make a difference in our lives and in the world, and to be transformed into the image of Christ by God's grace. In this sermon series, we will be encouraged to open up and let others in—other people, other perspectives, the Holy Other. We will also remember who we are - a Body together - being the hands and feet of Christ in a frightened and hurting world - and reaffirm our personal purpose in this world. Sermons in this series: September 9 – "Population Two" September 16 – "I Try to Stay Awake" September 23 – "What if There's a Greater Purpose" September 30 - "Look Me in the Eye" October 7 – "Give me Open Hands and Open Doors" October 14 – "Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours" October 21 – Laity Sunday October 28 – "Start Living Right Now" My friends, I pray that as we confront our uncomfortable places, we will be inspired to re-prioritize our lives both in the church and in our daily walk. Grace & peace, Pastor Hyung-Suk Joe

Page 2: Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United ...portvueumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018... · Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

A new DVD Resource Library has been set up in the meeting room of the annex (next to the Secretary’s office). These are teaching/learning resources that have been collected over the years by Don Scarborough and are being made available for anyone interested in them. There will be a sign-out sheet located there to keep a record of those DVDs being checked out. There are leader guides also available with many of the DVDs. This can be a valuable tool to help you improve your knowledge of the Scriptures.

SEPTEMBER Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 8:30 Traditional Service 10 Contemporary Service

3 Pray Day Monday 6:30 NA Mtg

4 6 TOPS 7 Ministry Area Team Mtg

5 7 Worship Service

6 7:30 Choir

7 9 Food Pantry

8 Flea Market & Bake Sale

9 8:45 Traditional Service 10 Adult Sunday School 11 Contemporary Service 11 Grandparent Day Ministry 4 Youth Group

10 Pray Day Monday 10 Bible Study Revelations 6:30 NA Mtg

11 6 TOPS 7 Ministry Support Mtg

12 7 Worship Service

13 7:30 Choir

14

15

16 8:45 Traditional Service 10 Children’s Sunday School 10 Adult Sunday School 11:00 Contemporary Service

17 Pray Day Monday 10 Bible Study Revelations 6 FOD, Max & Odie 6:30 NA Mtg

18 6 TOPS 7 SPPRC Mtg

19 7 Worship Service

20 7:30 Choir

21 9 Food Pantry

22

23 8:45 Traditional Service 10 Adult Sunday School 10 Youth Sunday School 11 Contemporary Service 4 Youth Group

24 Pray Day Monday 10 Bible Study Revelations 6:30 NA Mtg

25 6 TOPS 7 Admin Council Mtg

26 7 Worship Service

27 6 Talk of a Lifetime 7:30 Choir

28 7 CANCELLED Lectio Divina Class

29

Grandparent’s Day Ministry On Sunday, September 9th, the children of the church will be ministering to the residents of the Senior Care Plaza in honor of Grandparent’s Day. The kids have been hard at work making cards and crafts for the residents there and will meet at the church immediately following the second service to go and distribute their gifts to the residents. The kids will also have a part in

the 11:00 worship service. If you would like more information, or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Chiaverini.

Hello God Squad. School will be starting soon… I know...UGH!!! LOL We will be starting Youth Group on Sunday, September 9th and continue to meet every other Sunday from 4-6pm. Here are the dates: September 9 & September 23, October 7 & October 21 November 4 & November 18 , December 2 & December 16 (The 16th will be our Youth Group Christmas Party) Looking forward to seeing you all!! Dawn Riley

Chancel Choir (8:45 am service) is beginning with a dinner at Nancy Denardo’s home at 1007 Norwood Ave on September 6th at 6:00 pm. After dinner we will go to the church for rehearsal at 7:30 pm. Come and fellowship and sing with us. We need you! We are the longest running small group. Come be part of the fun.

Elizabeth Forward Area Community Chorus: Looking for interested adult singers for our Christmas Concert. Practices are Sunday evenings 6-8:30 p.m. at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth starting September 9, 2018. Cut-off to sing this concert is September 23rd. The Junior Chorus is looking for 3rd, 4th & 5th graders who are interested in singing the Christmas Concert. The first rehearsal for Junior Chorus is on September 23rd at 4:45 pm at Bethesda Church in Elizabeth. There will be information for parents and a rehearsal for the children. Concert dates are November 30th and December 1st & 2nd—Save the dates. Call 412-751-0526 or go to www.efacc.org for more information.

There will be no Adult Sunday School on Sunday, September 2nd. REGULAR WORSHIP HOURS WILL RESUME ON SEPTEMBER 9TH. 1ST SERVICE TRADITIONAL WORSHIP AT 8:45 AM 2ND SERVICE CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP AT 11:00 AM Please Note: Lectio Divina Class for September 28th and October 26th are Cancelled.

30 10am Combined Service with Luncheon following service.

1

Page 3: Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United ...portvueumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018... · Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

Fannie Como

Norma Cooper Lu Koon

Evelyn Lickley Lucille Morningstar

Irene Myers

Marge Osterman Janice Randolph

Dorothy & Harry West Virginia Winters

In Memory of: Given by: Edna Wardropper Tom Wardropper

Joe Tomcik Jr. Kevin & Lisa Opfar

Chuck Bowie Given by:

FOD Paul & Kathy Kazmarik

Ann Brennan Bill & Anne Wahrenberger

Kathryn Borzi Ivan & Betty Trimpey

Kerry DiBattista Lou & Kathy Urbanski

Sherri Waugh Clairton Works Federal Credit Union

Suzanne Evans Gerald & Nancy Kieffer

Bill Albrighton Beverly & Anthony Walsh

Kem & Jerry Morgan Upper Room Group

Nick & Nancy Denardo Tom Hagan

The heart defibrillator was purchased by Tom Wardropper in memory of his mother, Edna Wardropper

Memorial monies from the following faithful departed was used for the new refrigerator in the kitchen: Karen Brennan, Jean Dady, Vivian Gerwig, Dorothy Tomcik, Dorothy Reed & Frannie Willard

Pray Day Monday How exciting it is to know that Our Heavenly Father longs to hear our voice and eagerly waits for us to commune with Him! What an honor and privilege to come before Him on behalf of our church family. Pray Day Monday was initiated by the Church Leaders to take one day per week to specifically pray for our church leadership, finances and ministries. We know that prayer is a priority of all Christians, but many times the needs of the church are forgotten to be included in our daily prayer life. So the church leadership has asked the church family to set aside a day that the needs of the church may be lifted up to the Lord. Please covet with the church leaders to set aside Mondays to earnestly seek the Lord for direction and guidance concerning the workings and needs of our church.

“TALK OF A LIFETIME” WHEN: September 27, 2018 @ 6PM WHERE: PVUMC Fellowship Hall HOW: Complete Signup sheet in Welcome Center (seating is limited & child care available) Please sign up no later than September 19th. A time for Family & Individuals to gather around the table—share a Pasta Meal (no cost)-share memories, past and present-share life’s stories, words of wisdom-share ways to preserve your stories, memories-fellowship with other participants-helpful planning resources provided Sponsored by: PVUMC Wellness Committee Partnered with: Jaycox-Jaworski & Willig Funeral Homes & Jody Dausey.

DISTRICT HELPSHOP Oct. 13th: New Stanton UMC (612 Center Ave., New Stanton, PA 15672)- Rev. Steve Bane Cost: $15/per person 9:00 AM-3:30 PM (Note: participants may register for morning or afternoon or both. Only 1 course may be taken in the morning and 1 session in the afternoon). Tentative Schedule: 9 AM Gathering/Snacks 9:30 AM- Welcome (Sanctuary) 9:45-11:45 AM Morning Session 12-12:45 PM Lunch 1-3 PM Afternoon Session 3:15 PM Closing Prayer/Dismissal (Sanctuary) There will be opportunity for the lay people in your congregation to participate in a number of training workshops to assist in the leadership ministry of your church. All laity are encouraged to come; cler-gy are welcome, too. The possible options offered at the October 13th event may include:

1. Church Finances, Connectional Apportionments, Payroll/Clergy Taxes

2. Church Revitalization Overview 3. Mission and Ministry of the Con-ference

4. Mission Insight 5. Safe Sanctuaries 6. Discipleship

7. Certified Lay Minister 8. Laity in Church (Roles/Opportunities) 9. United Methodist Women

10. Fiji Community of Faith (culture, dance, worship style) 11. Camping Initiative 12. UMCOR Relief Kits

13. Conference Youth Ministry Teams 14. Greensburg District Youth

Page 4: Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United ...portvueumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018... · Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

1 Jerry & Sherri Waugh

1 Tony & Holly Turkovic

2 Matt & Stephanie Didjunas

6 Bill & Anne Wahrenberger

8 Jason & Kylie Kritikos

9 Hal & Nancy Dangel

10 Lou & Kathy Urbanski

11 Jack & Rosemary Blaha

16 Brain & Michelle Jacobs

20 Angelo & Peg Norelli

21 Dan & Beth Mulholland

21 Chris & Monica Southwick

26 Joe & Sue Tomcik

1 Quinn Wahrenberger 3 Luke Riley 4 Douglas Goffus 4 Ann Lopretto 5 Joni Borkowski 6 Danielle Markovich 7 Sharon Eden 8 Russell Wooster 10 Jane Riley 11 Al Vila 11 April Opfar

11 Troy Mitchell 13 Denny Saputo 13 Kevin Eden 13 Tyler Hvozdik 14 Dom Chiaverini 15 Jacob Mulholland 16 Tom Hagan 17 Elliana Mulholland 18 Fannie Como 18 Hunter Jacobs 19 Tom Wardropper

20 Dianne Suckfiel 21 Dan Dausey 21 Natalie Delmer 24 Errika Richards 25 Alan Rodgers 26 Dean Patello 27 Jon Comstock 28 Hyung-Suk Joe 28 Hannah Camic 28 Antonio Moreno 29 Val Camic

The Wrapped in Love Crochet group has been busy making Lap Robes and Prayer Shawls. Each item have been prayed over several times. Prayed over as they are being made, prayed over by our group, and prayed over by the Wednesday Service and/or Church Service. By the time the person receives it, the item is filled with prayers. Our Prayer Shawls and Lap Robes are made to bring comfort to those who are ill, console those who are grieving, or bring hope to those who may be hopeless. If you know of someone who would like to receive a Lap Robe or Shawl please contact Nancy Denardo or Ann Lopretto.

WRAPPED IN LOVE

Safe Sanctuary does not stop with your clearances. You need to know how to act and what to look for in children and vulnerable adults. You also need to know how to protect yourself and your organization from false claims like child abuse. The training tells you how to protect yourself and others. Most important is all our children and vulnerable adults and especially you! Please contact Walt See for more information.

Safe Sanctuary Committee.

Good Samari tan Food Pantry I tem of the month August wi l l be September = CEREAL

Prayer Circle Ministry Our Church’s Prayer Circle is now operating using the One Call Tell All system for

prayer requests. Call Carol See at 412 596-2930. We have faithful and dedicated prayer partners who know and believe in the importance of prayer. We know that prayer does work. If you have questions please feel free to call me, Carol See, anytime. May the Lord bless this ministry.

Likar Roofing replaced the damaged roof surfaces (front and back of annex, the annex porch roof and the van garage) in early August. The Fellowship Hall AC has been repaired. The open ductwork has been close and the unit was cleaned thoroughly and recharged. The repairman (Jay) is optimistic that this unit may last a few more years. We’ll watch it closely and try to keep it operating. Schell Electric found an open conduit on the roof lighting which knocked out almost all of the lighting on that circuit. It wasn’t the LED’s that failed. While they were here, they found that the photocell on the annex dusk-to-dawn light had failed and replaced it. The light above the garage doors had the driver for the LED’s fail and they replaced it. The LED for the rear of the cross finally got repaired and is back in operation. Walt repaired the exterior light at the preschool entrance. All of the exterior lighting is now functioning properly. Walt See and Bob Brennan completed running the cables for the new phone and computer system. The final phase is nearing completion. The wiring in the annex is complete and the church is near completion. Walt researched and found a much better data package which will save the church $100 per month with much better connectivity and internet speed. By the time this is being read, the system will be complete. A couple of volunteers weeded, trimmed and mulched the parsonage while the pastor was on vacation. If anyone has a desire to volunteer with the landscaping maintenance at the church and/or parsonage we could use your help. There are some slopes that may need weed whacked or cut, and trees and shrubs may need trimmed. If interested contact Denny @ 412-580-9707 for more information.

Trustee Corner

“TOM” Telephone Outreach Ministry WHAT IS TELEPHONE OUTREACH MINISTRY? An OPPORTUNITY for our congregation to speak with a Registered Nurse should they have health issues or questions, especially when recently sent home from the Hospital, Rehab, Skilled Nursing facility, or even after ambulatory surgery! WHEN IS “TOM” COMING? Launching November 2018 How do I participate? Be sure to look for more information in the October PVUMC Newsletter about TOM.

Page 5: Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United ...portvueumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018... · Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

Free Blood Pressure Screening. Make healthier choices and reduce your risk. Know your BP numbers! WHEN: Second Sunday of each month WHERE: Welcome Center / Port Vue UMC Wellness Committee

Balance of the General Fund as of the end of July 2018 is negative $10,984.06. Balance due on the Mortgage as of the end of July 2018: $50,540.44 Balance of the Driveway Fund as of the end of July 2018 is $3,099.41

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Fifth Sunday Luncheon in September There will be a luncheon immediately following the combined 10:00 service on Sunday, September 30th.

The abundant life that Jesus came to give us certainly includes our good health. Then why are good living Christians susceptible to sickness and disease? There are many reasons why we fail to keep our health—even though it is provided for us and is desired by God for us. First, our victory over illness is acquired the same way as our salvation. (Look how many never receive that!) Then the witness we have of so many who are sick in the family of God erodes our own faith that healing belongs to us. Also, we fail to stand up for our rights, perhaps even thinking that if God wants us well, He’ll make us well without any effort on our part. We half heartedly lay claim to this promise, rather than to hang on to it with the tenacity of a bull dog. And when

we do hang on, we are not standing on the firm foundation of God’s Word concerning health and healing. We do not have enough of that word planted in our heart to bear fruit for us. And even when we do all of this right, we relinquish our hope by speaking words of doubt such as, “I won’t promise to go Thursday night. I’ll have to see how I feel”. Whereas, we are supposed to call the good things that we want into existence. Saying, “Yes, I’ll be there” gives God faith filled words He can do something about. It denies Satan that authority your other words give to him, and it tells your body to get busy and fight. Remember that when we pray for anything, we have to believe that right then as we are praying, we do receive our request. All of our talk and actions must reflect that belief. (If you do find later that you did not receive, then then your faith was not up to par and you need assistance—Someone to agree in prayer with you, anointing of oil, laying on of hands, or the blessed help physicians give.) Like computers, our bodies respond to the messages sent to them without any reasoning about any of it. When you say, “I think I’m catching a cold”, they order the defenses halted and give instructions to catch that cold. And on the other had, when we talk like we already have the good things we want to have, our bodies work diligently to make those things happen. Just like God does, we create with our words. Our words either license God or the devil to move in our lives; as well as tell our bodies to get in line with God’s word. “Death and life are in the power of our tongues.” Prov.18:21 We need to keep a picture in our minds of ourselves well and active. And even the toughest diseases have been cured by people who have mentally sat with Jesus several times a day to receive His healing touch. Matt. 7:11 tells us that God wants to and will give us even better gifts than we give our children. Think of how you would give anything to have your sick child well. And then picture God lovingly looking at you in the same way—- only more so. Take great pains not to stop God with an unbelieving heart or words of doubt. Ethel Jones

Saturday, September 8th. We will be adding a bonus room this year called the “antique boutique”. This yeas sale will be our 15th! We take donations of anything except TV’s. You can leave your items behind the church in the breezeway at your convenience or call Lisa Opfar for pick up at (412) 654-1962.

Start your ovens! The bake sale is coming! We need your goodies in the fellowship hall Friday September 7th from 5:30—7:00 pm. Come out to the Flea Market/Bake Sale on Saturday, September 8th to work, eat and shop.

FOD Meeting September 17th at Max and Odie’s at 6:00pm .

World Communion Sunday, October 7th October 27th Trunk or Treat Laity Sunday, October 21st

Sunday School begins Sunday, September 16th from 10am-10:50am. Children ages preschool through 6th grade are welcome! We hope to see you there!

Page 6: Message from Reverend HyungSuk Joe, - Port Vue United ...portvueumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018... · Message from Reverend Hyung-Suk Joe, Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

CULTURES AND CONFLICT—Ray Vander Laan Lead by Don Scarborough The culture in Corinth conflicted greatly with the lifestyle the the Apostle Paul proclaimed to those who chose to follow Jesus. In the same way the church today is called to proclaim the gospel in every environment, showing the world what it looks like when we give our lives to Jesus. Learn from Paul as he presents his beliefs to the most powerful court in Athens. Then settles among the Gredo-Romans of Corinth, who valued wealth and class, worship multiple gods, and decadent seeking above all else. This is a 5 week class that will be held during Sunday School Hour beginning on September 9th at 10:00 am.

HERE AND NOW...THERE AND THEN-BOOK OF REVELATION Beth Moore DVD Study Lead by Jody Dausey, Ruth Sabo and Ann Lopretto

This is a lecture series on the book of Revelation. Beth presents many points of view, allowing participants to decide for themselves when interpretation varies among scholars. She teaches that God is as specific about what He does reveal as He is about what He does not reveal. These 11 classes will be two hours long. A study workbook will be required with light homework. Starting Monday Sept 10th 10 – noon.

PARABLES—Lead by Pastor Hyung-Suk The Bible, like any piece of literature, employs a number of figures of speech, including allegories and metaphors. But, when we examine parables we find that each of them teach such deep and timeless lessons. The Parables of Jesus are among the greatest and most picturesque lessons in all His ministry. One must remember that the intent of the parable is always just beneath the surface of the story and not be overwhelmed with what is on the surface. Christ’s parables were used to hide deeper knowledge from those unprepared for it. While they become lost in the surface of the teaching, true disciples could delve deeper and learn better how to walk with Christ. Class begins Friday, September 21st at 7pm

SON OF GOD (The Life of Jesus In You) by Rick Warren—Lead by Nancy Denardo What would happen if you applied the lessons from events in Jesus’ life-temptation, suffering, death, resurrection-to your own? Would you come to know Him more intimately and with a greater understanding of your purpose? Would you embody more completely the mission, love, and mind of Jesus? This six week DVD small group study, based on producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s major theatrical release, Son of God, features New Your Times bestselling author Pastor Rick Warren as he explains how you can find your purpose in studying the life of Jesus. This study has corresponding clips from the movie. One reviewer said-”This Bible study is geared to the people who are just getting to know God..It is the very basis of what Christianity is all about. It teaches enough to get you to where you want to learn more about our Savior.” Tuesdays 7pm Oct 2 - Nov 6

LECTIO DIVINA (meditation & prayer) CLASS Lead by Pastor Hyung-Suk The practice of Lectio Divina as a way of praying the Scriptures has been a fruitful source of growing in relationship with Christ for many centuries. The Word of God is alive, active and will transform each of us if we open ourselves to receive what God wants to give us. This class will introduce the participants to the stages of prayer-the 1st stage is lectio-(reading) where the Word of God is read slow and reflective. The 2nd stage is meditation-(reflection) where the class thinks about the text. The 3rd stage oratio-(response) where the class will learn to leave their thinking aside and simply let their hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by reflecting on the Word of God. The 4th stage is contemplation-(rest) where the class simply rests in the Word of God. This will be a 5 week class beginning Thursday, October 18th at 10am. Class partakers may then want to participate in the once a month Lectio Divina meeting is held the 4h Friday of the month at 7pm but will be cancelled in September and moved to October 16th.

AMAZING GRACE BY ROBERT MORRIS

“Amazing grace / how sweet the sound / that saved a wretch like me.” We all know these famous lyrics, but do we truly understand the gift of God’s grace? During this eight-week series, Pastor Robert will walk us through what it means to accept God’s grace and live free from guilt and shame. This class will be scheduled at a later date.

TOUGH AS NAILS BY ANDY STANLEY Uncertainly is unavoidable. Being fearful is optional. In this 3-part series, Andy Stanley reminds us that the faith of Jesus’ early followers was characterized by fearlessness, confidence in Jesus, and love for others. As a Jesus follower, would you say the same about your faith? This study features: 3-35 minute DVD presentations. Amazing and powerful food for thought which will move the group into good discussion.

TRANSFORMED BY CHIP INGRAM

Is life change really possible? If we’re honest most of us would answer “No”. That’s because most of us have tried numerous programs that promise big changes, but in reality, deliver very little results. You long for transformation, but don’t know where to begin. There’s good news for you and there is hope! Life change is possible! You were made to grow, to change and to experience intimacy and adventure. This 6 week series is designed to help move you from the frustration of failure to the freedom you have in Christ.

SMALL GROUP VALUES

CLEAR PURPOSE—to grow healthy spiritual lives by building a small group community and making group attendance a priority. BE CONFIDENTIAL—keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group; avoid gossip.; resolve any concerns or conflicts SPIRITUAL HEALTH—give group members permission to help each other live a healthy, balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God. WELCOMING AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS—invite friends who might benefit from a study and warmly welcome newcomers; get to know the other members of the group and pray fort the group regularly.

Our church’s Small Group ministry has selected a variety of study offerings for this fall.