The Crossroad - Razor Planet€¦ · Volume 7, Issue 9 September, 2010 The Crossroad A Monthly...
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Volume 7, Issue 9 September, 2010 The Crossroad A Monthly Publication of the Spring Green Community Church In This Issue BACK TO SCHOOL -- ON SUNDAYS TOO !! By Roy Anderson, Interim Pastor Because our society’s schedules tend to revolve around students, churches and parents are really glad when school is back in session – at least after a few days of getting back into the routine!! It simply brings back more predictability to our living. Like it or not, the discipline implied in “school” and other regular “schedules” are important for our sanity. Regarding the discipline of deadlines author, George Otis, admitted, “I know that I am a lazy person at heart and must discipline myself around it. By learning to set deadlines, the Lord is helping me to overcome this flaw.” Assuming that you agree with the above observations, why then do professing Christians resist discipleship {“discipline-ship”}? (By the way, the word “Christian” is found only three times in the NT > Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16, whereas “disciple” is found many times. “Christian” was initially used to describe a disciple, a true follower of Christ). Why is that we do not easily identify ourselves as a “disciple” of Christ? Why are we not eager to do what we know would be good for us? Well, to begin with, we are part of a society that, generally speaking, knows very little about discipline. (Obviously, that word is core to the word disciple). For instance, consider the following: we want to lose weight without experiencing hunger; we want to be physically fit without exercising; we want good grades without studying; we want to be on winning teams without hard practices; we want high salaried jobs without paying the price of difficult preparation; we want to “find ourselves” without “losing ourselves” in some worthwhile endeavor; Furthermore, we want feelings of fulfill- ment (self esteem) without fulfilling anything. And church people want to be strong Christians without any serious Bible study and prayer! How unrealistic and mixed up can we be!! But, the real issue that underlies the negative influence of our society is our own natural rebellious attitude towards authority. This problematic disposition started way back in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve rejected God’s authority over their lives and, as our ancestors, their sin created a contagious moral infection (a kind of selfish gene) that was passed on to all of us. That is what is called our sinful nature. Whether or not we can explain this, the history of mankind, the daily news and our own thought patterns illustrate the fact that we have a natural inclination to resist standards that are for our good. But, the good news is that Jesus Christ was sent into this world to deliver us from our sin. When we, in repentance and faith, are willing to turn from our sin and trust in Christ, we are forgiven and then start to experience the deliverance and inner transformation which we need. In principle, we are set free to start cooperating with God’s standards. Yes, even as new disciples, sin may no longer reign over us, but it still remains in us. To gain victory over remaining sin, we must learn (a disciple is a “learner and follower”) to depend on Him for the wisdom and strength needed. Besides our own regular and systematic reading of God’s word, meeting together to study with other believers helps us grow in our understanding and in the practice of what we now believe. Listen to this directly from God’s word: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The words --- teach, teacher, teaching, learn ,and learning --- are common in the Scriptures. Such participation is how we “listen” to God speak to us today. In addition to our weekly worship service, we also provide Sunday School classes for adults and youth. Since parents are responsible for their children, their example is critical. Starting on September 12, our SS begins at 9:15 and our worship service at 10:30. Both of these times represent opportunities to grow together as disciples of Christ. We are thankful for per- sons who are willing teach. Please see the schedule of classes elsewhere in this newsletter. And we encourage all who are physically able to participate in these times of learning, fellowship, and worship. As we stimulate each other to study, we may well see the kind of results that were evident under Paul’s ministry in Berea – as stated in Acts 17:11-12 > “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Therefore many of the Jews believed, as did a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. ” May it be so at SGCC!! P. 2 Dustin’s Departure P. 3 AWANA/ Pastoral search Update P. 4 Craft Bazaar/ Time change P. 5,6 Ministry Updates P. 7 Calendar P. 8 Serving in September P. 9 Upcoming Events/ Financial P. 10 Birthdays/ Anniversaries
Transcript of The Crossroad - Razor Planet€¦ · Volume 7, Issue 9 September, 2010 The Crossroad A Monthly...
Volume 7, Issue 9
September, 2010 The Crossroad A Monthly Publication of the Spring Green Community Church
In This Issue
BACK TO SCHOOL -- ON SUNDAYS TOO !! By Roy Anderson, Interim Pastor
Because our society’s schedules tend to revolve around students, churches and parents are really glad when school is back in session – at least after a few days of getting back into the routine!! It simply brings back more predictability to our living. Like it or not, the discipline implied in “school” and other regular “schedules” are important for our sanity. Regarding the discipline of deadlines author, George Otis, admitted, “I know that I am a lazy person at heart and must discipline myself around it. By learning to set deadlines, the Lord is helping me to overcome this flaw.”
Assuming that you agree with the above observations, why then do professing Christians resist discipleship {“discipline-ship”}? (By the way, the word “Christian” is found only three times in the NT > Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16, whereas “disciple” is found many times. “Christian” was initially used to describe a disciple, a true follower of Christ). Why is that we do not easily identify ourselves as a “disciple” of Christ? Why are we not eager to do what we know would be good for us?
Well, to begin with, we are part of a society that, generally speaking, knows very little about discipline. (Obviously, that word is core to the word disciple). For instance, consider the following: we want to lose weight without experiencing hunger; we want to be physically fit without exercising; we want good grades without studying; we want to be on winning teams without hard practices; we want high salaried jobs without paying the price of difficult preparation; we want to “find ourselves” without “losing ourselves” in some worthwhile endeavor; Furthermore, we want feelings of fulfill-
ment (self esteem) without fulfilling anything. And church people want to be strong Christians without any serious Bible study and prayer! How unrealistic and mixed up can we be!!
But, the real issue that underlies the negative influence of our society is our own natural rebellious attitude towards authority. This problematic disposition started way back in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve rejected God’s authority over their lives and, as our ancestors, their sin created a contagious moral infection (a kind of selfish gene) that was passed on to all of us. That is what is called our sinful nature. Whether or not we can explain this, the history of mankind, the daily news and our own thought patterns illustrate the fact that we have a natural inclination to resist standards that are for our good.
But, the good news is that Jesus Christ was sent into this world to deliver us from our sin. When we, in repentance and faith, are willing to turn from our sin and trust in Christ, we are forgiven and then start to experience the deliverance and inner transformation which we need. In principle, we are set free to start cooperating with God’s standards. Yes, even as new disciples, sin may no longer reign over us, but it still remains in us. To gain victory over remaining sin, we must learn (a disciple is a “learner and follower”) to depend on Him for the wisdom and strength needed.
Besides our own regular and systematic reading of God’s word, meeting together to study with other believers helps us grow in our understanding and in the practice of what we now believe. Listen to this directly from God’s word: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The words --- teach, teacher, teaching, learn ,and learning --- are common in the Scriptures. Such participation is how we “listen” to God speak to us today.
In addition to our weekly worship service, we also provide Sunday School classes for adults and youth. Since parents are responsible for their children, their example is critical. Starting on September 12, our SS begins at 9:15 and our worship service at 10:30. Both of these times represent opportunities to grow together as disciples of Christ. We are thankful for per-sons who are willing teach. Please see the schedule of classes elsewhere in this newsletter. And we encourage all who are physically able to participate in these times of learning, fellowship, and worship.
As we stimulate each other to study, we may well see the kind of results that were evident under Paul’s ministry in Berea – as stated in Acts 17:11-12 > “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Therefore many of the Jews believed, as did a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.” May it be so at SGCC!!
P. 2 Dustin’s
Departure
P. 3 AWANA/
Pastoral search
Update
P. 4 Craft Bazaar/
Time change
P. 5,6 Ministry
Updates
P. 7 Calendar
P. 8 Serving in
September
P. 9 Upcoming
Events/
Financial
P. 10 Birthdays/
Anniversaries
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..faith is not believing God can, faith is KNOWING God WILL!
Pastoral Search Committee Update By: Terri Pardee
Do you know what your gifts are? I am finding out! I’d encourage all of you to do the same. I’ll admit I do not like to step out of my
comfort zone. It is scary for me and I often feel inadequate. Yet, I like it because it allows me to learn, grow, meet new people, and
see a different perspective. I’ve always worked with children so, when I was asked to be a part of the Pastoral Search Committee, I
was a bit confused as to why. How could I be of any help? After praying, I said “yes” because I felt God telling me to do it. He let me
know it was time to try something different and that the children needed a voice on the committee. I could be their voice.
I have learned SO much over the past few months! We put together a pastoral ad and a church information form, read over a hundred
resumes; put together a follow-up pastoral questionnaire, supplied answers, listened to a lot of sermons, had long discussions, had
devotions with Pastor Roy, and a great deal of prayer. After all of this, we narrowed it down to a top ten and are in the process of
phone interviewing. We have had four phone interviews in the last two weeks. I have begun checking references. We will continue to
interview and check references as needed. Our next step will be background checks and face to face meetings. It is a lot of work, but it
is also very exciting.
It is amazing what God can do. How He can take ordinary, everyday people, with different views and from a variety of walks of life,
and unite them to serve Him for one common goal. It is awe-inspiring! Thank you for the opportunity to be on this committee and for
your support and prayers. Now, go on and ask God to help you find where you are gifted. Then don’t just sit around and wonder if
you heard Him right. Step out in faith and serve.
Wednesday, September 8 - 6-7 p.m.
Regular Club meetings begin Wed., Sept. 15 - 6-7:30 p.m.
Additional September Meetings: Wed., Sept. 22 6-7:30 p.m.
& Wed., Sept. 29 6-7:30 p.m.
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Fall is a good time to start searching your cookie recipes in preparation for our cookie
walk Dec. 4 in conjunction with the Spring Green Christmas in the Country. We will also be
having a craft bazaar. Homemade gift items will be for sale. Think outside the box. Christ-
mas items are always popular in December, but items for the kitchen, garden, yard, etc. are
always welcome. Maybe you are a woodworker or make cement stepping stones. Maybe
you knit, crochet, quilt. Maybe you make baby or doll clothes. Maybe you love to paint or-
naments, make candy, or jam. Put your thinking cap on and bring an item or more to sell at
the bazaar. We will be looking for people to help set up the Fellowship Hall on Friday, work
the cookie walk, the bazaar, or the luncheon, and then tear down on Saturday. But, more on
that later. Remember the September Craft Night is Friday, September 24, from 6 to 9 at the
church. People are bringing their craft magazines. So if you don’t have any ideas, come
look the magazines over for new ideas.
Sunday School for Grades K-12
Begins Sunday, September 12 Any questions please contact
Terri Pardee at 588-3015
TIME Change Sunday, September 12-
Worship & Children’s Church 10:30 a.m. Sunday School grade K through adult 9:15 a.m.
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Helping Hands Ministry
The Helping Hands Ministry provides food for funerals and for church families and individuals who are experiencing illness or
other health needs such as hospitalization, the birth of a baby or other issues. Teams may also be asked to help out at the potluck
meals or other activities. Each team has a leader responsible for contacting the team members.
Team leaders are as follows: - March / September Marion LeCount; April / October: Shirley Coppernoll; May / November:
Fay Cozine; June / December: Rita Marit; July / January: Eva Cry; and February / August Rose Ellen Schneider.
If you know of an individual or family who may be in need of a meal (or more) during their time of crisis, please contact Eva Cry,
Cheryl in the office 588-2442, or Rose Ellen Schneider,
If you are new to the church and want to be on a team, or if you are a regular church attendee
and don’t know if you are on a team, you may contact
Rose Ellen Schneider 588-2033 or Eva Cry 588-7151.
Fall Fish Fry & Music Review
Saturday October 9th
6:00 p.m.
At the Church
SGCC will have a float in the River Valley Homecoming Parade this year. The parade will be begin at 2 pm on Friday,
September 24. Walkers are needed to handout items along the parade route. All ages are welcome. If you would like to help
out with the float contact Rose Ellen Schneider 588-2033.
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LIBRARY NEWS As the nights grow longer and summer fades into fall, reading may become your choice of
entertainment. Over 100 donated books were added to the church library this summer. Many
of them are fiction. Lots of them are romances. Stop in and check them out.
Don’t know if we have your favorite author? Our books are listed in our online catalog. Just
go to the church’s web site www.sgcommunitychurch.org , the link is located under RE-
SOURCES. You can search the library by author, title, or subject. Also, if you are at church,
the homepage of the computer in the library is set for the church web site so you can quickly
access the library there. Not all of the library’s non-fiction books are entered on the online
catalog, but they are slowly being added this summer.
Prayer Shawl Ministry If anyone is interested in making prayer shawls, please contact Rose Ellen Schneider 588-2033 or Kathy Kieler 546-6761. There are a few currently on hand if someone needs one. Otherwise, people who need yarn may contact Rose Ellen at 588-2033 or by email [email protected], because a lot of yarn has been donated to the ministry.
Food Pantry Served 90 Families in July!
By Rose Ellen Schneider
GRIEFSHARE
We started our 8th cycle of GriefShare on Aug. 24. GriefShare is a 15 week grief support and education program for
people who have lost loved ones through death. Through the cycle we watch 14 videos including a “Surviving the
Holidays” video in November. Our final night in December is a memorial service. People who are mourning the loss
of a loved one are encouraged to start attending GriefShare at any time. GriefShare topics for September include:
SEPT. 7 - THE EFFECTS OF GRIEF – Explains how debilitating grief can be and suggests practical ways to find
comfort and encouragement.
SEPT. 14 - WHEN YOUR SPOUSE DIES – Explains the critical issues widows and widowers face in their healing
and discusses the difficult transition into a new reality without their spouse.
SEPT. 21 - YOUR FAMILY AND GRIEF – Discusses how to keep your family afloat when you and your family
members are drowning in grief. Also discusses the unique issues involved in grieving the death of a child.
SEPT. 28 - WHY? – Answers the “Why” questions and encourages you to begin asking other questions as well.
SU/TD = Set-up/ Tear-down
Online Perpetual Calendar
Continually Updated
For the latest information, check the church website at
www.sgcommunitychurch.org and click on
online Calendar
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Serving Christ in September Nursery
September 5- McKenna Butts and Jan Kraemer
September 12- Andrew Pardee and Kathy Kieler
September 19- Jordan Wahl and Susan Glass
September 26- Atticus Sharp and Nancy Accola
God Bless these hands that serve!
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It is when we forget ourselves that we do things that will be remembered.
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Upcoming Events and Dates to Remember
Wednesday, September 8 - 6-7 p.m. AWANA Registration
Sunday, September 12 - Fall Schedule resumes 9:15 a.m. Sunday School - K-adult
Worship service & Children’s Church 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, September 15 - 6-7:30 p.m.-Regular weekly AWANA club meetings begin
Monday, September 20 - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -Food Pantry distribution.
Monday, September 20 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.- Food Pantry distribution.
Monday, September 13 - 7:00 p.m. - New session of DivorceCare begins
Friday, September 24- 6-9 p.m.- Craft Night
Praise God from whom
all blessings flow!
Together we make a difference.
Weekly Giving for July/August 2010 July 25 - General Fund - $3,143.00 Benevolence - $20.00 Food Pantry - $471.00
August 1 - General Fund - $3,543.00 Benevolence - $120.00 Food Pantry - 100.00
August 8 - General Fund - $3,023.00 Food Pantry - $245.00 August 15 - General Fund - $1,495.56 Benevolence - $2.00 Food Pantry - $263.85
August 22 - General Fund - $5,948.00 Food Pantry - $23.00
August 29 - General Fund - ??? Food Pantry - ???
September Birthdays
9-2 Marcia Creasey
9-6 Staci Sprecher
9-7 Diane Vossekuil
9-7 Sandi Chastain
9-11 Debbie Smalley
9-12 Heather Malek
9-12 James Olson
9-13 Jossett Vossekuil
9-15 Lyell Lamont
9-17 Lloyd Miller
9-20 Mickey Olson
9-21 Mary Robson
9-21 Beth Anderson
9-26 Mary Litviak
9-26 Sue Price
9-28 Paul Kardatzke
9-29 Flint Enerson Jr.
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September Anniversaries
9-2 David and Eva Cry
9-7 Monte and Jody Reich
9-9 John and Mary Litviak
9-15 Dan and Gretchen Butts
9-16 Jeff and Diane Vossekuil
