e-news for week of 8/17 - 8/23

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.

I love the great Big Truths of the word, don’t you?

The conversation went something like this:

“I don’t know how people who don’t have any faith or hope can make it through times like these…”

“I don’t either. If there is no God, it’s a pretty cold universe dictated by cold, hard math yet filled with random events which have no meaning.”

Pretty stark, yet from a bottom line standpoint without God, that is the reality.

This Sunday we will focus in on hope and the one who defines hope. In every “Behind the Music” scenario there is often an attempted comeback. We are going to look at the comeback of the ages and what it means for us. Bottom line – we are going to focus on our hope in Jesus. God is our hope and our strength. In You, oh Lord, I put my trust. I turn my eyes to the hills from whence my hope comes – my hope comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.

As I write this, quite frankly I’m pretty bummed out in that one of the rock solid men of our church, one who has served in great ways within this body – namely, Tom Mitchell – is having very serious physical trouble right now. Tom had a very serious stroke last night and medically speaking, he’s not doing well. I would encourage all of you to pray for Tom and Melody and the family as they go through this together. Their faith and hope rest securely in the Lord and it is to the Lord that we turn. Won’t you please pray for them now?

Here are some of the ministry opportunities on the horizon:

· This Sunday morning at 9:30 and 11:00 the people who went on the Mexico Mission Trip will present a recap of their trip in the FLC. Everyone is welcome.

· Fall program kick offs are just around the corner. High School “Synergy” begins Wednesday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the FLC and Jr. High “Synergy Sundays” begin Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in room 211.

· If you still haven’t become part of a Life Group, please contact Ted Mountjoy. Those will be in full swing within the next month.

· September 21st Ben Merold – one of the all time legends where church growth and preaching are concerned will be preaching in all three of our services. The Harvester Christian Church that he ministered to entered into a multi-site ministry several years ago. Should be a great time of challenge.

· Girlfriends Bible Study will begin on Tuesday, September 23 at 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. or Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a MOMs (Mothers of Miracles) group that will meet on Tuesdays from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. beginning September 30.

· A Forum Forum on October 2nd will be a gathering in the middle of the week for information sharing. It’ll happen in the auditorium from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

· Our Annual Church Picnic will be October 5th at Twin Lakes Park. We’ll fill you in on the details soon.

· There will be a Men of Impact Retreat on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. Watch for more details.

Let’s keep trying to intentionally connect people to Jesus – he’s the hope of the world and all people need the hope found in him. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. -- Scott