E-Prompter - October 27, 2008

Pastor's Perspective -
"The Politics of Christ"

This Sunday I will continue the sermon series, "The Politics of Christ." This coming Sunday, November 2nd, I'll be speaking from Matthew 23:1-12 on the theme, "The Politics of Humility." Below please see the Scripture readings and titles for the remaining Sundays.
Glad to be on the journey with you,

Pastor Steve

November 2, 2008 -
Matthew 23:1-12
Title: "The Politics of Humility"

November 9, 2008 -
Matthew 25:1-13
Title: "Always Prepared"

November 16, 2008 -
Matthew 25:14-30
Title: "Risky Business"

November 23, 2008 -
Matthew 25:31-46
Title: "In as Much as You've Done It..."

Installation Service for Ben Kreider

On Sunday evening, November 2nd, we will gather in the sanctuary at 5:30pm to praise God for his faithfulness and to install Ben Kreider as our Youth Pastor. Ben has already gotten off to a great start. We want to acknowledge his gifts, pray for his ministry and thank God for preparing him - and us - for this day. The entire congregation is encouraged to attend.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

Please take a moment to let our pastors know they are appreciated! Complete this form on our website.

Faith Promise Missions Outreach to Honduras

PRAISE GOD! For the $44,000 in pledges so far for our Faith Promise Missions Outreach to Honduras. If you wish to make a contribution to this Mission project please be sure to indicate the word FAITH PROMISE on your check or envelope. More information is available on our website.

From Pastor Ron

By the time you read this, I will likely be sitting with children at the Wellington orphanage in Sierra Leone, West Africa singing a couple of songs and joining other team members in an effort to help equip leaders and volunteers. The Wellington Orphanage is a facility that cares for sixty-two children who were, sadly, orphaned as a result of a twelve year civil war in this small African nation. I will be joining a team from Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City, including my son, Aaron, where together we will coordinate with 4 H.I.M. (His Healing Helping Hands International Ministries). 4 H.I.M. is a non-profit organization devoted to facilitating and mobilizing essential resources required to bring relief to those who are in need. In addition to ministering to the children and leaders, we will be doing some much needed work to the orphanage (i.e. painting, cleaning, etc.). I'm grateful for this opportunity to be present there and serve. As we know, experiences such as this have a very useful but sometimes difficult way of realigning our perspectives. I eagerly anticipate what God has in store for me and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you upon my return. Blessings, Ron

Honduras Mission Trip Fundraising Events

Mark your calendar for these upcoming fund-raising events:

Saturday, November 1st -
Holiday Craft Show at His Place from 9am - 3pm. A delicious luncheon of sloppy joes, homemade soup, and pie will be available from 11:30 - 1:00. We are also accepting donations for the White Elephant Sale andfor the WIM Bake Sale. Please leave your donations in the church basement by Friday, October 31st. Thank you. Questions? Call Shirley at 681-2539.
Friday, December 12th -
Home for the Holidays Baked Potato Dinner at His Place.

Thank you for helping us to join our lives to God's Love for the World!

Make A Difference Day

Saturday, November 8th from 9:00 am - Noon, lunch is included. Families join together to help others in need. We will rake leaves, trim shrubs and do small "fix-it" projects. Grab your gloves and dive in for a blessing. Please sign up on the poster in the narthex if you would like to volunteer OR if you need the help. Questions? Please call His Place at 463-1676.

Healthy Marriage Healthy Church

2, 4, 6, 8 ... take your spouse out on a date! Your Healthy Marriage Healthy Church team wants to THANK YOU for making our first event to the Fireproof movie a great experience and fun time for all! To keep the spark alive we are inviting you to a game night on Saturday, November 8 at 6:30pm at The Filling Station. We will pop in a movie for the kids. Bring a snack and your favorite board/card game. Drinks will be provided. Watch for more info.

Mission 2009

We will be presenting our Mission "2009" during the Sunday School hour on November 9th (9:45 to 10:45) in the sanctuary. Mission 2009 will describe the vision and direction of our congregation and our ministry teams for the coming year. A financial ministry plan and the proposed leaders of ministry teams will be presented. The congregation's ownership of the goals is vital! Please plan to join us November 9th.(Adult Sunday School classes and ALL Teachers will meet together in the sanctuary to be part of this session.)

Harvest Dinner

Our annual Harvest Dinner is scheduled for November 16th immediately following the second worship service. Please plan to join us as our church comes together to give thanks to our Lord for the many blessings bestowed upon our congregation and its people. Turkey and all of the trimmings will be provided, as well as drinks and table service. Each family is asked to bring two dishes to pass, singles may bring one. Those with the last names A-F please bring dessert. Those with the last names G-Z please bring a salad, side dish or casserole. We do need help to bring this all together. We will need turkey bakers to bake the turkeys ahead of the event and kitchen help the day of the event. Please sign up to volunteer for one or the other (or both) at the Welcome Center. Thank you!

Nationwide Simulcast Event

November 1st, 9 AM - 4 PM at Resurrection Life Church in St. Louis, MI. "Fireproof My Marriage" with Dr. Gary Smalley, Dr. Les Parrott and more! Click here for tickets and information. Or phone 989-681-5731.

YFC's Third Annual Pie Auction

Do you love pie? Do you love helping kids? Well you can get the best of both worlds with this amazing event! You are officially invited to YFC's Third Annual Pie Auction! We're hosting it at our facility on Cheesman road on November 25th at 7pm. We'll have available, free of charge, coffee and ice cream so you can enjoy your purchase that evening if you wish! We also need your help. Would you consider donating a pie for us to auction off? If so, please contact Jonathan Crider ASAP or phone (989)388.6225 and let us know what you're planning to bring. We'll need it at the YFC Center on Tuesday, November 25th, between 8am and 3pm, or Monday, November 24th between 8am and 4pm. Thank you so much! This is a community event, so invite your friends. Hope to see you there! All proceeds go to the ministry of Youth for Christ.

Captured Moments at the Filling Station

Parents, one of the many great ways the Filling Station is now documenting it's ministry and activities is through posting pictures from Sunday nights on the church website and Filling Station Group Site on Facebook.com. While these pictures are great way to capture special events and gatherings, we want to make sure that all pictures of students posted online are first supported by you the parents. There are many ways for the world to see what God is doing in our church and in our lives, and pictures are just one of those means. However, if you have any concerns or would prefer not to have your student's pictures posted on these church sponsored groups and websites, please feel free to contact Pastor Ben at the church to let him know.

Adult Open Rec at YFC

Come out for a FREE open rec night for adults (H.S. grads +) Wednesday Evenings 8 - 10 p.m. at the YFC Student Center, 2550 W. Cheesman Rd in Alma. We will have open gym and the skate park will be available as well. Our first open rec night is Wednesday, November 5 and will continue on Wednesdays through April. Take some time out for YOU and join us! If you have any questions please call us at 989.463.4274 or check us out on the web at cmyfc.net.

Thank You

A Big "THANK YOU" to everyone who helped with the Baked Potato Dinner and the Honduras Garage Sale. Your prayers, donations, help, and purchases made both events very successful. With your support you are joining your lives with God's love for the world. Blessings to all of you!

Family News

Do you have any family news you would like to share with the church? Whether it is a birth announcement, a milestone birthday or anniversary or the loss of a loved one, anything you would like to share with your church family, we want to hear from you. Please contact the church office or phone 463-3730, or login to our website.

Quick Links

a: 200 W. Superior Street, Alma, MI 48801 | t: 989-463-3730 e: firstcog@gmail.com

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