E-Prompter - October 13, 2008

Pastor's Perspective -
"The Politics of Christ"

This last Sunday (October 12) I began a sermon series I'm calling "The Politics of Christ." The immediate inspiration for this series is, of course, the present election cycle. Here in just a few short weeks, many of us will be casting our votes to determine, among other things, who will be the next president of the United States.

There are some who would maintain that Jesus has no political meaning. They would argue that his message was purely a spiritual message; it has nothing whatsoever to do with lesser affairs such as politics. But if Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, if he came to announce that God's will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven, his life and message have all kinds of political ramifications.

Now, allow me to assure you that I have absolutely, positively no intention of telling you how you should vote in the coming elections. Rather, I invite you to think with me about the kind of citizens we will be if, as we Christians declare, Jesus is our king.

Pastor Steve

October 12, 2008 -
Matthew 22:1-14
Title: "Not Your Average King"

October 19, 2008 -
Matthew 22:15-22
Title: "A Taxing Conversation"

October 26, 2008 -
Matthew 22:34-40
Title: "What's Love Got to do with it?"

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..."

Newcomers' Class, "Our DNA"

On Sunday, October 26th from 2-6 PM, Pastor Steve and our elders would like to invite everyone who's new to our congregation to "Our DNA, A Class for Newcomers." During this session, we'll discuss what makes us unique as a church, our particular mission and purpose. We'll also talk about the message First Church of God exists to share, how newcomers can get involved, what the church expects of its members and much more. We will enjoy a complimentary meal together during the last hour of the class. If you've been wondering how to get involved at First Church of God, or what makes this church tick, this is the place to begin. 'Our DNA...' will meet in the west room. Please RSVP to the church office (463-3730, or firstcog@gmail.com) by Monday, October 20th.

Faith Promise Missions Outreach to Honduras

The missions ministry team invites you to begin thinking about an incredible opportunity our congregation has to join our lives to God's love for the world. We plan to help Pastor Donnie Allen raise money to build an apartment complex in Honduras that will provide ongoing financial support for a school that is educating poor Honduran children at no cost to them or their families.

We will be using the faith promise approach to raising funds for this vital project. Here's how it works: We invite you to begin praying about an amount of money God would have you pledge in the coming year to this project. But here's the clincher: this is money that God will provide to you in surprising or unexpected ways. Say that you pray about your faith promise and you feel that God lays a certain amount on your mind. Then, throughout the year, you make note of financial resources that come your way that you were not expecting. Perhaps you receive a rebate you didn't expect. Perhaps a surprise bonus comes your way. In each case, you give as it is given to you. It's as simple as that.

For more information on how faith promise works, as well as some faith promise testimonies, go to this link. This is an exciting way to trust God to provide as we join our lives to his love for the children of Honduras.

Missions

On Sunday, October 19th the Missions Team is hosting a Special Missions Banquet after the second worship service. This is a free meal for the entire Church Body in Celebration of Missions here and around the world!

Fifth Quarter

We will be opening up the Filling Station for 5th Quarter activities on October 17th. We want to invite all students from 7th-12th grade to come hang out, play games, and make new friends. Plan on asking your ride home to pick you up at 10:30. Thank you!

Youth Fundraiser

Little Caesar Pizza Kit fundraiser is due on October 19th. See a middle or high school student to place your order. Delivery will be from 3-6 pm on October 27th.

Youth Announcements

• Oct 19th - Night of Worship at YFC Center. Featuring Attaboy and Jay Laffoon. Meet at the YFC Center from 5:30-7:30 pm.
  
  
• Oct 26th - Guest Speaker, Matt Ingalls, from Anderson University will be joining us.
  
  
• Nov 2nd - "Abraham: Before the 12 there was 1" Ben will be speaking about God's call on Abraham to follow Him.
  

Students: Don't forget to sign up for the Winter Retreats and reserve your spot. Jr. High will be heading to Spring Hill, Dates TBD. Senior High will return to Warner Camp for a great time together.

Honduras Mission Trip Fundraising Events

Mark your calendar for these upcoming fund-raising events:

• Friday/Saturday, October 17 & 18 -
  Garage Sale at the home of Shirley Wallace.
  
  
• Saturday, November 1st -
  Holiday Craft Show at His Place.
  
  
• 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!

Creative Greetings

Meeting on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 pm in the church basement. Please join us if you are interested in creating home made cards. For more information contact Kristi Caszatt or phone 875-0615 (H) or 875-4100 (W).

Middle Ground Fall Potluck and Bonfire

Friday, October 24th at 6:30pm at the home of Jason & Erin Pittman, 1635 S. Crapo Road, Ithaca. We hope you can join us for our first gathering! Please bring a dish to pass. Beverages will be provided. Childcare will be provided on a first come first serve basis. Erin has a daycare center that will accommodate 12 children. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 22nd Erin Pittman at 875-4934 or Erin Humm at 842-1346, or email erin_humm@yahoo.com

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.

Habitat Home Available

Habitat for Humanity of Gratiot County is now accepting applications for a family to purchase a home already built in Alma. Homes are sold at no profit and no interest to qualifying families. Applications may be picked up at Commercial bank, Larry's IGA, Salvation Army or Gratiot DHS. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, October 24th. For more information contact Kathy or Karen at 463-2185.

Ministry Opportunity

Would you be willing to provide transportation to an Alma man who needs a ride to worship each Sunday? We actually need two volunteers, one for the first service and one for the second. Please contact the church office or phone 463-3730.

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.

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

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