E-Prompter - September 15, 2008
Pastor's Perspective -
"Get 'er Done"
My sincere apologies to Larry the Cable Guy. His trademark phrase seems to fit my thoughts just about perfectly today: I'm writing to challenge you to "Get 'er done." Specifically, I'm writing to ask you to lay aside the voice of procrastination, the one that says, "I know that if I'm going to get the most out of being part of the church, I need to get involved beyond attending church on Sunday morning, but ..."
May I be honest? There's never a good time. If you're waiting until life is a little less hectic, guess what. You'll just keep waiting.
If my reading of the New Testament is anywhere near being on target, church was never intended to be something we go to, something we attend. We are the church, growing together, being transformed into the likeness of Jesus, learning to love God and one another, joining our lives to God's love for the world. In order for that to happen, many who are loosely connected must take the initiative, and make the effort to get connected.
Here are some suggestions. First, get connected with one of our Sunday morning classes. If you have kids, bring them, help them to get connected in an age-appropriate class, and then get connected yourself. (Remember, we're on the fall schedule now: first worship service at 8:30, Sunday morning classes at 9:45, second worship at 11:00.) Why not extend your time of worship and learning by connecting with one of our classes this fall?
Second, get connected in service. Check out our service catalogue and find a way to use your gifts in the service of others.
Finally, I confess to being a bit premature here, but we presently have six people preparing to lead ChristCare small groups. These groups will launch in January. I believe that they will be a great place for you to connected and grow.
This fall is a great time to take some steps forward in growth and service. Get 'er done!
Pastor Steve
P.S. If you haven't done it yet, please check out our 'new and improved' web site.
His Kids Opening Program EVERYONE is welcome to the |
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Alma College Students
Beginning Sunday, September 21st we would like to invite you to have brunch here at the church. We realize that many of you attend our 11:00 service and therefore miss out on a meal provided by the college. Brunch will be served from 9:55 - 10:55 am in the church basement (please stop in anytime during the brunch hour). We will continue to do this each Sunday. Be sure to invite your friends.
Marriage Ministry
Enjoy Fireproof with your spouse on Sunday, September 28. We will be leaving the church immediately after 2nd service. Best way to go...attend 8:30 worship service; go to your Sunday school class and then take the family to brunch and meet back at the church at 12:00 to catch the bus to the Midland Cinemas. We will be having a brief dessert/movie discussion time when we return to the church. If you have questions please contact Bob & Kendra Beard or phone 463-6602.
World Communion Sunday
Please note there will be no communion service on Sunday, September 28th. Our congregation will join nations across the globe to observe World Communion Sunday on October 5th.
Honduras Mission Trip Fundraising Events
Mark your calendar for these upcoming fund-raising events:
- Sunday, October 12 -
Baked Potato Lunch after the second service at His Place. - Friday/Saturday, October 17 & 18 -
Garage Sale at the home of Shirley Wallace. Donations are welcomed. Call Shirley at 681-2539. - 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!
Writers Desired
As a part of our preparation for the Christmas season, we want to create a daily devotional for the 25 days of advent. Writers who would like to contribute are invited to pick up an informational sheet at the Welcome Center or contact the church office.
Sunday Nights at The Filling Station
We invite all of our 7th-12th grade students to join your lives to what God is doing on Sunday nights. Our focus will be hearing, seeing, and following Jesus. Ben will be talking about life that is full the way Jesus describes, shows, and calls us to live. We will also have exciting opportunities to put into practice the things that we will be discovering. We hope to see you there!
Fifth Quarter
We will be opening up the Filling Station after the home football games on Friday, September 26th, October 3rd, and October 24th. 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 Pastor Ben Kreider wants to meet you!
Now that Ben is getting more settled here in Alma, he would like to extend the invitation to any families of students as well as any other families in the church to spend time getting better acquainted. If you would like to welcome Ben into your home, please stop by the Welcome Center after church and sign-up for a time for him to come and visit. This will be a great opportunity to fellowship with Ben and get to know him better. If you would like to meet with Ben, but the times that are listed do not work or get filled up, please be sure to still write your name and what days and times you are usually available on the back of the sign-up sheet. That way Ben can be contacting you in the following weeks as he continues to find times for visiting families over the next several months. There will also be an opportunity for parents to meet Ben, ask questions, and see what is happening in the youth ministry on Sunday, September 28, which will be Parents' Night at the Filling Station.
Hearing, Seeing and Following Jesus
Our youth group would like to ask if there are members in our church who would be willing to share their testimony on how you came to know and follow Jesus and the difference He has made in your life. If you are willing to share your testimony and hospitality with the youth please indicate your interest by contacting Ben Kreider, Youth Pastor, at 463-8903. More information will be provided in October.
Teamagers
Teamagers will be meeting on October 5, 2008 following the 2nd Worship service. We will meet in the conference room at His Place. Bring a dish to pass and own table service. All are WELCOME.
CROP Walk
Gratiot County CROP walk will be held October 5th at Alma College. Crop Walk is a fund-raising event that supports local and international hunger programs. You can help by participating in the wal or supporting a walker through your contributions. Information is available at the welcome center. You may also speak to Heidi Faust for information, 463-5550.
Celebrate Your Marriage
Your marriage started with a party, KEEP THAT PARTY GOING! Sign up for one of Celebrate! Your Marriage October conferences on beautiful Mackinac Island. More info is located at the Welcome Center or log onto celebratenet.com.
Attention Parents - Kids Klub
Currently we are seeking a leader for Kids Klub. We anticipate starting Kids Klub again in early October. Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Church Directory
It is the time of year when we need to update our church directory. Please submit any additions or corrections to the church office by Monday, September 29th. Thank you!
Family News
"Thank you for all your prayers and flowers. They meant so much to us." The family of Esther Benzinger.
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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