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January Bible Reading Schedule
Now that we are done with the "Radically Normal" sermon series, it is time to return to our series through the Bible. Join us by reading through the Minor Prophets. Here is the reading schedule:
January Reading Schedule
January Reading Schedule
Elders' Meeting Minutes - March 2011
Click here for the minutes from the March '11 Elders' Meeting.
I still need host families!
Hey guys!
I'm still in need of 24 host families for the Japanese students that will be coming to our area from July 21st-August 9th! Check out my website, and, if you are curious about it at all, email me! THANKS!
www.mvcompassusa.blogspot.com
Stacy
stacyo84@gmail.com
An Invitation to Observe Lent
I want to let you know about an opportunity and a challenge I have for the church. How many of you know what Lent is? Lent is one of the oldest Christian traditions, beginning in the 3rd century. It basically consists of a partial fast for 40 days leading up to Easter (based off of the many “40’s” in the Bible – Jesus in wilderness, Jews wandering, etc).
It is not in the Bible, but most Christians observe Lent and find it to be a valuable Christian discipline. Most of us grew up in informal churches and have never observed it, others grew up observing Lent, but as an external exercise. Several of us on leadership have decided to observe Lent and we wanted to invite you to join us, so we can do it together. Of course the first question is “why on earth would I do that?” Here are the reasons I want to do it:
1. I take Christ’s death and resurrection more seriously.
Forty days remind me that Jesus gave up his life for me. Fasting represents mourning, a chance to mourn his death. At the same time, it gives me greater reason to rejoice at his resurrection (cf. Orthodox Christians don’t eat any meat for 40 days).
2. Fasting is an act of repentance – I want to take this time to repent of my sins which put Jesus on the cross.
3. Willingly giving some physical thing that is perfectly acceptable up helps me shift my focus from my physical appetites to my spiritual needs.
So here is how it works – I would encourage each of you to choose one thing to give up. Here are some ideas: Meat, candy, alcohol, coffee, TV, or internet
It should be something that you will miss. The beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 9th, you go without that thing until Easter. Here’s the cool part: Sunday is a celebration, so it is not right to fast on Sunday – you get Sundays “off.” I am going to create a Facebook event where we can share what we are giving up and what we are learning. If you interested, check it on the communication card.
It is not in the Bible, but most Christians observe Lent and find it to be a valuable Christian discipline. Most of us grew up in informal churches and have never observed it, others grew up observing Lent, but as an external exercise. Several of us on leadership have decided to observe Lent and we wanted to invite you to join us, so we can do it together. Of course the first question is “why on earth would I do that?” Here are the reasons I want to do it:
1. I take Christ’s death and resurrection more seriously.
Forty days remind me that Jesus gave up his life for me. Fasting represents mourning, a chance to mourn his death. At the same time, it gives me greater reason to rejoice at his resurrection (cf. Orthodox Christians don’t eat any meat for 40 days).
2. Fasting is an act of repentance – I want to take this time to repent of my sins which put Jesus on the cross.
3. Willingly giving some physical thing that is perfectly acceptable up helps me shift my focus from my physical appetites to my spiritual needs.
So here is how it works – I would encourage each of you to choose one thing to give up. Here are some ideas: Meat, candy, alcohol, coffee, TV, or internet
It should be something that you will miss. The beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 9th, you go without that thing until Easter. Here’s the cool part: Sunday is a celebration, so it is not right to fast on Sunday – you get Sundays “off.” I am going to create a Facebook event where we can share what we are giving up and what we are learning. If you interested, check it on the communication card.
Host a Japanese Student!
Hi!
I am looking for families who are open to being host families for Japanese students. I am coordinating a group that will be coming to our area from July 21-August 10. There are 22 homes needed for this group. If you are interested, please call me! I will post some fliers at church as well.
Thank you!
Stacy O'Hagan
360-630-6874
stacyo84@gmail.com
