The Pastor’s Blog
I want to thank everyone who contributed to our school supply drive for students at Howard Elementary this year. The quantity and quality of the supplies was a great blessing to the staff and they are looking forward to meeting the needs of a variety of kids and their families through our gifts.
Howard has a new principal this year, Javier del Rio, and after the delivery of the supplies we collected he called to thank us for such a wonderful, unsolicited gift of support. As we talked, Mr. del Rio shared with me some of the dreams he has for both the school and the neighborhood that we share, dreams to impact and change lives by bringing a variety of resources together.
We will keep everyone alerted to future opportunities we have to bless and minister to the kids and families in our neighborhood and through Howard Elementary, but one thing we can all do on a regular basis is to pray. Some things we can pray for include:
For the protection of the students and staff at school;
For there to be peace and peaceful solutions for all issues and disagreements;
For the students to be able to learn and master the new knowledge and skills they need;
For patience and wisdom for the teachers and staff;
For God’s work in the lives of every family;
For God to provide for and work in a powerful way through Good News Club;
For the needed volunteers for the SMART program and Good News Club.
One of my dreams is for Howard Elementary to be one of the most prayed for schools in the nation and I hope that you will join me and others in praying for the students and staff there.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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Home Study for August 18 through 23, 2014
Monday – Read Titus 3:3-8
In one or two sentences, describe what you were like before Jesus came into your life.
How would you describe what He did for you?
How are you different?
What needs to hear your story of what Jesus has done in you?
Tuesday – Read I Timothy 1:12-17
What does Paul say is the reason that Jesus saved him?
Through what did Paul receive forgiveness and life?
Why did Jesus save you?
What has He called you to do?
Wednesday – Read Titus 2:11-14
How does accepting God’s grace change our lives?
As followers of Jesus, what is the hope that we have?
How does that encourage you today?
Thursday – Read I Peter 4:7-11
How should we live in these days?
How powerful is love?
In all that we do, who deserves to receive glory?
Friday – Read Romans 12:9-21
How should we treat the people in our lives?
How can pride get in the way?
How far should we go to live in peace with others?
What if they don’t want to have peace between them and us?
How can we overcome evil?
Saturday – Read I Peter 4:8-11
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Home Study for August 4 through 9, 2014
Monday – Read Philippians 4:4-7
How is the peace of Jesus described here?
Why is that?
What direction does this passage give us to receiving the peace of Jesus?
What will you do to experience more of the peace of Jesus?
Tuesday – Read I Thessalonians 5:16-18
For what can we give thanks in all circumstances?
Why can we trust that God will work for good in everything we face? (See Romans 8:28)
Take time to give God thanks for His blessings and how He is working in your life.
Wednesday – Read Psalm 119:129-136
All of Psalm 119 is about God’s word and the power it holds.
What does the psalmist say that God’s word did in his life?
How can God’s word direct our lives and set us free from sin?
What do you need God’s word do in your life these days?
What will you do to be more filled with God’s word?
Thursday – Read Romans 10:9-13
Why is the name of the Lord so powerful to save us? (See Acts 4:12)
Save us from what?
How important is it for us to be sure that when we act “in the name of Jesus” that we do what Jesus wants?
What is Jesus saying to you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read II Thessalonians 1:11-12
How may the name of Jesus be glorified in us?
Why is this important?
Who needs to see Jesus in you?
What can you do to help them see Him?
Saturday – Read John 3:16
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Kids 3rd Saturday Friends Day – Fun Activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 16.
We must have written permission for your child to participate. There are copies of the permission slip located on the table in the foyer. Watch for more information about the activities that are planned for August!
Pool Party & BBQ at Stan & Earlene Schlosser’s Saturday, August 16th –
Pool opens at 4 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m.
We will provide burgers, dogs (with all the condiments) and lemonade. Please bring potluck salad, chips, or dessert and your own chair!
Please Circle “S” on the back of your information sheet and place it in the offering if you plan to attend. Be at MFC by 3:15 p.m. if you would like to ride in the church van.
Birthday Celebration for Vera Wisely
Sunday, August 17th, please join us for cake and coffee in celebration of Vera Wisely’s 101st Birthday! Meet in the fellowship hall following the worship hour. Sunday School will follow as usual at 11.
School Supply Drive
Many families in the local community cannot afford to provide school supplies for their children and we want to help. Below is a list of supplies that we are collecting to share with students in need at Howard Elementary. You will notice that some of the supplies are listed by their brand name and educators tell us that is because even though they may cost a little more, those brands provide better bang for the buck. A collection box for these supplies is in the main hallway. The deadline for bringing in supplies is Sunday, August 17th.
Supply List :
12 pack Ticonderoga brand pencils, 24 count Crayola crayons; pencil top erasers; large erasers; 12 count Crayola color pencils; 8 count Crayola color markers (washable); glue sticks; bottles of white glue; rulers; pencil pouches; red, blue, yellow and green pocket folders, notebook paper; pens; solar calculators; 3 ring binders; pocket dividers for binders; 3×5 lined note cards; spiral notebooks; Kleenex tissues; backpacks.
Help Wanted We are currently looking for people who would like to serve in the Holy Grounds coffee ministry during the fellowship time on Sunday mornings. Training will be provided. If you are interested or have any questions please see Nate Swift.
Holy Grounds Proceeds to Child Evangelism of Jackson County For the last few years all of the Holy Grounds Coffee shop proceeds and tips have gone to building houses in Mexico. The decision has been made to share the proceeds with other ministries too, and through December the proceeds and tips will go to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Jackson County. So, buy a drink and help share the love of Jesus with the kids in our area!
Schedule Change – No Sunday School on August 31st
On August 31st we will have worship as usual at 9:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship time but we will not meet for Sunday School that day.
Financial Report
July 2014 Year-to-date
Income $12,045.96 $110,901.92
Expenses 12,041.20 120,981.48
Difference 4.76 -10,079.56
We are thankful to everyone who gives to, prays for and serves in the ministries of Medford Friends Church. And we thank God for His faithful provision to meet our needs as we serve Him.
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