The Pastor’s Blog
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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I recently opened my email and found a message in my inbox carrying the name of an old co-worker and friend who passed away last year. Pat was my field training officer when I was a Parole and Probation Officer and my initial hope was that it might be something from his wife, perhaps some kind of last message that Pat wanted to send out to his friends, but in my heart I knew it was really just some unscrupulous person using his name and contacts to go phishing. I didn’t open the attachment and deleted the email, but I was left feeling a little disappointed that it wasn’t a real message.
That experience got me to thinking about how incredible it is that God has given us His word, His message to us. Through His word God shares His love with us; He imparts His truth and wisdom to us; He challenges our suppositions; He stretches us to grow in our faith; He comforts our hurts; and He gives us His guidance and reveals the path He would have us to follow.
II Timothy 3:16 and 17 put it like this:
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
For God’s word to have this kind of power and impact in our lives we must accept that it is from Him, we must take time to study what God has said to us and to meditate upon what He wants that truth to do in our lives. We must be willing to spend time listening to the Holy Spirit as He teaches us and leads us. And we must avoid using God’s word to prove our point to others, but instead allow God to prove His point to us. To do this we must approach God’s word with humility and reverential fear. Every time we open and read it we must be open to God speaking, challenging, training, correcting, leading and encouraging us.
As you spend time reading God’s message to you, soak in His truth, meditate on what it means and allow the Holy Spirit to work the power of His word in you.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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