The Pastor’s Blog
Recently I’ve been reading a book entitled “Greater” by Steven Furtick. It will soon be placed in the church library. Furtick’s premise is that “Most of us aren’t in danger of ruining our lives. We’re in danger of wasting them.” Using events from the life of Elisha the prophet Furtick shares how we can quit being satisfied with good enough and discover the greater things that God has for us. By Furtick’s definition, greater is, “The life-altering understanding that God is ready to accomplish a greatness in your life that is entirely out of human reach – beyond anything you see in yourself on your best day, but exactly what God has seen in you all along.”
Those greater things God wants to do in us aren’t necessarily just the big or public things, it can be as simple as being the best spouse, parent, or whatever else, God created and called us to be. And those greater things won’t happen if we spend our time lamenting over what we don’t have or what we can’t do, the greater things of God only happen as we seek God and His plan for our lives, as we grab hold of Him and never let go.
It’s my hope and prayer that all of us at Medford Friends, individually and corporately, will seek and experience the greater that God has for us so that we may be and do all that He has in mind for us.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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Promotion Sunday – June 2nd All of our kids will move up to the next class and we will recognize those who are changing departments. Following worship there will be a time of fellowship to celebrate the occasion.
Congratulations to our 2013 Graduates! Christian Sicairos graduates from South Medford High School and Aracely Gomez Bravo received her Master’s Degree from George Fox University.
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MORE GRADUATES TO HONOR
Phil & Erica Chan were mistakenly left off our list of college graduates. They completed their studies in respiratory therapy at OIT in March 2013 and graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees. We are sorry for the oversight.
Baccalaureate Class of 2013 – Friday, June 7th
7 p.m. at North Medford Auditorium – Everyone is invited to celebrate the 2013 senior classes from North, South & Central High School. We will have students share from each school, enjoy special music, and a guest speaker. There will be refreshments following the service. If you have any questions contact Dave Gomez.
Ladies Fellowship Group
We will meet on Tuesday, June 4th, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the home of Patsy Burton. Denise Fleming is co-hostess. All ladies are invited and welcome to join us for sharing and caring fellowship.
FWMF (Friends Women Missionary Fellowship)
All ladies are welcome to join us at MFC, in the fireside room Thursday, June 20th, at 10 a.m. This month’s story & devotional is from FSA (Friends Serving Abroad) is by Chelsea Carpenter who serves with her husband Brad in Rwanda.
“Fresh Baked Brownies for Dad” FWMF Fundraiser
Available Sunday, June 16th – the cost is donation only and available in a variety of package sizes! All proceeds to go toward mission projects.
Volleyball Soccer Cheerleading Basketball Flag Football Tae Kwon Do Track/Field
When: Monday, June 24 – Thursday, June 27, 2013, 8:30 AM – Noon
Location: South Medford High School,1551 Cunningham Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Cost: FREE!!! This church-led camp uses sports to introduce elementary kids to Jesus and help them develop Godly character; open to grades 3rd – 6th.
Go to roguevalleykids.org for more information and to register. Space is limited. ($10 Donation Welcome)
Faith and Family Night with the Medford Rogues
June 25th at 6:30 pm at Harry & David Baseball Field
The baseball game will be followed by a concert by Christian recording artist Paul Wright. The cost is $8 for the game and concert. Tickets may be purchased from Dave Gomez or the church office. All tickets sold through MFC will benefit the ministries of Impact Athletics, www.soimpactathletics.org.
Medford Friends T-Shirts for Sale
Matching t-shirts can help foster a sense of team, connectedness and family, and recognizing that all three of those are worthy goals for us, the Elders have designed a Medford Friends t-shirt. The shirts are available in a variety of sizes and are just $8 each for youth small through adult XL and just $9 each for sizes above XL. To order see the display in the main hallway or contact Carla Tappero at 541-826-4933.
Thanks for your support in this year’s Camp Auction! Thank you to everyone who helped with the auction with your efforts, donations & purchases. Total proceeds are $1,860 for camp scholarships & other youth events. If you haven’t paid for the items you purchased, please do so by June 30th. If you participated in the camp auction, contact the church office to get your scholarship refund. Each camper is asked to contribute $20, to help cover the transportation costs. Contact the church office to confirm that your camper will be traveling via MFC’s transportation. Camp brochures are on the usher’s table in the foyer and registering for camp is made easy by going to www.twinrocks.org.
- Each camper is required to provide a copy of their immunization records.
- To save $30; please pre-register! The following prices reflect that savings!
June 30-July 5, 2013 Girls Camp pre-registered by June 14, cost is $226. For girls entering 4th – 6th grades this fall.
July 7-13, 2013 Tween Camp pre-registered by June 21, cost is $288. For youth entering 7th-9th grades this fall.
July 14-19, 2013 Boys Camp pre-registered by June 28, cost is $226. For boys entering 4th – 6th grades this fall.
August 4-10, 2013 Surfside Camp pre-registered by July 19, cost is $288. For youth completing 8th-12th grades this spring.
Financial Report
May 2013 Year-to-date
Income $13,522.76 $82,475.50
Expenses 17,268.45 89,904.86
Difference -3,745.69 -7,429.36
Our expenses for May are in line with our budget but our giving is under what we budgeted. We are so thankful for everyone who contributes to the ministries of Medford Friends Church and we ask that everyone would be praying for God’s continued provision as we seek to serve Him.
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Home Study for June 3 through 8, 2013
Monday – Read I John 1:8-10
Will anyone besides Jesus ever live without sinning?
How then may we be made pure in heart?
How does this passage encourage you?
How will you respond?
Tuesday – Matthew 7:13-14
What does this passage say to you about being pure in heart?
What is the ultimate destiny of those who are not?
Why is it so hard for people to find the narrow road that leads to life?
How can you help others to find that road? What will you do?
Wednesday – Read Matthew 7:1-6
What does it take to be an effective peacemaker?
Is this harder than just telling people what they need to know? Why?
How does this passage challenge you?
How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Ephesians 2:11-22
How did Jesus break down the barrier between God and men?
How did Jesus break down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles?
What does it mean that Jesus is building His people into a holy temple?
How does this challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read II Corinthians 4:7-18
Where does the power come from for us to overcome persecution?
How does the death of Jesus reveal or point to the life of Jesus in us?
Why was Paul encouraged by his troubles? Is that true for us too?
Where are your eyes fixed today?
How can you keep them fixed on Jesus?
Saturday – Read Matthew 5:13-16
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Home Study for May 27 through June 1, 2013
Monday – Read Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23 and 10:9-10
How do these verses help us to recognize our total dependence on God?
How should this truth shape our relationship with Him? With others?
How do these verses challenge you? How will you respond?
Tuesday – Read I Corinthians 1:3-7
How can God use our times of grief and mourning to comfort others?
How can our mourning over our sin help us to minister to others?
How does this passage challenge you? Encourage you? Give you hope?
How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read Psalm 37:7-11 and Ephesians 4:1-6
What attitudes and actions of meekness, controlled power, do you see in Psalm 37?
How does meekness lead to peace?
Ephesians 4 describes some attitudes and actions of meekness. How do these help us to live in love and unity?
Why is that important?
How do these passages challenge you? What will you do?
Thursday – Read Proverbs 11:18, 13:6 and 15:9
How does pursuing righteousness protect us and give us a reward?
Who is it that protects and rewards us?
What can you do to better pursue righteousness?
How do these verses challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Micah 6:8 and Matthew 9:9-13
Where would we be without God’s mercy?
Why does God call us to live in mercy?
How does living in mercy open the door for us to share Jesus?
How do these passages challenge you? What will you do?
Saturday – Read Matthew 5:8-12
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