The Pastor’s Blog
Home Study for June 17 through 22, 2013
Monday – Read John 1:1-18
What does this passage teach us about Jesus?
Why is it important to understand these things?
Tuesday – Read Romans 8:1-4
What has set us free from the law of sin and death?
By what means do we fulfill the righteous requirements of the law?
Why is the law powerless to do?
Why is it important to understand this?
How is God challenging you? How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13
What does God desire for His followers to do?
How does knowing the Law help us to do that?
Why has the Law been given to us?
How are they for our good?
How is God challenging you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Matthew 22:34-40
How are all of the words of the Law and the Prophets fulfilled by Jesus’ reply in verse 37?
Do you think His answer surprised the religious leader(s)?
Why?
How does it surprise you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Micah 6:8
How does treating others as we read here allow us to fulfill God’s desire for His people?
How does it bring glory and honor to God?
Why is humility before God important to living for Him?
How does this verse challenge you? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Matthew 5:21-26
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Home Study for June 10 through 15, 2013
Monday – Read Colossians 4:2-6
From this context, what are some things we can to do better be salt for Jesus in the world?
How do these things make us more effective for Jesus?
How does not doing them compromise our ability to show Jesus to the world?
How is the Holy Spirit challenging you with this passage?
How will you respond?
Tuesday – Read Luke 14:34-35
How can we lose our saltiness for Jesus?
Why does that make us ineffective to Him?
We can’t regain our saltiness on our own, but who can restore it for us?
What is the Spirit saying to you? How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read John 3:16-21
Why do humans love darkness rather than light?
What is the result of staying in darkness?
How can we step into and live in the light of Jesus?
In whose life can you shine the light of Jesus?
Thursday – Read John 8:12
What does it mean that Jesus is the light of the world?
If we live in the light of Jesus what can we avoid?
How can we have the light of life?
How can you reveal the light of life to others?
Friday – Read II Corinthians 4:1-6
Who has blinded people from seeing the light of the gospel?
How did Jesus win the battle against Satan?
How does Jesus give us victory in our battles?
What hope does that give you? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Matthew 5:17-20
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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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