Sunday, May 31, 2009

CM Appreciation Dinner

We had a nice night at the appreciation dinner. A great meal was made by the Manna Ministry, we had good fellowship, and some friendly competition.

You are all a great blessing to the church at SHCC. Thank you for all you do. Here is the poem that was read at the dinner and a few photos.

Only One Life
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ‘twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

poem written by C.T. Studd – missionary

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

CM Update 5/31/09

Luke 2:7 - And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Being separated and excluded from society is one of the worst forms of punishment. Many people have found themselves depressed by being excluded. Mary and Joseph must have wondered about God's plan when they ended up in a stable. We know that this was God's way of presenting His humble nature to us. As you minister in your classes, keep your eyes tuned to the excluded children. Be the arms of the Lord reaching out to them.

In Jesus,
Phil


Weekly Updates:
  • The Appreciation and Prayer Dinner is this Saturday.
    • We have 32 folks signed up for the dinner.
    • Thank you all for everything you do. You are going to reap great rewards from the Lord do to your service to the children.
  • VBS this year will be The Romans Road.
    • We covet any prayers for a fruitful week of ministry.
    • Our first planning meeting is this Thursday, May 28th.
  • We had a beautiful time at Gone Fishing. Bless the Lord for the great day of sun, fellowship, and fishing.
Upcoming Events:
  1. VBS Planning Meeting - Thursday, May 28th (6:30 to 8:30pm)
  2. CM Appreciation & Prayer Dinner - Saturday, May 30th (5:00 to 7:00pm)
  3. VBS: The Romans' Road - Mon to Fri, July 13th to 17th (6:30 to 8:30pm)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

CM Update 5/24/09

Luke 1:80 - So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Time in the desert seems to be a qualification for many of the characters in the Bible. John the Baptist (Lu. 1:80) spent time there. Moses (Ex. 3) spent time there. Paul (Gal. 1:17) spent time there. Jesus (Lu. 4) spent time there. God used these times to prepare His messengers for great service. If you are in a dry place, take heart because you are in great company. Look forward to the future in store for you.

In Jesus,
Phil


Weekly Updates:
  • VBS this year will be The Romans Road.
    • We covet any prayers for a fruitful week of ministry.
    • If you would like to help plan, please sign-up by filling out the Volunteers flyer or letting a CM Team member know.
    • Our first planning meeting will be Thursday, May 28th.
  • Gone Fishing is this weekend. We have about 75 people signed up to come. Pray it will be a great day of family fellowship.
  • We will have a new summer teachers meeting this Sunday at 1:30pm in the upstairs teachers' lounge of the church building.
  • Sunday is the last day to sign up for the Appreciation and Prayer Dinner in the foyer.
Upcoming Events:
  1. Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 23rd (9:30 to 4:30pm)
  2. VBS Planning Meeting - Thursday, May 28th (6:30 to 8:30pm)
  3. CM Appreciation & Prayer Dinner - Saturday, May 30th (5:00 to 7:00pm)
  4. VBS: The Romans' Road - Mon to Fri, July 13th to 17th (6:30 to 8:30pm)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

CM Update 5/17/09

Luke 1:38 - Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

How refreshing it is to be filled with faith. It is freeing to be in a situation of indecision yet to be able to declare with faith the way you will go. The weight of stress lifts from you and is placed upon our Lord. Mary did this when confronted with her virgin pregnancy. She couldn't understand it, but she knew she could trust her God. As you face crossroads in your life each day, trust the One who is worthy of our trust.

In Jesus,
Phil


Weekly Updates:
  • Gone Fishing is coming up quickly. This is the last weekend to sign up, so let your kids know.
  • We will have a new summer teachers meeting on Sunday, May 24th at 1:30pm. This is for any first time teachers or teachers who are changing classes.
  • Please sign up for the Appreciation and Prayer Dinner in the foyer.
  • VBS this year will be The Romans Road. We will need planners and helpers so let one of the CM Team know if you would like to take a part in helping. Our first planning meeting will be Thursday, May 28th.
Upcoming Events:
  1. Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 23rd (9:30 to 4:30pm)
  2. VBS Planning Meeting - Thursday, May 28th (6:30 to 8:30pm)
  3. CM Appreciation & Prayer Dinner - Saturday, May 30th (5:00 to 7:00pm)
  4. VBS: The Romans' Road - Mon to Fri, July 13th to 17th (6:30 to 8:30pm)

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

CM Update 5/10/09

Luke 11:1 - Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

When the disciples asked this question, they must have been in awe with the way Jesus prayed. It must have stirred them to ask how they might pray like Jesus. I don't think they were necessarily asking about the mechanics of how to pray, but they were asking about the intimacy with which Jesus prayed. They wanted to be related to God like Jesus.
And, I think I speak for all of us when I say the same, "Father, teach us how to pray."

In Jesus,
Phil


Weekly Updates:
  • May 7th is the National Day of Prayer, so this Sunday we would like for each class to spend some time in prayer for our nation, state, city, schools, families, etc. Please dedicate a set portion of time in your class to pray.
  • The CM Conference was a success.
    • A special thank you to Gerrit, Tammy, Michael, and Jillian for teaching us during their workshops.
    • Remember that you can always grow as a teacher through the S.E.R.V.e. program.
  • Please sign up for the Appreciation and Prayer Dinner in the foyer. I just talked to the Manna Ministry today, and it is going to be good.
  • Keep up the good work.
Upcoming Events:
  1. Gone Fishin' - Saturday, May 23rd (9:30 to 4:30pm)
  2. CM Appreciation & Prayer Dinner - Saturday, May 30th (5:00 to 7:00pm)