CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT LOVE…
if there was one word to summarize the first letter of John it would be LOVE. He is wanting us to remember that God is love and His love for us casts out all FEAR. He also wants us to remember that God’s one command for us is to LOVE our brothers and sisters. As we celebrate Christmas we are also reminded that God’s love for the world is what motivated Him to send Jesus as a child in the manger. It was Jesus’ love that motivated Him to die on the cross.
LAST WEEK SERMON…
last week I struggled to make my point without sounding perfectionistic. I found this quote this week from a new book I’m reading called “Experiencing the Spirit” by Henry Blackaby. It says it well: “At the Cross, the power of sin and its consequences were dealt a deathblow. Whereas sin once had power over us, now we’ve been given power over sin. As Paul said; ‘The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God’ (1 Corinthians 1:18). There should be no proliferation of sin among God’s people, for in the Cross we’ve been given victory over sin. Why then do God’s people still live in sin? There are several reasons, but two stand out above the rest. First, it’s there choice. They’ve become content to live without the manifest power of God in their lives. Though they’ve been given all the power they need to overcome the Evil One, they enjoy sin too much to apply the power of the Cross that sets them fee. Second, they’ve never been fully and clearly taught the truth of God’s Word. Though Satan has been defeated, he still has the power to deceive, and those who aren’t grounded biblically are his easiest victims. As long as he keep them from the truth, he can keep them in his imaginary chains.”
MIDWEEK GOD CONNECTION…
if you complain that your live isn’t right with God, or you are powerless over sin, or you can’t understand why God isn’t on your side, then you need to come on Wednesday night to worship and dive into the all powerful Word of God! Starts at 6:30 pm.
CARING OPPORTUNITIES…
Cindy Van Camp’s daughter-in-law Melissa gave birth to a healthy boy this week.
Tina Wilhelms, our food pantry director, had $80 stolen out of her purse this past Tuesday during the food pantry.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR INMATES (2)…
we had over 300 cards available the last few weeks for people to sign them. They were mailed last week. We were able to bring the cost down to under $50 and received a donation to cover the postage costs. It is humbling to think we are able to bless these inmates at Christmas with a caring thought. Thanks to all who took time to sign them.
THE CHRISTIAN JOURNAL…
we have distributed most of the December papers. We have a dedicated group of volunteers to put the paper out to over 400 locations in Southern Oregon and Northern California. They get paid a little over the cost of their gas expense. The paper has been moving off the racks so rapidly in some locations that we fear they are being taken to burn. Pray that God will watch over our racks and make sure hungry people find the paper to read. We still have our December offer of 100 pop open cards with every $100 donation. We received $100 in cash this week in the mail anonymously. We will move ahead with 2012 trusting that God has a plan. Our themes in 2012 will be based on Ephesians. Should be some good stuff! Remember, any $100 donation in December to CJ will reap 100 pop open cards.
GOD’S FOOD PANTRY…
we had over 50 families come this week to get food! We had plenty of food and were able to give everyone a good amount for Christmas. Remember that the food you see in the café on Monday and Tuesdays is for food pantry clients only. Please do not take anything if you are passing through. That rule goes for everyone…me included. If you are volunteering to help please don’t take any food without talking with Tina first. Our food bill for November was over $500. Remember we can’t start using the grant until January, so we still need donations to cover the food we have been using in October, November and December.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY…
New Year’s resolution…work on my own growth in the Lord. CR is a great opportunity to address the key issues of how to overcome (anything) that holds me captive. Jesus died to set us free from the power of sin. So, why not start this Thursday at 6:30 pm. Could be the best decision you make for 2012!
ROGUE RETREAT…
one of our Rogue Retreat participants was featured in the “Light One Candle” series in the Mail Tribune Newspaper. Community people make numerous donations of what that participant needed for her family. We even got a check for $500 and a spot on Channel 5 News! We continue to invite people who want to support this ministry to help with our $ a week for Rogue Retreat. The $ can be $1, $5, $10 or whatever. We even have current residents giving $ a week to Rogue Retreat. You can find donation envelopes in the foyer or Heather will send them to you. Call (541) 499-0880.
BOOK STORE….
there are STILL some good gift ideas for Christmas. Check them out today, but they may not be there tomorrow. Limited supply.
POP OPEN CARDS…
we are truly in the encouragement business. We have been working this past week to get the cards made in Spanish. Hope to have them after the first of the year. Who knows where this ministry will lead us in the future. We still have some for Christmas. Great for stocking stuffers or to give out to the weary sales clerks you meet. Share the good news with people who need the good news.
CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITIES…
1. Christmas Eve Service will be Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 pm. Lots of music.
2. Christmas Day Service with New Life at 9:30 am to be followed by potluck, music, raffle, gifts, etc into the afternoon.
WE CHANGED OUR OFFICE COMPUTER LAST WEEK AND LOST…(2)
all of our email contacts to get this update each week. Please write your email on a communication card today and turn it in with the offering so you can be added back.
NEXT WEEK…
I will finish the series I’ve been doing on the book of 1 John. I want to look at the confidence we have in eternal life and answered prayers according to John. He wanted the church to know that God has everything under His control. Be here next week at 11:00 am for worship.
END OF YEAR DONATIONS…
perhaps you want to make a last donation to Set Free to have it count on your tax deduction for 2011. We need to have all donations into our office by next Friday, December 30 or in the offering next Saturday, December 31 to count for 2011.
