UPDATE FROM PASTOR EDDIE - Friday, November 15, 2013
Published: Fri, 11/15/13
Grace House Update from Pastor Eddie
Think About It...
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~ Albert Schweitzer
This Sunday's Sermon
I look forward to sharing with you a simple but powerful truth about living a life that is oriented toward God and grounded in goodness. Before we leave from our time together on Sunday, I pray that each of us will have our core compass pointed toward goodness because this is the way humanity was originally created to live. This teaching will be practical and instructive. Let's continue to grow together. Come and bring a friend. That's a good thing to do!
Women of Grace Events
Let's Go Shopping! Meet us at Grace House on Saturday, November 23, at 8:15 a.m. for a day of fun and fellowship. We'll stop at Starbucks in Athens for coffee and pastries and then go on to Huntsville to shop. We will go to Bridge Street or Park Place Mall, depending on the weather. If possible, let me know ahead of time that you plan to attend. Feel free to email me at mikkilawrence1@gmail.com or tell me at church.
On December 3, we will meet at Grace House at 6:30 p.m. We will eat together and I will share a devotion. Please bring a favorite dish and a Christmas gift for a single mother. We plan to share these gifts with single mothers in our fellowship.
Congrats to New Authors in our Grace House Family
Writing a book can be an arduous task but a great accomplishment. Congratulations to Jim Bevis as he finishes a book that tells the story of his and Anne's life in ministry. It is a treasure chest full of life changing stories. The final proof is being readied for print and we will let you know when it is available. Also, Charlotte Matthews is an author contributor in a book written by Dr. Shirley Holland soon to be released. The book will be a source of healing for many and Charlotte's chapter is especially rich and full of insight. Duane and Melissa Carter also contributed to the book. When these books are ready, we will have let you know and we want you to hear more about them from Jim and Charlotte.
I am so grateful for the way that God is using people in our midst to influence the Kingdom here and around the world. Has he put a dream in your heart to write? Grab a pen or find a PC and take the first step!
Heads Up Students -- 8th to 12th Grade
You are invited to fun time of connecting and mixing at the home of Allison and Brock Fisher on Sunday evening,November 24th. You will have a blast, enjoy the food, and you get to jaw it up with Allison and Brock. We will be getting specific time and directions to you soon.
Remember that November is a Month of Sweetness & Strength
Elder David Clark recently was stirred by the Lord out of a passage in the book of Judges with the result being that we should consider inviting our congregation to set aside time daily for the 30 days of November to have praise and communion. He shared this in detail this Weds. night before last in the service. I believe this is certainly a positive way for us to come together to experience God's presence and wisdom for this season of our lives. So here is what I ask each of you to consider doing:
As Individuals/Families - Consider having communion together each day at home. We will make available to you disposable communion cups and bread. You can buy a small container of grape juice and you will be set for the month.
Just before you partake of communion, spend time just praising and thanking God. Focus on what He has done and what He is doing without asking Him for anything. Just praise and thank Him.
As a Congregation - We will celebrate communion each Sunday throughout the month of November in our Sunday morning service along with times of praise and thanksgiving.
Let's believe together that this special focus will bring greater sweetness and strength to us all.
Remember to Find A Life Group and Jump on Board!
We are so grateful for the togetherness that our life groups are enjoying.
Our Life Groups Ministry is touching lives. I rejoice to hear about how our groups are praying for one another, ministering the Word to one another, going places together, building deep relationships. This is an important part of the family life of belonging to a local congregation.
If you have questions about being in a group or leading a group, just get with Hillard and Charlotte Matthews who lead our Life Groups ministry.
You are now able to view all the options on our new Life Groups website at LIFEGROUPS.INFO
Please check it out!
Life Group Study on Marriage Oneness
Bryan and Melissa Gregg who lead our Couples In Christ Life Group are leading a new series each Weds. night at 6:30 pm. This is a very practical series called MARRIAGE ONENESS and is for all couples or those about to be a couple. Our Couples in Christ class have a lot of fun together but also go deeper together by equipping couples in dealing with real life "stuff" by applying God's Word. This class is conversational and interactive and will be a blessing to you. Come and dive in with this incredible group of couples. Here is more info about the group.
Our Next Grace House Mission Trip -- Looks like late January.
Please be praying for the development of our next mission trip. This team will purposely be a very small team due to the travel schedule and arrangements and assignment.
About nine years ago the Lord really touched me deeply concerning the island nations. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to see the Lord do some amazing things in the Caribbean. We had an awesome time in Trinidad last year and this past April we saw God do a mighty work in Carriacou and Petite Martinque. It looks as if our next trip will be to Barbados with the possibility of island jumping to revisit Trinidad and Carriacou.
There is no doubt that developing a missions heart is one of the greatest things a congregation can do.
A lady was visiting a church one Sunday. The sermon seemed to go on forever, and many in the congregation fell asleep. After the service, she walked up to a very sleepy-looking gentleman, extended her hand in greeting, and said, "Hello, I'm Gladys Dunn." The gentleman replied, "You're not the only one ma'am, I'm glad he's done, too!"
CHECK OUT OUR LIFE GROUPS AND MINISTRIES TO BUILD CONNECTION WITH GOD AND OTHERS
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