This Sunday morning we will be week 2 in the new series entitled, "RIPPED OFF BY RELIGION."  The response from last week's message was very encouraging with testimonies continuing to come in of how God spoke and is using these wonderful truths in lives. This Sunday, we will be looking at some GRACE-BUSTERS....those things that hinder us from living in the grace of God. Come ready to receive and bring a friend with you.

Please check out the OUT OF THE BOX conference for children and parents this weekend, Oct. 5-6. This is like a revival for the family.

Our own worship pastor, Andrew Lawrence, is playing lead guitar for Michael O'brien this weekend in Roanoke, VA at an eWomen event there. We celebrate with Andrew as he has the opportunity to use his gifts at this event where thousands of women are gathered to go after Jesus' heart. 

*Mikki ministering in Haleyville last Saturday and the Lord moved wonderfully upon the hearts of women gathered from around the city. 

Our preteen girls have scheduled an Ice Skating event for Friday, Oct. 12.  The Point Mallard rink is open to the public from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2.  Allison Fisher is asking one or two other parents to volunteer to drive.  We will ask for $3/student for gas for the drivers.  This will total $11 per person.  Plus we'll stop at a fast food restaurant on the way back for a quick snack, so students need to bring extra money for food.  

Preteens will begin practice for the Human Video on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 21st at 2 pm.  

Allison Fisher leads this awesome group of young ladies each Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. 

Rooted  in Christ
Ephesians 3:16-18

In less than a month, we will be given the opportunity to vote in the Presidential election. As citizens of this blessed nation, it is important that we exercise our right to vote. Please be in prayer, seek God's guidance, become informed on what the candidates believe and support, and then use the "vote" you have been given to help guide our nation forward. To fail to vote is to forfeit your voice. If you have not registered to vote, then do so as soon as possible.

I am excited to introduce someone new to our fellowship, Pastor Stan Tyra. Stan lives in Rogers, Ark. where he pastors Revolution Church. We met on the retreat I attended in N.C. back in August. He was also one of the four of us that was in the UTV accident and he is recovering well. I know you will love his heart and spirit as he comes and ministers to us on Sunday morning, Nov, 18th. 

The Church was never called to be moral policemen always looking for what is wrong and administering condemnation. We were called to be salt and light by lifting up the purity and glory of Jesus now made available to sinners through the amazing grace of God as it flows out of the redemption secured by Christ. We were called to love with God's love that never fails. We were called to extend the mer cy that we ourselves have received. We were called to grow in awareness of who we are in Christ and then be like him to all people to the extent that the religiously self-righteous look at us and call us "friends of sinners." And....when they do, we respond with the same grace and love. This is not to be considered radical but normal Christianity.

I am so proud to be a part of such a welcoming, accepting, and grace giving congregation. I constantly have people sharing with me how loved they feel when they attend our services. As your pastor, I commend you on making room in your heart for whomever walks through the doors. It matters when you let people know they matter. The culture that the Holy Spirit is producing in our midst is one of love and honor. The ground is level at the foot of the cross and the throne room of God has room for us all. We are family. We have been called together as one. In addition, Father is giving us the privilege to join hearts with our ARK family as well. In this sense, we are doubly blessed. God is up to something and it is good