Prayer Requests - December 12th

1)  Jeremy & Kimberly - Praise that he is back home (in the reserves now).  Also, be praying for Jeremy as he looks for a job.

2) Donny & Alexis - Pray for their health, and especially little Zeke.  Zeke has been sick all weekend with the flu & strep throat!

3) Abbi & Joel - Pray for Abbi's grandmother, Sally, who is in the hospital.  She is 94 years old, and she just had a pacemaker put in on Saturday night.  Sally is doing well, but needs to gain her strength back.  Pray for that to happen as quickly as possible so that she does not get down. 

4) Erika & Paul - Pray for Erika's dad who is still in the hospital.  Pray for quick recovery and strength - also be praying for her mother, that she will be able to get some rest (she has been staying in the hospital with him), and continue to be healthy.
                         - Pray for Erika's Uncle Edward who has liver cancer.  Pray for the treatments that he is starting to go well, and for the doctors to know exactly how to treat him.

5) Mike & Debra - Pray for their friend Rob Harrast who is in the hospital recovering from major surgery.  Pray for the doctors to have wisdom as to the best treatment for him, and pray that he will get to go home soon.  Also, keep his wife in your prayers as she is caregiving for Rob.

7) Lauren & Adam - Praise - her grandfather's surgery went really well.  Pray for another surgery (teeth implant) that he is having tomorrow to go well.

Prayer Requests - November 28th

1) Several were out not feeling well this morning.
2) Pray for Jessica's Grandmother's health and her sister, Brittany, who has a meeting this week with a record label.
Also, for Tyler as he waits to hear back from a job interview and any decisions they may need to make.
3) Debra's mom as she regains her strength.
4) Those out traveling.

Also, remember that our SS Christmas party is this Saturday.  Let Marie know if you are coming.  Hope to see everyone there!

Prayer Requests

1.  Donny & Alexis - pray for their family as they grieve the loss of her grandfather.

2.  Rob Harrast (Friend of Mike & Debra) - he is suffering from cancer, and he is scheduled for an upcoming surgery.  Pray for a miraculous healing.

3.  Nancy & Bill - Pray for Katie who hasn't been feeling well.  Also, pray for friends of Bill & Nancy's that have started a new church.  One of the church members recently had twins - one of the twins died during birth.  Pray for the baby that is in the hospital to grow strong and healthy.  Pray for the parents of the twins for healing.

4.  Will & Lisseth - Pray for safe travel while in Peru and for the time with her family to be a blessing.

Sunday School Christmas Party

Put it on your calendars! Our Christmas party will be Saturday, December 4th at
the Kitchings' house around 6:00 p.m.

We will be having Taco Soup. Please respond if you can help by bringing tortilla
chips (4 bags), sour cream (2 16oz), cheese (4 cups), appetizers, or desserts.
YUM! Let Marie know through commenting on the blog or through email, if you will be able to attend and what you plan to bring.

We hope everyone can come. We might even have some festive holiday activities!
Remember, socials are a great time to invite new people.

Prayer Requests - November 7th

1.  Lauren - Continue to pray for her grandfather as the doctors try to decide the best course of action.

2.  Paul - Pray for patience and peace as he waits to hear the results from his graduate school exams.

3.  Pray for those in the class seeking jobs.

4.  Alexis - Pray for her family as they deal with the very recent loss of her grandfather.

TWISTING THE TRUTH lesson 4 - November 14th.

The lesson this week is about the twist that tells us that we should blame God for pain and suffering.

The scripture for the lesson is Romans 8:18-28.  This text is very deep and can be difficult. It will certainly apply to all of us. Please read, think about and pray about this scripture before Sunday. 

 

Romans 8:18-28 NIV

Present Suffering and Future Glory
    ¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
   ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
   ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
   ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Twisting the Truth - Lesson 3

Sunday Novemeber 7th will be the third lesson in the series TWISTING THE TRUTH.  Our discussion this week will focus on how the truth gets twisted regarding what the Bible teaches about submitting to human authority.  

Should you always submit? Is it OK to sometimes rebel? Do you feel guilty when you do not submit?  Have you ever rebelled against authority?  

Please read the following scripture from Romans before the lesson
Sunday.

Have a good week and we look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Mike and Debra

Romans chapter:13Submission to Governing Authorities 

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Attention Ladies

Hello Ladies,

We are so excited about starting a Tuesday Evening Bible Study for the ladies in
our Sunday School class, and really for anyone that might be interested. We
really hope that many of you will join to be challenged spiritually and to grow
in closer community. Babies are welcome to come too! Email if you have ANY
questions!!!

Here are the details!

WHAT:
A 6 week Bible Study called When God's People Pray by Jim Cymbala.  You don't
have to buy a book, and we will watch short videos on Bible Study Nights that
are 20 to 30 minutes. They are good videos that prompt discussion. We thought we
would start off with something simple that will hopefully challenge us to allow
prayer to change our lives and to get to know each other better.


WHEN:
We want to start next week, November 2nd. We would finish December 7th. Just in
time for the holidays. This study will also be great because if you have to miss
one week, you won’t be completely lost the next week.  We want to meet at a time
that will allow the most people to come. Either 6:00, 6:30, or 7:00. Let us know
which is best.

We plan to start back up in January, and pick a new Bible Study that is best for
the group.

WHERE:
Well, that is a great question. For the first meeting we would actually like to
meet at the Maxeys.  People in our Sunday School Class live everywhere! Marie
and Abbi's houses are always open, but it might be nice if we took turns hosting so that people get a break from driving.  Meeting in homes feels more personal and comfortable.

Many Blessings,

Abbi  & Marie


(Just leave a message on the blog if you have any questions)

Prayer Requests - October 25th

1.  Kimberly Dobbs – does not have feeling in her legs, making it hard to stand

 

2.  Lauren Kirk’s grandfather – in rehab hospital; making improvement

 

3.  Alexis Hill’s brother, Brett – in the Army and going to Afghanistan; not sure of his salvation

 

4.  Marie Kitchings – still looking for a job; getting discouraged

 

5.  Paul Nelson - recovering from illness.

CONTENTMENT

This week will be the last in the series about character.  The lesson is about contentment.

 

Read and think about the scripture below.  Also let's plan to discuss these two questions.

 

1.  Why are so many people so discontented so much of the time?

 

2.  What is the key to being content?

 

Have a great week.

 

Mike

 

Psalm 103:1-13 NIV (New International Version)

Of David.

    ¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul;
       all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
    ² Praise the LORD, O my soul,
       and forget not all his benefits-
    ³ who forgives all your sins
       and heals all your diseases,
    ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
       and crowns you with love and compassion,
    ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
       so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
    ⁶ The LORD works righteousness
       and justice for all the oppressed.
    ⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
       his deeds to the people of Israel:
    ⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
       slow to anger, abounding in love.
    ⁹ He will not always accuse,
       nor will he harbor his anger forever;
    ¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
       or repay us according to our iniquities.
    ¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
       so great is his love for those who fear him;
    ¹² as far as the east is from the west,
       so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
    ¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
       so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Prayer Requests - October 10

1. Lauren & Adam - (From Lauren) My grandfather, Charles, has been at MCG Hospital in Augusta since Thursday. He has an infection in his blood, his heart beat is way too high, and his prostate is very swollen. He is having more test done on Monday and we should know the exact problem and the treatment he will need tomorrow. Please keep Papa (Charles), gradmother (Joyce), all the doctors and our family in your prayers.


2.  Kimberly - Her husband should be home toward the beginning of November.  Pray for safekeeping until then and safe travel.  Also, pray that the time passes quickly for Kimberly.

3.  Amberly - Had her 6 mo. checkup for her thyroid on Monday.  Pray that there are no signs of recurrence, and that the doctor gives her a clean bill of health.

4.  Reg - Pray for Reg and his whole family as he travels to Emory in Atlanta this week.  Pray for the doctors, and pray for a peace for the family.

Lesson 5: ENDURANCE

This Sunday is the fifth lesson in the series about Character. The topic for October 10th is Endurance. Please read  the following scripture in preparation for our discussion.  I know that all of us have had, are having and/or will have numerous situations to which the scripture applies.

I look forward to seeing you  Sunday.

 

Mike

James 1:2-4 NIV (New International Version)

Trials and Temptations

    ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
¹²Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

October 3rd Prayer Requests

1.  Kimberly - Pray for her little girl that has been sick for awhile and cannot kick the symptoms.

2.  Tyler - Fell off ladder at work - they think he has a broken rib.  Pray for quick healing and that he will be able to go back to work without too much pain.

Lesson 3: CONFIDENCE

This Sunday is the third lesson in the series about Character. The topic for September 26 is Confidence. Please read and think about the following scripture in preparation for our discussion.

 

I look forward to seeing you Saturday and Sunday.

 

Mike

 

Psalm 139:1-14

  ¹ O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

    ² You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.
    ³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.
    ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.
    ⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.
    ⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.
    ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
       Where can I flee from your presence?
    ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there.
    ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
       if I settle on the far side of the sea,
    ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.
    ¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
       and the light become night around me,"
    ¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day,
       for darkness is as light to you.
    ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.
    ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.

September 19 - Prayer Requests

1.  Erika - Pray for her mom who has been dealing with medical problems for several years now.  She has has been suffering from an attach with these problems lately.  Also, pray for Erika's grandmother whose memory is slipping.  Pray that Erika's Mom will be able to handle all that is on her plate (dealing with her illness and her mothers).

2.  Jessica - Pray for her grandmother - she was recently diagnosed with a serious disease.  Pray for her to know how to deal with this news.  Also, pray for Jessica and the rest of her family as they are planning a wedding renewal ceremony for her grandmother and grandfather.  Pray that everything will get worked out and that the grandparents will be in good health to participate in the celebration.
                 - Also, pray for wisdom for Tyler and Jessica as they prayerful decide whether or not they will have another child.

3.  Debra & Mike - Pray for both of their mothers - both are fighting illnesses.

4.  Marie - Praise that she is having several job interviews.  Pray for those to go well and for a positive outcome to be seen in the near future.

5.  Corey & Brittany - Pray for wisdom as Brittany goes through interviews to decide where she will go to school, and help them have a peace in the decision making process.

6.  Emily & Joe - Pray for them as they schedule their upcoming move.  Pray that the move goes as smoothly as possible on all fronts including their 2 year old son handling it well, getting themselves and their possessions to their new town, and that they are able to find a house.

7.  Janet & Lane - Pray for the new baby, Elijah, and for the rest of the family as they go through this adjustment period.

8.  Will & Lisseth - Pray for their son Daniel who has been sick a lot lately.

Also, remember our Sunday School social this Saturday evening (25th) at the Maxey's.  We will start at 5 PM.  The UGA/Miss St  kickoff is 7 PM.  You are invited to stay as long as you can. 

Email Mike or Debra if you have any questions.  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Prayer Requests

Sorry I didn't get these posted earlier this week!  Here are the prayer requests.

1) Traveling safety for Mike and Debra.  They are taking two cars so watch over both of them as they drive.
2) Janet and Lane's baby due any day.

3) Abbi and Joel as they are traveling back home.

4) Joe and Emiley as they are waiting to find out where they will be stationed.

5) Mare as she continues to search for a job to find one soon and not get discouraged.

6) Cami's mother, Ann Queen, who has lung cancer.

7) For our entire class.

We will be starting a new series next week.

August 29th - Prayer Requests

1.  Matt & Amberly - Amberly's grandfather died last week.  Pray for the family as they deal with this loss.

2.  Bill & Nancy - Their daughter Katy was in a car wreck.  Thankfully, she is fine, but she is going to have the doctor check out her ACL.  Pray that everything is ok with her ACL.  Also, be praying for her to find a car to replace the one she lost in the accident.

3.  Lane & Janet - Janet is due on September 5th.  Pray for a smooth next few days and that the delivery goes smoothly.

4.  Joe & Emily - Pray for them to have a peace about decisions they are trying to make. 

"Why Worry?"

Matthew 6:25-34    Do Not Worry

    ²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
    ²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This is a subject that we all struggle with.  Here are some of the topics we will spend time discussing in class.
     1.  In the scripture passage Jesus gave specific reasons why we can live without worry dominating our lives.  Why does Jesus say we can live a worry free life?
     2.  Have  you experienced times when your faith in God reduced or removed worry in your lives?
     3.  How have you seen God meet your needs over the past year? What is a serious need you have in your life right now? Is it a struggle to trust God to meet that need?

  I look forward to us analyzing the scripture and discussing its application in our lives.  Let's make sure we take time to pray for each other this week.

Mike

Lunch Out

We will be eating lunch out as a group this Sunday (Sep. 29th).  We are going to go to Jason's Deli right after church.

Hope everyone can make it!

Lesson 5: An Audience of One - August 29, 2010

Jesus calls for us to live for an audience of one. All we do should be to please God and not the people around us.  The scripture for the lesson is Matthew 6:1-18.  Some questions to think about are after the scripture below.

Giving to the Needy

1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer

5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ' 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting

16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

 

Things to think about.

1.  What are some areas or situations in which believers tend to perform for others rather than for God?

2.  There are consequences if we live our lives for people rather than for God.  What might they be?

3.  If our motivation is to please God rather than people,  what rewards (in the scripture above) do you think Jesus is talking about?

4.  Can you think of a time that you had such a meaningful personal encounter with God that it made you want to do everything for him?

5.  What are ways that we could open ourselves to having this type of very meaningful encounter with God?

6.  What is your motivation for doing what you do?  What would you do or do differently if only God was watching?

Continue each week to read Matthew chapters 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount). I look forward to seeing you Sunday........  Mike

Upcoming Events

August 29th Lunch after church and Sept. 25  Tailgate Party at the Maxey's.

We will decide where we will go for lunch in Sunday School this week.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Prayer Request - August 15th

1.  Abbi - Pray for Michael and Karyn Brown in their pursuit to adopt a child from Nepal.  See this blog for more details - http://www.newbrownchild.blogspot.com/

2.  Chris Weldon and his wife are home safely from China with their new child.  Pray for this transition period to go smoothly.

3.  Clay - Pray for his mom to have a safe and enjoyable trip (on a cruise to Hawaii).

4.  Happy birthday to Bill (August 15th).  Also, pray for Bill & Nancy's friend Diane who is dealing with cancer.  The doctors do not think there are any more treatments to try.  Pray for the family as they deal with this difficult time.

5.  Kimberly Dobbs - Pray for safety for her husband, Jeremy, who is stationed overseas.

6.  Continue to pray for those that are searching for jobs in the class.

Praer Requests - August 8th

1) Janet and Lane's baby is due soon!
2) Emily and Joe concerning big decisions they need to make concerning their future, as well as, family visiting.
3) Praise that Jessica and Tyler got their car fixed and that they can now find a new one.
4) Pray for those traveling.
5) As always let's pray for our class and reaching out to new members. It was great to have Kimberly visit with us this morning. She is due in Oct./Nov.  Her husband is away with the Air Force.
6) Pray for those who serve our country and their families.
7)  Joel and Abbi to feel better.
8) Joel has two big tests this week.

Immediate Prayer Request

Update:

“Beryl is out of surgery. Doctor was able to get a liter of accumulated blood and fluid out. She will stay on respirator in ICU until tomorrow and then will see how she is.”

Please continue to pray for Beryl and her family.

Please pray for Beryl Richards (Bro. Bill’s assistant) – she is going back into surgery as I send this to remove fluid from her lungs. She is very weak and her daughter is very concerned. I will send updates as we hear. She may have to be put back into ICU after surgery. 

Debra

Lesson 2

Developing A Heart Of Faith

The Fulfillment of the Law  (Matthew 5:17-20)

    ¹⁷"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

This week we will discuss Righteousness and the standard for entering Heaven. Please think about these questions.
1.  How would you feel about God if he set an unreachable prerequisite for entering Heaven>
2.  What did Jesus mean in the scripture when he said the "Law or the Prophets?"  How did he fulfill them?
3.  Is it possible for us to have righteousness greater than the religious superstars of Jesus day?
4.  Do we ever get focused on religious teachings and doctrines rather than following Jesus and loving others?
5.  When God looks at our church and at us, does he see hearts that are hard or hearts that are tender toward God and others?

Try to read Matthew chapters 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount) again this week.

Have a great week.
Mike

July 25 - Prayer Requests

1.  Most of the class will be traveling this weekend.  Pray for safe travel.

2.  Erika - Pray for her cousin that is having her 4th child this Thursday.

3.  Debra - Pray for her sister Dinah.  She had a biopsy on Thursday and is waiting to hear the results.  Pray for the cancer to be benign.

4.  Pray for Sam who is leaving for training and will then go on to his mission destination.

5.  Mike - Pray for Mr. Crawford who is very ill and is not expected to live for very much longer.  Pray for the family as they deal with this loss.

Hang on for Heaven

The scripture passage for the July 25 lesson is Mathew 5:10-12.  It reads as follows in the New International Version (NIV).

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice  and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Here are a few questions to think about for the lesson this week.

     1.  Blessed means "truly happy."  How can the persecuted be truly happy?

     2.  How does the hope of Heaven impact the way you live your life today?

     3.  Jesus told that we will pay a price for following him. How are followers of Christ persecuted today?

     4.  When the persecution does come, how do we stand firm and not cave in?

     5.  How do you think you would respond to a life-threatening, full scale persecution of Christians?

     6.  How can we help each other to grow in our commitment to live for Jesus no matter what we may face?

I look forward to our discussion of this topic Sunday.  As always, pray for each other.  I hope to see you Saturday night and Sunday.

Mike

July 18 - Prayer Requests

1.  Praise - Mike and Jim are back from the mission trip safely

2.  Pray for the Weldon family - on their way to China to adopt

3.  Ms. Richards - heart surgery this week

4.  Youth pastor - Pat and his wife are expecting their baby this week

5.  Kip & Rachel - getting settled into their new place

6.  Job opportunities and interviews for several in class

New Series

In the next series of lessons we will be talking about being truly committed to Christ.  We will study and discuss how to develop a deeper devotion to Christ.

The lessons will be based on selected passages from the Sermon on the Mount.  Please try each week to read and think about the lessons Jesus taught in Matthew chapters 5-7.

This Sunday's lesson will help prepare us to launch into the series described above.  This Sunday we will talk about the Sermon on the Mount and certain other teachings of Jesus.  In addition to reading Matthew chapters 5-7 also read John 14:2-5.

I hope you are having a great week. Let's remember each day to pray for those in our class.

Mike

Prayer Requests - July 10

1.  Jessica - pray for her friend Lauren, she is waiting to hear results from the doctors about her lymph nodes.  Also, be praying for Tyler who is ill with strep throat.  Remember Jessica as she works with the guard at camp over the next week or so.  Pray that the heat will be bearable and that everyone will stay hydrated.

2.  Ericka - praise: her friend gave birth to a healthy baby.  Request: for business to pick up and start bringing in more money.

3.  Bill - His friend, Stan, a pastor, found out that he has cancer.  It seems that there are no treatments, and he is only in his late 40s.  Pray for the family and the doctors to know how to deal with this new discovery.

4.  Debra - her sister, Dinah, has a re-occurrence of breast cancer.

5.  Kip - he has found some new job openings to apply for in the area they will be living.  Pray that something will work out and be a great opportunity.  Also, pray for their upcoming move on July 19th.

6.  Marie - has a job interview on Friday.  Pray that it will go well, and that all of her hard work will come to fruition.

High School Mission Trip

Below is the link to the website where the high school mission trip will be updated.  We can follow the progress of the mission trip to Snoqualmie, WA using this site.

Remember to pray from Mike and Jim as they are helping with this mission.

http://www.collisiononmission.com/

Jim in one of the bedrooms on mission

July 4th - Prayer Requests

1.  Rachel and Kip moving sooner than expected. Pray that all the moving details work out smoothly.

2.  Praise for Kip getting baptized next Sunday and the testimony it will be to many.

3.  Pray for class members looking for jobs.

4.  Pray for Erika's friend and her pregnancy.

5.  Pray for Mike, Jim, and others on the mission trip.

6.  Pray for Jim's ear and jaw pain to get better.

**Remember our upcoming class social on July 24th at Paul and Erika's house.

Directions:
We live in a new neighborhood so it does not show up on Mapquest of GPS.  It is really easy to find....
If you are at church take a right on to HWY 78 and go about 3 miles.  Our neighborhood is on the right hand side.  It is called Creekside Manor (Power Brick Supply and Hertz Rental are across HWY 78 on the left had side).

Come into Creekside Manor and take a left.  The first street to the right is Holly Springs Court.  We are the first house on the left #605.  We have a fence around our back yard

Erika & Paul's house
605 Holly Springs Ct
Bogart, GA 30622

Erika's # 706.202.6858 and Paul's # 704.941.4437

Update from Krista & Shannon

We just wanted to touch base and let you know we are BOTH now safe and sound in Montana.  I (Krista) surprised Shannon and flew out to Mississippi to meet up with him at his parents' house and keep him company during his drive out west.  At first he wasn't sure if he could fit me in the very full truck, but he moved some things around and made room.  We prayed a lot about the truck and trailer (both were PACKED, and we had lots of mountains and hills to cover).  God heard our prayers and got both of us and all of our stuff out here safely.

Our new address is:
420 N. Pacific St.
Dillon, MT  59725
Emails and phone numbers are the same for now. 

We are slowly unpacking and settling into our rental house.  Shannon leaves for guide school on July 3rd, and will be gone until the 31st.  Please pray that God will open doors for work for him after the class.  I am working in the summer program with the kids from the high school, but I only work two days each week for the summer.  I am really beginning to get close to some of the kids, so please pray that God will show me ways in which to show His love without breaking any rules or policies.

I am sending along just a few pictures of the area around the town where we live.  I don't remember if I told you - we can see mountains with snow from the windows of our house.  The last of these pictures shows a view of a town sort of in the valley of the mountains - this is Dillon, where we live.

Tell everyone in class we said hello.  We are still praying about finding a church.  There is one that I have been visiting for a few weeks - it seems nice, but I am not sure yet if it is where God wants us.

Take care!

Krista and Shannon Maness

Reading for Sunday

"IT TAKES THREE"
1 Peter 5:5-7

This week is session 5 of the iMarriage lessons.  The lesson this week is based on 1 Peter 5:5-7.

To help prepare for the lesson please read, study and pray about this passage. Think about humility and pride and how they relate to i and I.  Think about how  humility and pride affect our relationships with God and our spouse. How does a humble or proud attitude affect God's willingness to help us? How does all this tie into i or I in a marriage?

Have a great week!
Mike

June 20 - Prayer Requests

1.  Jim (Mike & Debra's son) - Working C-3 Camp this week.  Also continue to pray for Mike & Jim's upcoming trip to Seattle (July 1).  Pray that both Jim and Mike are well (over their illness) when it is time to leave.
2.  Devin - Pray for Greg who has paralysis in one of his eyes due to a build up of pressure.  He also just found out that he is diabetic.
3.  Josh (Bill & Nancy's son) - Pray for mission trip in Arizona.

Upcoming Events:
Cookout on July 24th at 6:00 p.m. at Paul & Erika's.  Directions and more information to follow.

June 13 - Prayer Requests

Requests:
1.  Continue to pray for those in our class that are seeking jobs.
2.  Pray for Mike's upcoming trip to Washington state.  Also pray that it goes smoothly as he will have Jim along for the two week trip.
3.  Continue to pray for Paul as he recovers from surgery.  Also pray that the insurance issues will work out quickly and easily over the lightning striking the house incident.

Praises:
1.  Joel found out that he will be funded through a research grant this upcoming school year.
2.  Rachel found out that she passed her nursing board exams!

If something comes up during the week that you would like everyone know you can either write a comment on one of the posts or feel free to email me and ask for it to be posted.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Sunday School Social

Thanks to Bill and Nancy for having us all out.  I think everyone had a good time visiting.  Here are a few pictures I took just to capture those who attended!  Sorry that they are a little off color...I should have used the flash!  At least we can remember the evening.

June 6th Prayer Requests

1. Paul & Erika - Pray that all of the things effected by the lighting strike will be able to get fixed quickly.  Continue to pray for Paul in his recovery.
Praise: Paul has been named head wrestling coach - pray for him to be able to coach without too much trouble while he continues to recover.

2.  Will & Lisseth- recovering from illness

3.  Pray for the new marriages in our SS class: Carly & Kenny and Anna & Steven

4.  Tyler -  Hurt his pinky toe when he was trying to leave a room quickly.  Pray that it heals quickly and does so without too much pain.

5.  Joel - His right eye has been red and hurting since Friday.  He went to the eye doctor today, and they said it was inflamed.  Pray that the inflammation will subside quickly.

Devotion for this week:

Read Ephesians 5:21-22,25.

Class Social - BBQ

I just wanted to post a reminder about the email that was sent out regarding the upcoming class social.  The plan is to get together on Saturday, June 12th at the Harvill's house around 6:00 p.m. 

We will be having BBQ sandwiches.  In the email, Nancy asked if we would help by bringing either: baked beans, chips and dip, or dessert.  Let Nancy know through the comments on the blog or through email if you will be able to attend and what you plan to bring.

Directions to the Harvill's house will be sent out closer to the social date.  We hope everyone can make it!  This would be a great time to invite some SS class prospects.  Also, kids are welcome to come. We will just need a head count so there will be enough BBQ. 

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Week 2 - Great Expectations Study

WHEN EXPECTATIONS COLLIDE

See the blog below for information about last weeks lesson, GREAT EXPECTATIONS.  This weeks lesson is WHEN EXPECTATIONS COLLIDE.  Expectations over time will transform a marriage from a covenant relationship to a debt/debtor relationship. That results in us feeling like our spouse owes us. We will look into this topic with the video and our discussion.

Please read the devotionals below on the blog from First Peter. Think about the questions and the scripture.  This will help you prepare for the lesson.  In addition to those questions here are two other questions for you to think about and/or discuss with your spouse before Sunday.

1.   Expectations create a debt/debtor relationship in marriage. It becomes about what your spouse "owes" you. What do you feel that your spouse owes you?

2.  How do expectations prevent unconditional love from being expressed?

Please pray for our class as we go through these lessons about our marriages.

Devotions for the week of May 31st

Daily Devotions:

Day One:
Read 1 Peter 2:21-3:1.  What kind of example did Christ leave for us in how to love others?  Today, focus on emulating Christ's example of unconditional love, even in the face of hostility.

Day Two:
Read 1 Peter 3:1.  In the same way that Christ expressed His love by submitting Himself, so wives are to express their love to submitting themselves to their husbands.  How do expectations get in the way of fulfilling this command?  As you go through the day, think about the expectations you place on your spouse.

Day Three:
Read 1 Peter 3:1-2.  When you submit to someone else, you gain favor in his or her eyes.  How about when you place expectations on others?  What kind of response does this elicit?  Focus today on how people react to the weight of expectations that are placed on them?

Day Four:
Read 1 Peter 3:7.  In the same way that wives are to submit to their husbands, husbands are to be considerate and respectful toward their wives.  One sign that we are placing expectations on our spouse is that we stop serving our spouse.  As you go through the day, take note of how considerate you are of your spouse.

Day Five:
Read 1 Peter 3:7.  How does your relationship with your spouse impact your relationship with God?  As you go through the day, pray that God would make you aware of the expectations you are placing on your spouse.

May 30th Prayer Requests

Praises:
    1) Carly and Kenny are happily married!
    2) Jessica's aunt's tumor could not be found by doctor.  Follow up surgery this Friday.

Requests:
    1) Paul's continued recovery to go smoothly and quickly
    2) Anna and Steven getting married this coming Saturday.
    3) Lindsey's great-aunt attacked by dogs and had to have brain surgery, but she is doing fine
    4) Clay and Marie traveling
    5) Janet and kids traveling to Tennessee
    6) Pray for our new IMarriage lessons.

In the next post, I will put up the devotions for this week in our new Sunday School study.  Hope everyone is doing well.

New Sunday School Study - Starting May 30th

Below is a description from Mike about our new upcoming study.

   GREAT EXPECTATIONS

We are starting a new series of lessons this week about marriage.  The name of  the lesson this week is “GREAT EXPECTATIONS”.  We all approach marriage and during marriage have expectations of what our marriage should be like.  During this series we will discuss dealing with and transforming those expectations.

Christ gave us the example of how to love others.  What are the characteristics of the kind of love that Christ demonstrated?  Read 1 Peter 2:21-25.  You will probably also think of other scriptures that illustrate this point.

Another  concept  that will be used in these lessons about marriage is covenant. Our goal is to have a covenant marriage.  What is a covenant?  What is the nature of  a covenant? Again Christ is the example. Take a look at these passages.  Mark 14:24;  Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24.  Again, you will thnk of others.

Many things shape our expectations about marriage. For example TV, books, our parents marriage or other marriages affect our expectations.  How have these and other factors created expectations or things you wanted to avoid in your marriage?

Here is one other thing to think about before class. Have you ever been in a relationship where you just could not meet expectations placed upon you?  This could happen with your employer , a friend , spouse, a parent, or others.  How did this affect the relationship.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. This will be a meaningful series of lessons for all of us.

Updates on Last Week's Prayer Requests

1. Paul is still having some pain and taking some pain medicine. His right arm is bound and he cannot use it. Erika has been taking him to and from work each day. That is a 2 hour round trip in morning and afternoon. She has to work on top of the driving.

2. Jessica has been sick with reoccuring sinus infections.

Also, they are still having car trouble (May 2nd prayer requests). However, now need to have the cooling system in their other car replaced too.
Jessica asked for the following: If you know of any mechanic that would be able to help us out please let us know.

3. Will & Lisseth's child has bronchitis. Pray for a quick recovery.

I hope everyone is doing well this week. Stay dry on this rainy day! See y'all Sunday.

May 16th - Prayer Requests

1) Continue to pray for Paul as he is getting over surgery. That he will soon be feeling better and can return to work.
2) Amberly and Matt's son, Landon, has strep throat.
3) Will and Lisseth's child, Daniel, was running a fever this morning.
UPDATE:  Daniel has bronchitis, pray for quick recovery.
4) Joel has been sick since last Monday and is still not feeling well.  Pray that he will feel better soon and be able to enjoy some of his break before summer school starts. 
5) Mike's hand has been hurting.
6) Josh and Brittany will be moving this coming Saturday.
7)  Several are job hunting. Pray that God will provide!  Several are waiting to hear back from job interviews.
8) Mona, a Muslim girl, that Kip had the opportunity to witness to.
9)In a few weeks, we will be starting a new marriage series.  "I Marriage"  Pray that this will be a great opportunity to strengthen our relationships.

As always invite any prospects to our class.  We are always looking for new class members.

May 8th - Prayer Requests

Here are the prayer requests from yesterday:

1) Josh and Brittany's moving plans,  Praise for Josh finding a job
2) Paul's Surgery on Wednesday
3) Erika's grandmother having surgery on Monday morning at ARMC
4) Mike's continued knee recovery

Also, we have several upcoming events:

1) As a class, we are going to lunch after church next Sunday at McAlister's Deli
2) Bring canned goods and place in the trailer at the front entrance next Sunday morning
3) Cook out planned tentatively for the end of June. Details to come later.

Upcoming Events

The class is planning to go out as a group for lunch on May 16th.  We still have not decided on a restaurant, so if you have a suggestion please leave a comment with the name of the restaurant.  Hopefully, we can come to a consensus over the next couple of weeks as to where we would like to eat.

May 2nd Prayer Requests

Here are the prayer requests from this morning:

1.  Mike - Pray for his rehabilitation after knee surgery
2.  Debra - Recuperating from illness
3.  Katie (Bill & Nancy's Daughter) - Recovering from strep throat
4.  Brittany & Joshua - Pray for their moving plans (time is coming quickly) & a praise that Joshua found a job in Kentucky
      UPDATE:  Be praying for Josh's grandmother and her house - Kentucky has been experiencing heavy rain and flooding. Josh got a call from his mom this morning that his grandmother's basement had 3 feet of water in it last night.  Also, this could effect living arrangements for Josh and Brittany.

5.  Paul - Pray for his upcoming surgery, on Friday.  Pray that the surgery will go smoothly and that their insurance will cover the procedure.
6.  Joel - Pray for Joel and all others in school for the exams that they will be taking this week.
7.  Shannon - Pray for safe travels in the following weeks; packing up and preparing to move to Montana.  Also, continue to pray for Krista as she adjusts to life and her new job in Montana.
8.  Tyler & Jessica - Pray that their car troubles would be a simple fix and nothing major.

Welcome!

Hi Y'all,

Welcome to the new class blog.  I hope that this will work well for us and help us keep up with prayer requests and other events that will be happening.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you ever want me to post a prayer request or update during the week.  You can also add updates for the rest of the class to read by posting comments under the appropriate post.

Thanks, Abbi