SPOTmail!!

Can you believe it -- our annual January thaw in February!  And just in time for Valentine's Day on Monday, guys.  You better not forget!

But the Greek god of love will not be the subject of our lesson this week.  We'll be discussing the actions of a prophet named Elijah.  Our lesson comes from 1 Kings 18:20 - 19:18.  It's a great story.  You may just want to read it prior to class!

In way of preparation, consider your answers to the following question:  Have you heard it said, ". . . not every hill is worth dying for"? 

This usually is associated with the idea of choosing one's battles wisely.  That would not be too far off from our discussion this week.  Sooner or later, all of us must choose A Hill on Which To Stand.  Come this Sunday and we will see how this lesson answers the question, Do My Decisions Matter? 
 
Peace,
Don

Prayer List 

• Zenobia Perry's surgery planned for Feb. 17
• The Hurt family at the death of Susan's great aunt 

  

Snacks This Week

  

February 13 -- Zenobia Perry

BIG CHILLi Dinner

The SPOTclass will be cooking and serving chili during CSM's Big Chill weekend on Saturday, March 19.  We're currently collecting money  to buy the necessary ingredients.  You'll find the envelope in the SPOTfolder again this week.

If you have a favorite chili recipe, please pass it along.  We'll all team up in the church kitchen to prepare and serve the meal.  We want this to be a treat the kids won't soon forget!

Art of Marriage

Don't forget the Art of Marriage,  a two-day seminar at Concord  Friday and Saturday.  The meeting will be made up of six video sessions and lots of interactive discussion.  The seminar runs 7-9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The cost of the seminar is $45.

CSM Trivia Night

Be sure to mark March 5 on your calendar so you don't miss CSM's annual Trivia Night.  You can sign up for a table ($120 for 8) or just come solo ($15).  As usual, there will be lots of prizes and a great silent auction!

Again this year, the SPOTclass plans to put together a basket or two, so check out some of the basket ideas in the SPOTfolder when it comes around this Sunday.

All proceeds from the Trivia Night support CSM's summer mission trips.

CSM Meeting Sunday

And speaking of summer mission trips, if you have a teenager planning to go on one of those trips, the first planning meeting will be held Sunday in the Rafters after the second service.

Message About Mission Trip Meeting!!!

Hello CSM parents!

This Sunday (2/13) after church (11:45ish) we will be holding a meeting concerning the high school mission trip to South Dakota. In this meeting we will discuss some details of the trip and everything you need to know in order to benefit from the Trivia Night / Silent Auction which will be held on Saturday March 5^th! I know that this is short notice and I truly apologize for dropping the ball…hug? If you have any questions/comments/concerns don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or give me a call. See you Sunday!

Jeremy Proemsey

Student Ministries Pastor

Concord Church

(314) 843-3500

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

 This week we transitioned from our lessons on 'character' to our new study on 'decisions'.  We discussed what goes into making a decision, and the difference between conscious and subconscious decisions. We looked at the process of making a decision, which involves thought (mind), weighing consequences (heart and mind), and action (heart).

What do the following verses tell us about making decisions?

Thoughts:

Pr 14:15

1 Chr 28:9

Mind:

Rm 8:7

Rm 12:2

Rm 14:13

Heart:

Ex 25:2

2 Cor 9:7

Ex 35:21

1 Ki 3:9

Pr 10:8

Pr 16:23

Pr 23:19

Pr 27:19

1 Tim 3:1

Looking at these verses we see a lot goes into decisions we make!

We started our new unit with some biblical context regarding the death of King Solomon, and the transition of power to his son Rehoboam.  His poor decision ended up dividing the kingdom into two nations. He was approached by an assembly of Israelite leaders led by Jeroboam.  They pleaded with Rehoboam to lighten the harsh policies of Solomon.  On bad advice from his young counselors, Rehoboam refused.  The result of this was a rebellion, and the division of the kingdom into two nations.  Jeroboam became king in the Norther Kingdom.  To unify these tribes he built calf -shrines on the northern and soutern boundries.  For his idolatry, God judged Jeroboam, declaring his family would be eliminated from Israel.  In 1 Kings 14:21-31 we find a description of the 17 year reign of Rehoboam in the Southern Kingdom.  He continued the policy of Baal worship in the land.  He was forced to surrender treasures from the temple to the invading king of Egypt.  He also was involved in numerous skirmishes with Jeroboam and the Northern Kingdom.

Anatomy of a Grave Decision -1 Kings 12:3-24

Take Time, When Possible 3-5

Thinks of a time you made a hasty decision  What might have changed hod you taken time to make the decision? In Rehoboam's case, the people wanted an immediate decision, but the King asked them to give him some time.  His example shows a good decision.

Seek Advice 6-8

King Rehoboam asked the people to leave him alone so that he could seek advice. Who do you usually turn to when you face a tough choice?  Rehoboam turned to both elders from Solomon's reign and to young men he grew up with.  What qualities should we seek in those we consult for advice?

Weigh Effects With Great Care 16-21

King Rehoboam refused to heed wise counsel.   This resulted in stricter policies, which caused people to rebel.  It resulted in the stoning of one of his officers, and his own humiliation in a near death experience.  All of Israel was affected by his decision.  How can we avoid making decisions that might harm other people or hinder God's work?  Let God's Word be your guide.  You might no find detailed responses, but God's character is consistent.  By following the guiding principles in Scripture, we can reach the right decision.

Listen to God 22-24

After the people in the Northern Kingdom rebelled against Rehoboam, they chose Jeroboam as king.  Rehoboam attempted to reclaim the nothern tribes.  He responded by listening to God's warning through the prophet, Shemaiaih.

So.  How do we apply good decision-making  principles?

• Take your time.  Avoid snap decisions when possible.
• Seek Godly advice.  Evaluate the pros and cons.
• Make time to listen to God.

SPOT Super Sunday

 

...was just that!  All who came had a great time of fellowship, game-watching...and laughing at commercials!  Many thanks to the LaRowe's for hosting the party. 

Big CHILLi Dinner

The envelope for donations and the sign-up sheet will remain in the SPOT folder up until the week before we have to serve our youth!  On Saturday, March 19th we will then cook and serve a chili dinner at the Big Chill!  What a great way to minister to our kids!

Trivia Night

...is Saturday, March 5th.  Sign up as an individual or as a table and join the fun!  We will also be providing a basket for the silent auction.  What type of basket you ask?  We will have a sheet in the upcoming SPOT folder with some of the choices for you to vote on!  Keep your eyes peeled!  Remember that all proceed go towards our youth mission trips.

Prayer Requests

• Continued prayers for Zenobia.
• Susan's great aunt passed away last week.