SPOTmail Update!!!!

SPOTmail

Marking The SPOT

In retrospect, I should have called last week's lesson "Great Expectations". I often reflect on God's love, his mercy and grace. I, too, often need to rely upon his forgiveness. But his expectations for me are something I did not give much thought to until preparing for last week. Great Expectations -- Lord, help me to live up to them.

As for this Sunday; we are introduced to an unique writing style Mark uses. Here's a clue -- what do you have when you put something between two pieces of bread? And secondly, Mark forces us to look at the topic of family with a different perspective. In preparation -- you will want to read chapter 3, starting with verse 7.

In closing, I must say, "Sorry, Brooks about your football Cardinals and Rusty for the Cowboys." Who now shall we cheer for? If you remind me, I'll tell you about a man from Louisiana who died and went to hell. You might get a chuckle out of the rest of the story.

C U Sunday,
Don

Super Bowl Sunday Activities

A lot of activities are planned for Super Sunday, February 7, not the least of which is a CSM Parent Meeting right after second hour in the Rafters. Sarah and Jeremy promise you'll home in time for the kickoff, since it's at 5:18 p.m.

CSM "Flag" (yea, right!) Football! This is for anyone in the church, not just students! Please bring your lunch, not your years of pent-up frustrations after being cut from the high school football team.

And you won't want to be late for that first play of the real Super Bowl as SPOTclass members (and associates) gather at the LaRowes to watch the game and root for whoever is left. We'll just hope for a good game and an uneventful halftime show with no dysfunctional costumes. More details and maps will be coming soon!

Be sure to sign up this Sunday (or send your plans to the class blog) so we know who's bringing what. There will be plenty to eat and drink (weight watchers take the day off) and I suspect we may see a super-sized bottle of root beer.

CSM Update

Currently on Wednesday nights, students are learning about what worship truly is.
(Romans 12:1-2).
In Sunday morning Bible study:
- 6th-7th grades: The book of John (Sarah Proemsey at 10:30)
- 8th-10th grades: the book of Luke (Jeremy Proemsey at 10:30)
- 11th-12th grades: the book of Matthew (Mike Mayfield at 9:00)

Snacks Makers

January 24 -- Ginger LaRowe
Janaury 31 -- Jeanette Stubbs

Tips on Canoes; Pitching a Tent

SPOTclass is having its second annual camping trip on June 11-13. This year the trip will be at Bennett Springs State Park with camping and accommodations at Lottie’s Rustic Retreat (about 4 miles from the park entrance).

Kevin Hurt promises you won't be bored. There's:

1) Trout fishing
2) Bait and lure fishing in the pond at Lottie’s
3) Swimming
4) Hiking
5) Canoeing
6) Outlet malling (of our wallets)
7) Horseshoes and washers
8) Campfire
9) …many other fun things!

Lottie’s has both a cabin that will sleep 10 (6 in actual bedrooms!). It has a full kitchen, HDTV with movies, a large “party” deck, a smoker and two bar-b-que pits, as well as a well-stocked fishing pond. It has two bathrooms and one shower. It is a private location…so it will be all ours!!!! The indoor rooms will be first-come, first-served, just to be fair! All others will camp on the grounds (we have quite a few extra tents and supplies for those that might need it).

Rates are as follows:
In cabin lodging: $12.50 per person per night
Tents: $2.50 per person per night
Electric hook-up for campers (only one): $5 per night in addition to the tent per-person fee.

We will work out meal details as the date gets closer. In order to get group rates, this year we will need a small deposit for both camping and canoeing. Next week we will send around a sign-up sheet so that we know how many will be attending (and canoeing!). This will give us the ability to negotiate canoe rates!

Prayer Requests

- Jeff Bradshaw's friend and co-worker, Ken, had a biopsy on his prostate last week. Please pray for good results.
- The drama ministry, which will be meeting again starting next week under the temporary leadership of Dani.
- Safety in our work environments, given people being laid off and reacting negatively.
- Dani's brother-in-law Jack, that his interview goes well...and a "silent" prayer request for his parents.
- Prayers for Rich Conrad and his upcoming assignment abroad.

For more SPOTnews and late-breaking prayer requests, be sure to check the SPOTblog at www.spotsspot.blogspot.com

Sunday Update!!!!

Lesson Recap

Today we read more in Mark as part of Don's "Marks of Discipleship" series.  Today's lesson asked what Jesus' call means to me, and was designed to help us identify and accept His expectations of how to live as believers.

We read Mark 2:1-12 where Jesus heals a paralytic.

We read Mark 2: 13-17 when Jesus called Levi (Matthew).

We read Mark 2: 18-22 where Jesus was questioned about fasting.

We finished up reading about the Lord of the Sabbath in Mark 2:23-3:6.

1) When we accept the call of Jesus, He then wants us to provide opportunities for other unbelievers to hear and respond to his call.

2)  When we accept the call of Jesus, we then have reason to live with a new attitude that is characterized by joy!

3)  When we accept the call of Jesus, we then will give attention to doing good, including meeting peoples needs.

Super Bowl Party

The Super Bowl Party is going to be held at the LaRowe's home on February 7th. We passed the sign-up sheet around today, and will do so next week...so there is still time to sign up!  You can also email your RSVP to spotspot@gmx.com, along with the appetizer you will bring!!

Camping Trip Details Are Out!!!

You can find ALL the details on the blog post prior to this one!!!

Prayer Requests

- Jeff Bradshaw's friend and co-worker, Ken, had a biopsy on his prstrate last week.  Please pray for good results.

- Pray for the drama ministry, which will be meeting again starting next week under the temporary leadership of Dani.

- Pray for safety in our work environments, given people being laid off reacting negatively.

-Please pray for Dani's brother-in-law Jack, that his interview goes well...and a "silent" prayer request for his parents.

- Prayers for Rich Conrad and his upcoming assignment abroad.   

Some Camping Trip Details!!!

As you may have heard, the SPOT class is having its annual camping trip on June 11-13th. This year the trip will be at Bennett Spring State park with camping and accommodations at Lottie’s Rustic Retreat, about 4 miles from the entrance to the park. Here are a few of the things to do in the area over the weekend:

1) Trout fishing
2) Bait and Lure fishing in the pond at Lottie’s.
3) Swimming
4) Hiking
5) Canoeing
6) Outlet mall!!
7) Horseshoes and washers
8) Campfire
9) …many other fun things!



Lottie’s has both a cabin that will sleep 10 (6 in actual bedrooms!). It has a full kitchen, HDTV with movies, a large “party” deck, a smoker and two bar-b-que pits, as well as a well stocked fishing pond. It has two bathrooms and one shower. It is a private location…so it will be all ours!!!! The indoor rooms will be first come, first served just to be fair! All others will camp on the grounds (we have quite a few extra tents and supplies for those that might need it!)

Rates are as follows:
In cabin lodging: $12.50 per person per night
Tents: $2.50 per person per night
Electric Hook-up for campers (there is 1): $5 per night in addition to the tent per-person fee.

We will work out meal details as the date gets closer. In order to get group rates, this year we will need a small deposit for both camping and canoeing. Next week we will send around a sign-up sheet so that we know how many will be attending (and canoeing!). This will give us the ability to negotiate canoe rates!

SPOTmail Update!!!!

SPOTlunch at Breadco

Just a reminder that this Sunday is SPOTlunch at the St. Louis Bread Co. restaurant at Tesson Ferry and Kennerly roads (across from St. Anthony's Hospital). We'll try to score one of the bigger tables so adults can sit together and we also hope to have a separate kids table.

SUPER Bowl SPOTparty

Kurt Warner tries to takes his Arizona (it still doesn't sound right) Cardinals to the next round of the playoffs Saturday. We're all (well, except some unnamed Cowboy fans) hoping to watch Kurt at the SPOTclass Super Bowl party February 7 at the LaRowes.

The festivities begin about 5 p.m. just in time for the opening kickoff. We're looking forward to some really awesome (teenager speak) appetizers to enjoy while Don Robbins and the rest of the class watch the game.

Be sure to sign up and let us know you're coming (assuming we remember to put a sign-up sheet in the SPOTfolder).

Prayer Request

Please keep Kevin's nephew Jordan in your prayers. He's in the hospital with an infected cat bite. He was rolling over in bed, onto the cat, and it bit him. His finger and hand are very swollen and infected. He's on IV antibiotics, and a plastic surgeon is going to see him today and decide if he needs surgery to help drain the infection.

Sunday Update!!!!

Lesson Summary

Who knew so much about the writer of the book of Mark, John Mark?

In the first chapter of Mark, we learned about the ways that he introduced us to Jesus -- God's Christ.
• First he showed us Jesus' power over evil through his 40 days in the wilderness.
• When he cast out the demons in a possessed man, we learned that even Satan accepted him as the Son of God.
• Jesus praying demonstrates that while he is fully God, he is also fully man and needs to communicate to the Father through prayer, just as we do.
• Jesus tells us in verse 39 that he came to preach, but it was his miracles the people wanted to see when Jesus arrived in their towns.
• Mark concludes that we all need Jesus for one of four reasons:
     o Salvation
     o His leadership in our lives
     o Freedom from Satan's power, or to
     o Enable us to serve others

Prayer Requests

• Wisdom for the doctors in diagnosing Kevin Hurt's illness and wisdom for Kevin and Susan as they try to sort out the sometimes conflicting conclusions the doctors share with them.
• Keith Garner, distantly related to class member Mike Smith, who survived two gunshot wounds in the ABB shooting last week.
• Andrew Conrad is seeking explanation for recent asthma attacks at his new home in Orlando.
• Help for all those seeking work at this time
     o Zach Hazelhorst (Dani Cotter's son) looking for a job at school that works with his classes

Big Chill Early Bird Deadline.

This Sunday, January 17, is the Early Bird deadline for your teenager's $50 deposit for Big Chill. Early registration will save your family $15 of the overall cost. Big Chill is scheduled for February 19-21 at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL. For more information, contact Jeremy Preomsey at (314) 843-3500 or jeremy@concordlife.com.

SPOTlunch

Next week (January 17) at St. Louis Bread Co. across from St. Anthony's Hospital. Don't miss it!

Super Bowl Party

Was it divine intervention or is Kurt Warner just that good? Either way, the Arizona Cardinals edged one step closer to the Super Bowl and a chance for us to cheer on our old friend at the SPOT Super Bowl Party Feb. 7 at the LaRowes. (So as to avoid NFL copyright infringement, that's the "SPOT Big Game Party.")

The party's on, even if the Cardinals don't make it -- kickoff is 5:18 p.m., so plan on arriving about 5 p.m. and bring your favorite appetizers. It will be several hours of football, fun and, of course, plenty of food.

We WILL have a sign-up sheet next week, so we don't end up with five bowls of French onion dip.

Watch for SPOTmail later is week, or check out the SPOTblog, www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Sunday Update!!! 1/3/10

Wow!!!  The first blog entry of 2010!!!

Lesson Recap

Today we started our new lesson series on the Marks of Discipleship.  Don gave us a neat overview of who Mark was, when he lived, who he evangelized with, and why he wrote the Gospel of Mark!!  This lays the foundation for the study of the Book of Mark.

SPOT Email Issues

We apologize for the weird looking emails coming from us using the spotspot@gmx email address.  I have been told that this should be rectified soon.  If it isn't I have a backup plan in mind!!!  Please don't hesitate to report weird looking characters in any email you get from us.  It help to know how widespread this is!

Super Bowl Party

The LaRowe's have been kind enough to let us invade their home for the Super Bowl on Feb. 2nd.   An appetizer is requested for admittance!!!  Watch for the sign up sheet out next week!

SPOT Camping Trip

Speaking of sign ups....I know that this is six months off, but we need to start getting an idea of who will be joining us on the class camping trip on June 11-13th.  We are going to use the info to try and negotiate some really good rates on stuff.  Right now, we are looking at mainly the canoes.  I will have some info sheets for all to take next week, but if in the next couple of weeks I can get an idea of who wants to go on the float trip on the Niangua, it sure would be helpful!  Again, I know this is early...but better to be prepared!!!

CSM Update!!!

As mentioned during class today, we will be coordinating a bit more on events, bible studies, and perhaps just plain 'ole communication with CSM. Please note the new link to the CSM website of to the left here!!!

Prayer Requests

-The Conrads give praise for visits with family!!

-Wisdom for Linda Conrad's mom as she considers a shoulder replacement.

-Prayer for families and peace to start there.

-Prayer for the Drama Ministry and possibly a new leader for this group (active worship).

-Many requests for family members and safe travels back to their homes after the holidays!

SPOTmail Update!!!!

Lesson Prep

As we start a new year, we also begin a new study series. We will look at the book of Mark for the next few months. I am calling the study "Marks of Discipleship."

Before we get hot and heavy into Mark's message, we first need to answer some questions. For example:
• Who is Mark?
• When did he write his letter and who was his target?
• What was his motivation for writing?
We'll answer these questions, plus others, so come with your questions and we'll address them also.

In an unrelated matter -- I want to thank each of you for the words of encouragement you penned in the Christmas card and the generous gift.

However, I want you to know that my reward is twofold:
• The relationship I enjoy with each of you and
• The privilege you give me to teach God's Word.
As we contemplate new year's resolutions, let's consider the following -- becoming more Christ-like through the study of His Word and application of its truths in our daily lives. I'll help you if you will help me!

Enjoy ringing in 2010 and I'll see you Sunday!
Don

Snack Makers

• January 3 -- Dani Cotter
• January 10 -- Linda Conrad

Super Bowl Party

Mark your calendars for a class Super Bowl Party at the LaRowes on February 7. Watch for more details in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, let's root for Kurt Warner's return to the classic -- this time to win it again and regain center stage for his witness to Christ.

Prayer List

• Successful gall bladder surgery for Janice Meinhart's daughter Claudia just days before Christmas.
• LaRowes are home safely from a 3-day visit to Chicago where they returned their daughter Sally to school and helped her celebrate her 21st birthday.

Happy New Year!!!!

A Child is born....

Prayer Request

Janice Meinhardt's daughter Claudia unexpectedly had her gall bladder removed today. The doctor said she could wait until after Christmas to have the surgery, but since he had an opening in his schedule and she had been in the ER for about 8 hours he would suggest getting it done. Her doctor had doubled her chemo drug to try to get the white blood cell count down, so hopefully with the infected gall bladder gone the white blood cell will go down enough that she can go back on chemo just once a week for a while longer. Pray for an uneventful recovery and God's healing hand.

Sunday Update!!!!

OK.  Officially a day late in getting this up, but Sunday afternoon was an interesting one here in this household...so please forgive the delay!

Lesson Recap

In class we learned and delved deeper into the Christmas story...and how it can be seen elsewhere!!  Thanks Don, for another great lesson!

A sort of a calm...

With no class next week we have sort of a break for the holidays from class!  I hope everyone has a blessed and safe Christmas.  Hopefully, we will see you at the Christmas Eve services, and next Sunday as well.  I will be keeping the blog updated over the holidays, so remember that any prayer requests can be emailed to spotspot@gmx.com.  See you in '10!!!

Prayer Requests

-Daniel Massey is recovering quicker than anticipated from wisdom teeth surgery!

-Mary Jane LaRowe and her soon (today) to be missing wisdom teeth.

-Linda Conrad needs to get over the coughing crud.

-Kevin Hurt has an angiogram of his carotid artery and brain scheduled for tomorrow. It will be an all day affair! Hopefully, a lot of answers are coming soon!

-Prayer for safe travels for everyone during the holiday seaon.  Andrew Conrad headed back to Orlando yesterday and will head back to STL on Christmas Eve.  Zenobia, Ryan, and Jaclyn will be headed to Texas.  Plus all others traveling that weren't mentioned!

-Lastly, pray for all of the Concord services...that lives may be touched and the Light of Christ is seen!

SPOTmail Update!!!!

Sometimes something just has to give, and this week, unfortunately, it's your trusty SPOTmail class newsletter. Over the holidays, check the SPOTclass blog for important information and prayer requests, www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

• This is the final weekend of our series on Advent. (Last week Kevin Hurt did a fabulous job facilitating the session.) Don Robbins returns to wrap it up.
• No class on Sunday, Dec. 27
• Snack Providers
     o December 20 -- Lori Robbins
     o January 3 -- Dani Cotter
     o January 10 -- Linda Conrad

• Prayer requests

     o A sense of peace through the holidays, rather than the usual chaos.
     o Message of Christmas show yields a harvest of souls in 2010.
     o An accurate diagnosis and treatment strategy for Kevin Hurt.
     o Safe round-trip to Chicago for the LaRowes on Dec. 19 to retrieve Sally and her rats.
     o Wisdom tooth update:
          - Daniel Massey, Dec. 18
          - Mary Jane LaRowe, Dec. 21
          - Next ????

• Christmas Project

o Gifts delivered to Missouri Baptist Children's Home on Dec. 18.
SPOTmail will return after the holiday seaason. So, Merry Christmas to everyone and we'll all look forward to filling in the pages of our currently SPOTless 2010 calendars.

Cookie response!!!!!

We are starting to receive responses from the successful college care packages.  The cookies are a hit!  We got this response from Zenobia's niece:

Thank you very much for all the wonderful treats you sent me during
finals week! I shared half of the cookies and chocolate with my
roommate, so she sends her love as well. The sugar helped energize
us and let us study even more vigorously, so here's to hoping we made A's.

I thank God for each and every one of you who slaved for hours in the
kitchen over these delicious treats. You all are truly a blessing!

~Kristyn Liu

PRAYER REQUESTS

Well...I forgot one that was on the sheet from class this morning. We need to pray for college kids going through finals this week.


We also have another prayer request:

Daniel Massey is coming home from school Thursday night, and then having his wisdom teeth removed on Friday morning. Pray for a successful removal, and a quick recovery for Christmas!

Sunday Update!! 12/13/09

Lesson Recap

In today's lesson we studied about preparation for a journey, as well as God's preparation for the Christmas journey. We noted the precision and hope that His preparations are announced...and given!

Reference passages:

Isaiah 7: 10-14
Isaiah 2: 1-5
Jeremiah 33: 14-16
Micah 5: 2-5a
Matthew 24: 37-44
Romans 13: 11-14

May God help us and our families in their preparation for the Christmas journey!

Major Announcements

There were no major announcements today! Have a blessed holiday season!!!

Prayer Requests

-Praise for the blessings God has bestowed on us and his glory through the Christmas show! Many lives have been touched already...some we know of...others we don't!!! Praise God!!

Christmas Show Review

Anyone who hasn't seen the Christmas show (or those who aren't going to!) need to get it in gear! This is the best show we have had for a bit (at least that I can remember). It has everything from comedy, drama, dancing...and of course great songs! Quite a few of our class mates and their families participate, so we can be proud!!!! Friday nights show was well attended, and well received. The cookies and hot chocolate were awesome. (I am actively in pursuit in the recipe for the fudge cookies...so if anyone has any ideas let me know!) Ther only slight drawback to the evening was the minor fire in the ladies room....but that was dealt with quickly. So GO already!!!!

Don't miss the Concord Christmas show this weekend . . .
"Imagine the Wonder"
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2 p.m.
Tickets are $5 and are still on sale

Christmas Party Success

The SPOT Christmas Shindig was a hit, though we noted some segregation. The guys got to watch a bit of football while Christmas music played (ain't technology wonderful?). The gals went on a freshly cleaned house tour. (Do NOT be deceived . . . it is never this clean!)

Squishy the parrot both entertained and struck fear into some! There were cameo appearances by the family rabbit and a flight demonstration by the Hurt's cockatiel. SPOT cleaning was provided by the very hungry dog, Valey.

The food was awesome (even Kevin's mini pizzas) and the fellowship even more so. What a blast! We need to do this more often! How about a Super Bowl party in February? Any volunteers?

Lesson Prep

Whenever we take any type of journey, we usually have to prepare. For, say, a vacation, we have to pack, ensure that doors are locked, stop the mail, etc.

Sunday we will look at the preparations that God made for the birth of his Son. This gives us ways to prepare for OUR journey to Christmas!

Make sure you're in your SPOT as we celebrate the Advent season.

Kevin

Christmas Project

This is the FINAL WEEK to bring your items for the Missouri Baptist Children's Home. Donations were picked up last week, but there's still room for more. Let's fill up our box!!!

A comprehensive list of the items the Children's Home is seeking is included on the class blog. Check out www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Prayer Requests

Send prayer requests anytime to spotspot@gmx.com. Please pray for:
• The actors, instrumentalists, vocalists and technical crew for this year's Christmas show, Imagine the Wonder. We want everyone in the audience and on the stage to be blessed.
• Opportunities to share Christ with friends during the Christmas season.
• Neil Stubbs as he seeks full-time employment. His position has been cut back to part-time.
• The Robbins' trip to Mississippi for their daughter Rebecca's graduation ceremony!
• College kids will be coming home soon for Christmas -- safety on their trips.
No other known prayer requests at this time. If we missed any, please send them to the email address above and they'll be posted immediately on the SPOTblog.

SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS

• December 13 -- Kay Massey
• December 20 -- Lori Robbins

Christmas Journey

In our class, we have been beginning the study of a "Christmas Journey". Here is a neat little article about just that subject!

Sunday Update!! 12/6/09

Since there was this Shindig thingy happening at my house last night the Sunday update is a little late....

Lesson Recap

Today we started our Advent journey. We began with a Christmas quiz that showed that based on the story as narrated in the Bible we all knew less than we thought!! We also read the Nativity story from Luke and discussed the Advent season as a journey through the birth of Christ! Don will not be with us next week, so I will facilitate the lesson (current stutter and all!). Watch for the SPOTnews this week for a sneak peek!

The Shindig!!

The Shindig was a hit. It was well attended. The guys got to watch a bit of football while Christmas music played (ain't technology wonderful?). The gals went on a freshly cleaned house tour. (Do NOT be deceived...it is never this clean!) Squishy the parrot both entertained and struck fear into some! The food was awesome, and the fellowship even more so. We need to do this more often as it was a great time. I am thinking about a Super Bowl get together...any volunteers??? :)

Christmas Project

The time is closing for donations to our Christmas project. Our box of goodies for the Missouri Baptist Children's home is filling up. But alas, with a deadline of the 15th this means that next Sunday will be the LAST day to put something into the box! We will then make arrangements to get the items to the Home.

Prayer Requests

-For the opportunities to share Christ during the holiday season with friends and family.
-Please prat for everyone involved with the Christmas Show, and for their health and energy!

PRAYER REQUEST

We have had a prayer request from the Stubbs family. Due to this economy, Neil's employer is cutting his hours to part-time. His degree is in accounting, and he had done payables/receivables, etc., work for years. However, for the last 3+ years he has been working with senior citizens, low-income and disabled folks helping them with their bills, rent payments, shopping, getting their free food, etc., and he has really enjoyed the people. However, he will now have to look for a full-time job. They are going to try to concentrate on our blessings, especially at this time of year when so many folks are hurting spiritually, financially, physically, emotionally, etc. Their family is healthy, and we have good friends. They know God is good, and He will provide.


Please pray for the Stubbs in this time of need. This has to be hard especially during the holiday season, so pray for God's grace, comfort, and provision.

SPOTmail Update!!!!

The Christmas Party SPOT

The first-ever Christmas SPOTclass Shindig is planned for the Hurt's home this Sunday, December 6, beginning at 5 p.m.

Don't forget your awesome appetizer recipes -- Kevin promises not only will our party feature funky music, but also his world-famous Rye Bread Pizzas (at least they're famous in Kevin's world).

Kevin also promises a wide selection of Schnucks Super Soda flavors that will hit the SPOT. But if Schnucks doesn't make the flavor you like, bring your own two-liter and there will be more for everyone to share. And just in case you like root beer, there will be plenty!

If you haven't signed up . . . ah, just come anyway, but for the record, the sign-up sheet will circulate again this Sunday in the SPOTfolder.

For last-minute details and a map, check the SPOTblog -- www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Lesson Prep

This Sunday is the second week of Advent. I think of Advent as a four-week journey culminating with Christmas.

All of us are on a journey. Our journeys are individual, but, hopefully, with the same destination. Our theme this week is preparation. All journeys require preparation. I have found that the better you prepare, the bettter the journey will go.

I pray Christmas 2009 will be enriched through our preparation of Advent.

Hope to see you Sunday,
Don

College Care Packages

We have a first-hand report of care package delivery in the Chicago area, with a big thumbs-up for quality and, most importantly, quantity! While college students don't have the most sophisticated palates, consensus says the cookies were yummy!

Many thanks to the chefs who worked to make final exams week a tastier experience for all the Concord kids away from home!

Christmas Project

This is the final week to bring your items for the Missouri Baptist Children's Home. Donations were picked up last week, but there's still room for more. Let's fill up our box!!!

A comprehensive list of the items the Children's Home is seeking is included on the class blog. Check out www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Prayer Requests

Send prayer requests anytime to spotspot@gmx.com.


-Pray for the actors, instrumentalists, vocalists and technical crew for this year's Christmas show, Imagine the Wonder. We want everyone in the audience and on the stage to be blessed.

-Performances Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are still on sale.

-Rehearsals Sunday through Wednesday this coming week. Pray for the stamina of everyone involved with the show.

-Wednesday's dress rehearsal will be open to residents of area retirement facilities. Pray that they will be blessed!
*
No other known prayer requests at this time. If we missed any, please send them to the email address above and they'll be posted immediately on the SPOTblog.

SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS

*
December 6 -- Linda Conrad
*
December 13 -- Kay Massey


For the very latest information on everything about Concord's SPOTclass, be sure to check out SPOTblog at www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

PRAYER REQUEST

Kevin's aunt has a friend that underwent a cardiac catheterization on Monday for a problem with blood getting to his lungs. They put him in ICU after that. They just received a call to head to ICU as he is probably not going to make it through the day. Kevin's aunt was called to go be with the wife during this time. Please remember Bob Cope and his wife Judy during this time. (The spelling of the last name may not be correct, it was a hurried phone call.)


Ed. Note: Bob died an hour after posting this.

SUNDAY NEWS AND NOTES

Lesson Recap

Well...um...ok...no need to look here. Your beloved editor played hooky from class, so I missed things today. I was on a "dialog weekend" with my wife. (Those who were in last weeks class understand this!!!) I promise to do better...really I do...

College Packages

OK. So I did make it home in time to package all 18 boxes of cookies that were baked last week for the college kids. They will go out tomorrow! Be sure and pray for all the students during this time of finals.

Class Project

Don't forget our class Christmas project!!! The box for gifts for the Missouri Baptist Children's Home is still in the front of the classroom. Deadline for contributing is 12/15!!!

Christmas Shindig

<---------Details over there.....

Prayer Requests

Since yours truly was not in class today, there isn't much here. If you have a prayer request, please email it to spotspot@gmx.com, and I'll get it up as quick as possible!!!

Taking a Holiday

The regular edition of SPOTmail will not be sent out this week in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, as well as recognition that it's hard to write when you're not in town. We'll catch you up on anything important with bulletins and entries on the SPOTblog, www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

We know many are traveling this week, so please pray for their safe travel to and from their destinations.

SPOTmail may be taking a holiday, but the SPOTclass is not!
• Our video series wraps up this Sunday even as we launch the Advent season. Please be sure to thank Don Robbins for the great work he's done facilitating discussion after each video presentation.
• As we near Christmas, we know Don and Lori take great joy in presenting the Christmas message in a particularly meaningful way! Make sure you plan to be in your SPOT.
• Snacks this week will be provided by Jeanette Stubbs -- thank you very much!
• We have two more weeks to collect items for the Missouri Baptist Children's Home.
• Christmas Shindig at the Hurts, Sunday, December 6, 5 p.m. Bring an appetizer.
• College Care Packages are mailed Monday, November 30.
We sincerely hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, as well as time together with family and friends. Even in these difficult economic times, we still have much for which to be thankful!

PRAYER REQUEST

We just received a prayer request from Toni Rachocki. A doctor she works with , Dr. Douglas Adkins, was called out of town to be with his mother. Her name is Altha Cox, and she has been hospitalized with heart failure and bowel obstruction. Doctors were supposed to try for surgery this afternoon if she stabilized. Pray that God's hand be over her treatment.

The Marriage Commitment

Following up on last weeks lesson, here is a neat little article on the Christian marriage!

SUNDAY NEWS AND NOTES!!!!

Lesson Recap!!!

A family's ability to maintain calm and confidence in the middle of their hurried schedules is contingent upon the parents maintaining a healthy relationship.

MAINTAINING REST IN YOUR MARRIAGE:

1. Resist the poison of comparison

2. Make sure you understand what love requires.
-A Definition of Love:
Love is the commitment of my will to your needs and best interests, regardless of the cost.

3. Make sure you implement the 3 crucial ingredients for successful love:

-Self-discipline
-Sensitivity
-Sacrifice

4. Maintain the mandates for inner rest (see the last two weeks!).

Support verses:
Ephesians 5:25-30
Genesis 2:24-25
1 Peter 3:7b
Proverbs 31:10

Christmas Shindig!!!

Yup. Yet another reminder of the upcoming Shindig. The basics. 12/6 at the Hurt's at 5PM. Bring an appetizer. Simple enough?

Da' Poll

The poll that was emailed out last week had very little response. Out of 71 emailed out only 4 were completed. Please watch as these are resent out this week to those who haven't filled theirs out. Please respond as your responses are quite helpful. For example, someone responded that since I am a photographer these should be more photos. So in response I give you....

The Baking!!

The Concord kitchen was aglow with baking as we prepared the cookies for the college care packages. All-in-all, there were over 50 pounds of cookies made...enough for 20 2 1/2 pound boxes! We will send these out on November 30th. Photos from the event!!!!

Christmas Project

Don't forget about our box in the front of the classroom for donations to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home. We have until the 15th to fill it up!!! The list of needs can be found earlier in the blog!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for the details of the Christmas Show. Sometimes the "little things" can take up so much precious time and mental concern.
-Pray for Kevin as he recovers from his stoke that he suffered on Thursday. He has lost more vision in both eyes, which also gives him an issue with depth perception. His speech is also affected. Thankfully, the doctors expect it all to return. Pray for healing..and a prayer of thanks that it wasn't worse.

Cookie Marathon

The addresses are in, the dough is in the works, and those wonderful convection ovens in the church kitchen are warming up for the cookie baking marathon this Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.

Once again, we'll be baking for college students throughout the country who will receive their fortification of yummie confections just in time for semester finals. The cookies will be packed and frozen, then shipped November 30.

If you're looking for an afternoon of fun, join the SPOTclass chefs. Taste-testing is a fringe benefit of this ministry. (Note from the chefs: If you're not baking, STAY OUT of the kitchen!)

If you know of any students away at school, Friday, Nov. 20 (that's probably today) is the deadline to get those addresses in for this SPOTacular event. Please email student addresses to spotspot@gmx.com.

Lesson Prep

This Sunday will be week nine in our video series "The Hurried Family". We will deal with the subject of giving the gift of rest to our marriage. A family's ability to maintain calm and confidence in the middle of their hurried schedules is contingent upon the parents maintaining a healthy relationship. In our session we will discuss points like:
• Resist the poison of comparison.
• Make sure you understand what love requires.
• Make sure you implement the three crucial ingredients for successful love
and certainly the application will be targeted to parents of teens.
• If your hurried schedule permits, read the following passages in preparation for our discussion: Ephesians 5:25-30; Genesis 2:24-25; Proverbs 31:10; 1 Peter 3:7b.
Advent starts next Sunday, November 29. The 29th will also be the final session in our Hurried Family video series.

Hope to see you Sunday,
Don

Thanksgiving Service

Don't forget that Concord's mid-week worship this week is Tuesday (November 24) at 6:30 p.m. There will be no activities at the church on Wednesday. No other mid-week activities are planned -- that's right, no dinner at church this week either.

The Christmas Party SPOT

The first-ever Christmas SPOTclass Shindig is planned for the Hurt's home on December 6 beginning at 5 p.m.

No black lights, no bell bottoms, not even tie-dye fashions, but Kevin promises the music will take you back . . . assuming you can still remember that far back!

Contemporary appetizers will be acceptable fare for the event, however. More details are forthcoming, so check out the SPOTfolder when it passes this week and watch your email box.

Don't forget to gather your recipes for root beer nog or a refreshing root beer punch. Please email your best ideas to spotspot@gmx.com.

Christmas Project

The SPOTclass is collecting items for the Missouri Baptist Children's Home in the festively decorated box in our classroom. If we fill the box, we'll find another one. A comprehensive list of the items the Children's Home is seeking is included on the new class blog. Check out www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Prayer Requests

Send prayer requests anytime to spotspot@gmx.com
• Pray for actors and vocalists performing in this year's Christmas show, Imagine the Wonder. We want everyone in the audience and on the stage to be blessed.
o Performances Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are now on sale.
• Susan Hurt's secretary is recovering from a stroke. Pray for her and her family (and that Susan will be able to find everything in the office).
• Pray for the safety of all hunters throughout the season, as well as their travels (not to mention the unsuspecting deer).
• Rich Conrad had a tumor removed from his scalp area. All is well!!
SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS
• November 22 - Janice Meinhardt
• November 29 - Jeanette Stubbs
Don't forget to watch for the results of the SPOTclass blog poll (or should that be the blog class SPOTpoll) on Friday. And be sure to check out SPOTblog at www.thespotsspot,blogspot.com.

The Servant Attitude...

Just how did Jesus show a servant attitude? Read this short article for an example!

Seminar!!!

A follower of the SPOT blog sent the following info!!!

Join us for an opportunity of a lifetime! James Gardner from Answers in Genesis will be speaking at
Green Park Community Church &
Green Park Christian Academy
November 29th and 30th

Join us for church on Sunday November 29th at 9:30am

Mr. Gardner will speak on The Consequences of the Path You Choose - about 45 minutes
This lead-off message deals with the relevance of the creation vs. evolution belief systems.

Sunday Seminars $10 each for $20 for all 3

Sunday November 29th at 11:OOam

Why Question Biblical Authority? - about 50 minutes
This session deals with the compromise that Christians make in trying to add millions of years to the Bible, and the different ways they try to do that. The "day-age" theory, Progressive creation, Theistic evolution, and the Gap theory are dealt with in some detail. .

Sunday November 29th at 1 :30pm
The Mystery of Ancient Man - About 50 minutes
This session explains with the 4th "C~ the Confusion at Babel, Nimrod and his establishment of astrology and the tower of Babel as an observatory to study the stars. It does so by dealing with ancient artifacts that indicates a technological explosion occurred about 5,000 years ago.

Sunday November 29th at 2:45pm
What is Truth? - About 55 Minutes
This presentation reveals world views. Humanism and it's foundation of evolution and atheism, and Biblical Christianity and it's foundation on revealed truth as it deals with origins in the Genesis creation account. The presentation , deals with the five tenets of the Humanist Manifesto and how our public education system has been taken over by the Humanists.

Monday School Field Trip $5 per student includes pizza lunch - 9:30AM¬12:30 PM

Monday November 30th at 9:30am
Dinosaurs and Dragons - Fact or Myth - About 45 minutes (One of the most requested topics, especially for youth groups and in schools) This session explains the 3rd"C~ the Catastrophe, by asking and answering four questions about dinosaurs. Where did they come from and when? When did they die out and become extinct? Why did they become extinct? Have there been any dinosaurs alive In recent times and are there any alive on the planet today?

Monday November 30th at 10:45am
Aliens, UFO's and Incredible Creatures - About 50 min New presentation more specifics and detail explanation of lecture to follow.

Visit their website to learn more about them at www.answersingenesis.com

Da' Poll

Tomorrow, all SPOT email recipients will be receiving a SPOT Spot Blog poll from Survey Monkey. Your answers to these questions will greatly help us keep the blog relevant to our class members. All answers are confidential, so please help us out and participate!

Thanks!

Sunday Update!! 11/15/09

Lesson Recap

Three more mandates!!!

Mandate 4: Maintain a servant attitude while struggling.
Four categories of struggling people:
1. Those who are bewildered.
2. Those who are badgered.
3. Those who are broken
4. Those who are battered

When it comes to these situations, we have a better chance of experiencing God's calm in our lives if we:
A) Accept what we cannot change.
B) Serve others.

1 Peter 2: 21,23

Mandate 5: Discipline your desires
-Contentment is a choice.

1 John 2: 15-17

Mandate 6: Manage your resources.
We need to steward our:
A) Calling
B) Convictions
C) Capabilities

Luke 16:10
Matthew 25:21

SPOTlunch!!!

Yet another awesome SPOTlunch today was held at Lion's Choice. TheLaRowe's, Bradshaw's, Phillips', the Conrad's, and the Hurt's chowed down on some roast beef and 15 cent dip cones! Remember, no SPOT lunch next month as it is being replaced by the Christmas Shindig! (See below!)

Christmas Shindig

Another reminder that the Shindig will be held on December 6th at the Hurt's. Bring an appetizer and we will have some great fellowship. Tye-dye optional.

Christmas Project

The box still sits at the head of the classroom! We are donating goods to the Missouri Baptist Children's home. The list of needed items can be found earlier on the blog, or in the SPOTfolder every Sunday!

Calling Betty Crocker....

Let the baking begin!!! The cookie making session for the college care packages is this Saturday at 1PM. Bring your favorite cookie dough, and enjoy a bit of fun as we make the cookies for this annual project!! We are still actively seeking college student addresses. We passed around a list today, and update some of those addresses but can still use any addresses of students. An announcement was in the program today, so let's see how many college lives we can touch! If you know of any addresses you can email them to spotspot@gmx.com.

Prayer Requests

-Susan Hurt's secretary had a stoke yesterday. Pray for her and her family.
-Pray for the Christmas show that all are blessed!!
-Pray for the safety of all hunters throughout the season, as well as their travels.
-Rich Conrad had a tumor removed from his scalp area. All is well!!
-Liz Massey is doing much better after the removal of wisdom teeth!

SPOTnews!!!

Lesson Prep

Last week we discussed how to bring calm to the hurried home. The three mandates for accomplishing this are:
1. Maintain an attitude of forgiveness
2. Live within the boundaries of God's Word
3. Maintain an eternal perspective

This Sunday's video series is a continuation of last week's presentation. We will be presented with three additional mandates. The topic of discussion will center around the theme of "When All You Wanted Is Not Enough."

Here is something to think about in preparation for class: What does it mean to have a servant attitude?

Look forward to seeing you Sunday,
Don

SPOTlunch this Sunday

If you like a good roast beef sandwich and meaty conversation, you'll want to come to this Sunday's SPOTlunch at the Lion's Choice Restaurant on South Lindbergh Blvd. That's right, it's not Mexican and it's not hamburgers, just tasty roast beef and, in the spirit of our hurried lives, it is served really fast!

We'll assemble there after second hour. If you attend class regularly, you know SPOTlunch is an event that's always worth the trip! And if you're one of our associate members or just visiting, we'd love for you to join us so we can get to know you better!

Don't miss out on the fun with a little au jus on the side.

CSM Parent Meeting

The Concord Student Ministries leadership team led a spirited meeting last Sunday.

A full summary of the meeting was sent out earlier this week to everyone on the SPOTmail list. If you missed it, the summary is available on the SPOTblog -- www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Also, if you have not received your copy of the 2009-2010 CSM Guidebook, please contact Jeremy Proemsey at 314-843-3500 or via email at Jeremy@concordlife.com.

The Christmas Party SPOT

Because actors and singers in our class will be attending another of the unending rehearsals for the Concord Christmas Show, we have adjusted the start time to 5 p.m. for the Christmas SPOT Shindig at the Hurt's home on December 6.

This way we can all enjoy the get-together, together! You can dismiss any earlier reports that Kevin will be wearing bell-bottoms. But what about love beads, tie-dye fashions and psychedelic lights?

There are more details to come, so check out the SPOTfolder when it passes this week, watch your email box and start looking through your yummy appetizer recipes.

We're also looking for a good Root Beer-nog mix or a list of ingredients for a refreshing root beer punch. Please email your best ideas to thespostspot@gmx.com.

College Care Packages

We'll be baking cookies on Saturday, Nov. 21, beginning at 1 p.m. to fill the voids in the lives of many Concord college students. The SPOTchefs will be seeking to fill not only their tummies, but that empty space in their mailboxes that can only truly be filled with packages from home.

Bring your prepared dough to the church kitchen and plan on a full afternoon of baking and taste-testing as the SPOTclass again sponsors the College Care Package ministry. We're currently seeking the names of Concord's college students around the country so we can send them goodies just in time for final exams.

If you know of any students away at school, or have one or more yourself, please email their name and address information to Spotspot@gmx.com

Christmas Project

The SPOTclass is collecting items for the Missouri Baptist Children's Home in the festively decorated box in our classroom. If we fill the box, we'll find another one. A comprehensive list of the items the Children's Home is seeking is included on the new class blog. Check out www.thespotsspot.blogspot.com.

Prayer Requests

Send prayer requests anytime to spotspot@gmx.com

• Remember the Spitz family at the death of Doug's father. Visitation is at Kutis on Lemay Ferry Road on Friday until 9 p.m. with the service at 3 p.m Saturday and a dinner to follow at 4 p.m. at the church.
o If anyone from the SPOT class can either help with making food for the dinner or could possibly help serve, it would be appreciated. Please call Linda Conrad (314) 221-2036.
• Pray for ways to make the Christmas show, Imagine the Wonder, a more effective outreach tool.
o Performances Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 9, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 10, 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and sales this Sunday!
• Thanks for the return of our fearless copy editor!

SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS - SNACKS

• November 15 - Kevin Hurt
• November 22 - Janice Meinhardt

PRAYER REQUEST

We have a prayer request for Doug and Susan Spitz. Doug's dad (Ralph) passed away yesterday (11/11) from his battle with cancer.
Visitation will be:

Friday, 11/13 - 4:00-9:00 p.m. visitation

Saturday, 11/14 -- 3:00 p.m. memorial service

-- 4 :00 p.m. a dinner at Concord


If anyone from the SPOT class can either help with making food for the dinner or could possibly help serve, it would be appreciated. Please call Linda Conrad (314) 221-2036 if you can help in any way.

Parents Meeting Update!!!

While there were a large number of parents in attendance at the Nov. 8 quarterly CSM Parents' Meeting, we know not all SPOT parents could make it. Here's a brief summary of what was discussed and recommendations considered.



The primary topic of discussion was change to the CSM program implemented this fall.

* Jeremy/Sarah explained the new program is part of an overall strategy to provide more concrete Bible study options for students.


* The new CSM program is designed to provide options to all students at whatever their level of faith, but not to try to serve ALL students through ALL activities. They described a funnel with four levels of activities, each appealing to a narrower audience (based on spiritual maturity):
o Open and seeker-friendly events

+ Back-to-School parties

+ Retreats (Breakaway, Big Chill)

o Youth Worship

+ Wednesday nights at 6:30

o Bible study for youth

+ Sunday mornings

o Small Groups for youth seeking deeper Bible study in a relationship-building community


* The structure called for schedule adjustments and leadership changes.
o CSM leadership and older youth will lead worship for the foreseeable future.

+ Jeremy/Sarah want students focused on worship, not performance.

o Worship, not small groups, is now the focus of Wednesday night activity.

+ Small groups with universal membership became social activities, rather than relationship-building Bible studies.

While most parents endorsed and promoted the goals of the new stucture, and many said their students had benefited greatly from the changes, there are concerns:

* Many parents stated the changes were not well communicated to parents or students prior to implementation.


* New Wednesday praise band structure (CSM leadership/college students) is misunderstood.


o Jeremy/Sarah believe more mature leadership is needed.
o Some parents say their younger students feel unappreciated and rejected.





* Parents voiced concerns that the schedule changes result in several unintended consequences.
o Many small groups cannot find a suitable time to meet during the week.
o Parents with students in both Bible study hours cannot attend worship with all their children .
o Some 11th & 12th grade students in first-hour Bible study no longer attend worship services.

+ Students say they do not like the music in second service.

+ Jeremy/Sarah believe worship style should not be an issue.

o Some 6th-10th graders are coming only for second-hour Bible study and not attending worship.

+ Some parents who bring students for one hour attend second-hour worship only.

The meeting resulted in recommendations for changes to respond to some of these concerns.

* The 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday time slot will be available for small groups wishing to meet at that time.
o No other conflicting youth activities will be scheduled during this time (after completion of the Foosball Tournament now underway).

o Jeremy/Sarah will advise small group leaders of this option.


* A new location will be sought to enable 11th & 12th grade students to meet during 10:30 Bible study hour.
o SPOT class members volunteered to move to another location during 10:30 Bible study if no other suitable rooms are available.


* Jeremy/Sarah will send out a survey soon to parents seeking input on how CSM can best serve the needs of Concord students.


* Jeremy/Sarah will develop measures to gauge the success of various aspects of the CSM program. Among them:
o Attendance at CSM activities
o Percentage of high school graduates still attending a church regularly while away at college.

Jeremy and Sarah also shared plans for mission trips and other CSM activities:

* Middle Schoolers will work in various ministries in the St. Louis inner city and sleep over at church (June).
* High School students will work with Native Americans in South Dakota (June).
* Passion 2010, a conference geared to college students in Atlanta, will be open to a limited number of 12th grade students (January).

Sunday Update!! 11/8/09

Lesson Recap

Continuing on with our video series on the Hurried Family, today we studied bringing calm to the hurried home. With this we had three mandates:

Mandate 1: Maintain an attitude of forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32)
Mandate 2: Live within the boundaries of God's Word. (Psalm 119:1-2)
Mandate 3: Maintain an eternal perspective. (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)

Everyone got a little something different out of today's lesson. God is really speaking to all through this series.

Shindig Correction!!!!

We have a time change on the Christmas SPOT Shindig at the Hurt's. Due to our classmates that are in choir, and the practices that are being held, the time has changed to 5PM on December the 6th at the Hurt's. This way we can all enjoy the get together. You can dismiss any earlier reports that Kevin will be wearing bell-bottoms.

SPOTlunch

SPOTlunch is next week after class. We will all be going to Lion's Choice on South Lindbergh. Hope to see you there!

Class Projects

Don't forget our current class projects:

Missouri Baptist Children's Home- The box is still in the classroom.

College Care Packages-We are actively soliciting names of out-of-town college students. We will be baking the cookies on 11/21/09, then sending them out!

As Gene mentioned in church this morning, the church (and our class) bring up a lot of projects to support this time of year. No one has to support ALL of them...just the ones that God has called you to!

Prayer Requests

-Mark Cotter's back is doing great! He's back to about 95%!
-Liz Massey had 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed on Friday. Pray for healing and relief from the pain and swelling.
-Continued prayer for the Christmas show, and for the health of those involved. Also pray for those that come and see it. Pray for open hearts to Jesus and His knocking!
-Jim Meinhardt's grandson is home. He is jaundiced, and has to receive light treatment. Pray for good health!
-Hunting season starts soon. Pray for safety for those that participate in the sport.