SPOTMail!!

Lesson Preview

As you may recall from nearly two weeks ago, we have begun a study of Thessalonians.  Our series consists of three modules.  We completed the first part entitled  "Remember Where You Were" at our last meeting.

This Sunday, we begin the second section, "Consider Where You Are Going."  We will consider the question "What Is Your Goal in Life?"  The lesson is based on

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.  Hmmmm.  I wonder what Paul's point of view will be?  

It's been a fortnight since we last convened, so let's plan on spending the first few minutes in class catching up with everything that's been happening in our lives.  Some of our kids have graduated, some are back home -- some are still home -- and we're all looking forward to the summer (if God doesn't surprise us with a snowstorm).

See you in the usual SPOT!

SPOT,

Don

2011 Graduates BBQ

Both high school and college graduates are invited to attend a celebration BBQ in their honor at Suson Park this Sunday, June 5, after 10:30  worship.  Pass this info along to your favorite graduate!

Strawberry Festival

Don't forget the annual Missouri Baptist Children's Home Strawberry Festival this Saturday, June 4, on the MBCH campus in Bridgeton.  The event begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 3:00 p.m.

Concord folks will be staffing the Milk Shake Booth, so be sure to stop by to sample their wares.  For more information -- and the opportunity to volunteer -- call Bill McKee at 314-894-2545.
 

Concord Car Show

You won't want to miss another big event this Saturday:  Concord's 4th Annual Car Show.  There are always cool cars and trucks, demonstrations, and a surprise or two.  It starts at 4 p.m. and lasts until dusk ('bout 9 p.m.).

That means you have just enough time to hustle on down from Bridgeton after a day at the Strawberry Festival and enjoy a full evening of mobile entertainment.  Don't drive too fast, however.  There won't be any awards for the most impressive speeding ticket!

Cardinals Baseball Tickets

Yep,  Brad Slinkard still has tickets for the Cardinals June 18th game against the Kansas City Royals.  SPOTclass members (or anybody Brad Slinkard knows -- or anybody that knows anybody Brad Slinkard knows) can buy $37 tickets for just $15.  That's a real ticket you can hold and the ink doesn't rub off on your hands.  In case you haven't heard this suggestion before, these tickets would make a great pre-Father's Day gift!  (You can ask Dad to pay you back later.)

As a bonus, the student choir from Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, SC (directed by Concord's former Fine Arts Pastor, Kevin Batson) will sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the 7th inning stretch.  Tickets are in section  372 of the Left Field Pavilion (right above Big Mac Land).  Contact Brad at 314-494-5081 or email at bs4@sbcglobal.net.

Blood Drive (yet another headline that requires red ink)

There will be a blood drive at church on Monday, June 13.  The blood-letting begins at 3 p.m. with cookies and other treats to follow (if you're still conscious).   The drive officially wraps up at 7 p.m., but if you show them a good vein, the Red Cross volunteers just might stay later.  You can sign up in the Atrium this Sunday or visit www.redcrossblood.org (use sponsor code 'Concord Church').

vbs NEEDS VOLUNTEERS.  'NUF SAID

Contact Debbie Elder, 314-843-3500, or debbie@concordlife.com.

SPOT Snacks

6/5          LaRowe

6/12        Decker

Prayer Requests

• Carolynn Amen is now in rehab, but keep praying for her -- there's a long way to go.
• Relief from migraines for Kevin Hurt
• Prayers that a new Fine Arts Pastor arrives soon
• Prayers for all those affected by the massive damage from the tornadoes throughout Missouri and the US. 

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

When Others Cared for You

Men, have you ever sent flowers to someone you love?  Women, have you ever received flowers from someone you love?  Why does it mean so much to people to receive flowers from someone you love?  

"The young pastor was asked to meet with the deacons at the insistence of an irate Sunday school teacher who had felt slighted by the pastor.  He has apologized to her and tried to correct his accidental oversight, but the wasn't enough for her.  Just before the meeting, a crisis arose with a young couple in the church.  The wife was critically ill, and her husband was distraught.  They called for their pastor.  He sent word to the deacons that he would be at the hospital.  He sat and prayed with the man all night.  Though the pastor knew that his ministry was hanging by a thread, his concern for the couple was greater.  His action demonstrated his concern for others even when he himself was hurting."

Think of an example of demonstrating care for someone else when you are in the midst of crises, pain or conflict. In this lesson we saw Paul being transparent about his loving concern for the Thessalonians in the midst of his own concerns.

2:17-20 Personal Words

In this passage we see Paul using personal and emotional words.  Find some examples.  Why do you think that Paul was so emotional in his writing?  Of the 4 terms that Paul used for the Thessalonians-hope, joy, crown, and glory, which one would you most desire someone use to describe you, and why?

3:1-5 Encouraging People

What does it mean to encourage?  It means to instill courage.  What do you think were Paul's motives for encouraging the Thessalonians?  When was a time you were in need of encouragement and God sent someone your way?

3:6-10 Affirming Words

In general terms, what report did Timothy give regarding the believers in Thessolonica?  What signs might we look for that would indicate a believer is standing firm in the Lord?  Would you say it is more affective to affirm or correct? Another term for affirmation is positive reinforcement.  Psychology tells us it is much more affective to affirm someone when doing something positive than correct the person when doing something wrong.  Why would you say this is so?

Each of us are challenged to find a situation to affirm our teen at least 5 of the 7 days this week.

3:11-13 Loving Prayers

In these three verses Paul makes 3 prayer requests.  They are:

1. He is verifying that Jesus is equal to God, an essential point in this day and time.
2. Increase and overflow are words of abundance.  Love is the greatest Christian virtue (1 Cor. 13)
3. Holiness is a heart matter.  Paul desires they be ready to meet Jesus in as holy a state as possible at the unknown time of His return.

Conclusion:

1. We show concern for other Christians by offering them personal words of encouragement.
2. We show concern for other believers by putting them in contact with those who will encourage them and help them grow spiritually. 
3. We show concern for other Christians by making encouraging statements to them.
4. We show concern for other believers by praying for them to make spiritual progress. 

Memorial Day

There is only one service at 10:30 AM this week, so class will not be meeting.  See you in two weeks!

Muny Voting

...will continue for a but more.  The voting sheet will be kept in the SPOTfolder.  Vote for your fave! 

2011 Graduates Party

Both high school and college graduates are invited to attend a celebration BBQ in their honor at Suson Park.  The party will be Sunday, June 25th, after 10:30 AM worship.  Pass this info along to your graduate!

Annual Strawberry Festival 

 This event will happen at the Baptist Children's Home on June 4th from 9AM-3:30 PM.  The event really needs our help.  You can sign up to work a shift and you can donate milkshake supplies (i.e. chocolate syrup, canned pineapple, etc).  You can also donate old blenders or blender parts.  Information, or to sign up, can all happen at the Welcome Center, or you can contact Bill McKee at 314-894-2545.
 

 Baseball Tickets

Each year Brad Slinkard offers the SPOTclass tickets for a summertime Cardinal game at discounted rates. This year's game is on Saturday, June 18 against our cross state rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets in this section are normally $37, but they're available through Brad at just $15. That's much better than StubHub and these are a genuine bargain with no pesky processing or delivery fees.  And you don't even have the use the ink in your printer.  In exchange for your $$$ you actually get a real ticket.    It's a good Father's Day gift (as that is Father's Day "Eve").  There's (virtually) no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for your family and friends. Tickets are in section  372 of the Left Field Pavilion (right above Big Mac Land).  Contact Brad Slinkard at 314-494-5081 or email at bs4@sbcglobal.net.

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive at church on Monday, June 13th from 3-7 PM.  You can sign up in the Atrium, or visit redcrossblood.org (use sponsor code 'Concord Church'). 

Concord's 4th Annual Car Show

...will be on Saturday, June 4th from 4PM to 9PM.  This is always a fun event!  Details can be found here.

Vacation Bible School

...NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!!!   Adult volunteers are needed for a number of area's.  For more info or to volunteer contact Debbie Elder, 314-843-3500, or debbie@concordlife.com.

Snacks

• 5/29 No Class-Memorial Day
• 6/5 LaRowe
• 6/12 Decker

  

Prayer Requests

• Carolyn Amen is out of ICU and still slowly recovering.
• Zenobia is done with chemo, surgeries and radiation!
• Zenobia's dad has been diagnosed with early dementia.  Pray that the doctors and treatments will be accurate and slow down the illness as much as possible.
• Prayers for Fine Arts Pastor. 
• Prayers for all those affected by the massive damage from the tornado's throughout Missouri, and the US. 

 

 

 

 

Prayer Request

• Please pray for Allen Decker.  He got called to Joplin to help with water and sewer issues there.  He is witnessing firsthand the massive devastation left in the wake of the tornado there.  He reports that the damage left there is horrible.  Pray that God give him peace,wisdom, and comfort.

• Pray for everyone in Joplin.  This disaster will leave scars for quite a while.  Pray that God quiets souls and provides the solace and assurance that only He can.

SPOTmail!!

If you're reading this, you haven't been raptured . . . so, we'll see you in class tomorrow!

Lesson Preview

This week will be our third lesson in 1 Thessalonians.  So far, we have covered the topics of:

• When You Started Out -- Reminding us of the joy and zeal we had at the time of our salvation experience.
• When Others Helped You -- All of us recalled people in our past that gave of themselves to help us grow in our faith.  Our conclusion to this study was to pass it on.

This week we will look at the topic, "When Others Cared for You".  Some people care for us like a mother.  They tenderly nurture us.  They lovingly help us recover from scrapes and scratches.  Then, there are the "typical" Dad-type care-givers.  They tell us to "suck it up" with a firm slap to the back.  Their goal is to make sure we are prepared to handle the hard stuff life dishes out.  Who are some of the spiritual care-givers in your life?  How do you see yourself in the role of spiritual care-giver to your teens?  Let's talk about it Sunday.

See you then,

Don

SPOTlunch

SPOTlunch is on this week at Lion's Choice on South Lindbergh.  Get a great roast beef sandwich with your fries and indulge in a mini ice cream for dessert!  Plan on meeting us there right after class.

Snacks

This Sunday:  Luther

May 29:  Memorial Day weekend -- no class

June 5:  LaRowe

Prayer List

Jeff Bradshaw is recovering at home after a bout with pneumonia

Carolyn Amen is still hospitalized after more than a month with complications from pneumonia

Kevin Hurt's father has been hospitalized

College students returning home

Allen Decker's child custody issues

Baseball Tickets

Each year Brad Slinkard offers the SPOTclass tickets for a summertime Cardinal game at discounted rates. This year's game is on Saturday, June 18 against our cross state rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets in this section are normally $37, but they're available through Brad at just $15. That's much better than StubHub and these are a genuine bargain with no pesky prossessing or delivery fees.  And you don't even have the use the ink in your printer.  In exchange for your $$$ you actuallly get a real ticket.    It's a good Father's Day gift (as that is Father's Day "Eve").  There's (virtually) no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for your family and friends. Tickets are in section  372 of the Left Field Pavillion (right above Big Mac Land).  Contact Brad Slinkard at 314-494-5081 or email at bs4@sbcglobal.net.

Update on Jeff Bradshaw

Jeff got home from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  He still does not have a lot of energy.  He has been cleared to return to work on Monday.

The Mid-Week Update...Express Edition!!!

My apologies, but due to a computer virus I will be unable to put the lesson recap in this edition of the Mid-Week Update.  I will be back up and running pretty soon, so no worries!

SPOTlunch

The SPOTlunch for this month will be this Sunday at Lion's Choice on South Lindbergh.  Come and enjoy some fellowship and good food!

Muny Voting

..will continue this week.  Watch for the sheet in this week's SPOTfolder. 

Snacks

• 5/22  Luther

• 5/29  No Class  
• 6/5   LaRowe  

Prayer Requests

 

• Kevin's dad remains in the hospital.
• Jeff Bradshaw is recovering from pneumonia. 
• Carolyn Amen is still slowly improving despite a set-back last week.
• New worship/fine arts minister...keep praying!
• Kids/parents continue traveling home from college.
• Allen Decker with ongoing child custody issues, as well as a silent prayer request.

   

 

Prayer Request

Jeff Bradshaw is in Missouri Baptist Hospital with pneumonia.  The doctors who are treating him say he will be there for a few days while he recovers.

A Thought or Two...

Strong words from C. H. Spurgeon, but so true: "We should always remember that we are a part of the Church, and that our own lack of revival is in some measure the cause of the lack of revival in the Church at large. I will lay this charge before us: we Christians need a revival of piety in our lives."

and

"We are mirrors whose brightness, if we are bright, is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us." (C.S. Lewis) When others look at your life do they see the light of Jesus? Are you living the life of a fan or a follower?

 

SPOTMail!!

Lesson Preview

We continue our study of 1st Thessalonians.  Be sure read ahead into Chapters 2 & 3 and you should be able to keep up with our fearless leader.

 Baseball Tickets

Each year Brad Slinkard offers the SPOTclass tickets for a summertime Cardinal game at discounted rates. This year's game is on Saturday, June 18 against our cross state rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets in this section are normally $37, but they're available through Brad at just $15. That's much better than StubHub and these are a genuine bargain with no pesky prossessing or delivery fees.  And you don't even have the use the ink in your printer.  In exchange for your $$$ you actuallly get a real ticket.    It's a good Father's Day gift (as that is Father's Day "Eve").  There's (virtually) no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for your family and friends. Tickets are in section  372 of the Left Field Pavillion (right above Big Mac Land).  Contact Brad Slinkard at 314-494-5081 or email at bs4@sbcglobal.net.

Snacks Schedule

May 15 = Massey

May 22 - Luther

May 29 - MEMORIAL DAY - No class

Prayer List

Carolyn Amen's recovery is very very slow, but steady

Fine Art's ministry

Tornado and flood victims

Traveling students

The Late Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

1st Thessalonians 1:1-10

Puppy Love 

In beginning our study of Thessalonians, we started with a quick quiz that covered the following facts.  1st Thessalonians was the 2 in chronological order of Paul's 13 letters. Thessolanica was and still is in Greece.  Thessolanica was like Corinth that it was a good port, had lots of traffic, and was prosperous.  The 3 groups that responded to Paul's preaching were Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and leading women. His message appealed to the Jews because of the Messiah, and to Greeks and leading women because of it's message of freedom rather than the legalism of Judaism.  Paul stayed in Thessolinica less than three weeks, at which time he was run out of town by the non-believing Jews.  Paul wrote the letter in response to Timothy's report.

Intro:

What is puppy love?  About how old was your teen when they had their first bite of puppy love?  How did it affect them?  How old were you when you had your first puppy love?  How did it affect you?  In this lesson we saw what puppy love had in common with 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1-4 Recognizing God's Work

When you look here at the pronouns you notice that they are all plural.  This indicates that Paul was open.  We see here that Silas helped start the church and that Timothy was sent to encourage them.  Paul was pleased by three things about the Thessalonians in Timothy's report.  They were-their work of faith, their labor of love, and their endurance inspired by hope.  Their work of faith demonstrated the motive behind their labor of love/service.  Both were strengthened by their endurance of hope in the return of Christ, giving Paul reason to rejoice.

These evidences of godliness prove the reality of one's faith in Christ in this fashion; they are evidences of God's presence in one's life and are a consistent reflection of a genuine faith in Jesus.

5-6 Responding to the Spirit

Here Paul is commending the Thessalonians for responding to the message in spite of severe suffering and persecution.  The Holy Spirit is given credit for the success of Paul's preaching.  What do you think was behind Paul's bold statement that the Thessalonians become imitators of him and his coworkers?  How important do you consider "spiritual modeling" in you relationship with others?

7-10 Influencing Others

The Thessalonians faith had a great effect on Christians in Macedonia and Achaia.  This is because the Thessalonian believers made a complete break with the worship of idols, which was a radical step of faith for them.  They believed the gospel, and they passed it on by deed and word.  The gospel is presented primarily through the lives of believers (2 Cor 3:1-3).  Paul touched on 4 basic themes of the gospel message as he observed in the Thessalonian's spiritual growth and reputation.  They are:

1. Turning from idols to save God.
2. Anticipation of Christ's return.
3. What Christ accomplished for us through His resurrection.
4. The inevitability of a coming judgement for those who reject Jesus.

Conclusion:

The comparison we see between puppy love and what we have seen in this lesson about the Thessalonians is a radical change because of a love relationship.

Muny Poll

A revised (with dates!) poll of what Muny show the class should attend will be in the SPOT folder this Sunday!

Baseball Tickets

Brad Slinkard has discounted baseball tickets for sale.  The game is for Saturday, June 18th against our Cross State Rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets are normally $37.00 but he is willing to sell for $15.00 per ticket.  It's a good Father's Day present as that is Father's Day "Eve".  He has plenty in hand and willing to sell as many as you'd like.  Also mention to any friends/family who may be interested as you won't find any cheaper than this in this particular section.  Sec 372 of the Left Field Pavilion (right above Big Mac Land).  You can contact him at:

Brad Slinkard

314-494-5081

bs4@sbcglobal.net

 

Prayer Requests

 

• Carolynn Amen is improving slowly.
• New worship minister (keep your fingers crossed and your knees on the ground!)
• Keep praying for college kids as they take finals and travel home.
• Susan's sister-in-law's brother committed suicide.  

 

  and finally!!!

... a neat little graduation video here.