Mark-ing Time Until Easter 

Our fearless leader is following Mark's example, "sandwich"ing the rest of Mark's Gospel into just two Sundays.  We'll have to listen fast!

So, how are your improved relationships with others going this week?  Boy -- you teach a lesson and watch out!  One would think the teacher is exempt from the test.  Remember the importance of the word "yet"?  I'm not there yet.  Because I have not "yet" arrived, I'll continue the journey, as did Jesus' disciples.

This week our journey takes us to Jerusalem.  Expectations are great as Jesus enters the city. The disciples have their expectations and the large crowd has it own expectations.  Three times Jesus described the process he must endure to his disciples, but they still didn't get it!

How many times do you find yourself explaining the same thing to your teens?  After the third time, you're probably wondering if they will ever get it!

I wonder if we are more like Jesus' disciples than we know.  Are there things in our lives that Jesus has patiently explained to us for many years?  Aren't we appreciative for his patience?

Our lesson this week covers Mark 10:46 - 13:37. 

I hope to see you this Sunday as we discuss . . .

with Great Expectations,

Don

Pizza Pizza !!

The SPOTclass won't be going to Little Caesars, but we will be doubling up on pizza over the next two Sundays.

After second hour this week, CSM Leadership will be conducting a 40-hour Famine organizational meeting.  If your teenager is participating in the Famine this year, you and your teen need to be there.  And since talking about fasting works up an appetite, the meeting will wrap up with pizza for everyone -- teenagers and parents alike.

SPOTlunch at CiCi's will be delayed one week as a consequence.  On March 28, we'll mark the end of Don's enlightening series on Mark's Gospel at the south county CiCi's Pizza location across from Dave Sinclair's  Ford & Lincoln Mercury dealerships. 

Brooks will try not to make a wrong turn when he gets there.    

Paintball SPOTS

Tore, an Xtreme Paintball Park www.xtremepaintballpark.com near Jefferson Barracks, has offered Concord members a great package price for a half-day of paintball.

Here are the details -- Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  A $25 fee covers entry, air, gun rental, face mask, and your first 500 paintballs.   There is no additional cost to play longer or later. If less than 10 were still playing, then we'd join open play and lose our private ref. That's all. No additional costs unless you need more paint.

SPOTclass ex-patriot Bob Hohmeier is coordinating the activity.  He offers a treatese on the subject for the uninitiated on the SPOTblog -- TMI for SPOTmail -- but it sounds like he's  the last person you'll see on the course before your goggles turn some opaque shade of red and you hear an evil laugh.  One hint:  if you see him, aim low!

 If you're interested in decorating your body in paint SPOTs at a discount price, contact Bob at  314-541-7429 or via email at Jubes56@gmail.com.  He needs a head count by April 3.

EGGSperienced Volunteers Wanted

The SPOTclass will be helping with this years' Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 (that's in the morning) until noon. 

We will be manning the Knock It Over event -- running the game, handing out the prizes, and interacting with the kids who play.  We will need a few volunteers to help, and it's important that you play well with others. 

You can volunteer for a single shift or for the entire day.  If you can help, email spotspot@gmx.com or scribble your name on the sign-up sheet in the SPOTfolder on Sunday.

SPOTfun Polling

SPOTclass continues its survey of class members to determine your idea of fun social activities for the class. 

Do you want to watch the ponies at Fairmont, see the Grizzlies or the Rascals play minor league baseball, or vent your frustrations on the tenpins at the local bowling establishment?

Watch the SPOTfolder Sunday for an informal poll on what our next social event should be!  You can help make the call by jotting your ideas on the poll this Sunday!

Snacks

• 3/21 -- Linda Conrad
• 3/28 -- Kevin & Susan Hurt

Prayer Requests

• Rusty Phillips has an employee at work (Mike) nearing retirement and now thinks he has dementia or Alzheimer's. 
• Ed Martin requests prayer for his sister's continuing cancer treatments.  She is struggling with new chemo.
• Ed Martin's brother-in-law had a defibrillator installed on Monday.
• Kevin's sister continues to be hospitalized for complications of asthma.
• A "Gay and Christian" organization is presenting and debating at Southwest Baptist University.  Some of our youth attend there.
• Lori's dad is doing better, but more investigation is to come.  Continue to pray for God's healing.

Dave Ramsey on Money and Marriage   (from Focus on the Family)

It has been established that men and women have different financial and communication styles. Add to that the fact that opposites attract. Now we have room for conflict everywhere.
One spouse is usually more creative and spontaneous than the other, what I call a Free Spirit. That mate tends to see budgeting as a form of torture or control. The other mate likely has a bent toward numbers and tends to shoulder responsibility for the budget. Deep inside him or her is a Nerd with the capacity to create a 17-page budget and present it like a gloating dictator. The Free Spirit will smile — then spend money however he or she wants. And the budget wars are on.   Click the link below to read more (about yourself).
www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/money_and_finances/pursuing_financial_unity/working_with_your_differences.aspx

Paintball!!!

 Bob Hohmeier asked that this activity be posted here.  Sounds like fun!

Tore, at Xtreme Paintball Park ( http://www.xtremepaintballpark.com ) has offered us a great package price for any and all of us that would like to join in a half day of paintball. The details are as follows;

Saturday, April 10th, 2010 @ 10 AM until about 2 PM. (or longer if you’re so motivated)

$25 covers entry, air, gun rental, face mask and your first 500 paintball. Additional paint is $15 a bag of 500 or $55 a case of 2000. The rental guns are semi automatic and hold 200 rounds. You can be trigger happy and go through 200 plus rounds a game or wait until you have a “can’t miss” shot and use a lot less. I usually use less than 300 rounds a day, but I am especially conservative and play with a single shot pump gun. (if you wanted the challenge of pump play, I have several extra guns)

If you have your own equipment, you are welcome to bring it to use instead of the field gear. Be reminded, though, as a private group, we need to use field paint only. If you use your own gun, it needs to be tested and adjusted (chronoed) to shoot 280 feet per second or less. Be reminded, it is semi only. One trigger pull, one ball. No 3 or 6 shot bursts or full auto. The field guns are already set. For those that wonder, a hit to bare skin usually feels like a bee sting or being on the receiving end of a snapped towel. On occasions, it can draw blood. But that is rare.

What you need/should to bring;

Loose fitting, heavy bodied clothes that can get dirty. Long sleeves and pants are suggested. The paint is considered washable, but may stain. Loose fitting tends to cushion the “hit” of the paintball. Actual paintball jerseys and pants are borrowed from motocross clothing. I do have some extra jerseys and some old camo pants and shirts that I can lend.

Old camo is good, but will usually not give you much of its intended value of concealment, as there is not yet much green vegetation. You should also consider dressing 20 degrees warmer than actual temperature, as you hike, duck and move and adrenaline pumps, you’ll get hot! Layers are best. Above 50, I usually wear a short sleeve T-shirt under a jersey and that’s generally plenty.

An old ball cap to be worn backwards to protect the neck and help position the face mask. Maybe even mechanics gloves or ones that you still get a good “feel” with. If you think you’ll sweat heavily, tucking a sanitary pad inside the front band of your ball cap tends to keep it out of your eyes and helps prevent fogging of the goggles. (I won’t tell, as I do it frequently). Some guys wear knee pads, too. I don’t wear a cup, and getting hit there is a possibility, but rare. Not worth the discomfort to me.

We have had lots of rain and snow and the ground is often a little or a lot muddy. There are lots of small hills, so if you have any non metal spikes, it would be good. Smooth soled shoes are not recommended.

There is really no where to change other than a Johnny, so a covering for your vehicle seat and maybe grocery bags for your shoes is suggested. If you’re limber enough to still change in your car, you are truly blessed!

They sell micro wavesandwiches, soda and water at the park. You are welcome to bring your own food and non alcoholic beverages, though. Dominos Pizza delivers there also. They have picnic tables to set up on. They also have a large grille if someone wants to bring charcoal and meat to cook.

The field is less than 15 minutes from the JB Bridge. We could meet at Steak and Shake at Lindbergh and Lemay Ferry for breakfast at 8:30 and leave there at 9:15 to caravan or car pool to the field. You could also just meet at the field. It usually takes a half hour or so to set up and get familiarized with the gear.

I need a count, so let me know at least a week in advance if possible. The field needs to know so they can supply the proper amount of equipment and referees. Bob Hohmeier @ 314-541-7429 or Jubes56@gmail.com

Correction!!!

The SPOTlunch will be held at Ce Ce's pizza on March 28th due to pizza being served at the meeting this Sunday for the 30 hour famine.  So mark your calendars for a week from Sunday!  In addition, we have a buy one get-one free coupon for most folks attending!

Cardboard Village and 30 Hour Famine Info

 This email just came out from Sarah.  I thought I would post it here for reference, or in case you didn't get the email!

Hey Parents!!

Just want to remind you that the Cardboard Village is THIS Saturday! Students should meet at the church at 3pm and bring $15 along with sleeping bags, cardboard boxes, duct tape (if you have it), stuff to get ready for church the next morning (no showers!), and their Bible.

Also, don’t forget about the pizza party/info meeting THIS Sunday after church in the Rafters!! In case your kids didn’t tell ya- you are invited to this. :) We will be going over all the info for the 30 Hour Famine coming up April 23-24, and handing out their packets so they can start raising money. If your child is interested in participating in the Famine, please have them attend the info meeting. If this is their first one, if you have questions about the event, or if you’d just like some free pizza please join them at the info meeting too.

Please pray that God uses this event to open the eyes of our students’, our leadership team, your families’, and our church’s to His desire for us to meet the needs of the poor and hungry all over the world. One of us can’t make much of a difference, but together we can change the world in the name of Jesus!

Sunday Update!!!

Lesson Recap

Today we continued in the series "Marks of Discipleship".  We focused on Mark 8:34-10:31.  The lesson was designed to help us get along better with others.  Our points we considered were in chapter 9:

Verses 33-37: Show Others You Care-Jesus gave advice that the first amongst his followers would be last.  This will help us get along with others because when you are more concerned about the welfare of others than yourself it helps us see others in a different light!

Verses 38-41: See Others as Co-Workers-The disciples were upset that an unnamed person was doing miracles in the name of Jesus who was not an "insider".  Jesus commented that since the works were done in his name, all was well.  We need to have this attitude towards other Christians, so that we can come together for His glory!

Verses 42-48: Sacrifice For The Sake Of Others- This passage tells us that we need to get rid of the things in our lives that cause us to sin, or not walk with Him.  It is better to do without, than to go against God.  Sin is not tolererated.

Verses 49-50: Season Others Lives!-Here Jesus talks about salt.  What do we use salt for?  How can we use those characteristics to enhance our relationships?

What truths from this lesson can we apply to our relationships?

SPOT Lunch

 

 Next week, after class, is once again SPOTlunch.  Today CiCi's Pizza was the place drawn!  So be ready for a pizza buffet, and cinnamon rolls!  YUM!

Easter EGGSstravaganza

As mentioned previously on the blog, the SPOT class will be manning the "Knock it Over" game on March the 27th at church.  The hours will be 8:30-noon.  If you would like to help send us off an email to spotspot@gmx.com....or sign up on the sign up sheet in the SPOT folder on Sunday!

Social Activity Poll

The poll for our next social activity was in the folder on Sunday.  There were a few votes for bowling and the Muny.  There were also a couple of write-ins for the City Museum and a bonfire (we would need a location for that one!).  The poll will make one more round in the folder next Sunday.  Vote often and early!

Prayer Requests

-Rusty has an employee at work (Mike) nearing retirement and now thinks he has dementia or Alzheimer's. 

-Ed requested prayer for his sister's continuing cancer treatments.  She is struggling with new chemo.

-Ed's brother-in-law is having a defibrillator installed today (3/15).

-Kevin's sister continues to be hospitalized for complications of asthma.     

-A "Gay and christian" organization is presenting and debating at Southwest Baptist University.  Some of our youth attend there.

-Lori's dad is doing better, but more investigation is to come.  Continue to pray for God's healing.

   

 

Prayer Request

Lori Robbins asks us to be in prayer for her father, who was taken to Barnes Hospital tonight with breathing difficulties. 

SPOTmail Update!!!!

Report Card on the Lesson Plan

Remember back in ancient history (grade school) when every quarter we would come home with the infamous "report card"?

Back then, teachers would actually write comments to the parents on the back of the card instead of posting links to their grade book. Did you ever, or did someone you know, come home with the comment, "Does not play well with others?"

This Sunday, we will discuss how to get along with others. (Believe it or not, that can even be an issue at church!) We'll look at examples coming from Jesus' everyday interactions with the people he met. The content ranges from Mark 8:34 -10:31. The lesson will focus on 9:33-50.

Hope to see you Sunday,
Don

EGGSperienced Volunteers Wanted

The SPOTclass will be helping with this years' Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 (that's in the morning) until noon.

We will be manning the Knock It Over event -- running the game, handing out the prizes, and interacting with the kids who play. We will need a few volunteers to help, and it's important that you play well with others (see lesson plan above).

You can volunteer for a single shift or for the entire day. If you can help you, email spotspot@gmx.com or scribble your name on the sign-up sheet in the SPOTfolder on Sunday.

SPOTfun Polling

While the US government is conducting a census, SPOTclass will be surveying our fellow classmates to determine your idea of fun! This is an endeavor equally as important as determining the number of heads around the nation.

Do you want to watch the ponies at Fairmont, see the Grizzlies or the Rascals play minor league baseball, vent your frustrations on the tenpins at the local bowling establishment (now known as Brunswick Zones), or check out the marching bands at the River City Casino (just joking)!

Watch the SPOTfolder Sunday (it may be doing tricks) for an informal poll on what our next social event should be! You can help make the call by jotting your ideas on the poll this Sunday!

Trivia Night

Thanks to everyone who helped us put together a wonderful basket for the Silent Auction during the CSM Trivia Night on Saturday. More than 40 tables competed and more than $7,500 was raised.

Proceeds from the trivia event and silent auction help fund CSM's high school mission trip this summer.

Snacks

• 3/14 -- Dani Cotter (we're looking for a dramatic break from the ordinary)
• 3/21 -- Linda Conrad (we're hoping for something a wee bit different)

Prayer Requests

• Praise for what looks to be a very successful cervical spine surgery for Kevin. In addition, it looks as though the stroke-like events have a logical explanation and treatment approach as well. Praise to God for his ever-continuing miracles! Thanks also to everyone for their prayers and support.

Image is Everything!

Several class members are sporting a new image these days!

This Sunday, make a point of smiling at Karen and Rusty Phillips and take note of Linda Conrad's specks-tacular new looks.

Help Wanted!!!

The SPOT class will be helping with this years Easter Eggstravaganza.  We will be manning the Knock It Over Game.  We will be there to run the game, give the prizes, and interact with the kids playing.  We will need a few volunteers to help.  This will be on Saturday, March 27th from 8:30-noon.  You can volunteer for part of the time, or for the entire day.  If you are so led to help you can email spotspot@gmx.com or sign up on the sign up sheet in the SPOT folder on Sunday!

The Sunday Update on Monday!!!

Lesson Recap

Continuing in the Book of Mark, we learned more of the "Marks of Discipleship".

After a recap of last weeks lesson we started in on Mark 8:11-33.  Today's lesson was designed to help believers develop their faith.

Verses 11-13 Little Hope :  Here we see that the Pharisees had little hope to believe in Jesus.  The basis of faith is not a sign, but a choice.  A closed mind leaves little hope for development of spiritual understanding.

Verses 14-21 Some Hope : Here we see the disciples still struggle for spiritual understanding, yet Jesus still had hope for them.  How far am I on the road to becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus?

Verses 22-26: Jesus heals the man in Bethsaida

Verses 27-33 More Hope:  Who did the outsiders say Jesus was?  God spoke the truth through Peter.  If my life was a billboard sign, how effective would it be in pointing people to God?

Our openness to spiritual truth is a sign we are willing to grow in our spiritual understanding.

Trivia Night...

...was a resounding success with around $7500 raised for the youth mission trip! 

 Next Social Event

Watch the SPOT folder next week for an informal poll on what our next social event should be!  Bowling?  Minor-league baseball?  You can help make the call by jotting you ideas on the poll next week!

Neat Link

As mentioned in class there is a really neat site out there called Not A Fan.  It is for those wishing to become completely devoted to Christ.  You can read more here.  If you use Facebook you can click on the follow button in the upper right hand corner to get a daily devotional and thinking point!  Check it out!

 Prayer Requests

-Praise for what looks to be a very successful cervical spine surgery for Kevin.  In addition, it looks as thought the stroke-like events have a reason and treatment as well.  Praise to God for his ever continuing miracles!  Thanks also to everyone for their prayers and support!

 

"Signs" of a Future Lesson

We continue our journey through the book of Mark.

This week's lesson is about signs. Do you remember the words of that 70s hit?

"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind.

Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"

The question we will attempt to answer is, "How do I develop my faith?" What are the "signs?" The lesson will come from chapter 8, verses 11 - 33. However, to put it in context, you will also want to read chapter 7.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Signing off,
Don

Trivia Night

Thanks to everyone who helped us put together a wonderful basket for the Silent Auction during the CSM Trivia Night on Saturday. Proceeds from the trivia event and silent auction help fund CSM's high school mission trip this summer.

All together, our "Night at the Movies" basket is valued at nearly $100. We hope it yields some strong bids.

Now it's time for trivia, and we'll see if one of our church teams can claim the crown or if the title goes to one of our visiting teams. There will be more than 40 teams competing on Saturday. We hope the fire marshall doesn't stop by!

Snacks

• 3/7 -- Kay Smith
• 3/14 -- Dani Cotter

Prayer Requests

• Kevin Hurt was actually back in church Wednesday night! Miracles still happen every day. Kevin is even planning to compete at the SPOT table at CSM Trivia Saturday. Keep him in your prayers.
• Don Massey has requested prayer for help balancing all of the demands of home and work over the coming weeks.
• Please pray for Cathy Boemler and her sons Chris and Derek after the loss of their husband / father suddenly last week. He died in his sleep.

Sunday Update!!!

Lesson Recap

Continuing our series on the Book of Mark, we studied chapter 6:6a -56.  The lesson was designed to help believers express faith in different ways.

The Mission (verses 6b-13):  Jesus put the disciples in position where they needed courage.  He sent them out with nothing, so they needed courage to get through.  Both Jesus and the disciples taught and preached, they both also healed the sick and drove out demons.

Johns' Story (verses 14-29) are where we find John (Jesus' fore-runner) meeting his end at the hands of Herod.  This a also where we find the Great Commission.  We find it "sandwiched" , which is a method of writing in Mark that helps readers to better comprehend what Jesus wanted his disciples to do.

Dinner on the Grounds (verses 30-44).  Jesus was getting reports about missions when more than 5000 people showed up (not counting women and children).  This was the first opportunity Jesus the disciples the ability to teach faith.  When multiplying the fishes and loaves, Jesus chose the disciples to help him, when he could have easily done it himself.

Water Aerobics (verses 45-53):  The disciples were instructed to go to Bethsaida, when a storm knocked them off course.  The violent storm was calmed when Jesus stepped into the boat.  They were perplexed, and failed to comprehend what Jesus had just done.  At this point the disciples were "outsiders".

My Needs Your Needs (verses 54-56):  Jesus healed more sick people.  Jesus also stated that people can ask if they are in need.

Jesus' power and presence serve as a basis for every Christian to act courageously.  To walk in faith requires courage.

Trivia Night

Coming up quickly here on Saturday, March 6th.  We are still working on the movie basket.  Here's hoping the all class members have picked out a "popcorn" tag to help provide the goodies to go in the basket.  Also don't forget to come and join in the fun!  Details are on the bulletin board, or in earlier post on the blog.

Prayer Requests

- Don Massey has requested prayer for help balancing all of the demands of home and work over the coming weeks.

-Please pray for Cathy Boemler and her sons Chris and Derek as the lost their husband/father last week quite suddenly.  He died in his sleep.

-Kevin Hurt thanks everyone for their prayers for his surgery.  He also request continued prayers for healing from surgery.

2-27 Kevin Update

Kevin Hurt came home early Saturday afternoon and, according to Susan, is doing quite well.  She learned today that not only did doctors remove/repair a herniated disk, but also removed bone chips from his neck.  All these issues contributed to Kevin's severe pain in recent months.  He'll be taking it easy for the next few days and then will begin physical therapy.  Keep Kevin and Susan in your prayers.

Prayer Request

Kevin Hurt Update

"Other than the fact I feel like I was hit by a truck, I think I'm okay."  That was Kevin Hurt's assessment of his back/spine surgery Friday.  Doctors actually replaced one disc in Kevin's back.  Kevin says he still expects to go home on Saturday and says he will be ready to compete on a SPOT trivia team March 6.  Earlier in the week, Kevin's doctors diagnosed some of the stroke-like symptoms he's suffered recently as a result of complicated migraine headaches.

"This could be a very good week for me," he said.

Wrapping Up the Week.

SPOTmail Express 2.0

Lesson Sandwich


This week's lesson comes from Mark chapter 6. As you read, look for Mark's sandwich.

Secondly, think of courage as you read the chapter. Who is in need of it? Who displays it? Why is courage important or even necessary? How does one obtain courage? You will have a chance to share your thoughts Sunday.

Now -- suppose you are interacting with your teen when, all of the sudden, you find yourself attempting to answer this question, "What does it feel like to have God living in you?"


See you Sunday,
Don



Prayer Request Update

• Doug Spitz has returned home and is feeling well. He did not suffer a heart attack, though his symptoms were a consequence of his high blood pressure. He's now controlling that problem with medication.
• Don't forget to pray for Kevin Hurt undergoing neck/spine surgery at Des Peres Hospital on Friday morning. He hopes to come home some time on Saturday.

God's Chisel

I found this video from the Skit Guys and was humbled. I hope you enjoy it.  (Click on "Watch Preview")

God's Chisel « Videos « The Skit Guys

SPOTmail Update v1.0!!!!

Trivia Night Movie Basket

Once again this year, the SPOTclass will be putting together a basket for the Silent Auction during the CSM Trivia Night on Saturday, March 6. Proceeds from the trivia event and silent auction help fund various CSM mission trips this summer.

"A Night at the Movies" is the theme of our basket and we're looking for class members to contribute various items that make a movie night (even at home) fun!
• A box of microwave popcorn (with movie theater butter, of course)
• Four half-liter or 20-ounce sodas
• Theater-sized boxes of candy (Junior Mints, Raisinets, Milk Duds, etc.)
• Family-friendly DVDs
• Cash to purchase theater gift cards
If you can help, claim one (or more) of the popcorn bags off the class bulletin board, and return it by Wednesday, March 3 with item listed. Popcorn bags will be available on the board beginning on Wednesday, February 24. Cash for the gift cards will be collected in class this Sunday.

Trivia Teams

Signing up a team to play will also help CSM meet its goal. There's just one week left to register your team and tables are filling up fast! One SPOT team is already registered and they're looking for a challenger! Sign up in the Atrium this Sunday.
Movie Night

And speaking of the movies, this Saturday is Concord Family Movie Night. You can bond with your teenager and learn to be a better parent -- what a great double feature!

Breakout sessions for children, youth and parents begin at 6 p.m., followed by the movie "Bolt." in the Atrium. Bring your blanket and pillow! (for Lanny's lecture, not the movie!)

Snacks

• 2/28 -- Kay Massey
• 3/7 -- Kay Smith

Prayer Requests

• Doug Spitz was taken to St. Anthony's Tuesday morning with heart attack symptoms. His blood pressure has been high recently and he has been dealing with a lot of stress.
• Kevin Hurt will undergo neck/spine surgery at Des Peres Hospital on Friday. He hopes to come home some time on Saturday. We all will be praying for healing at long last! ( His new puppy will be ready to play when he returns home, so he'd better recover quickly!)
• Pray that the meds will help lower Rich Conrad's blood pressure. To date, heart tests have not uncovered any significant issues.

Coming Attractions - This Week's Lesson Preview

Look for another email later this week with Don's Lesson Preview for the final day of February.

Prayer Request...

Sue Spitz's husband Doug is being taken to St. Anthony's this morning with symptoms of a heart attack -- pain in his chest, left arm, jaw. His blood pressure has been up recently and he has been dealing with a lot of stress. Pray for God's healing and comfort.

The Sunday Update on Monday!!!

Lesson Recap

Continuing in Mark, today we continued with the studies of the miracles found in Mark chapter 4:35- chapter 6:5.  This lesson was designed to allow our faith in Jesus to replace fear.  There are three common themes found in these four miracles. 

1) Death.  Even the disciples were most afraid of dying.  The message is that Jesus is equal to any threat that may shatter human life.

2) Desperation.  We saw the disciples in need of the storm to be calmed.  This includes innermost turmoil!  The message is those most open to receiving Jesus' power in their lives are those who recognize their own desperate need of it.

3)  Contrast between fear and faith. Lack of faith is fear.  Complete faith in Jesus leaves no room for fear! The message is faith flings open wide the gates to receive Jesus' power...and that casts out all fears! 

What miracle does Jesus Want to perform in your life???

Trivia Basket

We are going to be making a "movie basket" for the auction for the CSM Trivia Night.  This will be like the one we made last year.  Tabs with gifts needed to make the basket will be posted on our bulletin board.  Take a tab and get the gift to Ginger by Wednesday, March 3rd!  Remember the money raised goes to help the youth on their mission trips!

Prayer Requests

- Praise To God that nothing is wrong with Rich Conrad's heart...there is no blockage.  Pray that the blood pressure meds will help lower his blood pressure.

-Kevin will be having spine surgery on Friday.  He should be home on Saturday evening, and up and at 'em within a week or two.  Pray that God guides the surgeons hands.  Also pray that this might be the end of most of Kevin issues.

   

SPOTmail Update!!!!

Big Chill This Weekend

It may be one of our favorite weekends of the year. Big Chill. Our kids will be leaving late Friday afternoon and returning on Sunday afternoon. Enjoy your freedom while you can!

SPOTlunch

To celebrate, we'll be holding another SPOTlunch. Meet us at McAllister's Gravois Bluffs location after class. Great sandwiches, warm soups, filling salads and the best Sweet Tea around.

Snacks

• 2/21 -- Zenobia Perry
• 2/28 -- Kay Massey

Movie Night

Bond with your teenager and learn to be a better parent -- what a great double feature! Breakout sessions for children, youth and parents begin at 6 p.m., followed by the movie "Bolt." Bring your blanket and pillow! (I knew they should have put cupholders in the worship center!)

Trivia Night

Just two weeks left before the annual CSM Trivia Night. Proceeds from the trivia event and silent auction help fund various CSM mission trips this summer. One SPOT team has been formed and they're looking for a challenger ! Sign up in the Atrium this Sunday.

Prayer Requests

• The Conrads have asked for prayer after Rich's physical last week found he has some high blood pressure that needs to be addressed. (That's what raising two boys will do to you!) Pray that the problem can be resolved and he still qualifies for his work assignment later this year.
• Dani Cotter's friend Mary's sister (Beth Neal) has been diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer. She is undergoing chemo.

The Lesson

Mark our words, you won't want to miss this week's lesson as we continue with our series on the Book of Mark.

Sunday Update...Delayed due to clowns...

I apologize for the late nature of the Sunday Update this week, but as mentioned earlier in the blog, your blogmeister was tied up this weekend at a the national Show-Me Clowns for Jesus with his son. If I hear another kazoo or honking horn this week...well...it could get ugly...

Lesson Recap

The class moved right along in Mark on Sunday covering chapter 4: 35-41.  The lesson was designed to help us understand Jesus' role in our storms of life.

In Verses 35-37 it was seen that the disciples did nothing wrong, and that they did exactly what He told them to.  See James 1: 2-4 and see that we can expect storms, and that God can do good things for believers through their storms. (See also Rom 8: 28)

In Verses 38-40 it was seen that storms will test faith.  In this storm the disciples assumed they weren't going to make it.  But Jesus did.  He was asleep as he already knew the outcome!  This was a storm of purpose!

Looking at Verse 41 We see that Jesus will not calm every believer's storm, but he will calm every believer in the storm.  Jesus chose to calm their storm by calming the storm.  It is not Jesus's role to calm the storm...we must first ask him.  See Acts 27 :13-44

SPOT Lunch

McAllister's in the Gravois Bluffs was chosen as the lunch location for next week after class!

Anniversary

Please congratulate the Phillips' as they celebrated their anniversary on Sunday, Valentine's Day (Awww.)

Prayer Requests

-  The Conrad's have asked for praise as Rich had his physical last week.  It was found he has some high blood pressure that needs to be addressed.  Pray that it can be resolved.

-  Dani Cotter's friend Mary's sister (Beth Neal) has been diagnosed with rectal cancer in stage 3.  She is undergoing chemo.