The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

Numbers-1:1-8:26

Stay True To Your Commitments 6:1-15

Summary of Background Material:

1:1-2:24 This section describes the preparation for the journey from Mt. Sinai to Canaan.  the first task was to get a count of all males 20 years and older (excluding Levites) for military purposes. The total number of fighting men was 603,550

3:1-4:49 Special instructions were given for a census of the Levites not included in the military count.  The Levites' solemn duties emphasized the vital role they performed in the worship of God.

5:1-6:27 Instructions were given regarding ceremonial cleanliness, compensation for offenses, marital fidelity, Nazerite vows, and blessings.

7:1-8:26 Instructions were given for consecrating sacrifices, lamps for the tabernacle, and ceremonial cleansing of the Levites.

This lesson focused on God's expectations of faithfulness in a study of the ancient Nazerite vow.  The emphasis is on keeping our promises to God and our fellow man regardless of the cost.

Take Your Commitments Seriously vv 1-8

In v.2 we see for the first time in scripture the term 'Nazerite'.  The Hebrew term, Nazir, means to dedicate or consecrate.  Thus a Nazerite is a dedicated or consecrated person.  The person is the one who chooses to be consecrated, not God. The first Nazirite mentioned in the Bible is Samson in Judges 13.  Paul took two vows. The Nazerite vow included 3 prohibitions.  They are:

1. Vv 3-4 Abstinence from anything produced from the grapevine
2. Vv 5-6 Not cutting one's hair during the period of the consecration
3. Vv 7-8Not coming in contact with a dead body

What is it about these three prohibitions that might cause one to count the cost and take the Nazerite vow seriously?  What are some commitments we make to God that might cause us to count the cost? 

Rededicate Yourself When Needed vv 9-12
In these verses we see that for the when the Nazerite vow concerning 'no contact with a dead body was broken', then the only fix was restitution and rededication.  God made a way for people to continue their vows even after breaking the because He is merciful and wants to help us succeed in keeping our commitments to serve him.  There are four basic suggestions on what we should do when we drop the ball on a commitment we made to God:

1. Confess
2. Repent
3. Rededicate
4. Complete

Honor God From Start To Finish vv 13-15
Most commitments are costly.  Would you say the greatest cost is in making or keeping the commitment and why?  The offering made at the conclusion of the vow was costly because God required a demonstration and acknowledgement of God's worthiness.

Conclusion: How do my offerings of time, talents, and finances demonstrate my view of God's worthiness?

SPOT Super Bowl Party

February 5th at 5:30 PM at the Hurts.  bring a snack to share, and join in on the fun, fellowship, and football.  Map is in the upper right hand corner of this blog!  There will be a corresponding youth party at the Howards. Details on the youth party to come!

SPOT Lunch

...will be at Fazoli's on Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold next Sunday right after class.  Come join us for some Italian cuisine!

  

Snacks

• 1/29 Phillips
• 2/5 Perry
• 2/12 Hurt

Prayer Requests

• Pray for Rich and Linda Conrad on the passing of Rich's dad, Sylvester.  
• Prayer of thanks and healing for Mark Sweetnam, Concord's primary bass guitar player. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery yesterday morning.
• From Terresa-Pray for JT's lack of sleep from work Nights are starting to have a huge affect on him.
• Prayer of thanks for Kevin's brother-in-law.  the nodules found in his lungs are not believed to be malignant.
• Pray for Curtis, a child on Jim's basketball team.  He had surgery on his elbow.
• Pray for Zenobia's upcoming surgery on both hands.
• Pray for Kevin's friend and mentor who is suffering from a rare disease.    

 

  

Rich Conrad's Father

Dear friends,

Everything happened so fast, and we've been overwhelmed with emotion and arrangements for the family, so if you didn't know this already...we apologize.

Rich's Dad had a massive stroke sometime during sleep hours Saturday night into Sunday morning, and it was more than his 96 year old body could throw off. He fought hard, but his labored breathing took a toll on him, and he died at 11:34 p.m. Sunday night, January 22 at St. Clare Medical Center in Fenton.

 

He lived a long life of 96 years, and we have been so blessed to have had him living with us here in St. Louis for the last 3 months. There is much to be thankful for and lots of special memories, but now he's home in that glorious mansion that Jesus said He was preparing for him.

 

Rich and I will be travelling to Kansas later this morning for his funeral and burial. All of our family will be attending as well.

 

Here's the arrangements for Rich's Dad ~ Sylvester G. Conrad

This Friday, January 27, 2012

4:00 - 8:00 p.m. visitation/service at Janousek Funeral Home in LaCrosse, Kansas

Saturday, January 28, 2012

10:30 a.m. -- Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in McCracken, Kansas (Rich's hometown)

Memorials

In lieu of flowers, any memorials should be made out to:

"Saint Mary's McCracken Heritage Association"

Address: 304 E. Florence, Rush Center, KS 67575

This is an association that was formed by the parish members of St. Mary's in order to preserve the beautiful St. Mary's Church, of which Sylvester was a parishioner.

 

Thanks,

Rich & Linda

 

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday today to Justin Cole!!!

Prayer Request

Mark Sweetnam (Concord's primary bass guitar player) is having bypass surgery this Wednesday morning at 9 am. Please pray for him and his wife, Kathy.

Update on Rich Conrad's Dad

Hello,

 

Thank you for your prayers for my father-in-law. As you know from an email I asked Taryn to send...Rich's Dad had a massive stroke. It occurred sometime during the night after we all went to bed on Saturday night. We found him with slurred speech in his bed Sunday morning when we were getting ready for church. His whole left side was unresponsive, and we called 911 right away.

After a long hard day at St. Clare Hospital...he fought till the end, and he died last night at 11:34 p.m.

His body will be sent home to Kansas, and the funeral will be at a funeral home in LaCrosse, Kansas.

 

We will be making arrangements today with Rich's brother Roy (the one who had 2 strokes in the fall and who lives in Dad's hometown of McCracken, KS), and it may be this weekend. 

 

Please also pray for Brian Carosone's Aunt Barb as she went in the hospital yesterday throwing up blood. She was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Thanks,

Linda

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Many thanks to Larry Harder for filling in for Don this week.  His lesson was on discipleship found in Jesus' words in John 13-17.  Specifically we looked at John 13 and the significance of Jesus' washing of the disciples feet.

SPOT Super Bowl Party

...is being held at the Hurts house on Feb. 5th, starting around 5ish.  Directions are in the upper right-hand corner of this blog.  The will also be put in the SPOT folder along with the sign-up sheet.  You can sign-up...or email to thespotspot@charter.net.

Snacks

• 1/22 Bradshaw
• 1/29 Phillips
• 2/5 Perry

Prayer Requests

 

• Zenobia's trigger finger in 3 finger is affecting piano playing.  Will need surgery.
• College students as they return to school,

   

 

Happy Birthday!!

A Belated Happy Birthday to Zenobia Perry also today!

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy 16th birthday today to Ian Hurt!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday today to Ed Martin!!!

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Time to get things going after our all too brief holiday season.  I pray that everyone keeps the essence of the birth of Christ in their hearts year-round! 

Lesson Recap

Fork In The Road

Psalm 1: 1-6 

This is called a wisdom Psalm as it gives observations and guidance on how to live.  In life there are always two paths to take.  As Yogi Berra once said, "If you see a fork in the road, take it!"  We know all too well that the destinations of the two paths are not always clearly labeled; nor are the potential consequences of selecting one over the other.

All of us want our kids to make wise decisions, now and later in life.  What are some methods we use to help them make good choices?

God's Way 1-3

v-1 Here we see that blessed is the person who delights in the Lord. Delights means many things.  It can mean to be good, or to enjoy.  In can also mean to be happy.  People who delight also meditate, as meditation is a by-product of delight.

v-3 This verse illustrates the result of not doing what we see in v.1 and doing what we see in verse 2.

We also see in these verses that we can look upon this as a tree.

1. Tree-planted, which shows intent.
2. Stream-fresh, constantly moving.
3. Fruit-provides fruit when the season ,or time, is right.  God determines when it will produce.
4. Leaf-source of energy for the tree.  Leaves come to life and fall off..and then continue this cycle...but the tree never withers.

The Other Way 4-5
Verses 4-5 are associated with the people of comparison in v.1.  Remember that chaff is the hull of the grain, and represents uselessness.

The Two Choices 6
What do you see this verse saying regarding the choices we will face this year?  We should all remember to try and take the 'right' path.

Conclusion: In this new year we will be faced with many forks in the road.  We need to seek God's wisdom so we will make the right decisions!

SPOT Super Bowl Party

...this year will be held at the Hurt's. Mark your calendars for February 5th at about 5PM. Bring a snack or an appetizer to share and join in on the fun!  The map is over to the right of this page.  It will also be distributed in the SPOT folder, along with a sign-up sheet!

Church Photo Directory

Break out the combs and brushes.  The time is here for a new Concord photo directory.  You can sign up online simply by going here.

Concord Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at Concord Church on Monday, January 16th from 3PM -7PM.  For an appointment you can contact Rhonda Reimler at 636-464-6737, or you can email her at rreimler@yahoo.com.  Walk-ins will be welcome, but appointments will take priority.  You must be able to produce a photo ID.

Mission Trip Donations

Nineteen of our Concord members are going with the Footsteps Missions to work at orphanages in Santa Barbara, Honduras and Belize City, and a community camp/drug prevention center in Routan.  The missionary has asked that  Concord help to provide a new outfit of clothing for each of the 30 children at the Garden of Hope and Love Orphanage.  They give them out for the children's birthdays, and these are the new clothes they ever receive.  There is an envelope with a brochure and letter in the SPOT folder for your information and donations.

Youth Blog

Don't forget to check out the latest news on the Concord Ministries web blog.  You can find it here!       

Snacks

  

• 1/15 LaRowe
• 1/22 Bradshaw
• 1/29 Phillips

Prayer Requests

 

•   Zenobia's dad's declining health.  Pray for patience for her mom.
•    From Phil- pray for Lesa.  She is depressed because James has left for basic training.  Pray for James also.  

 

 

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday today to Sally LaRowe Baker!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday today to Brooks LaRowe!!!  Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday!!!

TODAY is Karen Phillips' birthday!!!!  Tomorrow Neil Stubbs will be celebrating his.  Happy Birthday to both!.

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Class Notes

In our last class we were treated to many facts about Mary, Jesus' mother.  This week Don has asked us each to bring to the table 2 of our favorite Christmas carols.  See you Sunday!!

The SPOT Christmas Party

...was a blast.  Many thanks again to Zenobia for opening her home for this event.  If anyone needs any pickled pigs feet please call Susan.

Holiday Class Schedule

There will be no class on Christmas morning or on New Years Day. There will be worship services as usual both days.

Snacks

• 12/18 PERRY
• 12/25 NO CLASS
• 1/1 NO CLASS
• 1/8  NO ONE YET!!!
• 1/15 LAROWE

Prayer Requests

 

• Safe travel for Phil and Ginger's niece Kim who is returning form a 6 month mission to Swaziland this week.
• Pray for our kids as they return home for the holidays...and their finals!    
• For Bill McKee, and the passing of his father.

     

A Correction and a Prayer Request

Earlier I made the mistake of saying that today was Karen Phillips' birthday. I was mistaken...it is actually on Saturday.  (I'll get this calendar figured out eventually.)

Also, we have a prayer request for Bill McKee.  His father passed away this morning. Bill knew that time was short and spent the day with his father yesterday.

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

Leviticus 23:1-27:34

Let Others See Jesus In You 25:10-22, 35-38

Summary of Background Material: Since we last met-

23:1-24:9 Worship times permeated the Israelite calendar.  The Weekly Sabbath day of rest regularly focused the people's attention on God.  Festivals celebrated God's redemption of His people from Egypt and His provisions for their physical and spiritual needs.  The Day of Atonement constituted a day of self-denial in which the Israelites confessed their sins and the high priest made an atonement sacrifice.  The Israelites needed to remember and celebrate these special times of the year.

24:10-23 When the son of an Israelite mother and Egyptian father blasphemed God's name, God instructed the people to stone the son.  God then gave directions concerning punishments.  Killing and animal necessitated restitution, but intentionally killing a human necessitated the death of the murderer.  Those who injured others received the same injury as punishment, but not the death penalty.  Only heinous crimes such as blasphemy and murder brought the death penalty.

25:1-55 God instructed the Israelites to celebrate the Sabbath year every seventh year so the land could rest.  Every fiftieth year was to be a Year of Jubilee during which the land rested and property was returned to those who owned it.  During the years when the people grew no crops, God would provide for the people's needs by allowing the previous harvests to sustain them.  God directed His people not to cheat one another, but to provide for those in need.

26:1-46  God reminded His People to honor the Sabbath and not to worship idols.  He declared that obedience of His commands would bring blessing and life, while disobedience would bring curse and difficulty.  If, after disobeying, His people repented and sought His forgiveness they could again experience blessing and life.

27:1-34  Vows constituted special offerings beyond required sacrifices.  Substitutions could be made for what had been vowed.  Human values were based on the typical worker's wage, or the value of the person's services.  An animal's value was assigned by the priest.  Firstborn animals could not be vowed sine they already belonged to the Lord.

If you could have one current debt paid in full, what would it be and why?

Share Freedom 1-9, 10-12

Jubilee means to be set free.  Did you catch the two elements of the Jubilee described in these verses?

proclaim liberty=freedom throughout the land.

return= will be discussed in the next set of verses.

What message of freedom does God want His people to proclaim today?

Exhibit Fairness 13-17

The return policy=property was returned to the original family group.  This return of property reminded the people that God was the true owner of the land and helped maintain the proper land distribution of the tribes.  

The cornerstone for the return of property rules was a healthy fear of the Lord, which focused more on love and concern for others than making a profit.  Followers of Christ also live in a special relationship with God.  How should our relationship with Him influence the way we treat others?

Manage Blessings 18-22

Here we see that God is arranging our life so we will live by faith.  The Isrealites also had to have trust in the Lord that during Jubilee they would be sustained...similar to God's provision of mannna. In what ways are we called to trust God?

Extend Kindness 35-38

The Israelites were to extend kindness to the less advantaged.  They were instructed to give him a place to live and work, and do not charge interest on loans.  They did this because God had been kind to them.  How can God's kindness to us inspire us to extend kindness to others?

Conclusion:

Based upon principles discussed in this lesson, how will I let others see Jesus in me this week?

SPOT Christmas Party

It's not too late to RSVP!!!  It is this Saturday at Zenobia's house at 6:30.  Send an email to thespotspot@charter.net for directions.

Snacks

• 12/11   HURTS
• 12/18   PERRY

   

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

LEVITICUS 17:1-22:23

See, Hear, and Do No Evil 18:1-5, 20-26; 20:6-8

Summary of Background Material:  Since we last met-

17:1-16 God commanded the Israeltites to bring all the animals to be sacrificed as fellowship offerings (communing with God) to the tent of meetings.  God also cautioned the people not to eat blood but to properly dispose of it, since blood was used in atonement sacrifices (burnt, sin, and retribution offerings).  Similarly, eating the meat of an animal found dead rendered a person unclean because the blood would have coagulated inside the meat.

18:1-30 God directed the Israelites to avoid the ungodly customs of the people groups around them so they could enjoy a satisfying life in relationship with Him.  God's people were not to have sexual relations with any inside their family except their spouse.  In addition, they needed to respect women outside their family and to avoid child sacrifice and bestiality.  Such ungodly practices among the Caananites would result in their expulsion from the land and allow the Israelites to possess it.  God warned His people they too would be punished with expulsion from the land if they engaged in such practices.

19:1-20:27 Being God's people required living in a way different from those who did not follow Him.  His holiness ans faithfulness needed to be reflected in the lives of His people.  God provided guidance to His people that would help them respect Him and others, and enjoy a satisfying life in His presence.

22:1-22:16  Since priests in particular needed to reflect God's holiness, God provided special directions for them.  Their task was to be holy in every aspect of life: 1- from physical appearance, 2- family relations, 3- how they functioned in their priestly role.

22:17-33  The Israelites' sacrifices also needed to reflect holiness.  Only perfect healthy animals could be offered as sacrifices.  This requirement reflected the Israelites need to give the best of themselves and what they possessed to God.  Animals also needed to be treated with respect.  God's people needed to follow His commands and to be holy.

Introduction:

The Christian faith is a relationship with God through Christ.  Objects like a pocket cross might remind us of our relationship with Christ, but they do not give us special protection from life's difficulties.  We sometimes adopt practices and beliefs simply because they are acceptable in our culture, and we do not want to be viewed as out of step.  We sometimes adopt even ungodly practices, thinking they are harmless or believing we can resist and bad elements.  Adopting ungodly practices and beliefs can damage our relationship with God, as well as our witness for Christ.  What are some practices and beliefs commonly acceptable in our culture our teens may feel pressured to participate in because they do not want to be viewed as out of step? What are some ungodly practices our teens may feel pressured to accept because they think they are harmless, or believe they can resist any bad elements and do not want to be viewed as out of step with their peers?

Avoid Worldly Practices 18:1-5

In V.1 we  say that the Lord spoke to Moses in the tabernacle, or tent of meetings.  Last week we established that the words "The Lord spoke to Moses" was a formula for introducing a new rule (as our teens might say!). Keep in mind that Joseph's descendants had been in Egypt for over 400 years.  They were only a few months into  their covenant with God.   With that understood, what message do you think God was communicating to them?  As parents of teenagers, how can we help our children reject the temptation to go along with the crowd when it means going against their Christian beliefs?  God calls believers to a divine standard of living.  To live by His standards we need to consistently reject the standards of worldly society and culture, and consciously seek God's guidance and strength to follow His rules for holy living.

Avoid Immorality 18:20-26

In reading these verses we see 4 things considered detestable to the Lord-adultery, child sacrifice, homosexuality, and bestiality.  Some of these were practiced in Egypt and all of them were in Canaan.  What impact do these type of sins have on a society?  Verse 25 sounds pretty gross with this vomit talk.  Vomiting is a violent body rejection.  This is what God is going to do to Canaan because of their sin.  And he is going to do it through this rag tag group of ex-slaves!  What warning does God give in V.28?  How can we help our teens decide to avoid this immoral activity?

Avoid Sorcery 20:6-8

Mediums and spiritists continue to intrigue people in today's world.  Television programs feature individuals who claim to be able to contact the dead so the dead can speak through them to their loved ones here on earth.  Fortune-tellers and astrologers claim to have secret skills and knowledge that can help an individual succeed in life.  Why is it considered turning our backs on God when we consult mediums for guidance and comfort?  So you tell your teen they are not to consult mediums for guidance.  Then how are they to determine God's will or guidance?  In V. 8, what does it mean if they obey God's instructions they will be set apart.  We can see how this principle applies for believers today in 2Cor 6:17, Jas 1:21, and 1Pet 2:9.

Conclusion: The Bible is often perceived as a book of don'ts; see no evil-hear no evil-do no evil.  This week consider God's commands in these passages.  Identify some positive things you can do to avoid intentional or unintentional immoral behavior.

SPOT Christmas Party

...is sneaking up on us.  It is on December 10th at 6:30 at Zenobia's house.  (maps available in class or fire off an email for directions)  Bring an appetizer to share in the fun and fellowship.  Also, we will be having a white elephant gift exchange.  So be looking for that item you want to get rid of!

Concord Decorating Party

...is this Sunday, December 4th, right after last classes.  Sandwiches and lunch will be served.  RSVP with the church office, and help "spruce" the church up!

Concord Need

Concord is in need of a few ushers.  Information will be coming out in this weeks SPOT folder.  Keep an "aisle" out for it.  ( I know...that one was REAAALY bad.)

Snacks

• 12/4 Bradshaw
• 12/11 Hurts
• 12/18 Perry

Prayer Requests

• Prayer of thanks for Kevin's friend and mentor in photography that the spots found in his brain were benign.
• Prayer for healing for Kevin after a severe case of the flu sent him to the hospital for a couple of days due to dehydration.  Some rest will still be required for a bit.         

 

The CSM Newsletter...

..has been posted by Ben.  You can read it here.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday today to Lori Robbins!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday today to Cynthia McKee!!!