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.