The official blog and info site of the SPOT Connection class of Concord....a church for everyone!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Happy Birthday!!!
Happy birthday to Douglas Stubbs, whose birthday was yesterday. Happy birthday today to Cynthia McKee!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
SPOTmail Update!
Lesson Preview
I was a member of a church, not Concord, where an older couple mentioned to me that they had never had an argument in almost 50 years of marriage. My immediate thought was - have they ever talked to each other? On a couple of occasions I have visited with engaged couples as they were preparing to get married. One of the questions I like to ask is does the other person fight fair. On a few occasions the reply has been, "I don't know - we have not had a fight or argument." My reply has been, "Then do not get married until you do."
Relationships are fun and rewarding but they take work. Any time you have two people, you have two opinions and often times they differ. This is fertile ground for conflict. This week we continue our study on relationships. Coming from 2 Corinthians 5:11-7:4, we will consider the Biblical formula for reconciliation in a fractured relationship.
Peace,
Don
Snacks
This week...Kay Massey!
Big Chill
We will be serving a chili dinner at Big Chill on March 19th!! Be on the lookout for a donation envelope and a volunteer sign up sheet. Please consider helping feed the kids with us!
Prayer Requests
- Jim Meinhardt's MRI has shown a benign brain tumor. His next step is to see a neurosurgeon.
- For Zenobia and her battle with breast cancer. She will see a medical oncologist today for a 2nd opinion. Her doctor wants her to have surgery and treatment right away because the cancer in an aggressive type.
- For the Christmas musical and all those involved.
- Zenobia's uncle passed away. She will travel to Houston for the funeral and to be with extended family.
- Zenobia's search for another home care assistant for Ryan. It is important that he/she be trustworthy and becomes a part of the family.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Sunday Update on Tuesday!!!
Lesson Recap
The Sunday lesson was from 2 Corinthians 3:1-5:10. This study teaches that we can still serve God faithfully even though dealing with a relationship that seems to be going nowhere.
Concerned or Confident? 3:1-18.
We know that all believers are considered ministers, servants, and slaves (Lk 22:27, Mk 10:43, 2Cor 6:4, Eph 3:7 Col 1:25, 4:12) In order for ministry to happen we must serve God faithfully and rely on Him completely to work in our relationships. When we are in the middle of a conflict we must remain focused on God. A frayed relationship may be beyond a persons ability to manage or even restore. What actions can we take as we rely on God to work?
We know that all believers are considered ministers, servants, and slaves (Lk 22:27, Mk 10:43, 2Cor 6:4, Eph 3:7 Col 1:25, 4:12) In order for ministry to happen we must serve God faithfully and rely on Him completely to work in our relationships. When we are in the middle of a conflict we must remain focused on God. A frayed relationship may be beyond a persons ability to manage or even restore. What actions can we take as we rely on God to work?
Depressed or Determined? 4:1-18.
We see that Paul refused to give up on the Corinthians. Even though there was opposition to him in Corinth, he had received both mercy and his ministry from God, and that was all the motivation he needed to keep going despite this opposition. What actions can we take to avoid giving up on a relationship? In verse 2, Paul, using "God as his witness" vowed that his actions had always been and open display of the truth. In verses 15-18 you can see how Paul remained faithful to God despite suffering difficulties. In verse 15 Paul refers to his life as a jar of clay, meaning he was bound to face suffering. Paul's suffering for the Corinthians and others was because through his tribulations God's grace would be extended to and through more people. Paul is resolute to not give up because of the daily personal renewal, and that God replace the temporal with the eternal. We live by faith, so our task is to remain faithful.
Looking Down or Up? 5:1-10
Paul mentions "home in the body" and "away". Paul never seemed to be concerned about his place of ministry, but rather the purpose. His purpose in ministry was to please God. Our ultimate home is heaven and there too we will serve God for eternity. Paul knew this, and his message can be interpreted to say "no matter where I am, I see it as a ministry field."
Conclusion:
Pain experienced in relationships can discourage us. We may focus so much on problems that we become less committed in our relationship with Christ. By persevering in faithfulness to Jesus, we will also strengthen our other relationships.
1) We can serve God faithfully in any relationship when we rely on Him to work through us.
2) We are serving God faithfully when we live by the truth of the gospel, and help others to understand that truth.
3) We serve God faithfully when we Concentrate our attention on the things that are most important...those that are eternal.
4) Anticipating the future judgment of Christians by Jesus encourages us to serve God faithfully every day.
SPOTnik!!
Those that attended the SPOTnik on Sunday had an awesome time! In addition to great weather, there was great food and fellowship. Many thanks to Brooks and Ginger for getting this all together!
Big Chill
Our class is going to serve one of the meals at CSM's Big Chill. It is being held at the church this year, so they are looking for a few connection classes to serve. The dates for the Big Chill are March 18-20..so mark your calendar. Details coming soon!
SPOT Christmas Party!!
The date of our annual Christmas party has been set!!! It will be on the evening of Wednesday, December 22nd. Watch this space for times and more details!!
Prayer Requests
- Jim Meinhardt's MRI has shown a benign brain tumor. His next step is to see a neurosurgeon.
- Praise that Rich Conrad returned home on Monday!!
- For Zenobia and her battle with breast cancer. She will see a medical oncologist today for a 2nd opinion. Her doctor wants her to have surgery and treatment right away because the cancer in an aggressive type.
- Chris Moniz had cancer surgery yesterday.
- For the Christmas musical and all those involved.
- Zenobia's uncle passed away. She will travel to Houston for the funeral and to be with extended family.
- Zenobia's search for another home care assistant for Ryan. It is important that he/she be trustworthy and becomes a part of the family.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
| SPOTnik Sunday, November 7 @ 1 p.m. in Fenton Park - Shelter 1 RSVP to Brooks and Ginger by Friday at 7 p.m. $10 per family (bring $ on Sunday) Burgers, Hot Dogs and plates/utensils provided Bring your own: - Side dish or Dessert - Chips - Drinks Don't forget the CSM parent meeting at noon, (just don't ask questions) then come on over for the fun! |
Sputnik, the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth, was launched by the Soviet Union in October of 1957. It started a frantic space race which ended in July of 1969 when US astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped on the surface of the moon.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
CSM parents meeting
This Sunday, from 11:50AM-12:50PM, there will be a parents meeting in the Rafters for all those with kids 6th through 12th grade.
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Few Notes...
Prayer Requests
- Zenobia Perrry and her ongoing fight with breast cancer.
- Jim Meinhardt is having an MRI on Friday due to frequent and severe headaches.
- Kevin Hurt is at home recovering from surgery. (The reason there is no lesson recap!)
Birthdays
Both yesterday...(sorry..first time down to computer!) Janice Meinhardt, and Kay Smith.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Mid-Week Update!!
Lesson Recap
On Sunday we concluded our look at 1 Corinthians. We continued our look at the answers Paul gave to the questions of the church in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul took on what probably was the most important topic...the resurrection. In verses 1-28 we saw that some members claimed there was no resurrection from the dead. Specifically, they had doubts about believers resurrection. While they did not dispute Jesus' resurrection, they couldn't see how His resurrection was a guarantee that God will do the same for all believers.
In verses 29-34 we see the implication of proper ethical behavior. We must not just live for the present day, but remember that each days choices have eternal consequences.
In verses 35-58 Paul provided insight into the nature of resurrection. Believers bodies will be perfectly suited for heaven and eternity. God's future provision enables Christians to have confidence in the present...and for eternity.
Class Picnic!!
The date has been set! The SPOT class picnic is going to be held on November 7th. The Location is Shelter 1 at Fenton Park. Cost is $5 per person to cover meat and drinks. Each family will need to also bring a side dish, or chips to share! A sign up sheet will be passed in class next week...or you can email to thespotspot@charter.net with your reservation! This event is always a lot of fun, so we'll see you there!
Prayer Requests
- Pray for Alan Decker and issues with his ex-wife and child custody. Currently, they share custody but she is seeking 100% so she can move from the area.
- Pray for God's will in Emily Stubbs' life and future.
- Kevin is having surgery Thursday for a hiatal hernia repair.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
SPOTmail Update!
Lesson Preview
Thanks to Brad Slinkard for filling in for me last week as we addressed the question of how to express love. Paul's response in 1 Corinthians 13 is perhaps one of the most memorized chapters in the New Testament and is an all-time favorite at weddings.
This week is our last Sunday in 1 Corinthians. It is also the last lesson on "Questions Believers Ask". The church in Corinth had lots of questions and didn't always like the answers they heard, but Paul always called them as he saw them! Once again, the Corinthians are asking for help from Paul concerning the resurrection. We will benefit from Paul's response as we toss this question around (not literally, please). Once again, be sure to bring your questions with you.
See you Sunday,
Don
This week is our last Sunday in 1 Corinthians. It is also the last lesson on "Questions Believers Ask". The church in Corinth had lots of questions and didn't always like the answers they heard, but Paul always called them as he saw them! Once again, the Corinthians are asking for help from Paul concerning the resurrection. We will benefit from Paul's response as we toss this question around (not literally, please). Once again, be sure to bring your questions with you.
See you Sunday,
Don
Snacks
Oct. 24 -- Janice Meinhardt
Halloween -- Ginger LaRowe
Prayer List
Kevin Hurt -- having surgery for hiatal hernia on Oct. 28
Don Robbins -- recovering from unpleasant routine tests earlier this week
Class members -- absent in recent weeks
Teenagers -- adjusting to the challenges of living away from home
SPOTlunch
This Sunday at Fazzoli's in Arnold -- pizza and other "fine" Italian cuisine. (Complaints about this selection? See Phil Stewart -- he drew from the bucket this week!)
Plans for a fall class picnic to be announced this Sunday!
