Empowered by the Holy Spirit, collectively and individually we strive to worship and pray, learn and teach; and by our words and acts of caring, encourage all people to be reconciled to God and to each other.
Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church
Monday, September 06, 2010
To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
 
 
E-vangelism:    spreading the Good News via the World Wide Web!) 
Each week, this page will be updated with a brief summary of Sunday's worship service.
The most recent Sunday services appear below. 
  
 
Sunday, September 5, 2010
We said goodbye today to the Gauch family's pump organ, which has graced Ware's Chapel's altar since 2004 when it was removed from Heber and Alice's home.  Sarah, Becky, and Julie, Heber & Alice's daughters, have decided to sell it at the Preble County Historical Society's fall auction on October 2nd.  The organ was made by W.W. Kimball in Chicago 150 years ago.  It's made of walnut with quite an ornate removeable top section.  The girls' great-grandmother Sarah played it often, as did many who visited the Gauch home through the years.   "The Church in the Wildwood" was a much-requested favorite played on the organ.  Jeanette Hapner recalled playing the organ when she used to baby-sit Sarah, Becky, and Julie.   Sarah played today's Prelude and Offertory on the pump organ.
 
Darrell Meeks had today's Children's Moment.  He told the kids of a time when he was on vacation near a pond.  One morning he noticed geese flying together across the pond, leaving one goose with a damaged wing behind.  The injured goose had to swim across.  Then the geese flew back, and again the injured goose tried to keep up.   Does this situation make you think of a time when you noticed someone who couldn't quite "keep up" or was being "left out" due to being different or having something wrong with them?   Did you show compassion and help?  Or did you ignore the need?   Jesus taught that we should love others and serve where needed.  Remember, in God's eyes, we're all the same. 
 
Joy Dearth read today's Scripture Lesson, Matthew 5:17-20.
 
Hymns sung included:  
     "This Is My Father's World"
     "Be Still My Soul"
     "Jesus Loves Me"
     "Tell Me The Stories of Jesus"
 
Pastor Seth began a new sermon series today.  He's calling it "Real Questions." 
     Today's question was "Why Trust the Bible?"
     If a debate ensued on whether the Bible is the word of God, which side would you be on?  In the days when the books are assumed to have been written, the Bible was used as law enforcement.  Theologans generally agree that the 66 books were written over 1500 years of time.  They are recordings of life and lessons of those times.  Some of the New Testament was written within 100 years of Jesus' life.  The Bible rings true about human experience.  People were (and continue to be) doubtful and fearful.  They deny and reject God.  They make mistakes.  Look at Peter - he denied Christ three times, but when the Holy Spirit came upon him, his life changed.  
     One is free to disagree with the Bible, of course.  However, you can test its historical accuracy.  As early as the writings about King David's life, archeological evidence and records have been found that back up the words of the Bible. 
     To believe that the Bible is the written word of God, one must also believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfilling (revealing) word of God.  And from that trust in Jesus, and out of loyalty and submission to him, the Bible affirms this truth:  God creates - redeems - loves.   
     
Sarah, Becky, Julie, and their cousin Janey assisted with the serving of Communion. 
 
 
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Last Sunday of the month today meant three things:  One was Birthday and Anniversary Sunday.  Happy Birthday and/or Anniversary to everyone who celebrated theirs this month.  Also, today was a "5th Sunday of a month,"  which means a Loose Change Offering was taken.  This's month's was designated for the Preble Co. Habitat For Humanity. 
 
Several of our youth took part in today's worship service.  Sarah Drew read the opening prayer.  Marissa Lee and Scarlett Ott had today's Children's Moment.  After letting the kids look at themselves in a mirror, the girls asked the kids if they saw God in the mirror?  After all, we are created in God's image.  No, we don't literally see God when we look at our reflection, but let's hope that others see kindness and love, which we learned by Jesus' example, "reflected" when they look at us.  Marissa read today's scripture lesson, which was Jeremiah 29:11. 
 
Christina Clark brought today's Message.  Using her own personal experience of a life that hasn't gone "according to her plan," she reminded us all to have patience and wait for "God's time."  Too often in this culture of instant responses -- cell phones, texts, and other electronics -- we grow impatient for a quick answer, a quick solution.  But God's time is always better than ours.  Let go!  Let God! 
 
Besides singing these hymns:  "Come As You Are,"  "What Faith Can Do,"  and "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)," today we had a 5th Sunday Sing, which means the congregation could call out a hymn they wanted to sing.  The first verses of these hymns were sung:
     "There's Something About That Name"  -  requested by Ron Schaar
     "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"  -  requested by Betsy Wigger
     "The Old Rugged Cross"  -  requested by Becky Petitt
     "How Great Thou Art"  -  requested by Jeanette Hapner
     "Let There Be Peace"  -  requested by Amanda Koger
     "Lord, I Lift Your Name On High"  -  requested by Bambi Osswald
     "Shine, Jesus, Shine"  -  requested by Viv Clark
     "As The Deer Pants For the Water"  -  requested by Spark Wigger
     "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name"  -  requested by Darrell Meeks
     "O How I Love Jesus"  -  requested by Charlene Driver
     "In The Garden"  -  requested by Joanne Parks
     "This Is My Father's World"  -  requested by Paula Schlotterbeck
     and lastly, "Lamb of God"  -  requested by Pastor Seth, because, after all, where would we be without the sacrifice of our savior, our lamb, Jesus Christ?  AMEN!
 
Several of the more than 20 children who attend Sunday School regularly at Ware's Chapel were promoted to the next higher level and received certificates to recognize that achievement.  They were:
     Abigail Evans
     Isabelle Oiler to the Youth Class
     Noah Oiler to the Pre-School Class
     Jocelyn Nerderman to the Pre-School Class
     Erica Nerderman to the Pre-School Class
     Natalie Osswald to the Kindergarten Class
     Jenna Petitt to the 1st Grade Class
     Madison Hundley to the 1st Grade Class
     Mason Hundley to the Kindergarten Class
     Paige Lee to the 1st Grade Class
     Hannah Lee to the 1st Grade Class
     Kacy Osswald to the 2nd Grade Class
     Zach Clark to the Kindergarten Class
     Rylie Myers to the Pre-School Class
     Miranda Ott to the Pre-School Class
     Madison Johnson to the
     Ethan Osswald to the Pre-School Class
     Blake Osswald to the Pre-School Class
 
 
Sunday, August 22, 2010
 
Kay Swihart, UMW President, and Thelma Swihart, UMW Vice-President, recognized several people of the church for their dedication and contributions.  Teresa Deaton and Amy Eyler received UMW Mission Pins in appreciation for all they did in 2009 (apologies were made for the lateness of this recognition, as the pins just recently arrived).  Thank you cards were given to Becky Petitt, Dean Wigger, and Joanelle Phillips for their assistance with last year's Smorgasbord;  to Eric Nerderman for helping out in many areas and putting his muscles to work;  and to Sarah Barker, Donna Galdeen, Ruth Mary Parks, Pam Kessler, Lois Skinner, and Jeany Ott for staffing the Monroe Township Food Bank.  
 
Hymns sung included:
     "That Old Rugged Cross"
     "What A Friend We Have in Jesus"
     "Shout to the Lord"
     "I Surrender All"
 
Paster Seth had today's Children's Moment.  Several of the kids who come up front for this time are going to school or pre-school for the first time this week or one day next week.  Pastor Seth asked them what was the thing they were looking forward to most in this new experience?  Some answers were:  "lunch,"  "recess,"  "playing,"  "singing."  Pastor Seth remembered that wearing new clothes was special to him.  Making new friends and taking brand-new supplies in their backpacks would be something they'd remember, he suggested.  Some things not so pleasant to look forward to are doing math, getting up earlier, feeling lonely, encountering meanness.  Our children are going to school knowing they have a best friend who will be with them all the time:  God!   Pastor Seth and the children and some teachers and parents joined hands to pray the annual "Blessing of the Backpacks."  Many in the congregation wore their school colors today. 
 
Today's Scripture Lesson was Acts 9:20-31 and was read by Lon Swihart.
 
In his sermon entitled "Finding Peace, Not Falling to Pieces," Pastor Seth re-read some of the scripture mentioned above. 
     We would hardly think the words read from Acts were about someone at peace.  Saul had been persecuting the disciples, seeking their arrests, when an encounter with Jesus changed his future.  He began earnestly preaching his new belief that Jesus was the Messiah.  He eventually was jailed, and endured beatings and trumped-up charges.  
     What does it mean to be at peace?  Is anyone truly at peace?  Usually, a desire for "peace" also includes ". . . and quiet"  -- sitting on the beach, a house without noisy kids, no money problems.  Job should have been at peace.  He was perfect in God's sight.  But he lost everything -- his family, his possessions, his health.  But not his faith in God.  
     Are you questioning why circumstances in your life have caused your "peace" to be shattered?  It's impossible to hide from life's problems and difficulties.  God told us we'd have challenges.  How do you find peace and not fall to pieces?  Walk in the fear (respect) of the Lord.  When you feel you can't stand up due to the pressures of the world, don't!  Fall to your knees and pray. 
     Many are familiar with the verse "Footprints."  The author tells of a man who notices in the footprints of his walk through life, two sets of footprints indicate that God walked alongside him.  But during the most troublesome times, only one set of footprints appear.  The man asks God, "why did you desert me then?"  God replies, "My dear child, ... that was when I carried you." 
 
  
Sunday, August 15, 2010
 
Worship Service was held in the Fellowship Hall as it was the third Sunday of the month.  Our hosts were members of the Explorers Class.  Thanks to them all for serving a delicious breakfast! 
 
Today was the last in Pastor Seth's sermon series "DRIVE." 
     The "E" stands for Eating and Exercizing for life.  The theme of "DRIVE" was meant to deepen our relationship with God.  You may review all the sermon notes for the "D", "R", "I", and "V"  in summaries appearing below.  After these past five weeks or so, are you ready for a progress report?  How are you taking care of your body -- God's temple -- as referred to by Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth? 
     Paul's questions to the Corinthians, read by Melody Reynolds as today's Scripture Lesson, 1 Cor. 3:16,17, asked "Don't you know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If any man defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy."
     We strive to be healthy.  But what is healthy?  It's something different for each person.  A healthier lifestyle brings a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. 
     How can we achieve spiritual health?
     Caring for your body is a way of worshipping God.   In Paul's time, it was believed that God resided in the Temple in Jerusalem, the inside of which was seen only by the highest of Jewish priests.  And unless a person travelled to Jerusalem, which would likely have been a once-in-a-lifetime trek, the average person never set eyes on it.  So, to compare the mortal bodies of the Corinthians to the Temple was a stretch.  But Paul taught that the Spirit (of God) and the human body were to be worshipped together as one. 
     Attending church services and helping with church business and missions keeps us close to God, and distant from outside influences that try to separate us from God.
     Our offerings fall far short of being enough to pay for our redemption.  Only the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ was enough. 
     Establish a discipline to achieve your goal for a healthy body and a healthy relationship with God.  Don't let painful, frustrating, confusing, and puzzling times in your life get you off track.  They make up the complete picture of who you are.  
 
Darrell Meeks had today's Children's Moment.  Using some picture cards he discovered in Marge Cobb's supply of teaching materials, the kids were asked if (as the cards indicated) "Are you a 'listening' bird?" ..."a 'talking' bird?"  ... a 'do-ing' bird?"  They giggled at the images.  Then with Pastor Seth's help, the word "bird" was covered up by the word "Christian," and Darrell then asked them "Are you a 'listening' Christian?"  ... a 'talking' Christian?"  ... a 'do-ing' Christian?"  What's it take to become one?  Darrell offered suggestions, then prayed for God to watch over our little ones and those who guide them in their life experiences learning how to become more like our savior, Jesus Christ. 
 
Hymns sung included:
     "Come, Let Us With Our Lord Arise"
     "As a Fire is Meant For Burning"
     "Sacred the Body"
     "The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve"
 
Next Sunday, everyone is encouraged to wear their school colors -- past, present, or future.  Students and teachers:  bring your school backpack or book bag for the special blessing. 
 
      
Sunday, August 8, 2010
 
Pastor Seth continued his "DRIVE" sermon series today and explained what the "V" stands for.
     Today's Scripture Lesson read by Melody Reynolds was Luke 5:33-39, the parable of the new wineskins.  Pastor Seth said he and most people come to the conclusion after reading this parable that Jesus wants us to throw away all our old ideas (wineskins) and embrace only new thoughts. 
     However, after giving it more study, Pastor Seth thinks Jesus meant we should more flexible in our thought process.   After much use, an old wineskin has stretched and might tear and leak with the addition of new unfermented wine.  It's not as flexible as it once was.  Hence, the admonition of using a new wineskin. 
     Doctors have stated that the level of a person's flexibility is an indicator of their overall health.  We stretch our brains by learning new things.  Our heart stretches to make space to love new people who come into our lives. 
     The Pharisees criticized Jesus for not conforming to the accepted religious practices of his day.  But religious practices are meant to stretch your outlook.  Where do you want to be two years from now?  Five years from now?  Be ready and willing to allow God to do something new with your life.  God is large!  God is imaginable!  God is full of surprises!  S-t-r-e-t-c-h to accommodate the changes that God makes in your life. 
 
Melody Reynolds had today's Children's Moment.  Schools around the area are re-opening this week and next.  Melody asked the kids if they had new backpacks.  Many said yes, theirs was ready.  We fill backpacks with new pencils, paper, and other supplies to start the school year.  Some items can be re-used;  others have been discarded.  God forgives and "discards" our bad behavior.  He loves us no matter what.  She encouraged the kids to start the new school year with a resolve to be a better person.  "Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me."  -- Psalm 51:10.
 
Hymns sung included:
     "Nothing But The Blood of Jesus"
     "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing"
     "I Would Have Answered" (words to this hymn appear below)
     "Here I Am Lord"
 
With the help of Communion Stewards, Holy Communion was served by intinction to the congregation.
 
This week's Daily Devotions are listed on a separate page of this website.
 
Would I have answered when you called 'Come, follow me?'
Would I at once have left behind both work and family?
Or would the old, familiar round have held me by its claim
and kept the spark within my heart
from bursting into flame?
 
Would I have followed where you led through ancient Galilee?
Would I have matched my step with yours when crowds cried 'Crucify!'
 
O Christ, I cannot search my heart through all its tangled ways
nor can I with a certain mind my steadfastness appraise.
I only pray that when you call, 'Come, follow me!'
You'll give me strength beyond my own
to follow faithfully.
 
 
Sunday, August 1, 2010
 
Many in our church family are participating this week at the Preble County Fair.  The Bouncing Bunnies and Monroe Better Livestock 4-H Clubs hold their meetings in the church.  Kay Swihart expressed appreciation by these clubs for the support of the congregation. 
 
Pastor Seth and family are enjoying a week's vacation.  Lay Leader Sarah Barker brought today's message.
     Ever seen one of those big multi-image pages that asks "where's Waldo" in the picture?  We might ask ourselves "where's Jesus?" 
     Is he inside our church?  Of course.
     Is he outside our church doors?  Definitely.  Today's Scripture Lesson (read by Melody Reynolds) from Luke 15:1-7 finds Jesus associating with tax collectors and sinners.  What's Jesus thinking!!  These are the undesirables, the rough-looking misfits in society.  The Pharisees criticized Jesus for doing so.  But this wasn't a one-time event.  We are told many stories in the New Testament of Jesus calling the unloved, unworthy, and undeserving to do his work.  Jesus was on a mission to save the lost. 
     God wants to use us to win sinners for Christ.   Maybe we should look for ourselves in the big picture.  Where are you?  Are you making it your mission to save a lost sinner?  Opportunities wait outside the church's doors.  
     "There's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue."  -- Luke 15:7
 
Vivian Clark had today's Children's Moment.  She brought a flashlight and let each child try it out.  In the dark, a flashlight helps us see better.  How is Jesus like a flashlight?  He helps us find our way to God.  "Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying 'I am the light of the world;  he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' "  -- John 8:12.
 
Hymns sung included:
"Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus"
"Leaning On the Everlasting Arms"
"Only Trust Him"
"Where He Leads Me"
 
      
Sunday, July 25, 2010
 
Today's worship service was held in the fellowship hall.  The YF and their advisors were our hosts.  Casseroles, coffeecake, fruit, and pancakes were served.  Thank you to all who helped!  The YF accepted donations, which they plan to give to Habitat For Humanity.  We were recently advised that the Preble Co. Habitat For Humanity organization needs help funding their next project.   This need is due to Habitat turning down an available grant because of the restrictions it placed on future projects.
 
Hymns sung included:
     "From the Rising of the Sun"
     "The Lily of the Valley"
     "Lamb of God"
     "The Spirit Sends Us Forth To Serve"
 
Pastor Seth had today's Children's Moment.  He asked them "Who do you love?"  Their responses included:  Mom, Dad, Grandma.  God filled each of us with the desire to be loved and to love others.  When we love someone we want to take care of them.  God loves us all, and wants to take care of us.  We don't have to do anything to be worthy of His love -- just accept Him. 
 
Today's Scripture Lesson was read by Wendell Clark and was from 1 Corinthinians 13:1-13, familiarly known as "the Love Chapter." 
 
Pastor Seth's sermon was the third in his DRIVE series.  Today he spoke on what the "I" stands for:  Investing in Relationships.  
     Anyone who has attended a few weddings has probably heard the words from today's scripture lesson many times.  Consider replacing the word "Love" each time it appears with the word "God."  God is patient, God is kind.  God does not envy;  God does not boast, God is not proud.  God is not rude, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs, God never ends. 
     Those who have been blessed with a long and happy marriage know these attitudes are important and practice them daily.   Most would agree that the persons they are now married to are not the same people they once fell in love with.  With patience and endurance, they focused on gaining knowledge of each other. 
     Others who mourn the loss of a relationship that never matured into these feelings live with loneliness, depression, and pain.  Some may try to fill their empty lives with social activities or other busy work.  Be assured God will bring new life from your loss and pain.
     Some are lucky enough to find another relationship that brings them happiness.  As they grow in understanding in these relationships, they grow more in understanding of God's love. 
 
This week's daily devotions are listed on a separate page of this website.
        
 
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Hymns sung included:
     "Come, Let Us With The Lord Arise"
     "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High"
     "The Spirit Sends Us"
 
Children who attended last week's Vacation Bible School sang several of the songs they learned, and participated in a recap of their activities with Maintenance Mac, Pizza Girl, and Water Woman.   From the first day's theme which was "Heroes Do The Unexpected", the children performed "Kumbaya".  From Day 2, "Heroes Take Action," they sang "This Is the Day."  From Day 3, "Heroes Step Out on Faith," they sang "Deep and Wide."   From Day 4, "Heroes Save the Day," they sang God is so Good."  From Day 5, "Heroes Stand For Truth," they sang the theme song "I'm Gonna Go (...Go, Go)." 
 
Pastor Seth encouraged everyone to be a hero.  You never know who's watching!  Someone may decide to give their life to Christ after observing the change it's made in your life.   
 
Today's Scripture Lesson was also the memory verse from Vacation Bible School,  1 Timothy 4:11-12 and was read by Christina Clark.  "These things command and teach.  Let no man despise thy youth;  but be thou an exanmple of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
 
 
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Hymns sung included:
     "This Is My Song"
     "Nothing But The Blood"
     "There Are Some Things I May Not Know"
     "Be Still, My Soul"
 
Pastor Seth announced that Ware's Chapel has been recognized by the West Ohio Conference for paying 100% of its apportionment and for additional giving in 2009.  A certificate to note this was received.
 
Melody Reynolds had today's Children's Moment.  She brought samples of some of the crafts that children will be making this week at Vacation Bible School.  She also told them that the theme for the week "Hero Headquarters" celebrates those whom we might not consider heroes by normal standards, but they are, nonetheless.  Who is your hero?  A hero steps out in faith, takes action, does the unexpected, saves the day, and stands for truth.  All children are welcome to attend VBS Sunday through Thursday, 6 - 8:30 p.m.  Offerings received during the week will go to the Heifer Project.  VBS planners are hoping to be able to purchase several pens of chickens, which cost $20 each, and will be sent to people in Africa.  Learn more about the many facets of Heifer International at their website:  www.heifer.org
 
Vivian Clark read today's Scripture Lesson from Proverbs 1:1-9.
 
Pastor Seth's sermon today was the second installment in his DRIVE series, "Readiness for Lifelong Learning."
     Two weeks ago, Pastor Seth began this series with "Daily Time with God's Word."   A time of daily devotions should include Scripture, Observations, and Naming the application to your own life.  (Please note the hidden acronym S-O-N).
     To be ready to learn, an attitude to accept knowledge is necessary.  Fill your mind with thoughts that are pleasing to God.  
     What is your learning style:  active, reflective, intuitive, imagery, visual, verbal, sensory?  Set a plan to guide you through the steps to attain new knowledge.  Un-learn your old ways to make room for new knowledge.  Think about what you want to learn in the next year.  Expect problems along the way.  Even problems can be learning experiences. 
     When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you can teach others how to live God-led lives. 
 
This week's Daily Devotions are listed on a separate page of this website.
 
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Birthday, USA!!!!
Hymns sung included:
     "My Country Tis of Thee"
     "This Is My Song"
     "America The Beautiful"
     "Make Me A Channel"
 
Darrell Meeks led today's Children's Moment.  More than 500 years ago, our ancestors came to this continent and founded the United States of America on the belief that everyone should have religious freedom.  We celebrate that freedom by flying the American flag -- the Red, White, and Blue.   It stands as a symbol.   We Christians can point to the cross as a symbol of our savior Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us.   
 
Darrell also read today's Scripture Lesson from 1 Peter 2:11-13.  The apostle Peter instructed Christians of his day to follow earthly laws, but refrain from any kind of behavior not befitting them as examples of Christ.
 
(Pastor Seth's sermon series called "DRIVE" will continue next week).
 
Today's sermon was titled "Being A Christian-American."
     One hears the term often these days:  "I'm a ' ..... - American." (fill in the blank)  Our country is filled with peoples of many nationalities, histories, stories, heritage, etc.
     What does it mean to be a "Christian-American?"  The apostle Peter in today's Scripture Lesson used three truths to explain this. 
     First:  Connect to your country.  Weren't we all strangers and aliens originally?   The Pilgrims who settled here wanted freedom of religion.  They didn't -- and we shouldn't -- aim to be detached from society.  Follow the laws of man, but keep separate from sin. 
     Second:  Use discernment when it comes to your conduct.  Hold yourself back from sinful lusts of the flesh.  Our lives should appear beautiful and attractive to others. 
     Third:  Make a contribution to your country.  You can have an impact on the place where you live.  Let the words you speak and the actions you take reflect Christ.  Remembers, Christians represent the Lord here on earth. 
     The best way to silence your critics is to live so people see Christ in you.  Fulfill your role as a Christian on earth until you're called to your heavenly home.
 
The congregation was served Communion at the Lord's Table. 
 
A weekly schedule of Daily Devotions is now available on a separate page of this website.  From the home page, click on Daily Devotions.   If you do not spend part of your day reading the Bible, prayerfully consider doing so by using these scriptures chosen by Pastor Seth.  Or, if you already do, you may wish to add these.   
 
This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is.
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;
But other other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes & dreams as true & high as mine.
 
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
Oh, hear my song, thou God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.
 
This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth's kingdoms, a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
Let Christ be lifted up till all men serve him,
and hearts united learn to live as one.
Oh, hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations.
Myself I give thee;  let thy will be done.  Amen.
 
Sunday, June 27, 2010
 
Hymns sung included:
     "O Worship the King"
     "He Leadeth Me:  O Blessed Thought"
     "Breathe on Me Breath of God"
     "Christ Beside Me"
 
Pastor Seth led today's Children's Moment.  Have you ever encountered someone with bad breath?  Not so nice.  Most times, bad breath can be prevented by brushing your teeth daily, seeing a dentist regularly, maybe chewing a minty gum.  When we go through our daily lives and forget about God, our life may not be so nice.  What can we do daily to prevent bad things coming out of our hearts and mouths?  Pray and read the Bible every day.  And attend church on Sunday.  God will lead you. 
 
The Scripture Lesson, read by Lane Osswald, was 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
 
Pastor Seth's sermon was entitled "DRIVE:  Daily Time With God's Word"
     Over the next five weeks, Pastor Seth will explain the acronym "DRIVE."  Today's letter is the "D" for Daily Devotions.  Daily devotions consist of reading the Bible, meditation, and prayer.   Daily devotions clarify the direction God wants you to take. 
     We can easily get comfortable in our worship habits:  attending church ... serving on committees ... etc.  But God calls us to ascend to a higher level of Christian living.   
     You've probably heard this acronym for Bible:  Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  Here's another:  Believe In Boldly Loving Everyone.  What are you willing to give your life to?  Find your "sweet spot" -- that personal passion you want to act upon.  Be God's servant.  Reach beyond your comfort level and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
 
"Christ beside me, before me, behind me -- King of my heart;
Christ within me, below me, above me -- never to part. 
Christ on my right hand, my left hand, all around me -- shield in the strife.
Christ in my sleeping, in my sitting, in my rising -- light of my life."