Monday, October 27, 2008

Sundays in November

Every good thing comes from God (James 1:17), so gratitude is a proper response toward Him. In fact, if we didn't express gratitude, we wouldn't be recognizing who God is and what He's done for us. Plus, Jesus modeled gratitude for us (Luke 9:16). And He had something to say about it directly.

Read Luke 17:11-19, about the ten lepers meeting Jesus. This encounter shows that the opportunity to demonstrate gratitude occurs every time someone meets a need for someone else. Unfortunately, only one of the ten chose to express gratitude. We don't know why the other guys didn't return. Maybe they were so caught up in celebrating with family and friends they didn't even think about it. Or maybe they thought that what was given to them was something they'd earned - sort of an entitlement mentality.

This month we are going to explore how to stop the busyness and "you owe me" excuses and REWIND AND REMIND ourselves exactly what has been done for us. We will take time to just say thank you. We will remember how others have helped us. We won't let an entitlement mentality infect our thinking, causing the wrong attitude to spoil our gratitude. We are going to make sure we let others know we see how they've helped us and take time to celebrate what God has done. So, in November we'll be talking about GRATITUDE, letting others know you see how they've helped you.

Week 1 is about Jesus healing 10 men with leprosy (Luke 17). Bottom Line: Take time to just say thank you.

Week 2 is about the list maker: Paul, making a list of those he's thankful for (Romans 16). Bottom Line: Take time to remember how others have helped you.

Week 3 is Jesus' parable of the vineyard workers (Matthew 20). Bottom Line: Don't let the wrong attitude spoil your gratitude.

Week 4 will focus on the main feasts celebrated in Old Testament days (Exodus 23). Bottom Line: Take time to celebrate what God has done.

And for the 5th Week: A 252 Basics special edition on one of five "faith skills": Give to God (serve and invest). This is a "bridge" lesson, spanning gratitude (in November) and generosity (in December). You don't want to miss this one!

I can't wait to see you every Sunday in November!

Scenes from October 2008 KidzStuff

Gordo & Vinny are Determined to Use Great TEAMWORK!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Next FAITH CLUB

The next FAITH CLUB will meet on Sunday mornings at 10:45 on October 26, November 2 & 9. This will be a three week class and your child must attend all three weeks. If your family has a conflict please let me know.

FAITH CLUB is the children's new Christian's class. Please RSVP by email to richc@fbcmonline.com or sign up at the Kids Registration Station.

Thursday, October 2, 2008