'...their abundant joy
and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their
part. For as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their
means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of
sharing in this ministry... And this, not merely as we expected, but first
they gave themselves to the Lord.' 2 Corinthians
8.2-5
Last Sunday, our Consecrated
Stewards guest leader Ryan McIvor led us in a Bible study on stewardship during
education hour. He used this passage from the New Testament to help us
understand that genuine Christian stewardship flows from giving ourselves first
and foremost to the Lord, who gave himself for us on the Cross. When that
happens, our hearts beg for the privilege to give in return, for the work of the
gospel here on earth.
CONSECRATION SUNDAY,
MARCH 18! This is it, folks! The climax of our 8
week emphasis called Consecrated Stewards. We pray and hope that each and
every one of you will be in worship at 10am to celebrate God's
grace and goodness. Our guest leader, Ryan McIvor from NW District Office,
will be preaching. Before leaving our worship area for a celebration
lunch, we will have the opportunity and privilege of making our personal
commitment to the Lord. Let's have a sanctuary overflowing with
people...and with grateful hearts!!
CELEBRATION
LUNCH: If you have not yet reserved your spot
at our lunch, please contact Jan Shearer or the church office sometime before
Friday of this week. Jan's phone: 541-327-2867. Email: timnjan3@msn.com
PIE
SOCIAL: Enjoy our annual Pie Social this coming
Saturday evening, starting at 6pm. Plenty of pies to auction off,
along with good fun and home grown entertainment. Wear some green for St
Patrick's Day, or you may get a pie in the face!! All money earned will go
towards funding our new readerboard sign for the church.
MARCH 25 FOOD
DRIVE: Our goal is to gather 700 pounds of food for
Marion Polk Food Share. Bring your food items to church on Sunday the
25th, or you may bring them between now and then and place them in the food
barrel by the sanctuary.
MIDWEEK LENTEN
VESPERS TONIGHT at 7pm, preceded by our
Soup and Bread supper at 6pm. The suppers and Vespers
continue on March 21 and 28. If you can help with the Soup Suppers, please
put your name on the sign-up sheet on the main bulletin board..
YOUTH ARE COLLECTING
OLD CELL PHONES: If you've got an old cell phone
collecting dust in a drawer, bring it to church and donate it to our youth for
their fundraiser.
IMPORTANT DATES TO
NOTE
- March 17........6pm, Pie
Social
- March 18.............Consecration Sunday and Celebration
Lunch following worship
- March 24........Church and grounds clean
up day
- March 25........Food Drive
Sunday
- April 1............Palm
Sunday / Sunday of the Passion
- April 5...........7pm,
Maundy Thursday worship
- April 6..........12 noon and
7pm, Good Friday worship
- April
8..........EASTER! 7am, Sunrise Service...8:15, Breakfast served
by youth...10am, Festival Worship
- April 22.......Preschool
Sunday
- April 24 - 26.....Oregon Pastors
Conference, Eugene
EASTER
SUNDAY: There will be no formal Sunday School on
Easter morning, but there will be special activities and fun for the kids
from 8:45 - 9:45am.
Note on sanctuary changes: The
hymnboards and baptismal shelf were taken down in order to make room for the
Lenten banner and the Cross. These changes help us focus on the special
nature of Lent and direct our attention to the Cross.
Final
thought: God loves everyone, but
probably prefers "fruits of the Spirit" over "religious
nuts".
