a good news musical dinner theatre and...
TRANSCRIPT
December 2009 Vol. 58, No. 12
Reception for Tim and Lorna Searby Sunday, January 3, 2010
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Fellowship Center
Come and express your appreciation to Tim and Lorna for their service to our congregation. Join us in wishing Tim well in his new position as Director of Castle Manor.
A Good News Musical Dinner Theatre and Musicale January 7, 8, 9 – 6:30 p.m. January 10 – 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Good News Publishing Company
and HeartSong See page 3 for details
Church Office 217.732.7618 │ Fax 217.732.5683 │ [email protected] Channel 5 tv Ministry Sundays 8:30 a.m. │ Saturday 6:00 p.m.
lifetogether
A year of Faith, Hope, and Love
After a little coxing from the spouse, I volunteered to accompany my wife on a shopping expedition to purchase clothing for her and the children. I made ever attempt to be involved. Even to the point of trying to help pick out items. “This is pretty material,” I said, indicating a pastel print. The wife with one glance responded, “Too flimsy. It won’t wear well.” “Then how about this?” I persisted, pointing to another attractive cloth. “Strong enough,” said the wife, “but will it wash? I don’t think so!”
I’m sure I was being influenced by eye appeal and price . . . (Read “Cheap!”) My wife, on the other hand, was looking for more lasting qualities.
That just might describe what the Apostle Paul was hoping for as well from the church at Corinth. He was hoping for the lasting qualities of faith, hope, and love. He writes to them, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)
This passage comes from a chapter that is often referred to as “The Love Chapter.” What has become a cliché to us was from the beginning meant to transform the church. We hear it at weddings, funerals, banquets; lovers use it for romantic notes, etc. But when Paul wrote it he wasn’t thinking about graduation ceremonies, wedding bells or anniversary parties. No, what was on Paul’s mind was not romantic love, it was reshaping the church.
It is in these three we find Paul emphasizing to the Corinthians the very heart of Christianity. Paul was telling them that when all else was stripped away, he wanted to find that the church excelled in these three areas. We need the faith to believe, the hope to endure, and the love to make it worth while,
The church tries all sorts of gimmicks to increase the passion of it’s members, but God simply wants us to come back to the basics.
In Luke 7:1, we meet a Centurion who had these three foundational attributes in a way that even impressed Jesus. The man had a servant who fell ill and was about to die. The Centurion’s faith in Jesus led him to request Jesus for a healing. His hope is to have his servant/friend made well. And he does it all out of compassion and love he feels for another. No wonder the ninth verse in the story says, “When Jesus heard of the man’s request, he was amazed … ” The Greek word here literally means “in Awe.” Usually people in the Bible are in awe of Jesus, not Jesus being in awe of them. The Centurion’s faith, hope, and love really thrilled our Savior.
— Faith is the assurance that God will do what He says He will do and acting on that conviction.
— Hope is something that gives us a reason and motivation to move confidently forward.
— Love allows me the opportunity to show that God is working in my life. These three complete true Christianity.
For the year 2010 from the pulpit, we are going to be focusing on faith, hope, and love. We will also do it through the writings of John in his Gospel, his revelation, and his letters.
Upcoming Sermon Series:
In Good Faith
Gospel of John January 3 These Three … Faith, Hope, and Love
January 10 The faith of the Apostle John John 1:1-12
January 17 The faith of John the Baptist John 1:29-34
January 24 The faith of Andrew John 1:35-42
Ron Otto Preaching Minister [email protected]
news¬es
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY New Member:
Baptism: Justin Woods on December 13. THANK YOU: Linda Sullivan Carol Ross Family, Betty Isham, Marge Iden SYMPATHY: to the family of Alice Lester, Doris Markwardt at the death of her brother, Velma Morris at the death of her mother, Jodi Thies at the death of her father, and Elizabeth Brackney at the death of her brother. EQUIP CONFERENCE February 26 & 27 Peoria Christian School Early Bird Registration due by February 1 Contact Marcia for more information PRESCHOOL OPENING There’s still room in 2010! Currently, there is an opening in the afternoon preschool class. Contact the Church office (732-7618) for an application.
global impact Poolsmoor Prison Ministry Capetown, South Africa, Part II On one occasion in December, 2007, Jonathan Clayton asked the prisoners in the class what they were getting out of it. One student said that when his wife came to visit, he was much different—for the better. Another prisoner said he was no longer so anxious to be released because he wanted to study about God as long as he could. A third fellow said he planned to share what he was learning with his family after he was released.
What are these prisoners studying? Ron Butler wrote about eight books for the prison ministry. Here’s a list: Talking with God; Foundation Stones of the Faith; The Christian Life; Paul: A Prisoner Set Free, Vol. 1; Paul: A Prisoner Set Free, Vol. 2; Paul: A Prisoner Living Free; Freedom in God’s Faith Community; A Christian Family. All the books were written and printed in English, then translated into Afrikaans and Khosa, two major South African languages.
400 plus students in ten different prisons are using these books. However, 230 more prisons exist in South Africa with 159,600 prisoners and potential students. The books are used in one U.S. prison and may be used in the Congo and Tanzania. The money we contribute helps to keep these books in print.
The program is set up in small classes for men, women, and juveniles, where students are expected to read, answer questions, and take exams. The classes meet weekly for 10-13 weeks providing the prisoners are able to attend. If violence breaks out in a particular section, then that area is locked down and no prisoners can attend. At the end of a class, a ceremony is held on visitation day to which relatives are able to come. Certificates are awarded and refreshments are served and completely consumed, no matter how many or few are present—refreshments such as meat pies, cookies, and drinks. Wayne and I attended one of these ceremonies. It was quite a sobering and joyous experience. Sobering to see the pained expressions on parents’ faces as they visited their sons in prison. Joyous at seeing a sense of accomplishment by the prisoners.
One of the joys of the program is the prisoners’ response as they apply their learning to their daily lives. They were excited to learn they could establish accountability groups in their cells. Gangs operate in the prisons in South Africa just as in the U.S. An individual Christian prisoner cannot hope to stand against the pressures of the gangs. They need fellow Christians for support.
To be continued January 2010
Vera Thomas Janet ShawOffice Administrator Chairperson, Global Impact Team [email protected]
Sunday, January 10 Graded Choirs
High School Youth Life Groups
Wednesday, January 13
6:30 p.m. Kids’ Club
Jr. High Youth Worship Choir
Adult Study
Thursday, January 14 Financial Peace University
The Call is published monthly by Lincoln Christian Church, 204 N. McLean St Lincoln, IL 62656-2847. U.S.P.S. 559620 periodical postage paid at Lincoln, IL 62656-9998 Postmaster: Send change of address to Lincoln Christian Church 204 N. McLean St, Lincoln, IL 62656-2847
worshipministry
Good News and Heartsong Dinner Theatre Musicale January 7 – 10, 2010 $10.00 donation This is our main fund raiser for our summer tour programs. Please mark your calendars – our choir members will be contacting you soon. We so appreciate your continued support and encouragement. Buck and Lois Snyder are preparing a delicious meal and our choirs are working diligently to bring you an evening of fellowship and joy. If you have questions don’t hesitate to contact Tim Searby at 732-7618. I thank my God every time I remember you … In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus … And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1: 3-6; 9-11 Where do I begin to offer thanks for all of you who worked beside me in ministry and gave encouragement and support? You have been our church family for thirty two years … you loved our children as your own … you willingly served in so many areas of ministry … you shared in our sorrows … you shared in our joys. You are our family. These last nine years in full time ministry with you have been so rewarding and have impacted my life with the knowledge that this congregation is filled with gracious servants who genuinely love and serve our heavenly Father. Please know that I will carry you in my heart and pray that God will continue to use this body of believers for His glory.
Keep loving each other and caring for the body of Christ. Keep reaching out to our hurting world. Keep serving others through ministry. Let the rich history of this congregation remain strong. As we are nearing the end of this year I want to offer sincere thanks to: Our Graded Choir Directors and helpers: Cherub Choir: Patti Becker, Jayne Zimmer, Wendy Sapp, Susan Spencer Children of Praise Choir: Christi Wells, Emily Estes Master’s Praise Choir: Allison Campbell, Amanda Tennant Marcia Wells for all of her help with our choirs. Good News Publishing Company Sponsors: Ron & Kathy Jo Butts, Steve Elkins, Terry and Kathy Henson, Dan & Paula Landess, Gary & Lisa Ramlow, Lorna Searby, Zane & Jan Shelton. HeartSong Sponsors: Mark & Natalie Morris, Devin Vannoy, Tom Boyd, Denise Sullivan, Jennifer Ramsey. Our Technical Staff: Terry Henson, Devin Vannoy, Wayne & Nancy Morris, Dennis Garrigus, Mark Morris, Harold Horn, Tom Halpin, Zane Shelton, Ian Crider, Chris Ramlow, Gary Ramlow, Chris Hazel, Mike Lee, Lisa Ramlow, Dena Boyd, Molly McCain. The Worship Choir, Good News Publishing Company, HeartSong Choir, Graded Choirs, Praise Teams, Instrumentalists, Communion Preparers and Servers, Living Stones Players, Drama Ministry Team, Jennifer Ramsey, Adam Singley, Brandon Davis, Buck & Lois Snyder, church organist and accom-panist extraordinaire – Linda Storm. I thank my God every time I remember you … and ask you to remember a quote from Robert Webber: “Worship is … not something done to us or for us, but by us. Not human experience, not a lecture, not entertainment, but Jesus Christ – His life, death, and resurrection.” In His Love - Tim
Tim Searby Jennifer Ramsey & Adam Singley Worship Minister Associate Worship Ministers
children’sministry
Worship! It’s that time when we can offer our heartfelt praise to God for who He is, for what He has done and is doing. Acts 2 speaks about what the early church did as it gathered; teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, and giving. As our kids gather on Sunday mornings for worship time at 8:15 and 11:00 we are doing those same things. We hear from God’s Word and learn how it calls us to live our lives. Our older kids spend time learning about communion and its importance. Kids also have an opportunity to share in an offering. We worship God with age appropriate songs that are understandable for children who are still “concrete thinkers.” When Scripture or songs have words that are symbolic we take time to explain just what the passage or song is communicating. This year our older kids are using the PACT prayer. Praise, Ask, Confess and Thanks to God. Kids are also learning about what it means to lead and participate in practical ways. They have heard from our Elders and other Leaders about the jobs they do in the church. Often kids will lead in prayers and participate in reading Scripture. These are just a few of the things that are happening as our kids worship in Children’s Worship every Sunday. Kids come together expressing their praise to God in ways that are meaningful and understandable to them. Next semester will find our kids having new opportunities. 2010 would be a great time for your kids to get involved and open the door for parents to find an Adult Sunday School class to join. We’re looking forward to a terrific year to praise our God together!
CHILDREN’S
MINISTRY
NEEDS • Brown paper bags • Kleenex • Karaoke Machine. If anyone has a used
Karaoke machine that they would donate to Children’s Ministry we will have a use for it second semester.
FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES Art Linkletter and Bill Cosby hosted shows titled, “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” From the “mouths of babes” so to speak viewers heard family details humorous and not so humorous! From time to time kids came up with something that would be such an eye into human nature that adults marveled at how their comment provided profound insight. That happened recently as one child left our 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. Her comment: “This was really fun; I should have tried this out a long time ago!” Children’s volunteers feel their hearts do a nearly audible jump at such remarks. Yes, we are stirred when kids are so encouraged and loved that it is ‘THE PLACE’ they want to be! Jesus welcomed children, and tells us to do the same. We are anxious for kids to join us in learning to know the One who is the living Word. We’re glad that it is fun, but most of all we are glad that they are learning to know the One who gives real joy! So, if your kids haven’t “tried it out”, we invite them to join us soon!
JANUARY 13, KID’S CLUB 2010!!!! ROCK SOLID FOLLOWERS Wednesdays 6:30-7:45 p.m. Earn your camp scholarships for summer 2010! BIBLE READING PLAN FOR 2010 Kids pick up your 2010 Bible Reading plan at the Children’s Ministry Welcome Center.
Marcia Wells Marthe Barth Children’s Minister Associate Children’s Minister [email protected] [email protected]
studentministry
A drive through the city of Lincoln is good for the soul. It may not be exciting, but it ministers to me. Jesus shows up in every house, on every block, in every neighborhood. Sometimes God doesn’t look the way we think. In the Jr High ministry we are talking about what it would look like to be people who place their identity in belonging to Christ. The High Schoolers are talking about the Holy Spirit and what a church would look like that embraced the supernatural power that we have received through the Him. But if all we do is talk about it within the confines of our church property on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and Thursday nights, what happens? The honest answer is that I’m not sure. There are a lot of uncertainties in ministry, especially with teens. There are a few certainties that we can be assured of. One of those certainties is that If the faith of our students is being talked about, encouraged, and nurtured as much outside of those walls as it is within, no one can be sure of the extent to which God would use our students to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. Whether you are a parent, aunt or uncle, grandma or grandpa, brother or sister, teacher, neighbor, or even the guy or lady from across the room at a worship service, please understand your role as the church to these students. You are a spiritual mentor. You are shaping and changing their lives, for the better or worse. When you drive through the city, you see a lot of houses, with lights on and off; families leaving and coming home, going out and about or in for the day, there are a lot of families and a lot of children here. May God open your eyes and heart to the students around you. The ones in the next room, next door, and across town. If you want our teens to take hold of Jesus, it may be you He uses to do it.
From BJ Another face will be added to the Student Ministry. Michael Masters is coming on as an intern for the
spring. Mike is a junior at Lincoln Christian University and has been involved in our ministry for over two years. He is very gifted and passionate about ministry and our church’s involve-ment in the community of Lincoln. Mike will be focusing
his time and energy primarily in the QUEST Ministry and will be working to develop Homework Help, which is an after-school program. We are very excited to see how God will use Mike to do His work this spring. From Zach SuperStart and Believe Hey Jr. Highers and Parents!!! SuperStart and Believe are coming up. These conferences serve as a couple of the many avenues that we use to teach your kids about God that partner with the teaching that you already give them. These trips give your kids a chance to get away from many different distractions and spend focused time learning and studying about God.
SuperStart • For 5th Grade only!!! • March 5-6 in Bloomington, IL • $55 (includes SuperStart, Bowling,
Transportation, Lodging) • $25 Non-Refundable deposit due Sunday
January. 17. Believe
• For 6th-8th Graders!!! • April 17-18 in Anderson, IN • $95 (includes Believe, Hotel, Transporta-tion,
Laser Tag) • $35 Non-Refundable deposit due Sunday
January 31. For more information about SuperStart or Believe — pick up an info packet at the Youth Ministry Welcome Center or ca`ll Zach or Elaine at the
Don Kauffman Zach Ramsey & BJ Leonard Student Ministries Team Leader Student Ministry Associates [email protected] [email protected]
adultministry
Connect to an Adult LifeGroup On January 3 and 10, you will have the opportunity to sign up for a LifeGroup. We have lots of different groups for all interests and ages. If you want to jump-start your spiritual growth, sign-up!
What is an Adult LifeGroup? What do they do? How does it differ from a Sunday School class? LifeGroups are 10 to 14 people who meet together about three times per month, usually in a home. Groups pray, fellowship, study, and eat! LifeGroups welcome new people for a few weeks and then close to new people in order to build close friendships.
Why be in a LifeGroup? LifeGroups help people connect relationally so that they can grow spiritually. People find the needed encouragement and friendship in order to deepen their faith. How long will I be with this group? Your group commitment will be January through April. You can choose to stay in that group or join a new group in the fall.
What do I do with my kids? Groups that meet on Sunday nights can use the church’s children’s program for their kids. Other groups make their own arrangements.
How can someone join a LifeGroup? Sign-up in the Family Room and you will be contacted with more information. Once the group begins, try the group for a week or two. After that, if you would like to try a different group, we will connect you with another group. We want you to find a group that will help you grow to become more like Christ.
Wednesdays--Beginning January 13 Which Bible is Right for Me: The Story of the English Bible. Join Dr. Barney Wells as he leads us on a four-week class on the Bible. He will show us different English translations, help us understand the history of different Bible versions, and help us understand how the Bible will help us grow in our relationship with
Jesus Christ. You won’t want to miss this very interesting class.
Financial Hope & The New Year
Financial Peace University is a 13-week, Bibically based, life changing ministry to help you learn how to manage money, reduce debt, and live your financial life the way God wants! Graduates of FPU increase their savings an average of $2,000 and paid off an average of $4,500 in debt in a few weeks.
The next class session will begin on January 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., led by Donnie and Deb Parker, FPU graduates. The cost of the materials is $100. You may register for this course by contacting the church office, or sign-up in the Family Room on January 3 and 10.
Sermon-Based Sunday School Classes Join the Crusader Class (9:30 a.m., Room 16) or the SonSeekers Class (11:00 a.m., Room 16) as they walk through John’s gospel from January through Easter, going into deeper study on the same text Ron uses for his morning message. Learn more about Bible background, ask questions about the text, and meet new friends. Join these two (or any of our eight Sunday School classes) starting in January!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Brandon Boyd Adult Discipleship Minister [email protected]