The February Lamplighter
The gist of the article was that while there may be some distinctives about church, what ’smells’ (that is, what appears to be) like church tain’t necessarily so. Perhaps some of our ‘problems’ in Church today stem from our apathy to care for the work of the Church - to go, to baptize, to teach others to obey the Word of God. In too many cases we’ve become comfortable in our activities around the Church, and we’ve lost our fervor and enthusiasm and passion for Jesus. We may ’smell’ like Church, but are we really doing what Christ has called us to do?| Another article in the current Messenger speaks to much of the same problem. There is a growing unrest and tendency within the Church of the Brethren to division, largely stemming from differing views on some fundamental tenents of our faith; specifically the topics. of homosexuality and the authority of Scripture. Under great pressure from our secular culture to conform to the ways of this world, more and more of our members are taking a very liberal view of the Bible and Jesus’ teachings for us - to the point that many are questioning the very truth of the Word. Do we still believe that God’s Word is the authority for our lives? Within our own district, these same topics hold the potential for division among us. How will we seek the mind of Christ as we try to resolve our differences? Can they be resolved apart from division? I encourage you all to join one or more of the ongoing small group study groups we have going here at MACOB. It has never been more vital to our spiritual health than in these troublous days right now for us to study the Word and pray for God’s guidance. 2nd Timothy clearly warns us that “in the last days, people will be …… boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient….. lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but |
| Bible Challenge Questions 1. In Psalms, what is it that a righteous person delights in and meditates on constantly? 2. According to Luke’s account of the Temptation of Jesus, what did the devil do after Jesus resisted all his temptations? 3. Though we surely sin against other people, ultimately, all are sins are committed against |
| ? |
| Church Calendar & Sermon Scl1edule 1//28 1:00 PM Church Council Meeting 2/1 6:30 PM Handbell Choir practice (every week) 7:30 PM Senior Choir practice (every week) 2/2 7:00 PM Young Adult Dinner 2/4 9:00 AM Sunday School 10; 15 AM Celebration Worship 6:30 PM Bible study (NT) 2/6 7:00 PM Bible study (Romans) 2/8 noon Bible Study (James) 2/9 7:00 PM Prayer Group (Rishel’s) 2/11 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Celebration Worship “Truth or…. “ Luke 4:1- 13 2/13 7:30 PM Church Board meeting (Commissions - 6:30) 2/17 7:30 AM Men’sPrayerBreakfast 2/17 4:30 PM Oyster Supper 2/18 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Celebration Worship “Forgiving grace” Lamplighter articles due for March issue 6:30 PM Bible study (NT) 2/22 noon Bible Study (James) 2/25 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Celebration Worship |
| “The choice” |
| Psalm 1 |
| Psalm 51 |
| “It’s a conspiracy!” |
| Luke 9:28 - 36 |
Sunday School Electives
The Adult classes are entering the last month of this quarter, but it’s not too late to join some exciting and challenging discussion. In addition to the International Lesson Quarterly studying ‘Jesus - A Portrait of God’ there is a discussion class using the Together - Conversations on being the Church curriculum, and a special class for Young Adults ca11ed “Let’s Talk.”
Church Council meeting
With our annual year end Council meeting set for Sunday. Januarv 28th. a report of the discussions and actions was not available before this issue went to press. A report will be in the next Lamplighter, as well as being posted on the bulletin board and on the Church’s website ( www.madisonavechurch.org)
Fellowship & Recreation Commission
The F&R Commission is busy planning a schedule for 2006. First up is the annual Oyster Supper, scheduled for Saturday evening, Feb. 1′fh, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM The menu includes: fried oysters and oyster stew, fish, hot dogs, slaw, apple sauce, pickles, etc. and dessert and beverage. (Donations of desserts would be appreciated). Cost will be by donation (free will offering). Snow date - 2/25/05.
Mission & Service
Continue to bring your cans of soup and one dollar bills for the Souper Bowl drive on Sunday, Feb. 4th.
The JR ill class is sponsoring this outreach.
Meat canning is coming up in April; the District has a goal of canning 80,000 lb. of chicken this year, 5,000 less than in previous years. Our special offering during Feb. will be for the meat-cannint! proiect. C0sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic and SoPA Districts, we are seeking volunteers to help in the processing effort. Work groups are planned for April 9 - 12 and April 16 - 19, with two scheduled work periods each day - from 6 AM to noon, and from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. Processing takes place at Christian Aid Ministries near Ephrata. The canned chicken is used to assist those in need locally as well as internationally. This is an opportunity for you to eqjoy the fellowship of working with others from various COB congregations, while responding to God’s ca11 to help those less fortunate. If you can help, please sign up on the special sheet on the bulletin board.
Youth News
Answers to Bible Challenge questions
1. The Bible (God’s law) Psalm 1:2 2. Left until an opportune time (Luke 4:13) 3. God (psalm 51:4)