STUFF   Dave Shaner

Be sure to be here next Sunday to learn something remarkable about God's loving provision. Before Sunday, read chapter 3 from the book, Take God at His Word to see how becoming a more generous manager of God's resources will improve the quality of your love for him.

The response to the Take God at His Word series has been very encouraging. Some have asked if this is an attempt to get our contributions up. The answer is yes and no. Yes because it is important for the church to be able to count on a level of finances that will maintain services and pay on-going bills. Overall, our Sunday contributions have been down. But they have improved significantly over the last month. Low contributions can be indicative of several things. One reason could simply be related to the economy. In other words, some people are making less money than they were last year at this time. We are in a downturn economy and it is difficult to predict what will happen with our nation's current events.

The answer could also be 'No' in the sense that giving is more than about money. It is about faith. The elders, in discussing whether this particular series would be valuable, were motivated more by the faith that could be matured in each member than in an increase in contribution. Another reason giving is down could be related to personal reasons. Also not understanding what God says in His Word or not acting on what we do know could be factors in determining how much we give. We know the Bible clearly teaches that God does not want anyone to give reluctantly or under compulsion because He loves a cheerful giver.

Last week, we discussed different motives for giving. Some give out of guilt which is not a biblical motive and should be thrown out. Some give out of responsibility which is admirable, but it fails to build our faith like it should. Some give out of needs that they see. This is also good, but not all needs tug at a person's heart. A higher motive is giving that comes out of a thankful heart for what God has done for us. This, however, can be limited by how thankful we feel at the time. The highest motive is worship, because in this giving, we are directing everything we do toward God. It makes you a part of something bigger than yourself. Giving is an act of trust and will build your faith.

In addition to the "Barnaul Report" from Jerry Sisemore, the Hyde's report of results with "Bibles for Africa" explains happenings from those funds carried by Ivan & Sally Archer last August to Cape Town, So. Africa. Many individuals and congregations are joining together to provide Bibles. Marvin Philips, whom many know from the Tulsa Workshop and brotherhood publications, has pledged himself to a huge effort. Roger Dickson communicates the following, dated Tuesday, 25 February:

"Marvin Philips has been here for three weeks and will return to the States on Thursday. He has committed himself to raise $2,000,000 for one million Bibles for Africa. This is a great challenge. All of us need to pray for him as he sets out on this journey for the rest of his life. He is 71 and wants to do a final great work for Africa. We have adopted the motto " One New Testament / One Saved Soul ". We are calling the project " Marvin's Million ". We do not know the tremendous results of what God will do in the distribution of this number of NTs. However, there will be years of reading of God's word as these go out to people who have never had a copy of the Scriptures."

What an example of stepping out in faith! As Dave's lesson last week concluded, let's not settle for anything less than God's best motivations for our giving. These happenings, those of the Togo team, and other results are manifestations of last week's sermon title, Giving that Feels Good.

Shepherd's Corner

Have you found the material and lessons from Take God at His Word exciting? We pray that you have, and that it will help you in your continued growth with God.

We want to commend each one of you for your love and willingness to grow in your giving. We have seen that our giving actually began to improve prior to the start of this series of material. We also feel that this is because we have begun to pray more earnestly about our giving, the churches finances, and our trusting Him. Isn't it amazing how God uses our prayers, and answers our prayers?

Have you been praying that God will bless you, and help you in this area? We pray that you will. God is so wonderful!

-The Elders

All ladies are welcome to an evening of fellowship and dessert. We always have a great time and it is a wonderful way to get to know one another beyond the church walls.

Date: Thursday, April 10

Time: 6:30 p.m.

At Joanna and George's house, but George is not invited!!! Any questions please call Joanna Wuest or Loretta Robinson.

Be ready for another round of Family Feud at our monthly game night, April 11, 6:30 p.m. in the small auditorium. Bring snacks and games. Come join the fun.

We are working hard on leadership events, as the clock tics down to the anticipated trip to the convention in Phoenix April 17th - 20th. Airline tickets have been purchased at $254.11. If anyone would like to help out, some could surely use the help. If you have odd jobs any of us could do to raise funds, please let us know. Also, we will be having a garage sale in the Bus Barn April 12th. Please call if you have items to donate. Thanks!

Donations of 'stuff' are welcome!!!

We are short one teacher for VBS. This teacher will be teaching the older kids about Esther. Please talk with Michelle Kish or Alyssa Frahm if able to help.

March 25 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

April 8 - CCS Fundraiser - Rescue Concert at NIC

April 10 - Ladies Night Out at Joanna Wuest's

April 11 - Game Night in the Kitchen at 6:30 p.m.

April 12 - LTC Garage Sale at the Bus Barn

April 17-20 - LTC Convention in Phoenix

Jan Almond is at home recovering and is still having trouble with medication. No visitors at this time please. Continue to pray for Jim & Jan.

Kathy Shaner is recuperating at home. The progress will be slow. Please continue to pray.

Pray for Beth (Perkins) Madsen, Dale and Sandy's daughter. The baby was pre-mature and Beth is having some complications.

Virginia Filbeck had cataract surgery again on her other eye last week. She is doing really well.

Don Flanagan is still dealing with a bad cold.

Pam Dunbar and Teeny McMunn, friends of Leeann Freshour, are both dealing with breast cancer.

Lenore Waldo, Patty Welter's aunt, is recovering from surgery to repair a hole in her lung. She is also still struggling with cancer.

Marie Allen, Margie Dupey's mother, is at Lacrosse rehab center recovering from a broken hip.

Ray Huseby, Ken Huseby's brother, is suffering from daily mini strokes. Also keep his wife, Delores, in your prayers as she deals with stress.

Toni Glynn, Betty Wilhoite's daughter, is suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. She had a slight setback this last week but Betty knows with our prayers she will be healed.

Dora Tucker, Ken Huseby's sister, has cancer in her lung, liver and bones.

Jesse Rupnick continues to battle cancer. Special prayers are needed as he begins chemo treatments three times a week starting next month.

Pray for Dawn Morgan as she recovers from cancer.

Service Men & Women - Michael Kish & Steve Howard, while they are away serving our country.

The Togo Team has been placed on alert due to the war. They have been alerted by the state department and might have to leave the country.

Continue Praying For......

John Hughes*Chris Flick*Kathryn Lee
Dallas Miller*Anita Haman*Rick Howard
Edna Scott*The Frisk Family*Ruby Whittle

Congratulations to Kent & Beth (Perkins) Madsen upon the birth of their baby son, Benjamin.....born a few weeks early last Tuesday, the 25th, and only weighing 3 pounds 9 ounces.

Keep this tiny baby and his family in your prayers.

Mike's Memos....

Some people like to plan for the day when they can build their dream house. That must be fun, and I'm sure there is nothing wrong with it, but it never has been one of my pastimes. In fact, I hadn't really thought much about it until I read the following quotation: 'Your childhood is the time of life when God desires to build the rooms of the temple in which He wants to live when you are an adult.' I love that! Hmmm. God's dream houses. That's the business, not the pastime, that parenting and youth ministry is all about. I like that concept.

Parents, what materials are we placing in our children's lives for God to use? Are we filling their lives full of 'worldly stuff', or perhaps negative self-images? Are we providing the splintered materials of inconsistency....sometimes showing them that school work, or sports, or recreation comes before church? These things are not the materials useful in the construction of God's dream houses. Or, are we making beautiful stockpiles of Bible stories and Bible study, prayers, spiritual table talk, and wholesome family relationships? Are we building models of Christ's love, and strong examples of unwavering commitment to the Lord and his church? Are we making it obvious that absolutely nothing else in our lives is as important as our relationship with Jesus? Those things are solid building materials for a spiritual temple.

This is also a huge challenge for each of you...Hey teens, is anybody listening? ...teens as you daily choose material to be used in the construction of God's temple in you. What kind of rooms are you building? Are they clean, fresh, bright rooms, open to the joy and love the Master wants to experience there? Is the material being used positive, solid quality material that is fit for the King of Kings? Will you be proud to invite him into every room? Remember, God is the one who wants to build that dream house in you. Are you consciously, consistently placing yourself at his disposal, allowing him the time and the space to build a beautiful home?

Yes, I like that, 'Childhood is the time of life when God desires to build the rooms of the temple in which He wants to live when you are an adult.'

Are you allowing Him to build, is it someone else, or are you doing your own thing? Wouldn't it be better to work hard a gathering excellent materials, and leave the construction up to the Master Builder?

Friday Night Youth Group

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. This is a weekly youth activity hosted in parents' homes or at the church building. We would also welcome opportunities to come to other church member's homes. If you would enjoy having a group of about 15 to 20 teens come and sing and laugh and share in your home, let us know, and we'll schedule a time.

First Graders are working on "story maps" to go along with their chapter books. The boys are reading an adventure about travel, animals, and a clever boy that can handle almost any situation that comes his way . The girls are reading "Ramona Quimby".

Isn't God in everything we do? Last week a seven year old reminded me that God is the answer for every situation....Just when you think your student isn't getting it....you are pleasantly surprised to discover they are not only getting the academics, but more importantly, the spiritual application. The first grade girls are really getting into a book about a girl called Ramona Quimby. In one scene, Ramona is having an anger problem...After reading the section orally, the girls offered suggestions to help Ramona "get-over-it". Counting to ten, deep breathing, and distracting herself were some of the first ideas, but the last was the most profound...."I think Ramona should pray."

The children are always coming to us with their concerns and asking us to pray...You know they believe in the power of prayer and it is my prayer that we can look to the trust of these little ones and grow too.

Science projects are in there beginning stages and will be ready to show along with the many talents of the children as we combine the "Talent Show" and "Science Fair" this year on May 15.

Keep Smiling,

Teri DuPey

We have grass skirts, leis, decorations, and more left over from the CCS Auction. If interested call the CCS office at 772-7118 for details and prices. (see school bulletin board in the foyer)

Brown sugar, sugar, spaghetti sauce Thank you!

TO SERVE April 6^th, 2003

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

Bible Study Groups:

Statistics:
WEEK OF 3/23/2003

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