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Record of Faithfulness |
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Giving:
General Budget $4032.05
Pew Project $ 1360.00
Thanksgiving
Basket $1050.00
Christmas Angels $100.00
Total Giving $6542.05
Attendance:
Tradtional 55
Contemporary 79
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Upcoming Events |
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Finance Committee Meeting
Nov. 18 7:00 PM Tuesday
Children's Program Practice5-7PM Every Sunday Hand Bell Practice
6:30 PM Sunday Women's Bible Study
9 AM Monday -- Youth Center
Wednesday Night Classes for all ages
6:30 Wednesday
Youth Trash Pickup
Nov. 15
10:45 AM Saturday
Meet at Church
Thanksgiving Fellowship and Puppet Show
Wednesday Nov. 25 6PM
Thanksgiving Food Basket Donation Deadline
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Members in Ministry Nov 9 |
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Child Chat Susan Sibley
Ushers TBA
Prayer Concerns Steward
Glenn Whitaker
Nursery Susie Carnes
Contemporary Service
Child Chat Denise Acker
Greeters Kennamer family
Projection Wyatt Buffington
Nursery Regina Filmore
Sunday School Nursery
Sharna Kennamer
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Birthdays & Anniversaries |
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Nov. 14 Rod Eddleman Birthday
Nov. 17 Greta Ayers Birthday
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New Life Line
November 12, 2009
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Greetings!
This week's scripture is found in the 25th chapter of Matthew and is one of three parables in this chapter which deal with the return of Jesus and what is expected of those who claim to be his followers.
14"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' 21His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' 23His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26But his master replied, 'You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
The talent that Jesus is referring to in this parable is obviously not an ability or a skill rather it is an amount of money-a very large amount of money. In fact, a talent was the equivalent of about 15 times the average worker's wage. To put it in today's terms we are talking $400,000 or more! So the master has shown great confidence in each of the slaves.
Each slave was given different amounts "according to their ability" and no where does it appear that they compared what they had been given with one another.
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How often do you look at others and wonder why God hasn't given you the money, talents, resources that they have?
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How often do you fail to use what God has given you for the sake of the gospel because you think you don't have enough to give?
This translation (NRSV) says the first and second slaves used traded their talent to make money. A better translation is found in Eugene Petterson's The Message where he says, "Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same." In the end they are both judged faithful because they went to work with the money not because of the amount they earned.
- How are you putting the resources God has given you to work?
On the other hand, the third slave dug a hole and hid the money. It is important to know here that in Jesus' day, this was considered a wise method for saving money! Much better than say . . . investing in mortgages! The third slave being conservative and safe.
- How often do you hold back from giving and serving because you are trying to safeguard your well being?
- How much risk are you willing to take for the kingdom of God?
At the center of this parable is the attitude that the slaves have toward their master. The first two appear to want to please the master. The third is afraid of him.
- What kind of God do you believe in? One who is gracious or one who is harsh?
- How do your actions reflect a belief in a gracious God?
- Or do your actions reflect a belief in a harsh God?
See you on Sunday!
Pastor Sherill
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Thanksgiving Food Baskets Deadline
 We are rapidly approaching Thanksgiving and we still need donations. If you are planning to come to the youth sponsered fundraiser meal Wednesday November 19th, bring a canned item to donate as well!! for any infortmation please call Janie Franks, or e-mail. Thanks for everything that you do!!
Janie Franks
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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS DEADLINE:
Verbal Announcements during Church should be called in to Pastor Sherill no later than 4 PM the Thursday before the announcment is to be made. Any written announcement for the Sunday bulletin should be called to the church office by 12PM Thursday. Any Newsletter announcments should be called to the Church office by 12PM Tuesday.
Our New weekly newsletter will be e-mailed every Wednesday with updated weekly information. If you have something to add, please call the church office
256-728-2093!!
Thanks!! |
| Prayer Team Ministry
One of the most important things we do as a congregation is pray for each other, for our church and for our nation! In the coming year, New Life will be identifying its God-given vision and putting plans in place to live that out that vision. We need people who are dedicated to praying for our congregation and its needs. While everyone's prayers are important, we are looking for people who are willing to make a commitment to pray for our weekly prayer requests, to write notes of encouragement to those who need them, and to help us celebrate answered prayers. If you would be interested in helping with this very important ministry, please reply to this newsletter and let me know.
Thank you!
Pastor Sherill |
Nursery Workers Still Needed!
Thank you!
Pastor Sherill |
CHILI FUNDRAISER!!!  Wednesday November 19 at 6 PM, the youth will be hosting a meal/auction fundraiser event. We will have Chili, desert, a silent auction and a service auction. Along with the meal, we will be auctioning off local merchants wears as well as our very own youth will offer service as an auction item. Please come to this exciting event eat, bid and help the youth raise funds for spiritual retreats.
If you have any items you would like to donate to the silent auction, please call Sherry Newton 508-3251 | |
Weekly Prayer
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who need Christ...
You are the God who gives life to the spiritually dead. (Romans 4:17b)
I thank You that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But Scripture asks, How can these I'm praying for call on Jesus if they have not believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they've not heard about Him? And how can they hear without someone bringing the truth to them? And how can they hear unless that person is sent? (Romans 10:13-15a)
I ask You to send someone into each of their lives, someone with the message of life, the Word of Christ-for Your Word does not return empty; it accomplishes what You desire and achieves the purpose for which it is sent. (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:11)
May they hear the words of Christ, for His words are spirit and they are life. May the words that they hear not be stolen from their hearts. ( John 6:63; Luke 8:12)
Send someone they can respect to bring them the truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
(Jim & Kaye Johns) |
Church Office Hours
9 AM - 1 PM Monday Through Friday
728-2093
Church Staff
Pastor:
Sherill Clontz (256) 508-3760 (cell)
Secretary:
Katie Buffington 728-3570
Contemporary Worship Leader:
Milanda Taylor 728-3099
Contemporary Music Director:
Jim Holcomb 587-0217
Children's Ministry Director:
Greta Ayers 728-2347
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