Abundant Giving for Joy-Filled Living

Greetings!  

• The congregation of Israel was building the tabernacle out of obedience to God who commanded the building of a tabernacle so God would dwell among them. We generally think of doing things out of obedience as a sad and oppressive giving, but notice the attitude of the Israelites-they are joyful!   Why do you think they were able to give so freely and joyfully?
• What difference does it make to you to consider that obedience to God requires bringing the Lord's offering to the house of worship?
• What sorts of items were offered to God?  What can we learn from the items the Israelites brought as a freewill offering to God?
• Notice the movement from the beginning of the passage where they are bringing the Lord's offering to the end of the passage where they bring a freewill (above and beyond) offering to God.  What prevents you from wanting to freely give as they Israelites did?
• In Chapter 36, we read:

1 Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful one to whom the Lord has given skill and understanding to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded. 2 Moses then called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful one to whom the Lord had given skill, everyone whose heart was stirred to come to do the work; 3 and they received from Moses all the freewill offerings that the Israelites had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, 4 so that all the artisans who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task being performed, 5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do." 6 So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing; 7 for what they had already brought was more than enough to do all the work.  Exodus 36:1-7

• Can you think of a time when the church had to restrain people from bringing offerings?
• What would our church and our community be like if we could give so freely?

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Sherill

Serving from the Heart Workshop
Finding Your Gifts and Talents for Worship 
Sundays at 4:30-5:30 p.m.  Oct 4th - Nov 22nd  

Cost $11 for book (and scholarships are available)

Come join us as we explore the gifts that God has given us for service.  I want to encourage everyone to attend.  If you should need childcare, let us know so I can arrange for that.

Please sign up by calling the church office or e-mailing Pastor Sherill by simply replying to this newsletter!  I need to purchase the books, so please sign up today!!

MANDANTORY SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING

The Mile-Long Yard Sale has been rescheduled !! 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

   YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

HELP NEEDED: Fundraising Captain for Youth.  We desperately need an adult volunteer to organize fundraisers for the youth.  We would like to be able to offer scholarships to youth who are unable to afford retreats and mission trips.  See Milanda if you are willing to serve in this important position.

BEHOLD YOUTH RETREAT: All youth grades 6-12 will be attending BEHOLD January 16-18, 2010 at Camp Sumatanga.  

JR HIGH RETREAT: Middle School Youth, grades 6-8, will be attending the Jr. High Retreat: A Simple Life November 6-8, 2009 at the Springville Camp and Conference Center.  Cost is $90.  Sign-up with Milanda; $90 due by Sunday, October 4th.  If you need a scholarship, please let Milanda know ASAP!

YOUTH PUPPET PRACTICE: Wednesday, October 7th at 6:45 pm.  See Sherry Newton for details.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!!