the Church will be open from 8 p.m. till....

for Prayer and Fellowship

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011 

The Series "King of Kings" Concludes

Pastor John appropriately concluded the evangelistic series "King of Kings" with a sermon on "The Perfect Gift" on Christmas Day. In his message, he brought together the story of God's perfect gift  in giving His Son Jesus to show his unconditional love for humanity by reconciling the sinful man to a holy God, and thus restoring His original purpose for man: "to give them a rich and satisfying life" and to rule with Him forever. 

A short Christmas vignette preceded the pastor's sermon where participants from the children's division and from among the youth and young adults depicted certain characters during the childhood and adult life of Jesus.

Most of the congregation left after the service for their homes to join their families in celebrating Christmas.  Several others lingered a little longer to have their photos taken in front of our "poinsettia Christmas tree" and to exchange more pleasantries with friends and fellow church members.

CHURCH WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 PM

On New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31, the church will be open from 8:00 p.m. till.....

Those who come will enjoy a season of Prayer and Fellowship.  There will not be a structured program but it will proceed as the Spirit leads.

Some have mentioned bringing food items for a "midnight snack" but, of course, we will not forget that there is also a regular "First Sunday" church service the next day.

A reminder to everyone:  There will be fellowship lunch after the church service on New Year's Day.  All four lunch service groups are each asked to bring an entree. fruit and dessert. The group weekly rotation will restart the week after.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 8 AM

The next Men's Breakfast Meeting will be held at the Fellowship Hall on the date and time listed above. Men of all ages, young and old, are invited to attend. 

There will be an interactive give and take in the program among those who plan to attend. The development of nurturing and even mentoring relationships among the men as they recognize and realize their life missions is one of the objectives in holding these meetings.

As in the last meeting, food will be prepared and brought in by the men themselves who are attending (although we know your wives or mothers or other family members are involved to make sure you're bringing the right stuff! Of course, some of the men are great chefs themselves!).

Make sure to red-mark this date on your calendar!

Stewardship Pledges for 2012

Please do not forget the red cards enclosed with the letter you received from Gospel Life, your church, with several sections of listed options for you to check.

Kindly drop them into the "treasure chest" together with your "Million Miracles" offerings and gifts.

If you have misplaced your red card we have some more of them available for you. Kindly ask for one or we will have them available for you at the church foyer.

AND, if you'd like to have any of your gifts and offerings credited for 2011, please bring them in by December 31 or make sure they bear a postmark no later than that date if mailed in.

 Labor Alone Will Not Satisfy 
 

This is a "slippery slope" and can be used to keep our focus on our performance versus Christ. We are never to find our value in what we do. Instead, our value is solely based on who we are in Christ. The apostle Paul wrestled with this after he came to faith in Christ. He had grown to the top of his field as a Jewish leader.

"If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (Phil 3:4-9)."

You'll never really know to the degree that your self-esteem is rooted in your work until your work is removed. Unemployment, illness, or a financial crisis can lead to job loss.

Why not evaluate where you are in this area of your life. Affirm with God your desire to be known by Who you know versus what you do. 
 

(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.) 

January 1 - Penny & Conrad Miranda

January 8 - Vonnie & Tito Cabrera

January 15 - Eunice Alinsod

January 22 - Lelit & Tony Luciano

January 29 - Ruby & Ding Dijamco

February 5 - Linda & Danny Santos

Wednesday, December 29, 7:00 p.m. - Intercessors' Meeting

Saturday, December 31, 8:00 p.m. - New Year's Eve

Prayer and Fellowship, at the Church

First Sunday, January 1 - Praise and Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, January 8 - Core Group Meeting

Saturday, January 14, 8:00 a.m. - Men's Breakfast Meeting

"Dear God, This morning I remembered that children's song that goes 'I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality...' In Jesus, I am a great big bundle of potentiality.

"Thank You for filling  me with your wisdom and guiding me in your will. Thank You for letting me hear You and keeping my focus on You. And I thank You  so that through You I will reach the potential You have planned for me. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen."