|
|
|
February 2014
Concrete Love
by Lanae Doiron
Cement and water: when mixed, these two things turn into a paste that hardens into concrete. There is no way for them to reverse back into powdered rock and liquid.
Concrete solidly stands the test of time in such things as bridges, roads and foundations. Even when age or wear causes it to crumble, its particles still remain as matter created by two substances that can't be separated.
The same is true of Christ's love that God lavishes on all who have a personal relationship with Him. God's love, when fused to a heart that has accepted Him, forms a bond that is impossible to separate. Even when tested by the storms of life, and despite what I may feel, once I'm united with Christ through salvation, I cannot reverse back to a life divided from His love.
God put everything on the line for us by giving His son for us all. He is on our side and will not let anyone drive a wedge between us and His love for us.Romans 8:32-37 states that there is no trouble, no hard time, no amount of hatred from the world, and no sin that can separate us from His love.
There is nowhere you can go where you will be away from God's love. It is cemented to you wherever you go.
|
|
The Snowflake Ball!
This is a semi-formal dance especially for individuals with disabilities for ages high school through adult. It's a special evening to celebrate you and honor the God who created and loves you!
Date: February 15th
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Ridgewood Church, 4420 County Road 101, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Cost: $5.00 for advance registration; $8.00 at the door (no charge for PCAs/Attendants. Scholarships available if cost is prohibitive. Please contact Judy.)
Contact: Judy Clark at minnesota@joniandfriends.org; 952-933-7777
|
A Weekend With Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada
Ken and Joni will be speaking at a banquet at Grace Church on Saturday evening March 29th from 5:00-7:30 pm. Watch the Grace Church website and publications for ticket purchase.
Joni also will be speaking at the services on the following Sunday morning at Grace. As well, she will also be touring the Barnabas program at Grace.Joni is the founder of Joni and Friends, A Christian organization that ministers to the disability community across the country and internationally. Joni is a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident at age 17. A lot of the impetus behind the Barnabas program comes from Joni and Friends.
Listen to her recently recorded song, "Alone Yet Not Alone." This song was nominated for an Oscar, but recently rescinded. Joni's hope is that this result will only further impact the message of the song.
|
|
Mens' Breakfast
Guys, there will be a breakfast on Saturday, April 5th from 9:00 - 11:30 am at the Grace Cafe at Grace Church.
The quartet, Higher Call will be leading worship. Kempton Turner, youth pastor at Bethlehem Baptist, will be speaking. Kempton has a son with disabilities, and has also been a dynamic speaker at Joni and Friends family retreat in Minnesota for the past several years.
This event is for dads, grandfathers, uncles and brothers of special needs kids; and for men who volunteer with special needs kids. This is one event you do not want to miss!
Contact Chuck Peterson for more information.
|
|
Women's Spring Conference with Nancy Guthrie
For: All women.
When: Friday and Saturday, April 24th & 25th.
Friday session 4:00-10:00 pm (check-in from 4:00-6:45)
Saturday session 8:30-3:00 pm
Where: Bethlehem Baptist Church, 720 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Topic: Be Holy for I Am Holy - Growing in Holiness...How?
Why: Nancy has previously spoken at one of our Special Moms' Retreats and delivers a very powerful message! Nancy and her husband, David, have faced the death of two of their three children. Both children were born with a rare genetic disorder called Zellweger Syndrome. As a result of her own grief, Nancy writes books and speaks with compassion to hurting people. She has a passion for applying God's Word to real life.
Cost: $60 by February 28th. $75 by April 15th. $30 for high school/full time college student. No registrations after April 15th.
To register, or for more information go to:
|
|
Bible Study for Moms
of Kids with Special Needs
Our Bible study for moms of kids with special needs meets once a month during the school year on Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am in room M212 at Grace Church. Our next study will be February 13th.Our curriculum is the book, Overcoming Fear, by Margaret Feinberg. If you ever worry or are anxious, this study is for you! To register, contact Lanae Doiron at ljdoiron@aol.com or 952-226-2102. |
|
Dad's Group
Dads of special needs kids will meet on Monday, February 10th at 6:30 for dinner at the Grace Cafe. 
Following dinner, Pastor Mac Threinen will lead us in the study of James. There will be discussion, followed by a time of sharing of issues or concerns anyone may have. We will end at 8:30.
We hope you can join us!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
