“We” vs “me” in prayer

I don’t know about you, but when I pray, MY concerns about ME crowd in and become MY main concern. Thoughts of US and WE are pushed out my the big ME!

But that’s not the way Jesus taught us.

The Lord’s prayer is not a ME prayer but a WE prayer. Look at all the WE, US, and OUR in the prayer Jesus taught us (Luke 11:2-4).

“OUR Father in heaven, Holy be your name” – This expresses the desire of the whole community of faith that God’s name and fame would be desired and revered.

“Give US each day OUR daily bread” – I’m looking to the right and left as I pray for the needs I know my brothers and sisters have for God’s provision, not just my own needs.

“Forgive US our SINS for WE forgive everyone who is indebted to US” - As I live in community with other followers of Christ, toes will be stepped on. I seek God’s forgiveness as I forgive my fellow believers.

“And lead US not into temptation” - I am concerned not merely for my own struggles, but I watch the back of fellow Christ-followers who go through trials and temptations as I do.

So do your prayers reflect more ME or WE? Let US move to the plural as WE seek the Lord TOGETHER!

The well wisher of your OUR soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Anonymous: Pray that someone will come into my husband’s life who can be a witness to him. We would love for him to become a Christian.  Pray that my daughter’s ribs will stop hurting.  She bumped them hard at the playground and I’m worried about that.

Tatiana: Please pray for Ms. Candy that she has a safe trip.  Please pray that my cough goes away.

Ron: My mother would be proud of me today on Mother’s Day.  God bless you Mom – Wanda Davis.  We will meet again in heaven!

John D.:  Please pray for Mary Dishinger, my mom, as she begins a long series of chemo.  Pray for my father as caregiver.  Pray they can consider faith in their life.  I am a magnificent ruin.  Let me focus on my magnificence, not my ruin.

Milt:  Please pray for Bonnie Skinner (member of our Global Prayer Movement) as she deals with the loss of her husband.  Pray for peace and God’s presence to be with the entire family during this time.

Giuliana: Please pray for Ms. Candy to be safe when she leaves.

Barbara B.:  Praise:  Project Portugal – Danilo, Elaine and Charlotte were in Spain this past week for a retreat.  It was a refreshing time and they were not affected by the earthquake.  Prayer:  They still need to find apartments – one for Charlotte and another for Danilo & Elaine.

Please pray for Eleen who is in a rehab facility recovering from a bad fall.

Debbie S.:  Please pray for Debbie’s dad who has 3 chemo treatments beginning Tuesday.  Pray for God’s protection on Debbie, Kathi & Michelle who will be traveling to NYC Thursday to Tuesday.

Gene A.: Pray that my son finds a new position in a timely manner.  Help me catch up with my contractual obligations.  Continue to give me good health, both mentally and physically.

Sandie L.:  Praise God for getting me through all the changes at work.  Pray that I would be open to how God wants to use me in the new area.

Marc: My sister, Maireen, was diagnoses with tuberculosis.  Please do pray for her recovery, for her family as she is away from them for her treatment.

Nancy W.: Continue to pray for Janna’s back pain.  She’s only had minimal improvement from the injection last week.  Pray for encouragement, strength and God’s peace.

::community::

Relay for Life of Winter Garden is coming up this Friday, May 20th – Saturday, May 21st!

• The event will be held downtown at the West end of Plant Street near City Hall
• We are in need of 4 – 6 folks willing to staff the Southwest Church Booth for 1 to 2 hour shifts from 6:00pm – 12:00 am.
• You will be asking people how we can pray for them and suggesting they fill out a prayer request card.
• Then, other members of our team will walk the course, praying for those requests.  Prayer guides will also be available.
• Please contact Nancy Welch at nancywelch@bellsouth.net for more information or to sign up.
• Find more information about the event at: www.relayforlife.org/wintergardenfl

Farewell Brunch for Candy Hilton – Sunday, May 29th, 9:30 AM

• Candy is moving to the Lone Star State!
• We’re showing our love and appreciation (in a low-key way!)
• Sign up Sunday for a brunch item
• We’ll see you on Sunday, May 29th

Spiritual Leadership (Unabridged) by J. Oswald Sanders

With more than 500,000 in print, Spiritual Leadership has proven itself a timeless classic in teaching the principles of leadership. J. Oswald Sanders presents and illustrates those principles through biographies of eminent men of God – men such as Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, David Livingstone, and Charles Spurgeon.

via christianaudio.com – christianaudio.com.

(New! Click for printable format!)

::truth::

Praying for the need behind the need

It’s natural to have concern for those who are suffering. We hear about the afflictions of someone we care for and we just want it to stop. The affliction could be illness, finances, employment, relationships – you name it! In fact, just below you’ll read a list of needs to pray for.

And there is nothing wrong with praying for needs to be met and afflictions to be lifted. Jesus tells us to pray for our “daily bread” – and that is a need.

But remember to pray for the need behind the need.

You see, afflictions are not our enemy. Afflictions are inevitable. Afflictions are even sent by God to strengthen and refine us.

The Apostle Paul’s concern for the church at Thessalonica was “…that that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)

Paul’s main prayer for the church was not that their afflictions would be lifted. His focus was on their faith (1 Thess 3:5-8). He prayed that their faith would be strengthened through the afflictions. Strengthened faith is the need behind the need!

So when you pray for a friend to get a job – also pray that their trust and hope in God would not fail while they search. When you pray for healing for someone who is sick, also pray that the Lord would draw them close during their time of illness. When you pray for a financial breakthrough for a friend, also pray that Jesus would be more precious to them than silver or gold (or cash!).

And throw in a prayer for your pastor while you are at it!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Patti: My brother Greg needs spiritual, physical, and emotional prayer and protection.  He needs Christ desperately.

Denise D.: Please pray for the family of a friend, Jackie, who passes away last Thursday from Colon Cancer.  Continue to pray for my friend, Dave M. who is in the hospital with Lou Gerigh’s Disease.  Pray for our troops, the sick & those going through hard times.

Janna W.:  Pray for peace in the midst of lots of anxiety that I’m not dealing well with;  for the perfect job for me and faith, patience & wisdom in the process; for a better, closer relationship with God;  and also that I would find a good group of people to feel like a community of friends.

Michelle R.:  Please pray for a co-worker, Malia, who just found out she has cancer.  Pray for strength as she goes through her treatments and help with her family.

Pray for the Thompson family as they travel west to Washington State, for safety and good family time.

Wendy A.: Please continue to pray for the RDI leadership team.  Marc Hall, the director, is back in Cambodia and is working to address the recent difficulties.  Pray for wisdom and words of grace for Marc.  Pray that the leaders are convicted of God’s will for RDI and each other. Pray that the Lord will be glorified and the staff encouraged through the process.

Christine D.: Please pray that as I am going back to school that I will be motivated to study and find ways to study well.  Also, that I will make new friends and become closer to my Christian friends.

Andria M.: Praise God that my brother got a promotion at work.  Please continue to pray that God would speak to his heart and encourage him to seek Him.  Pray for me as I move out to UCF in the next couple of weeks – for adjustment for myself and my family.

Pray for Cindy & Jeff McKinney as they leave for Guinea, West Africa on Tuesday (8/17) to help with an audit at The Hope Clinic.  They’ll be gone for two weeks.

Pray for wisdom for Tom M. regarding treatment options for his injured arm.  Pray for him & Sue as they ease into a new season with Lorri moved out and Annie leaving soon. Praise – Lorri was hired as a biology teacher in Daytona!

Jim P.: Pray for employment for Lindsey in South Carolina and for a smooth transition into an apartment there.

Nancy W.: Pray for wisdom, patience and faith to guide our children and James.  Pray that God would open up the perfect job for Jonathan and build his faith in Jesus.

::community::

New Message Series: “Askitallogy” (Ask-it-all-ogy!). Pastor Tom will be (attempting) to answer your questions about life, the Bible, practical issues, theological struggles, really – anything!  No question too easy or too hostile.  So “ask it all”!  Email Tom your questions or post them on our Southwest Church Facebook page.

Volunteer to help the homeless at Matthew’s Hope. Serve meals, distribute clothes, help with jobs and identification cards, really – just be a friend! Call Karen Gowing for how you can help!

cell:  407.340.6529, email: matthewshopevolunteers@yahoo.com

Sunday, August 22^nd:

• Set–up: Jim Phillips
• Nursery: Tricia Phillips
• Prayer: Tony Lyons

::mission::

Mike & Sue Farho (Tunisia) - Ramadan started this past Wednesday, pray for those that the Farho’s are in contact with, that it will provide an opportunity for them to share God.

Toby & Kiersten Hull (Burkina Faso) – Continue to pray for the Hull’s health and safety as they adjust back to life in Burkina Faso.

“It is finished! (John 19:30)

Has Christ perfected and completely finished all His work for us? How sweet a relief is this to against all the defects and imperfections of all the works which are wrought by us.

There is nothing finished that we do. All our duties are imperfect duties; they come off lamely and defectively from our hands. O there is much sin and vanity in the best of our duties.

But Jesus Christ has finished all His work, though we can finish none of ours. And so, even though we are defective, poor, imperfect creatures in ourselves, yet we are complete in Christ. His complete obedience being imputed to us, makes us complete, and without fault before God.”

—John Flavel, The Fountain of Life

via Jesus Christ has finished all His work « Of First Importance.

::truth::

What does it take for a prostitute to “get saved”?

Last week we looked at “Extravagant Love” from Luke 7:36-50. In that amazing encounter, Jesus tells the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace”.  What possibly could this woman have believed about Jesus?

She could not have articulated a theology of the atonement, she probably wasn’t versed in the Trinity, and the dual natures of Christ might have sent her over the edge!

But you don’t have to know a lot.  It boils down to this:

• She was a great sinner (no self-deception here – she knew who she was.)
• She could not save herself (absolute abandonment at the feet of Christ.)
• She needed Jesus (not reformation, not condemnation, not self-justification)
• Jesus would not reject her (Jesus has never rejected anyone who comes with faith and repentance)

That’s about all it takes for someone to begin with Jesus. We may fault her for her theological imprecision (but, hey, she might have been a biblical scholar for all we know!). What we do see is the love and protection and forgiveness of Christ causing a response of extravagant love.

How about you? What have you ever done just because you loved Jesus so much? Yeah, me too. “Lord, may the gospel come to us, so that it may come through us!”

The well-wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

p.s. Here’s the link for a clip from Matt Chandler, “Jesus wants the rose!”

p.p.s. Here’s the link for Joe and Kay King’s newsletter!

::prayer::

Eloise B – Maurice is having shortness of breath when he walks around the camp, in PA.   He’s in much better shape than that, so she’s worried it’s his heart – they are in touch with his cardiologist.

Stephen W – Pray for Janet Lycan that she will come back from the hospital and will get better.

Wendy A – Please pray for healing for Matthew Strong (David and Doris’s 8 year old son) who broke his arm last week in Bangkok.

Please pray for my bother-in-law, Rob, who is now seeking a new job (the Padres released his contract). He is a man of strong faith so pray that the Lord places Rob where He wants him.

Praise the Lord for all the good news regarding Katie Karp. Her surgery went well and the spot on her hip is not cancer. Please pray for continued healing and strength for the next round of chemo.

Tricia P – Pray for me and my sister for wisdom as we meet with my mom to help her work out health issues – physical and emotional needs.  Pray for Lindsey for a full-time job in Colombia, S.C.

Julie V – Please pray that my husband recovers soon from his surgery on his foot, to take the pain away, and to heal strong.

Christine D – Please continue to pray for my mom. Her surgery went well, but she is still in a lot of pain. She goes in Tuesday for a check-up.

Nancy W – Please pray for educational and vocational direction and opportunities for Janna and Jonathan.

Barbara B – My parents have a buyer for our house. Pray for closing on August 18.  I have another eye exam this week to determine if there is damage.

Joe R – Please pray for safe travel for the Relichs as they travel to NC for vacation.  Please pray for the spiritual growth of our family as we grow in Christ.

Debbie S – Praise the Lord – Baby Jonathan (born at 23 weeks) seems to be steadily improving. He weighs 2lb 1oz now! His brain scans are good and he is taking feeds every 12 hours. Please keep Jeff and Marissa in your prayers as the walk this path with their son.

Jim P – Pray for Rick’s salvation. Pray for our church’s financial needs.

::community::

This Wednesday:

• Women’s Summer Study, 6:30PM
• Elder’s Meeting, 7:00 At Matt Kelly’s

Upcoming Message Series: “Askitallogy” (Ask-it-all-ogy!). Pastor Tom will be (attempting) to answer your questions about life, the Bible, practical issues, theological struggles, really – anything!  No question too easy or too hostile.  So “ask it all”!  Email Tom your questions or post them on our Southwest Church Facebook page.

Meet Julie Wolf: Julie is a licensed counselor representing Hope Counseling Clinic – “restoring hope and healing hearts.” Julie is leading a seminar called “Surviving Grief: Understanding Yourself and Those You Love” August 12th from 7pm to 8:30pm in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. RSVP at 407-758-5693

New CD “Love Rains Down.” The album features local homeless musicians working together with an amazing cast of musicians and producers, including one sound engineer who just won an Emmy (all time and production donated). They all pooled their talents to create an amazing CD full of original songs. All the proceeds will go toward supporting work with the homeless in Orange County, with the first priority being to provide a shower trailer for the homeless of West Orange County. $10 Donation.

::mission::

Gordon & Cheryl Roedding (Home Assignment from Mali) – Pray for their home assignment, they will begin “tours” in September.  Pray for the English classes in Mali, that they will continue and go well in their absence.

TIm & Ruth Albright (CAMA & ECHO) – Pray for their work at ECHO and upcoming presentations and contacts that they will make.

::truth::

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard” from Luke 7:18-23

John the Baptist was concerned and confused. His cousin, Jesus, was doing great miracles – miracles one would expect of the promised messiah. But the revolution was not being televised – yet. Where was the fiery reformer John was expecting?

So John asked the question, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

Jesus’ answer was as authentic as he was, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard”.   Jesus did not send a simplistic answer nor did he send a theological tome. He simply pointed to his works and his words. Jesus came with the works and the words of the kingdom and he both walked the walk and talked the talk. His lips and his life were perfectly consistent.

Which gives us pause for reflection – if we were asked, “Are you the church – the body of Christ, the hands, feet, and mouth of Jesus, or shall we look for another”, could we say, “What do you see? What do you hear?”

Can we point to our works and our words as validating our reality? We are called to be “on-mission” with Christ and our words and works should be self authenticating. That’s called “authentic”. That’s called “being real”.

So let the gospel come to you and through you to a lost, blind, and hurting world!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

Stuff to click:      Free worship music (with chord sheets!) – http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/music

Kevin DeYoung’s list of contemporary “Jesus-es”

::prayer::

Andria M – Pray for my friend from work, Sara, who is going through some tough stuff in her life. Also pray that I and the other Christians at work would show God’s love in the way we live.

Barbara B – Pray for my students and me as they return this week J. Pray for healing of my right eye. Pray for the pending sale of my parent’s house. It will take a miracle for it to sell.

Denise D – Thanks you for all your thoughts and prayers for my mother who had a hip replacement. She is recovering well and continues to do so.  Please pray for me – I will be having surgery Monday for kidney stones. Thanks you and God bless you all. Continue to pray for all our troops. My friend, Dave, who has Lou Gehrig’s disease and a friend, Alea, who has been in the hospital due to a rare illness and is recovering.

Eloise B – Pray for safety as we travel to PA on Fri and Sat and that our daughter, Pam, will be open to talk with us about Christ and that she will recommit her life to Him.

Deborah T – 1) Bread on Aug 2^nd – people taste it, like it, and buy it. 2) For vacation Aug 4-29. Good family bonding time, fun, laughter, meet other people… true followers of Christ. That we are ready for the trip – bring all we need. Most of all God is with us and protects us: driving, no accidents or illness (falling off a cliff!)

Nancy W – Pray for wisdom for our family as we make decision with James for his future. Continued healing of my hand. Outreach for our church.

Samuel W – Please pray for daddy to have a safe trip home.

::community::

Meet Julie Wolf: Julie is a licensed counselor representing Hope Counseling Clinic – “restoring hope and healing hearts.” Julie is leading a seminar called “Surviving Grief: Understanding Yourself and Those You Love” August 12th from 7pm to 8:30pm in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. RSVP at 407-758-5693

New CD “Love Rains Down.” The album features local homeless musicians working together with an amazing cast of musicians and producers, including one sound engineer who just won an Emmy (all time and production donated). They all pooled their talents to create an amazing CD full of original songs. All the proceeds will go toward supporting work with the homeless in Orange County, with the first priority being to provide a shower trailer for the homeless of West Orange County. Available on Sundays! $10 Donation.

::mission::

Mike & Sue Farho (Tunisia) – Praise that attendance at the Sousse church has been up and for the great prayer walk they did last Sunday on the beach.  Pray for the Farho’s as they work through updating their resident visas.

Tim & Janice Greenfield (Guadalajara) – Praise for the 6 families that attended church due to exposure from VBS.  Pray for the Greenfields and other Alliance Missionaries from Mexico City and Tijuana as they gather this coming week for yearly field forum.  Their speaker will be Paul Little.

Please pray for the church family of Saint’s Sanctuary Alliance Church in Pompano Beach.  Their church van, filled with adults and children, was in a major accident last Saturday on the Florida Turnpike while returning from Orlando.  One person died, and several were injured.  Some are still in the hospital, including Pastor Matthieu Jean-Gilles’ daughter.

::truth::

Asking God to do what only he can do.

Honesty is one of the reasons to love the psalms. The psalm writers share their hearts, bare their hearts, and know their hearts like nobody else.  I was reading Psalm 119 this morning and was impressed with how well the psalmist knows his own heart deficiencies and calls out to the Lord to do what only the Lord can do:

I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! (Psalms 119:32)

He wants to “run with the Lord” but he knows he lacks the capacity. So he cries out for a greater heart for the Lord!

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! (Psalms 119:36)

He knows his heart is inclined to selfish gain, so he pleads for a new inclination!

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalms 119:18)

He knows his eyes grow dull and dim to God’s word, so he calls on the Lord to open them!

So, do you get discouraged with your own heart?  Do you despair of every overcomcoming your own spiritual inertia? I’ve got good news for you. You can’t! You can’t change your own heart.

But that’s exactly what God does through the Gospel! He is in the business of doing what we can’t do.

So ask God to do what only he can do – change you from the inside out through the power of the cross!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Alliance City Church – Pray for Charlie Hughes and Alliance City Church as they seek to reach young progressives in the UCF area. http://www.facebook.com/alliancecitychurch

Debbie S – Please pray for Josh’s friends, Jeff & Marissa, whose baby was born this week at a mere 26 weeks.  Praise the Lord fof providing hosing for Kethi and Michelle who are moving out of their apartment in August. It is such an honor to watch them pray and trust the Lord to direct their path and see Him answer so wonderfully. They are moving into a huge house along with 2 other girls who are missionaries. Big house, Christian landlord, no lease, great cost! Also PTL for providing internship for the fall for Michelle.

Jim P – Please continue to pray for Rick’s salvation.

John D – Pray for Yolanda’s mother. 25 years of diabetes is having a toll on her. Pray for my uncle Jim who just went under triple bypass.

Nancy W – Please pray for the healing of my hand – the pain is very uncomfortable and I’m not sleeping well. Pray for James’s aunt Janet – she’s been in the hospital for 4 weeks with cellulitis in her leg.

Lou and Linn C – Daughter Liz needs a job. We really need to rent out our town house.

Keith & Krista Ellenberger (Mali) – Pray for Krista and middle son, Loren, as they travel to the states for the summer and get him prepared for college life.  Pray for Keith and Karlin as they remain behind, may they have good experiences together and minister to those around them.

LIFE 2010 – The CM&A High School conference was held this past week (7/6-10) in Louisville, KY.  Pray for the students that attended the conference, that they will continue to seek and serve the Lord.  Theme was Collide – what happens when your world meets God’s world?

::community::

New Family Bible Hour Classes – 9:15 Sunday Mornings!

“Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets”

Candy Hilton leads this multigenerational class as we survey the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. For High School students through adults.

“Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace”

Pastor Tom will lead this class geared for all who are married and those who one day may be. For High School students through adults.

New Message Series: “Askitallogy” (Ask-it-all-ogy!). Pastor Tom will be (attempting) to answer your questions about life, the Bible, practical issues, theological struggles, really – anything!  No question too easy or too hostile.  So “ask it all”!  Email Tom your questions or post them on our Southwest Church Facebook page.

For Next Week:

• Set-up: Glenn Tindall
• Nursery: Maxine Kelly
• Prayer: Sandee Lyons

::mission::

Scheduling Update: NEW-NEW-NEW DATE! Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, July 20^h, we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope. They had a scheduling problem and wondered if we would be flexible. We are! Talk to Debbie Santora on how you can help!

Missions Party: Bring Your Own Dinner to the Childress’s home this Wednesday at 6:30PM for some plan-demonium!

::truth::

When Christians disappoint.

Who do you look up to? Who do you put on a pedestal? Parents? Pastors? Missionaries? Friends? What happens when you get up close and see all the warts and blemishes? What happens when you see more of the “old man” than you do of Christ in them?

We often say, “don’t trust in people, people will always disappoint you”. But when it actually happens we are shocked and disillusioned.

What do I do with that discouragement?

You can let it remind you of the steadfast constancy and unchangeableness of God.

Thomas Watson, the great puritan theologian, contrasts the unchangeableness of God with the frailty of man:

See the vanity of the creature. There are changes in everything but in God. ‘Men of high degree are vanity, and men of low degree are a lie.’ Psa 62: 9. We look for more from the creature than God has put in it.

Sometimes we just “look for more in the creature than God has put in it”. At the core we are broken, troubled people whom God is graciously redeeming, re-molding, and restoring to the image of Christ. Nothing is going to get in the way of that work (Romans 8:26-39).

But the process is long and hard and we are all at different places on the journey.  And consider; could it be that you may have actually disappointed someone along the way? But please see the grace and patience of God with you as you stumble down the path. And pray for grace and patience for those who disappoint you.

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Lorri M - A job was posted for a biology teacher at the high school across the street of where my fiancé will be working in the fall. I had interviewed with the principal for this school at the job fair, and would love nothing more than to work there. Pray for God’s favor in acquiring this job.

Deb T - Please pray for people to taste the bread, like it, and buy it. For Erica to understand algebra and ASL (American Sign Language). For Jim @ work. The heat drains him.

Annie M – Stress w/work and rehearsals.

Jim P - Check out www.call2fall.com and pray for our country.

::community::

Womens Bible Study: This summer we encourage you to participate in a 6 week study by Kelly Minter on the book of Ruth “hosted” by Beth Moore on the Living Proof Ministries website. See Tricia Phillips for details!

New Family Bible Hour Classes

“Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets”

Candy Hilton leads this multigenerational class as we survey the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. Does God really tell his prophet to marry a prostitute? Do prophets really hear the call of God and run in the opposite direction? Does God “romantically” win the hearts of his wandering people?  One thing is for sure, you will hear the heart of God in all his tenacity and tenderness!  For High School students through adults.

“Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace”

Pastor Tom will lead this class geared for all who are married and those who one day may be. In eight sessions we will apply what the Bible says about communication, conflict, romance, and intimacy. Based on the book by Gary and Betty Ricucci. For High School students through adults.

New Message Series: “Askitallogy” (Ask-it-all-ogy!). Beginning the second week in July I will be (attempting) to answer your questions about life, the Bible, practical issues, theological struggles, really – anything!  No question too easy or too hostile.  So “ask it all”!  Email Tom your questions or post them on our Southwest Church Facebook page.

::mission::

Scheduling Update: NEW-NEW-NEW DATE! Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, July 20^th we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope. They had a scheduling problem and wondered if we would be flexible. We are!

YMCA Family Fun Night: A great night of free food and fun for families in our community! Saturday, July 10, from 5-7 PM at the Roper YMCA Family Center. The Fun and Games will include a Hotdogs and popcorn, Wii Bowling Tournament, Bean Bag Toss, Three Legged Race, and group games for the whole family. This is a great opportunity for our church to serve the community and build relationships. We’ll need volunteers so send me your t-shirt size when you respond! Invite friends!

New Classes Coming in July, Sundays at 9:15 AM

“Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets”

Candy Hilton leads this multigenerational class as we survey the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. Does God really tell his prophet to marry a prostitute? Do prophets really hear the call of God and run in the opposite direction? Does God “romantically” win the hearts of his wandering people?  One thing is for sure, you will hear the heart of God in all his tenacity and tenderness!  For High School students through adults.

“Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace”

Pastor Tom will lead this class geared for all who are married and those who one day may be. In eight sessions we will apply what the Bible says about communication, conflict, romance, and intimacy. Based on the book by Gary and Betty Ricucci. For High School students through adults.

With great classes for the kids as well, this is a great time to connect (or re-connect) at Family Bible Hour!

::truth::

“We had to celebrate and be glad” – Luke 15:32

The parables in Luke 15 follow a similar pattern: Something is lost. That something is found. So somebody throws a party. Pretty simple.

But how do we wrap our minds around the idea that God likes to celebrate? We are used to thinking of God sitting austere, disinterested, and disconnected from our emotions. A God that parties is not in our mental filing cabinet.

Yet it is clear from Luke 15 (and a bunch of other scriptures) that God truly celebrates. But what does God celebrate? What makes him throw parties?

We celebrate victories (championships, setting records), occasions (birthdays, weddings), and achievements (retirements, graduations). We want to celebrate, we feel the need to celebrate, I suppose you could say we have to celebrate!

So does God celebrate our victories, occasions, and achievements?

Nope. He celebrates our repentance. That’s right, repentance. He celebrates when a sinner (like me and you) first comes to Christ in repentance. But who’s to say he doesn’t celebrate every time we repent? Every time we turn from sin and believe his superior promises. Every time we choose faithfulness to Christ over compromise and ease. Every time we kill the selfish flesh and lay our lives down for Christ’s sake. Every day we live repentance as a way of life.

So, let make heaven happy. Not by offering our victories and achievements, but by offering our repentance. And then listen for the party!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Lindsey:  “I won’t be able to e-mail for awhile because I am going out to a village tomorrow morning until Friday. The team that is here is not Christian so I hopefully I will be able to be a witness to them this week! ”

Pray for Wendy as she travels home, arriving Wednesday evening, June 9^th at 11:40 pm.

Jim P: Please pray for Lindsey’s health and for God to bless her efforts for His Kingdom.  Pray for God’s perfect will to be accomplished in Whitney’s life.

Deborah T.: Selling bread on Monday so pray people will taste it, like it and buy it.  Praise God for all his goodness!

Denise D.: My mother- recovering from surgery from a broken wrist, my friend (Dave) – suffering from Lou Gerhig’s Disease, my sister’s mother-in-law, Mary Ann Dubb, major cancer surgery Monday (12 hour operation).

Eloise: Praise for a definite improvement in Trent’s behavior and attitude.  Pray for Ren as he witnesses to him (they live together), and for Trent’s salvation.

Barbara B: Pray for my eyes- infection keeps coming back.  Praise- my parents have gotten rid of many of their possessions as they prepare to downsize from a large home to an apartment this summer. Pray as my parents and I have to put down my cat.  She came with me from Brazil.  My dad is very attached to her.

Nancy W.: Praise God for His amazing provision of $390 for Stephen’s garage sale for camp!  Many thanks to those of you who helped & donated items!  Please continue to pray for the needs of our family.

::community::

Garage Sale for Summer Camp: Thanks so much to all who helped in our garage sale. We raised over $340 for camp!

NEW DATE! Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, July 6^th, we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope. We need “worker-bees”, meal planners, chefs, and relationship builders. Please plan to participate and thanks for your response!

Family Fun Night at the YMCA: This summer we will be hosting a series of family fun night activities for the community at the Roper YMCA Family Center. We kick it off on Saturday, June 12 at 5:30 PM with a family movie night complete with hotdogs and popcorn!  Fun ‘n Games night will be Saturday, July 10^th and a poolside “Dive-in Movie” will be August 21^st.  If you can help plan or be a “worker-bee” please let us know!

Sunday, June 13^th

Set–up: Joe Relich & Kellys

Nursery: Jolene Small

Snacks: John Dishinger

Prayer: Glenn Tindall

::mission::

DISCOVER STORIES: Evangelism starts with communicating your story and God’s story, right? Wrong. We seemed to have condensed sharing the love of Christ to a mechanical formula. Traditionally speaking, Christians often view evangelism as getting the seeker to listen to us while we share a verbal witness — give our testimony in the hopes that they will better understand the gospel. We’re missing a step. We’re omitting a critical part of the process — the other person’s story. Non-Christians are eager to tell their stories. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want to share their story. I’ve just not met too many Christians willing to stop talking long enough to listen.

Tim & Janice Greenfield (Mexico) – Praise for the blessing of 33 years of marriage for the Greenfield’s.  Pray for the 30 women who have attended Bible Study this past year, pray that they will continue to grow in Christ during the summer, even though they are taking a break from meeting together.