“Ordinary people, empowered by an extraordinary God, building a community of Christ in West Orange County.”
Posted by Tom Welch on December 9, 2009 under News | 
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Prophet, Priest, and King
The grand miracle of all time is celebrated at Christmas - the miracle of the incarnation: Very God and very man coming together in the person of Jesus. The intersection of all the hopes and fears of mankind are met in Christ….
Posted by Tom Welch on December 3, 2009 under News | Be the First to Comment
Trusting God
An insightful observation was given at our “pot-luck” service last week. Why is it easier to trust and depend on God during hard times than in times of abundance? As I reflect on this observation I am struck at the need we have to put ourselves in places where we must trust in God. In times of hardship, we must trust in God - we have no other option! In times of plenty we must step outside of our comfort zone and trust God for things only he can do.
I am reminded of a great man of faith - George Mueller. In his lifetime Mueller established 5 orphanages and cared for over 10,000 orphans. And this he did to glorify God for His faithfulness. In Mueller’s words:
Posted by Tom Welch on November 24, 2009 under Pictures | Be the First to Comment
Posted by Tom Welch on November 20, 2009 under News | Read the First Comment
God’s Faithfulness and Dependability
In John Bunyan’s classic book, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, our hero’s depart from the path and become prisoners, locked in the dungeon of Doubting Castle which was ruled by the merciless Giant Despair. Pilgrim and his companion are beaten daily and deprived of all sustenance. When they are at their wits end, suddenly Pilgrim remembers that in his pocket he has a key called “promise” that will open any lock! Sure enough, the key opens the cell door, the dungeon door, and the castle door. Pilgrim and his companion run to freedom!
Nice story- what’s the point?
Posted by Tom Welch on November 4, 2009 under News | Be the First to Comment
God’s Sovereignty
Sometimes we may think of God’s sovereignty as an “in-over-our-heads” bit of theology best left to the theologians to hammer out. But every promise, grace, and consolation given to us is based on the sovereignty of God. Consider what might be the best promise of them all:
Posted by Tom Welch on November 3, 2009 under Announcements | Be the First to Comment
Southwest Church is partnering with the Roper YMCA Family Center to be a drop off center for Operation Christmas Child. And we need your help! Deborah Thompson is our coordinator and we need your support in a few ways:
This is a great opportunity to bring the love of Jesus to kids around the world!
Posted by Tom Welch on November 2, 2009 under News | Be the First to Comment
December 4-5th - ECHO trip to Ft. Meyers - volunteers needed. We had a great time last year helping this crucial ministry (click for more info). We are heading down again in a few weeks. You can come Friday through Sunday, Friday and Saturday, or just a day trip on Saturday. But we need a head count soon. Please email Wendy Andrew and let her know your plans!
Posted by Tom Welch on October 29, 2009 under News | Be the First to Comment
We have an opportunity to help families in crisis RIGHT NOW. Bethany Christian Services, primarily out of Chicago, has opened a chapter here in Central Florida. They are looking for 10 qualified families right here in our community who can serve families in crisis as intervention prior to children entering the Foster Care system. It is a chance to help families in crisis to regroup and refocus and bounce back, taking care of the kids so that can happen.
Click here to watch a video about Bethany Christian Services.
SO, WHAT CAN WE DO?
* Share with your friends and church family about the need for 10 families by the end of the year.
* Invite those families interested to come to a mtg on November 10th at HOUSE BLEND CAFE.
* Supper starts at 6pm. The info session begins at 6:30.
* It’s an amazing chance to be a home and to be hope and to be a mentor to children in crisis and to to a family in need.
* CONTACT ALISON (ASchminke@bethany.org) with Bethany Christian Services to RSVP for the meeting on November 10th.
Before 2010 begins, we have the chance to prepare to be the church to families in crisis.
Posted by Tom Welch on October 9, 2009 under Pictures | Be the First to Comment
Posted by Tom Welch on under News | Be the First to Comment
God’s Love and Compassion: a prayer
“…Pour out your heart before him, God is a refuge for us”
Psalm 62:8
“O Lord, you call me to pour out my heart before you, and I will pour. I ask of you, Lord, reveal my own heart to me. It has been so long since I poured out my heart to you. My heart has become backlogged, stagnant from the debris that has clogged it.
O Lord, to pour out my heart I have to know my hearts needs. I also have to know, without question, your willingness to be “poured upon”. And yet who would ask another to “pour out your heart to me”, but one filled with love and compassion?
