New Year's Schedule
Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Schedule update for the rest of December and January:

Thurday, December 31st  will be our annual New Year's Eve celebration.   Everyone is welcome.  We start at 10pm in the sanctuary.   The kids will be singing two songs - ones they know, and any of the kids can join in. 

Friday, Jan 1 - There will be no cell.  We will resume regular cell meetings on January 8.  We will be scheduling a cell meeting where the parents are invited, probably on  the 29th of January, which is a fifth Friday week. 

Stay tuned for more info!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:21 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

Cell November 20 - Oppression and Repression
Saturday, November 21, 2009

A recent post on a blog I read as well as a news story I came across prompted a little change in the discussion this week. 

We talked about "oppression" and "repression."   When one oppresses someone else, they are looking to keep them down, prevent them from gaining any achievement, keep them in their place.  When someone represses someone else, they are looking to change their message, stop their channels of communication, change their minds. 

As examples, we talked about slavery in America.  That was clearly oppression, and oppression of the worst kind.  There have been other groups oppressed in our history; Italians, Irish, Jewish, Japanese, women.  Even after slavery ended, the oppression didn't.  But people fought back, rose up against it.  Rosa Parks.  Martin Luther King, Jr. 

MLK is a special case, of course, because there were those who were afraid of his message.  The wanted to repress what he was saying, to the point of taking his life. 

Oppression and repression occur in the biblical narrative as well.  The Jews were oppressed in Egypt.  And the Pharisees tried to repress Jesus and His message.

One example of both is what happened during the Babylonian Captivity.  The Israelites were oppressed by their Babylonian masters - an entire society enslaved, taken from their homes, brought to live somewhere else to be servants.  But the Babylonian realized this wasn't enough.  As long as the Israelites had faith in God, they were strong.  The Babylonians sought to repress this hope, by outlawing prayer.



Some Jews fought back.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to stop praying to God, and faced death for it.  They were tossed into a furnace so hot, that it burned up the guards who threw them in.  But as the king watched, he saw four men walking around in the fire! When called the three young men came out unharmed!

Repression still happens today.  Prayer in schools.  Public religious displays.  Street preaching.  People living according to their beliefs.  All are in danger in our times. 

What can we do? Can we stand up to it?

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:18 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , , , ,

Upcoming Events
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Just a quick reminder of some calendar updates:

Friday, November 13th - KidzPort Movie Night. 
Both children's cells will meet in the church for a movie night.   We call "Action!!" at 7:20. 

Friday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Weekend.
There will be no cell meetings on this date.

Saturday, December 19th - Christmas Cantata.
Our annual Christmas celebration will begin at 6pm.   Rehearsal schedules will be announced shortly.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:14 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

Traffic Jams and Leadership Building
Tuesday, October 13, 2009


We did something different in cell group this week.  We didn't have our usual bible study.  In fact, we didn't crack a bible open at all.  (Before you grab the pitchforks, remember that "cell group" is not "bible study."   Though sometimes they go hand in hand, there is more to a cell group than just that. 

So this week we did a little stealth leadership training.   The weapon of choice was a nifty little game called "Traffic Jam."   Traffic Jam works like this:  you set up two groups of four, and line up nine chairs.   You seat each group at the end so it looks like this:

           A  B  C  D  [empty]   W X Y Z


Here are the rules.   Each group has to move to the opposide side.  Only one person can move at a time, and only to the next empty seat.  You can only "jump over" someone coming in the opposite direction, and only jump one person.   And no talking. 

They did accomplish it, eventually.  Then I laid some more rules on them:

You have to wind up in the same order you started, but on the opposite side.   And you have to accomplish it in 24 moves.  So really, they did not accomplish the desired result.

In other words, the result must be:

      W X Y Z  [empty]  A B C D
  
After 50 moves, they still could not do it.  So I told them that now they could talk.   There was a lot of yelling and ordering going on, but after 50 moves they still didn't accomplish much.

So I told them that they could select a leader, and only that leader could speak.   They got closer this time - a lot closer.  But still, no joy.

Then I told them that I would be their leader, and I would direct them.   Since I had the solution written down, it was easy - done in 24 moves exactly!  

One kid asked me - what was the point?    "I don't know." I said.  "What happened?"

First, there were no clear directions  - FAIL!!!

Then there were directions, but no communication  - FAIL!!!

Then there was communication, but no organization.  Just noise.  - FAIL!!!

Then there was organization, but no plan.   -- FAIL!!!

Finally, there was a leader with a vision, with authority, and with a plan   - SUCCESS!!!



What can your leadership team learn from this example???

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:54 AM 1 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell October 2 - Rejection
Monday, October 5, 2009

Jacob has one of the most incredible stories in the entire Old Testament.  Born the younger of twin brothers, the Bible tells us he came out holding the heel of his older brother, Esau.  In fact, one meaning of Jacob's name is "leg-puller."   This has kind of a dual meaning, as it can be taken literally, or figuratively.  (A joker, a prankster.)  Another meaning is "supplanter" or "one who takes the place of."

While Esau was strong and rugged, Jacob was small and fair.  He preferred to spend time in the house with his mother.  This led to Esau becoming the favorite of their father, Isaac.  Jacob felt this rejection all his life.

Jacob was a trickster.  He once tricked Esau out of his birthright for a bowl of soup.  He also tricked Isaac (in Gen 27) into giving him Esau's blessing.  Now Esau was mad, and threatened to kill Jacob once Isaac had died.  Jacob, of course, ran away. 

He met his mother's brother Laban, and fell in love with his daughter Rachel.  Rachel was beautiful!  Laban also had an older daughter, Leah, who was not.  After having to work for seven years for Rachel's hand, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah.  Eventually, he gained the right to marry Rachel as well. 

Now, Jacob himself rejected Leah, and she felt hated.  Jacob was showing her the same rejection that he had received! So God stepped in - He made it so only Leah could have children at first.



Jacob went through a lot in the next few years.  He tricked Laban out of some of his flock, and Laban grew angry as well.  Eventually Jacob left and wanted to go back home, but found out Esau was near, with an army of 400 men! Afraid, Jacob sent his family on, while he waited for Esau, and prayed to God.  Eventually, he met a strange man who wrestled with him all night.  Jacob demanded a blessing from the man, who told him from this day forth, he would be called Israel, which means "one who struggles with God."  That "man" was actually God's own angel!! Jacob named that place Peniel.

Jacob soon met Esau, who instead of trying to kill him, embraced his brother warmly.  Jacob grew old, and became one of the fathers of the Hebrews, and of Christianity. 

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:44 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

Cell September 25 - Choices
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

This week, we had the same lesson in Cell as we did in KidzPort. So head on over there for the recap.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:31 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

KidzPort Revival is Coming!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This upcoming weekend will be the first ever Children's Revival Weekend at Gospel Light, and we are totally pumped!




  • We're having Studio-Z come down from Zion Bible College. Studio-Z is a great children's ministry that does worship ministry using music, drama, puppets, media and more. We are so excited to have them.

  • Sunday's service is going to be "KidzFriendly!" meaning that the whole service is going to be built around kids! Studio-Z will be leading worship, plus we will have a special speaker from Zion Bible College. Be sure to be there.

The weekend begins on Friday night with our weekly Cell groups - 7:15 in the KidzPort building. Sign in for Saturday starts at 9am. The program starts at 10am, and there will be a family celebration at 4pm.

Are you on Facebook? Let us know you're coming!!


Keep checking for more details. Oh, and EVERYONE is welcome!!!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:53 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , , ,

See You At the Pole
Wednesday, September 9, 2009




What is See You at the Pole?


See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.


SYATP has been tasking place the fourth Wednesday in September at schools all across the nation since 1990. This activity is perfectly legal - not only are student-led prayers not prohibited by the Constitution, they are actually protected by the First Amendment. The idea of "separation of church and state" prohibits state-mandated prayer - not student-led prayer.
This year's event will take place Wednesday, September 23.


If you are intersted in leading or participating in a SYATP event at your school, the best way to spread the word is by word-of-mouth. Tell and invite everyone you know. And be sure someone speaks with the school administration to let them know the event is taking place. If the administrator is relectant, do not argue. This event is about prayer, not legal rights. Move the event off school property, and let your pastor leader know so they can contact the administrator.


More information on See You At the Pole can be found here.


Will we see you there?


Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:10 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , , ,

Children's and Youth Congress
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

This weekend we will be attending the Children's and Youth Congress at House of Restoration in Hartford. No cell groups will meet.

The bus will leave at 5:30 on Friday night, and 6:30am on Saturday morning. Everyone who has signed up, please be on time.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:02 AM 0 comments  

Labels:

Schedule Updates for August
Monday, August 17, 2009

I just wanted to remind everyone of some upcoming events, as there will be no cell meetings for the rest of August.

Back to School Revivals are going to be held at Gospel Light on August 20, 21 and 23. There will be no cell on the 21st because of this, but everyone is encouraged to come hear Brian McDOnals speak.

Children's and Youth Congress is taking place on the 28th and 29th at the House of Restoration in Hartford. We will be signing people up to go, for ages 7 and up. We'll be taking the bus up Friday evening, and again on Saturday. I'll be handing out flyers on Sunday, August 23rd.

Children's Revival Weekend. will be happening on September 19th and 20th. Studio-Z from Zion Bible College will be helping us. The tentative schedule is 10am-5pm on Saturday, and will be continuing with the Sunday morning service. Keep checking for details, and invite everyone!!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:48 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell August 7 - Here Comes the Spirit
Monday, August 10, 2009


This week we continued our journey through the Gospel of John with a look at what Jesus told us about the coming of the Holy Spirit.


John 16:5-9 says:


“But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment..."


Still in His last days, Jesus is telling the disciples that they've been so focused on the fact that He's going to leave them, that they haven't even asked them where He's going. Talk about self centered! But, He also gives them good news - that His leaving will usher in the coming of the Holy Spirt. Awesome!


Schedule Note:


There will be no more regular cell meetings for the month of August. August 14th begins the Father/Son and Mother/Daughter weekends. August 21st will be right in the middle of our Back to School Revivals, and on August 28th we will be attending the Youth and Children's Congress in Hartford. More details on that will follow.


Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:54 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

Cell July 24 - Jeopardy!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009


It was kind of a mellow night on Friday. The kids have been going hard at plugging through the Gospel of John the last couple of months, and so it was time to have some fun and dig out the old Bible Jeopardy program. I had loaded all new questions into it, so off we went.




It was a pretty fierce competition, but as they say, in the end there can be only one! And so Jacob's team rolled off with the victory.






Schedule Note:


This Friday (July 31) will be Movie Night at the church. No cell, but bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the movie!!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 11:59 AM 0 comments  

Labels:

Cell July 17 - Vines, Branches and Fruit
Monday, July 20, 2009






We did something a little different this Friday night when it came to cell. Since some of the kids are getting older and getting ready to transition into the youth cell, and since some are working on teaching the younger kids in KidzPort, I decided to have some of them teach the lessons on Friday nights. This isn't an all-the-time thing, but I wanted to give them the opportunity to exercise their teaching chops. (and to see how hard it is to teach this group!!)





So the lesson this week was given by Josh. He taught out of John 15:1-9, which Jesus' metaphore of the vine and the branches. Josh did an excellent job breaking down the scripture, and had questions prepared for the group. He even had diagrams to illustrate the various "parts" we all play.



Of course, the "fruit" that we all hope to bear is twofold - of course we are all looking for "fruit" in terms of our outreach: bringing new people to Christ. The other "fruit" is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit - something that is growing in all of us.






Schedule Note: There will be cell next week, but it is also the Men's Fishing Outreach. Anyone who wants to go to that is excused from cell group.






Fifth Friday: For Fifth Friday this month, we will be joining with the rest of the congregation for a movie night in the church. There is no admission charge, and food will be sold.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:55 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell July 10 - Get Hated!
Monday, July 13, 2009


If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.


So says John 15:18-19. The world hates a Christian. I'm not (and neither was Jesus) talking about individual people, but about the spirit of the World, about Satan, and about people blinded and bound by him.


The world hates us. Why? Because we don't follow its rules. We don't think like it does. We don't belong to it.


It's one of the biggest irony's of all time. People who are of the world - of the flesh - love it. They think that the world (and the flesh) has the answers to all of life's needs and troubles. In essence, they are giving themselves over to Satan, to let him take care of them.


Satan hates them. He hates all of us. After all, his goal is to send everyone into eternal suffering. How can you do that to someone, unless you truly hate them? Why does Satan hate us? Because we have something he will never have. Satan desires to be like God. (Is 14:14) But it is we who are made in God's image! And so Satan's great pride causes his great hatred of us.


But it's alright. Satan (and the world) hates God, too. And since we are children of God, he loves us. So we need not fear Satan's hate. He can't harm us if we don't let him. And when the world rejects us, or the things we say, they are really rejecting Jesus.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:46 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell June 26 - Love, Schmove
Tuesday, June 30, 2009


At our Friday night cell meetings, our 10-12 year-old group has been going through the Gospel of John, as part of a challenge I gave them several months ago. Last week, we talked about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This week, started looking at some of His last teachings before His death on the Cross.

Chapters 13-16 in John narrate Jesus' last words of teaching to his disciples. There is an almost hurried tone to these words. It's as if the Lord is giving a last-minute pep talk. I'm reminded of a scene from the movie Any Given Sunday. Coach D'Amato is walking down the tunnel onto the field with his young, inexperienced quarterback, Willie Beaman. D'Amato just keeps firing advice and instructions at Willie, who just keeps replying "Yeah." For the disciples, like Willie, it was a lot of information to absorb in very little time.

One of the first things that Jesus told the disciples was that He was giving them a new commandment. This must have been confusing to them. First, He reduces the Ten Commandments down to two. Now, He's giving them a new one. And like the other two (Love God above all, love your neighbor as yourself), His new commandment is born of love: "...as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34, NKJV)

This opened the discussion on what "love" really means in the New Testament, especially when Jesus is speaking of it. John's Greek translation of Jesus' instructions uses the word agapeo ( αγαπη ) for "love." This is one of two words used in the NT for "love," the other being phileo. ( φιλεϖ )

Without getting too technical, there is a very important difference. Phileo is used to reference an emotional, heart-centered love. Phileo love is an easy love, an immediate love. Not that there cannot be intensity to it, but it is love that does not generally have a cost to it.

Agapeo, or agape love is much different. Beyond a simple feeling of the heart, agapeo requires an act of the will. It is a love of the mind, a sacrificial love, a love that requires risk. This is a love that places the one loved above self.

This is the kind of love that Jesus calls us all to. Not an easy, painless, "like" kind of love; He desires us to love one another with a risky, sometimes painful, willful love. It's easy to love someone when they are nice to you. But loving someone who just smacked you in the face - that's agapeo.


Reminder!!! Due to the Fourth of July Weekend, there will be no cell group on July 3rd!!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:30 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

GLCCKidz Celebrates Father's Day!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009


This week was Father's Day in the U.S., and our children's cells get in on the act. This week, Sister Anita's 4-9 year old cell group was highlighted at our Sunday service. They made a special presentation for all the father's in attendance, giving them a gift of The Bible Promise Book. The pastors also received special Father's Day cards.


The kids then led the congregation in some worship, singing the Desparation Band's "Counting on God.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:16 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , , ,

Cell June 19 - Almost Time


This weeks lesson in our series on John takes us right to the gates of Jerusalem - and right to the beginning of the Passion, or events and suffering of Christ leading up to the Crucifixion.

John 12 tells us about Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. Historically, we know why: Jesus was coming to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Custom required that all Jewish families travel to Jerusalem to celebrate this solemn festival. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, which (according to tradition) is the way the Messiah would enter Jerusalem.

Here begins the events that lead up to Jesus' death on the Cross. The Triumphal Entry takes place on what we celebrate as Palm Sunday. The countdown of Holy Week then begins.

The next few weeks will focus on the Passion, and the events surrounding Holy Week.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:01 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell June 12 - What a Waste!
Monday, June 15, 2009


This week continues our look at the Gospel of John. Last week, we looked at the story of Lazarus, Jesus' last and greatest miracle before the Resurrection. John continues to tell us the story of the family of Lazarus, and his sisters, Mary and Martha.

Mary - who has shown her devotion to the Lord before - instead of helping Martha with the meal, takes a large flask of expensive oil, and annoints Jesus, wiping His feet with her long hair. While history might debate the identity of this woman, one thing is clear: she uses a tremendously expensive amount of oil on this gesture. Judas states that the oil was worth 300 denarii, or a man's wages for a year.


There are a couple of things to take away. One is that Judas didn't really care about the poor, as he states in the text. Judas was the groups treasurer, and John reports that he was skimming from the cashbox. He wanted more money to cover his stealing.


Also, this is a very symbolic moment, as this annointing was usually done for the dead. This is a foreshadowing of what is going to happen to Jesus.


More important, though, is what Jesus says in verse 8: "For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”


He was telling us to spend time with God before it's too late. While God is always present, our days are numbered. Tomorrow is never promised, so don't delay in spending time with Jesus.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 12:17 PM 0 comments  

Labels: , , , ,

Cell June 5 - Death is Smelly
Monday, June 8, 2009


Summertime is fast approaching. Things move along so quickly, it's hard to keep up sometimes. Last week was Fifth Friday, and though we usually do something fun, this time we just let everyone enjoy the weekend.


This week was an interesting topic. As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we come upon the story of Lazarus. Now, many people know the story of old Lazarus, and how he rose from the grave at Jesus' command. But have they really looked at it.


Lazarus of Bethany (as opposed to Lazarus the beggar) was, of course, a good friend of Jesus. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, can be found in the Gospels as the people that Jesus often visits when he comes to Jerusalem. The story of Lazarus is (aside from the Passion) John's longest single story. The miracle of Lazarus is the reason people lined up to see Jesus when He entered Jerusalem, and could have been the final straw that caused the Sanhedrin to seek His death.


It is reported to Jesus that his friend Lazarus is ill. Jesus did not go right to Bethany, but waited. When He finally got to Bethany, He was told Lazarus had been dead for four days. Then He said something to the effect of "I'm glad I wasn't here,l because now you can believe." He then gives his famous quote in John 11:25-26:


I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”


John 11 also contains verse 35, which (in the KJV and NKJV) simply says:


Jesus wept.


What a tender moment! Here is the Savior of the World, sharing in His full humanity by shedding tears for his fallen friend. Or perhaps, for all of us?


A memorable part of the story is when Jesus orders the stone to be rolled away, and Martha (always the practical one) says that Lazarus must really stink by now. After all, he's been dead in the hot desert for four days. But Jesus us undeterred, and calls Lazarus forward.


Of course, this demonstrates Jesus' authority over death, an authority He would soon be using to raise himself from the grave.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:34 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell May 22 - Throwing Stones
Tuesday, May 26, 2009

This week, we had a special guest leader for the 10-12 cell group - Shannon.

The lesson this week was a simple one. The story comes out of our continuing study of the Gospel of John. In this case, we were reading from Chapter 8. In this story, a woman is brought before Jesus who has been caught out in a terrible sin - one for which the scriptual penalty is death by stoning.

Jesus basically says "You're right. I tell you what. Whichever of you has never sinned, you throw the first stone. " John tells us the men all felt guilty, and one by one, they left Jesus and the woman alone.

Notice that while the men walked (ran!) away in shame of their sins, the woman did not. She faced the consequences of her actions. Jesus then asked her (in paraphrase) "Where did they all go? Is there anyone left to condemn you? No? Then I won't either. Go try and do better to not sin."

God doesn't care what others say about you. He doesn't expect perfection. He only cares about your heart, and that you try to stay away from sin as hard as you can. Don't worry about others' sins - worry about your own.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:21 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

Cell May 8 - O Brother!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

This week we had a talk about sibling rivalry. Specifically, we talked about Joseph and the relationship he had with his brothers.

After reading about Joseph in Genesis, we were amused to find he was (in the words of the kids) a rat. A snitch. He dropped dime on his brothers when they goofed off.

His dad liked him best. A little Daddy's boy!

And apparently God liked him better, too. After all, God gave him dreams.

So Joseph's brothers did what any self-respecting older siblings would do. They slapped little Joseph around, threw him in a well, and sold him into slavery.

Years later, when Joseph was a powerful man and his brother's were in need, he had the chance to repay them. Did he? Of course not. Joseph showed his brother's love after what they had done. Does time really heal all wounds? Or does God?

What do you think?

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 1:46 PM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell May 1 - Sowing Seeds
Monday, May 4, 2009


This week at GLCCKidz, we took a good look at the Parable of the Sower. Luke 8:4-8,11-15. This is parable is unusual in that Jesus right away goes to explain it. Why? It could be because this is a very important lesson, and he wanted his disciples to be sure to get it right.


In the story, Jesus describes how a sower scatters seed on the ground. Some of the seed lands on the path, some on a rock, some in the thorns and some on good ground. We can draw some conclusions from understanding that the seeds represent the Word of God.



  • The seeds that fall on path are taken by birds. This represents those who hear the Word, and want to respond to it, but they are distracted by things of the world. The devil literally comes and steals the Word from their hearts. These people fall prey to all the disc traction and lies that the crafty devil can throw at them.

  • The seeds that fall on the rock grow and die. This represents people who hear the Word, and are joyful; but since the Word really did not take root, it soon dies within them. Maybe you know someone like that, someone who seemed on fire for God, but then that fire faded.

  • The seeds that fall in the thorns grow, but are choked. These are the folks who allow the Word to be choked by worries, seeking after riches and looking for life's pleasures. There's nothing wrong with wanting comfort. But when it takes the place of God in our lives, the Word then gets choked off. God does not desire that we spend our days worrying about problems or about what we will get; rather we should seek after Him.

  • The seed that falls on good ground grows, multiplies and bears fruit. A healthy plant will grow strong and will bear fruit - flowers, food, whatever. It will continue to multiply. That's how you know it's healthy.

We need to be sure that the Word is firmly planted in the "good and fertile soil" of our hearts.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:04 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell April 17 and 24 - Double the Fun
Monday, April 27, 2009

Since I've been travelling for the last two weeks, I didn't get an opportunity to do an update, so I'll cover both weeks here.

The lessons the last two weeks have both come out of the Gospel of John. We've been focusing on this Gospel lately, as it really has great insights into faith and salvation. My recommendation and challenge to the kids was to have everyone read John in it's entirety, and we'll be doing various lessons out of John for the next few months.

Last week, we read out of John, chapter five. We read the story of the paralytic man, who was lame for 38 years. Each year, he would go to the pool at the Sheep's Gate, hoping to be healed when the water was stirred up. But he could never make it to the water in time. Finally, Jesus sees him and asks in verse 6: "Do you want to get well?"

This seems an odd question at first. Why would he be there if he didn't want to get well? But many times, we find comfort in our struggles and especially in our sin. Sometimes our struggles define who we are, and we are afraid to give that up and be well. The first thing that has to happen before God can make a change in our lives, is that we have to want to change.


Following the lesson, we held an Easter Egg Hunt just for the older kids - in the dark! It was a perfect, warm night, and they had a great time running around in the dark looking for eggs.


This week, we continued the lessons from John in chapter 14. This was one of the last times that Jesus would be together with his inner circle, and there was a sense of urgency to his message. He was speaking to them about where He was going and what He was to accomplish, but there was none of the usual patience that Jesus displayed in his teachings. Here, he hits them with a lot of information at once. Finally, Thomas, ever the pragmatist, tells Jesus that they cannot follow if they do not know where He is going. Verse 5:


"Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"


To which Jesus replied in verse 6:


"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”




So simple. So often we spend out time seeking after so many things, and never looking to Jesus. Basically, men seek after some very basic things, for which Jesus has an answer. They look for direction in their lives, a sense of purpose. (I am the way) They look for validation and a sense that they are work something, that their lives mean something. (I am the truth) Finally, they look for security, comfort and a sense of well-being. (I am the life)




We need to stop seeking things and keep seeking Jesus.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:42 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , ,

Easter egg hunt Postponed!
Saturday, April 11, 2009

Due to rain, the Easter Egg Hunt is postponed until next week. Check back for details.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:33 AM 0 comments  

Labels:

Cell April 3 - The Word
Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Friday night was the final "Keep on Trekkin' " post-encounter class for our 10-12 year-old group. We spoke directly about the importance of keeping God's Word in front of us on a daily basis, and the important things that the Word can do, as given by Paul in 2Tim 3:16-17

  • It is inspired by God
  • It is good for teaching
  • It is good for reproof
  • It is good for correction
  • It is good for instruction in righteousness
  • It prepares us - completely and thoroughly for every good work.

Upcoming Event!

We will be holding our annual Easter Egg Hunt from 2:30 to 4:00 on Saturday, April 11 at Beardsley Park. All children 3-9 are welcome! Bring some friends!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 11:17 AM 1 comments  

Labels: , ,

Cell March 27 - What Are You Looking At?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Jill had a vision the day of our last cell meeting. I was all set with a lesson for the kids, but she came to be and said that she had something she needed to talk to them about. I like to give way to the Spirit whenever possible, so the floor was hers.

She continued and earlier discussion that we had regarding music and media. This is such an important topic for kids of this age. I mean, whatever we put into ourselves determines what we're made of, right? So isn't it important to be careful about what we put into ourselves.

Jill did a great job talking about the ways that music get into our minds and spirits, and slowly start to rot us from within. The kids asked a lot of good questions, and I think the discussion went well.

As parents, do you watch over what "goes into" your kids?

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:55 AM 1 comments  

Labels: ,

Cell March 20 - Come and See
Tuesday, March 24, 2009

This week we talked about an interesting subject - namely who we are as Christians, and how the world looks at us. Or more importantly, what the direction our "outward" ministry should take.

There are a lot of examples in the Bible about reaching out to people. For the most part, the early church didn't have to go very far to reach people. While it's true that people like Peter and Paul travelled far and wide to plant churches, they often were most effective at taking advantage of whatever situation God had placed them in. In other words, they tried to be an example of Christ's love wherever they were.

The Greek word "oikas" refers to the people we encounter in everyday life, people we already have relationships with. We don't need to go to the ends of the Earth - our mission field is right here in our backyard.

In John chapter 1, when John the Baptist saw Jesus for who he was, he didn't pack his belongings and go on a mission trip to Africa. He simply told those who were his disciples. He pointed and said "Behold the Lamb." One of those two was Andrew, brother of Peter. Andrew and another asked Jesus "Where are you staying?" Jesus answered "Come and see." It was simple - an invitation to just come and witness who Christ was and what he was doing.

Andrew didn't pack his bags and go to Africa, either. He simply went and found his brother, Simon. He simply told someone who he already had a relationship. I'm sure he offered to show Simon.

When Jesus met Phillip, and Phillip saw him for who He was, Phillip didn't pack either. He simply went to his friend and said "Come and see."

Who have you shown Christ today?

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:13 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

Cell March 13 - Baptism, Satan and GTA
Monday, March 16, 2009

We had quite the session Friday night at cell. I'm still thinking about it.

The plan for the evening was to have a conversation about water baptism. Four new kids accepted Christ and will be eligible for our next baptism, held on Palm Sunday. So I wanted to do a lession on that, what water baptism means, and why we do it.

Yes, Jesus received water baptism. Why? The Bible says he did it "...to fulfill all righteousness." (Matt 3:15) He did it as an example to us. (Often, our idea of doing the right thing it simply not doing the wrong thing. ) He did it because he was going to ask it of us.

Water baptism is an outward sign of our relationship with Christ, a personal commitment to Him. Throughout the New Testament, people were baptised immediately after accepting Christ. Why? One reason is that we have to live here. Baptism is not necessary for salvation (Rom 10:9-10) But, just as God sent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove to rest on Jesus, He will send His Grace on us as we receive baptism. This will help and encourage us as we do His work.

Once the discussion was winding down, someone asked a question about Satan. I forget what it was originally, but with ten to twelve-year-old boys, once you bring up Satan, that's where you're staying. There were all these questions flying around - "Was he an angel?" "Wasn't he once good?" "Why is he evil?" I decided to take them to the source.

Ezekiel 28 paints a vivid picture of Satan. It explains how he was created as the most perfect angel, who sat in God's presence. (This is clear - no eartly ruler could have been "created blameless" after the Fall of Man.) It talks about the sin - the pride - that was "found" in him. Surely, Satan was not created that way - he chose to be that way. God's greatest gift to us - besides Christ - is free will. What we do with that gift, that makes all the difference.

This passage speaks of Satan's instruments - his "pipes and timbrels" that were literally part of his body. Satan was created as a worshipper. Music is his language - which is why he uses it so effectively against us. Music, movies, video games - media is something that Satan can use very effectively to tear us down.

Which wound the discussion into video games. Many of the boys admitted to playing - or owning - some very explicit games, whether the problem be sex or violence. I gave the example of finding some nasty, green chicken in the fridge. Would they eat it? Of course not! "So," I asked, "if you wouldn't put somthing that nasty into your body, why would you put something nastier into your mind or spirit?" I challenged them all to a "Victory Dump" - clean out their house and get rid of that junk. We'll see how many do it.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:26 AM 0 comments  

Labels: , , ,

Cell March 6 - Serious Jeopardy
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Coming off all the work we've done the last few weeks, getting ready for the KidzTrek, I decided that the older group needed a little decompression time this week. We spent some time talking about the encounter and the week, and sharing testimonies as usual, but then it was off with the gloves - on on with some serious Bible Jeopardy!


We had a couple of visitors this week, as well as this being the first week in the older group for Jethro, so it was a good time to not be as intense and have a little fun. The game actually went over-time... but it was good fun altogether.




Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:02 AM 0 comments  

Labels: ,

KidzTrek 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009






This Saturday was a great day for GLCCKidz - we held our second KidzTrek encounter.





Ten kids participated in the encounter, four of whom had never been to one before. For those not familiar with a KidzTrek, it is a day-long adventure in discovering God, and discovering one's self. Each of the seven sessions teaches a different aspect of one's walk as a Christian, from self-identity, to forgiveness, to the work of the Cross, to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.




Each of the kids had an opportunity to accept Christ and make a personal relationship with God. We happy to say everyone did! Praise God!



Following the last session, there was a traditional "welcome home" celebration, where the kids families and members of Gospel Light came out to hear testimonies and share the joy of the Lord! (and some brownies...)

The next step for our great kids are Keep On Trekkin' post encounter classes. Each child who completes the post-encounter will have the choice to accept water baptism, and become a full member of Gospel Light in their own right.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 1:10 PM 0 comments  

Cell February 20 - MINE!
Monday, February 23, 2009

The topic this week focused on things that are "MINE!" Most of the kids (all of them, actually) have siblings, younger or older. And all of them have experienced those times when the sibling (ususally the younger) takes something without permission, breaks something, loses something.

How does that make us feel? The reactions were all unique, but generally were some variation on the theme of anger or retribution. Some of the kids described in great detail the lengths they would go to to get some "payback" for their lost or broken article. Some described the efforts they take to protect "their" stuff.

So why, I had to ask, are we so adamant about protecting the things that we have, yet are so willing to let someone we don't even like take out most important possession? Why are people so willing to let the devil rob us of our relationship with God, or our salvation itself?

The answer lies in short-term gain, I suppose. People like to be gratified now. So it becomes easy to chase stuff when it's gone. It becomes much harder to keep our eyes focused on what really matters.

This was the last week of preparation for the KidzTrek encounter. Next Saturday, we expect to be doing some business with the Lord.

No Cell for the 10-12 group on the 27th! Get some sleep!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:23 AM 0 comments  

Kidz Cell, February 13th
Monday, February 16, 2009

Week two of the kids PreTrek series went very well. The conversation was about freedom - the kind of freedom that only comes from faith in Christ.

We spoke at some length about the link between truth and freedom. After all, the Word say "the truth shall set you free." We discussed how the world continually lies to us - tells us that we aren't good enough or smart enough. But to know the truth is to know that God has a special plan for each of us. The Truth will never hurt us - that's why it sets us free.

Remember, the KidzTrek has been moved to February 28.

Also this weekend, some of our kids participated in the monthly service with our daughter church, Beacon of Light in Waterbury. Frankie here was especially ready, as he had written a song for the occaision! Click the picture to biggify it.


Worship sax! on TwitPic

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:17 AM 0 comments  

KidzTrek Rescheduled!!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE NOTE!

The KidzTrek Children's Encounter has been moved from 8-4:30 on February 21st to 9-5:30 on February 28th. Mark your calendars.

There will be cell on Friday, Feb 21, and not on Friday, Feb 27.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:29 AM 0 comments  

Cell - February 6
Monday, February 9, 2009

As we prepare for our KidzTrek Children's Encounter on February 21, we began the first lesson in the PreTrek series. Some of the kids had been through it before, but there's always room for a recap.

Lesson one tells the story of Nicodemus, who asks Jesus about the way to the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches him (and us ) the importance of being born again. Not being born of flesh, but being born of the Spirit.

Next week will be lesson two. We need everyone who is attending the KidzTrek to submit a registration form this week so that we can order the shirts and supplies.

Schedule Note: There will be no cell for 10-12 year olds on February 20th in preparation for the KidzTrek.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:59 AM 0 comments  

Cell January 30 - MOVE-E
Tuesday, February 3, 2009

We took advatage of a fifth Friday in January to have a movie night. This time we showed WALL-E, a great film by Pixar. (you can see my thoughts on the fim here.)

Next week, we will begin pre-Trek lessions for the KidzTrek encounter. Please be sure we get all forms in by Sunday so we can order shirts.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:38 AM 0 comments  

Cell January 23 - Still More On Miracles
Monday, January 26, 2009

This week we finished up Mark Batterson's series A Course in Miracles with the third installment: Waiting 101.

Often there is a time span between when we seem to need something and when it happens. Notice I said "seem to need something." God knows when we actually need something. The problem that we have is that we tend to look at God in our own terms; in terms of linear time, moving moment to moment. But the Word says:

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. (2Peter 3:8-9a)

God's time is not our time; in fact, God exists out of time. Luke 2 tells the story of Anna, who had waited in the temple for eighty-four years to see the Messiah. This is the kind of patience and resolve we must have waiting for miracles.

Scheduling Note: January 30th is Fifth Friday. We will be meeting in the church for movie night.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:32 AM 0 comments  

Cell and Announcements - January 16
Monday, January 19, 2009

We had a special guest this week in cell. Since Sister Jill and Sister Anita were taking part in the Women's Re-encounter, Pastor Pedro gave me a hand this week, and led the 10-12 cell, while I got to lead the 4-9 group.

We had a great time in our group, talking about miracles, and the things that God does in our life. We also worked on a new song, and watched a short movie about obeying parents and what happens when you don't.

In the older group, Pastor Pedro kept the Course on Miracles going with part 2 - Believing. When I came downstairs, they were playing some kind of math game - figures!

Announcements:

Ok, a couple of things coming up. First up, is Fifth Friday on January 30. The Youth cells will be off snowboarding, so we will be meeting in the church building for Movie Night!

Secondly, on February 21st, we will be holding our second Children's Encounter! The encounter will run from 8AM to 4:30PM, and there will be a celebration afterwards. The cost to attend the encounter is $12, and that includes breakfast and lunch, a book, a t-shirt and all the materials. Children who attended before are welcome to come, and are encouraged to bring someone.

Thirdly, I am happy to abnnounce that GLCCKidz will be hosting our first ever Children's Revival Weekend! This two-day even will take place at Gospel Light on September 19th and 20th. More details are coming, but I can tell you that we will be joined by the amazing Studio-Z ministry team from Zion Bible College. So keep those dates open.

There is more to announce, but we're still planning some things, so keep checking back here!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:41 AM 0 comments  

Cell - January 9 - Miracles
Monday, January 12, 2009

We're back to a somewhat normal schedule this week after the holidays.

This week we started a new teaching series with the 10-12 group, called "A Course in Miracles." "Miracles" was created by Mark Batterson, who wrote the "Chasing Lions" series we did last year with so much success.

The first section of this three-part series is called "Seeking 101." It focused largely on two narratives out of Scripture, the first being in Luke 5 where Simon and Andrew are still fisermen, and have come up with no fish. Jesus tells them to cast their nets again, and even though it was crazy, Simon does "because it is you who have said it." We all know what happens.

The second example was the day of Pentecost, when the disciples, huddled in the upper room, would have a day that changed their lives and the world. The key is that in neither of these cases were the disciples seeking miracles. They were simple seeking God. And when they sought after God, miracles happened.

So the kids were encouraged to seek after God, not miracles. And as they grow in God, so God will grow in them, and so will the miracles.

Next week: Believing 101.

Reminder: The next Children's Encounter is on February 21. I will be handing out flyers next week.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:08 AM 0 comments  

Cell January 2 -Late Christmas
Sunday, January 4, 2009

This week was our own holiday celebration after the work of the Canatata. We played a fierce game of Bible Triva, Jeopardy style, and both groups participated. We played the first round with the "Kids" cards, but that proved too easy, so the second round was with the "Adult" cards.

The children were blessed by Pastor Dave and Gloria Smith with a variety of Christmas toys and gifts. (Pastor Dave runs Pivot Ministries.) Many thanks to the Smiths!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 1:22 PM 0 comments  

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)