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