I thank my God.

Thanksgiving. Definitely my favorite holiday. I mean you have food, family and football how can you not like it? No but really, as I write this I am sitting at home on my mom’s couch and I’m almost giddy with anticipation for tomorrow. Growing up Thanksgiving was always a time when we got together with extended family, when I got to connect with cousins and grandparents, family friends and aunts and uncles. I could care less about the turkey as long as I got to see everyone.  This has not changed with age. It’s probably only intensified.  And this year as I look back on all the things I’m thankful for I can’t help but think about all of you at St. Stephanus. It has been an incredible blessing in my life to be part of the church family at St. Stephanus. And specifically for you Connecting Group leaders. For all that you do for the desire you have to share the Gospel with those in your communities and lives. My pastor shared this with our congregation tonight and I wanted to share it with you, because I cannot imagine a more appropriate text for how I feel at the moment.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.  Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.  God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. ~ Philippians 1:3-11

Happy Thanksgiving Connecting Group Facilitators. May God continue to bless you and this ministry over the coming year.

In Christ,

Megan

By any means necessary…

This was a phrase that was popularized by Malcolm X, a militant leader of a counter cultural movement against racism. However, the height of emotion on both sides of the issue elevated to actions that included physical violence and even death, and the phrase ‘By any means necessary..’ meant that if violence is what it takes, then so be it.

I would like to take this phrase back for God and Jesus and the Spirit and their glory. ‘By any means necessary’ should be the Christian’s call to action to get the Word of God and Gospel out to the hurting world. Of course, in the Christian’s way with love and a desire to see many people saved (no implication of violence in any way shape or form).

This idea of ‘Any means necessary’ also comes to mind for what Christians should think about getting INTO God’s word themselves, besides the Holy sacrament of communion, there is no other way to feed your soul than to get into God’s word. ‘Any means necessary’ is especially important these days with the availability of so many forms of media. We have the written Word, we have electronic forms of the Word (online, etc), we have audio forms of the Word (Bible on CD), there are probably some versions of the Bible on DVD I would imagine. It doesn’t matter how just do it!!

Personally, I asked for the Bible on CD for a Christmas present and right now it is the best present I have ever asked for and received! It is such a blessing, to listen to God’s word almost anywhere at any time. I burned the CDs onto my computer and then uploaded them onto my iPod. Now, God is with me while I wait for the bus, while I work, when I travel in my car, when I travel by plane…where ever, when ever! (Of course He is there at all times, but now I can audibly hear His voice…ha ha).

I urge you, if you haven’t thought about getting the Bible on CD, to get it! It is awesome to have God so close, and I can guarantee you will draw closer to Him than you ever have before…it is God’s promise and we all know that God can not lie. -James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.
My prayer is that you find a way to get into God’s word more and more! Blessings will flow!

=v=

It Starts with the Heart.

Here is a message that goes with what Mike Zimmer had to say from the Pot Luck. It hit home with me:

It Starts with the Heart. By: Pastor Greg Laurie

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. —Acts 17:16-17

Far too often we are isolating ourselves from our culture rather than infiltrating it. We would prefer to remain in our Christian subculture when, in reality, we should want to invade our world with the message of Jesus Christ.

In Mark’s Gospel, we find the story of a man who brought Jesus to his friends. Matthew became a believer, and then he invited all of his buddies over to his house. But he also invited Jesus to the party. We read that “as He was dining in Levi’s [Matthew's] house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him” (Mark 2:15). Matthew brought Jesus to his friends.

Mark also tells us about four men who brought their friend to Jesus—they were working together on behalf of their companion, who was a paralytic. They wanted Jesus to heal him, but Jesus was teaching in a home that was so crowded, they couldn’t get inside. So these men climbed up on the roof, broke through it, and lowered their friend down to where Jesus was. Seeing their persistence and faith, Jesus rewarded them by healing their friend.

I think one of the reasons we don’t share the message of Jesus Christ more often is because—if we were really honest—we don’t care. So we need to start by praying, “Lord, give me a heart for people who don’t know You.” When the apostle Paul was in Athens, “his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). He cared. And then he acted.

May we care enough to bring our friends to Jesus—and bring Jesus to our friends.

Two Bowls of Cereal and Some Bacon: A Dwelling Place Benefit performance

This would be a great social/service event for Connecting Groups to do together:

Two Bowls of Cereal and Some Bacon, a popular play at the Fringe drama festival this past year, is returning to the stage in November at two venues — Dreamland Arts Centers and Jehovah Lutheran Church. In this moving show Mahmoud Hakima recalls heart-rending memories of his childhood, from meeting a Mystery Girl and tolerating racial slurs, to playing Nintendo and confronting an abusive stepfather as he grows up in California and Alabama. The one-man show – both humorous and touching — is recommended for ages 12 and above, and youth groups and adults are invited to come.

For one night only, on November 13 at 7:30 p.m., Mahmoud’s tale will be told from the stage of Jehovah Lutheran Church fellowship hall. This night is a fundraiser for The Dwelling Place, a shelter for women and children. Donations will be received; no tickets are being sold. The show will be followed by a discussion with playwright Hakima and director MaryLynn Mennicke. Refreshments will be served.

The show opens Nov 12 and continues Nov 14, 15, then 19 – 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dreamland Arts stage on Hamline Avenue. Tickets are $15/$12. For details go to www.dreamlandarts.com or call 651-645-5506. The play is being re-staged through the encouragement and help of Bridge Productions. For details please go to www.bridgeproductions.info/upcoming_events.

For the Jehovah Fund Raiser on November 13 please enter through the 1566 Thomas Avenue doorway.

For more information check out Jehovah’s website or the production’s page on the Fringe Festival website.

Conncting is Alive!

Thank you to everyone who attended the potluck this past Sunday!  We hope you were able to connect with someone new, learned about Connecting Groups, and got encouraged to connect with people outside of our church!  I saw a lot of conversations taking place, it was great to see!

There were two encouragers that I think served as great take home messages.  The first point was moving SSLC from a “one day Sunday” church to an “everyday Sunday” church.  Connecting Groups is a great avenue in moving the church towards that culture.  It starts with giving you another day of the week to worship God, to go deeper into His word that was covered in the sermon, to talk to someone from church.  You may also learn some lessons in group that you can carry out through the remainder of the week.  Hopefully over time you find yourself in an active relationship with God every minute of everyday. That is the purpose of Connecting Groups, to help you be connected to Jesus Christ and each other through worship, learning and service and keeping that connection going 7 days a week.

The other point, brought up by Mike Zimmer, was making sure to connect with people outside of SSLC.  Connecting with our fellow members is great.  But connecting with outsiders is what God commissions us to do.  Planting seeds will help build up God’s kingdom.  It will also hopefully help us build up our congregation.  We can connect with non-believers through our service projects and inviting people to group. Perhaps people are not ready to attend a large formal gathering on Sunday, smaller groups may help people feel more comfortable to learn more about God.  Challenge yourself to ask someone to group.  If you don’t know of anyone pray that God places a person in your life to invite.

If you are wanting to learn more about Connecting Groups over the next 6 weeks you can attend a series called “Connecting Alive.”  This will give you an opportunity to learn about the importance of connecting, and how the groups are conducted.  Come join us this Sunday for the first session after the early service!  Signs will be posted in the church that will direct you to our meeting place.  Hope to see you there!

Photos from our Potluck on Nov 1st!

Hi Everyone! Here are some photos from our event on Sunday. It was so great to see everyone together and to hear the amazing ways in which God is acting in our lives through these groups.

Jake spoke on how Connecting Groups enhance our worship life.

Let the feast begin!

Good Conversations!

Keith spoke on how Connecting Groups ehance our learning of the Word.

Shirley and Dennis talked about how Connecting Groups provide opportunities for Service.

Hope you enjoyed the potluck and the photos!

Blessings,

Megan, Betsy and Vince

A Partridge in a Pear Tree: Holiday themed Service Projects

The Holidays are approaching at record speed this year. Tomorrow is Halloween and before we know it we’ll be gathered around tables carving turkeys instead of pumpkins.  This time of the year our schedules always seem the most full. We’re trying to fit in work and family parties, school and church programs and still find time for shopping.  Even with the busy schedules, this time of the year also has some of the best opportunities for service projects.

A common service project for Christmas is the Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” program.  For those who might not have done this before or who haven’t done it in a while let me fill you in.  Operation Christmas Child is a program that seeks to share the Gospel through the gift of daily necessities.  At Christmas they gather shoe boxes filled with items like wash clothes and toothbrushes as well as small toys and school supplies.  These boxes go to children across seas who are in need of such items.  For a complete list of what to put in the boxes, where you can drop them off and any other answers to questions you might have check out their website.

Another option could be connecting with the Dwelling Place and seeing if your group could host a holiday dinner for the residents and their families.  For more information on how to connect with them check out their website.

Groups could also adopt a shut-in our two to go and visit as a group or in smaller groups. Take turns bringing holiday cheer to those in our congregation who are unable to take part in the same festivities we enjoy.

There are also numerous soup kitchens and homeless shelters in the cities that might be offering holiday meals for their residents.  Groups could volunteer together serving those less fortunate than we are.  Here’s a quick list of places.

If you have other ideas or your groups are already doing something let us know in the comments!

Happy Holidays!

Facilitators Meeting this Sunday!

Calling all Connecting Group Facilitators! We will gather on Sunday in the  Youth Room from 11:45-12:30pm for our meeting. We will share what has been happening in our groups and look at the details for our big Potluck on the 1st.  If you or your co-facilitator are unable to be there please let us know so that we can be sure to get you the information.

The “C” Word. by: Erica McClellan.

Our group prayer always contains the “C” Word.  Cancer.  We do not go one week without praying that someone is healed, encouraged, supported, soothed, appreciated and comforted when experiencing cancer in its many forms – stomach, leukemia, colon, lung, breast, etc.  Heavy word, heavy feelings . . .whew!  Too heavy for nine people around a dining room table – so, pray we must and never cease.  Good too that we have each other.

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matt. 18:20).

We share our anxieties regarding the pain of our loved ones and then give them up to God.  How great is our God?!!!!!

~Erica

“Encouragers” Devotion by: Pastor Greg Laurie

Vince found this devotion the other day and sent it out on email. It does a great job talking about how we as leaders and facilitators are called to be encouragers like Barnabas.

Blessings on your week, Megan, Vince and Betsy.

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. —Acts 4:36
Acts 9 tells us that it was Barnabas who brought the newly converted Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem. The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement,” and his actions reveal that he was an encouraging guy. We all know a Barnabas—the one who always has an encouraging word. When you are down, that is the person you want to call, because you know he or she will encourage you.

You may not be called to preach and teach like Paul did, but you can be an encourager like Barnabas was. You can do your part, because right now, you probably know someone who needs some encouragement—someone who has failed in life, someone who is hurting, or someone who is a brand-new believer. They need someone like you to stand in the gap. You don’t have to know every verse in the Bible. You don’t have to have the answer to every theological question. You just need to be a real Christian who can show them what it is like to live in the real world.

You can be a Barnabas, an encourager, because everybody needs encouragement. And everyone needs help. Everyone stumbles and falls in some way, shape, or form. Everyone has their down days, even the heroes of life. They may wake up on the wrong side of the bed, be feeling a little cranky, or don’t always have the perfect answer for every question. They are human like you are. They need someone to just encourage them. So be an encourager.

Thank God for the Barnabases of the world who help those in need—and all of us need it at one time or another. These are the unsung heroes who play an important part in the lives of great men and women of God.