 |
|
Devotional
John 4:1-42
This was a scandalous conversation for Jesus to initiate - a Jewish man speaking to a female (breaking strict religious restrictions of how men were supposed to interact with women in public) Samaritan (a group that was hated by the Jews) of bad reputation (again, going against all cultural and religious norms of ritual purity and social standing). However, Jesus was not interested in maintaining his reputation or keeping up the ongoing feud with the Samaritans - he was interested in having this important conversation with this particular woman, who would go on to share Jesus with her whole community.
- Write down several ways in which Jesus' conversation with her was seasoned with grace.
- What do you learn from Jesus' approach to this woman?
|
|
|
THIS WEEK:
- Alabaster Offering Sunday. This special offering goes
toward the purchase of land and construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes for missionaries and national workers around the world. We will have this Sunday and the next few to participate.
- Special Prayer for Sandy Parrott: Between now and May 18 we will be lifting up Sandy in prayers for strength, that God would help her to finish out her final year as a kindergarten teacher before retiring. A special sign-up sheet is available in the church foyer to pray at different times throughout the day.
- October is Pastor Appreciation Month: Two baskets have been provided in the church lobby where cards and other demonstrations of gratitude can be left for Pastor Bill, Pastor Lisa, and Pastor Samuel.
SUNDAY MINISTRIES:
- Prayer Time
, 9:00 AM
(Room 103).
- Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 AM.
-
Worship Service,
10:45 AM (Sanctuary).
- Children's Church, 10:45 AM (Chapel)
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 11: Men's Breakfast & Serve, 8 AM.
November 12: All Church Fellowship Dinner, following Morning Worship.
November 19: Thank Offering for the World Evangelism Fund.
December 3: First Sunday of Advent.
December 8: Senior Adults Going Strong Christmas Dinner, 6:00 PM. Dinner and gift exchange. Are you 50 yrs and over? You qualify!
December 15: Food Pantry Volunteer Day.
|
DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES
Every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, men and women gather in our church to study God's Word, encourage each other, and seek to grow together as Christ followers. If you are not currently involved in one, we invite you to try one of them out:
Coulter -
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature by Pete and Geri Scazzero.
Pan de Vida -
Journey through the Old Testament (
in Spanish
).
Pastor Bill - Sermon Preview. Join Pastor Bill as he explores the themes in the next Sunday's passage and invites feedback from the class.
Pastor Rockey -
Study of the book of Philippians.
Unruh -
Study of Holiness and the Christian life.
|
 SHARING THE LOVE OF GOD:
The Harrisonville Ministerial Alliance Thrift Store is looking for volunteers for
November 4, from 2:30 to 6:00 pm. Work will involve taking items out of boxes and placing them on shelves in preparation for Christmas. Call store director David Noble at 816-678-2750 if you can help.
Providing Relief after Recent Natural Disasters.
Countless people are still recovering in the aftermath of the various earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and now wildfires that have affected places such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, many Caribbean nations, as well as the coasts of our country. These are two organizations that are providing on-the-ground relief to those affected:
- Nazarene Compassionate Ministries responds to crisis as they happen throughout the world.
Go to www.NCM.org or call 1.800.310.6362 to contribute or find how you can help.
- Heart to Heart International is a nonprofit organization which is involved in providing medical help, mobilizing health personnel and resources directly to affected areas. They have been partnering with NCM in helping people affected by last month's hurricanes. Go to www.HearttoHeart.org or call 913.764.5200.
|
|
|
|
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Martin Luther's Prayer:
Behold, Lord,
An empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in faith; Strengthen thou me.
I am cold in love; Warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbour.
I do not have a strong and firm faith;
At times I doubt and am unable to trust thee altogether.
O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in thee.
In thee I have sealed the treasures of all I have.
I am poor; Thou art rich and didst come to be merciful to the poor.
I am a sinner; Thou art upright.
With me there is an abundance of sin; In thee is the fullness of righteousness.
Therefore, I will remain with thee of who I can receive but to whom I may not give.
Amen.
This month marks the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, when an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther posted what we today known as the 95 Theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther's desire was to reaffirm for all Christians the truth that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
|
|
|
|
|
