| |
|
|
Good morning everyone--
This Sunday we are going to be addressing a really important topic. Sexual Misconduct. Some of the most painful and disturbing headlines from this last year centered on powerful men taking advantage of women. Many of the women that suffered abuse bravely stepped forward. Some responded to a social media reply with thousands of other women who have since summoned up the courage to exclaim #MeToo
The diversity of the stories of people who have experienced sexual abuse and assault in 2017 shows that this is not an isolated issue that effects only certain types of people. Conservatives and liberals, rural and urban, religious and non-religious, sexual misconduct and assault cross every boundary. It happens on college campuses, in the workplace, on the street, in homes and, yes, in churches. Wherever there are people who wield power over others, there is the potential for sexual misconduct and abuse. AND IT MUST STOP!
Its not enough to just feel bad for those who have come forward. Its not acceptable to continue sweeping these painful stories under the rug. Something has to be done. We have to call these sins what they are and we need to provide opportunity for women to share their stories and for real healing to take place. We can't stand idly by while powerful (and not so powerful) men get away with abuse.
In our day, the line between sexual freedom and abuse has been narrowed to an extremely fine line that has been defined as "consent." And maybe that is part of the problem.
This Sunday I am going to do my best to tackle this tough subject. I feel overwhelmed by the topic that could easily be a series. It's why we have planned to speak on The Cultural Inequality of Women next week. But I promise to do my best to cover as much as I can in a short time.
Content is going to be PG-13 so parents should take advantage of our children's programing. If you have been a victim or if you are guilty of being a perpetrator, don't sit this one out. God may have something he wants to say to you.
|
Skylynn
Grace Gutt was born on Friday, December 29th. She weighed 7lbs 10oz and 18 inches. Mom and baby are doing great. Congrats Tony, Lindsay, Haven and Hudson!
|
CIY SuperStart! Conference (Grades 4 & 5)
Registration closes next Wednesday, January 17
Once again
students
and volunteers from Discovery will be participating in CIY's (Christ in Youth) preteen conference called
SuperStart on Friday and Saturday, March 2 & 3. This is an amazing event and a great opportunity for your child to learn more about Jesus in a fun and energetic way and connect with hundreds of other kids their age. This year we are going to Indianapolis! The cost is $110 which includes hotel, registration fee, transportation, two meals, and laser tag! Register online
here. Questions? Please contact
Travis Rogan.
|
Winter Chill Women's Retreat
Registration closes on Sunday, January 28
Invite your friends and join other ladies from Discovery on February 9 & 10 as we retreat from the hectic pace of life to refocus and deepen our relationships with each other and with God. The retreat begins at on Friday at 7:30 PM and ends
at
Saturday at 6:30 PM. Our speaker this year is
Vanessa Pugh, an engaging speaker, church planter, ministry leader and mom from Cleveland, Ohio. On Saturday, you will have your choice of multiple activities... Enneagram class, yoga, craft, snowshoe hike, rock wall, board games and just "chilling" by the cozy fireplace (activity descriptions on registration form). It is going to be a great retreat! The cost is only $60 and includes 2 meals on Saturday, overnight accommodations in the lodge (hotel style, not bunk beds), bountiful snacks and all activity supplies. Go
here for more information or to register. Questions? Please contact
Stacie Salva.
|
|
Infertility Support Group Gathering
Friday, January 26, 2018
Approximately 6-10% of married couples are infertile, meaning that they can't get or stay pregnant. This statistic affects Christians and churchgoers, too. Infertility is lonely. If you find yourself in this group, we want you to know that you are loved and you are not alone. Please consider joining our private group where frustration is met with friendship. Our next gathering is Friday, January 26th, we hope you can join us. For additional information about the group or the January event, please contact
Debbie Harrington or send her a private
Facebook message.
|
End Of Year Contributions
Your 2017 contribution summary statement for your taxes will be up to date by the end of January. We will email you a link so you view and print your statement. If you have questions or require additional information or help, please contact
Travis Rogan.
|
Journey Groups
Journey Groups will resume the week of January 28th. If you are not in a Journey Group at Discovery, you need to be! These groups are small gatherings of people that meet in homes throughout the area with the purpose of developing relationships with others and with God. If you are interested in joining a group or would like more information, please contact
Todd Ransom.
|
Discovery
on
Adventure (Singles) Post Christmas Party
Friday, J
anu
ary 26
Better late than never!
We're having a late Christmas party with your classic white elephant gift exchange.
It's going to be a ton of fun extending the season.
Join us for friendship and laughter.
For more information about this event, or to sign up to attend, please mark you "flap" on Sunday or contact
Deb Miller.
|
|
Discovery Unrestricted
We all have hurts, hang-ups, and habits that we wish we could shake. From battles with mental illness, addictions, difficult relationships, and other deep wounds, this is a group centered on authenticity, encouragement, and practical steps as we journey toward freedom, coping, and healing.
For every aching heart needing to know Gods love and grace: this is for you.
This group meets every 2nd and 4th
Monday each month and is led by Tanisha Faber and Mike Fullerton.
To sign up,
mark your "flap" on Sunday or contact
Tanisha
.
|
|
Discovery on Mission
One of the main goals of Journey Groups is to serve together to connect more and more people with Jesus.
While all Journey Groups engage in serving, this group is highly committed to consistently helping others throughout our community.
Each visit we'll engage in different projects and objectives to serve others throughout the year in local missions each week.
If you would like to be a part of this group mark your "flap" on Sunday or if you have questions, please contact is
Nick Ranjan.
|
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request that you would like the prayer team to pray for, please mark the 'flap' on Sunday or
email your request. Let us know if you would like your request to remain anonymous. If you would like to be added to the list of people who receives and prays for requests each week, please
email us and we will add you to the prayer updates.
|
Dates at a Glance
January
11 Men's Bible Study
15 Beat The Cold! (Grades 6-12)
20 Leadership Team Meeting, Power Recovery Visit
22 Discovery Unrestricted
26 Infertility Group, Discovery on Adventure
28 Journey Groups Resume
31 Women's Bible Study
February
9 & 10 Winter Chill Women's Retreat
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
