Avondale E-Worship
"Lessons From The Wilderness"
July 12, 2020
"Whispers in the Wilderness"
1 Kings 19 (select verses)

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me,
and more also, if I do not [take your life] by this time tomorrow.”
Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life,
and came to Beer-sheba … [he went] a day’s journey into the wilderness,
and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree.
He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life,
for I am no better than my ancestors.”
Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep.
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and
shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
A Moment for Children
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
Whisper Whisper!
Sometimes it is REALLY hard to be quiet and listen! When we are loud, full of energy and running around it is hard to hear what someone is trying to tell us. Take turns as a family whispering an instruction to one another. You will need to be quiet and listening carefully to hear and do what is being asked of you!
Who is the best listener?

Elijah!
Today in our scripture, you heard a story about a man named Elijah. He was a prophet which meant he traveled around telling others about God! This was before Jesus. Many people did not like Elijah and in our lesson today, Elijah is scared and wants to give up on what God has asked him to do.

God is BIGGER!
God reminds Elijah that He is bigger than the people who are being mean and scaring him. God encourages Elijah through a whisper to remember that his work is important, that he has a purpose and is loved. If Elijah had not been listening carefully, he may have missed the message.

Talk It Out!
Talk about times when you and your child were afraid. Explain that even
adults get scared sometimes. Point out that God spoke to Elijah to
comfort him and that we can find that same comfort in God through the Bible, music and our friends and family. 

Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for always being with me. Help me to stand strong and to not be afraid. Amen.
Member Care Corner
"Show You Care - Task of the week"

Thumb through the member directory and find three members you have not spoken with in a while. Give them a call and spend time
checking in and catching up!
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim or call the church office and leave a message.

Member Directory online...
We've changed the password! Check your June 14 personal email from Avondale for the password or email Caroline for it.
Prayer Requests

Beth Cline; Jacqueline Howells; Rogers and Olivia Magee; Delia McCloskey; Carl, Dee Dee and Lilly McDonald; Nic and Rebeca Presson; Floyd Privette; The Family of Michael Morales; The Reed Family; Jeff Strickland.
Mission Corner
One year ago, the Urban Ministry Center and Men's Shelter of Charlotte--the two organizations dedicated to serving our homeless neighbors and ultimately ending homelessness in Charlotte--merged, in an effort to consolidate and strengthen their common mission. Last month, the combined organization announced that its new name will be "Roof Above." In their words, "'Roof Above' tells you what we do. Whether through our shelters or our housing programs, we are committed to providing the safety, protection and dignity of a roof above."

Avondale has a long history of supporting the Urban Ministry Center and its mission, through our Room in the Inn program and through the work of many of our members as volunteers and staff members. This week, please consider contributing something from the wish list (link below) to show Avondale's support of our homeless neighbors and the vital mission of Roof Above.

Any purchased items may be dropped off at the church office on
Wednesday, July 15 from 1:30-6 PM.
Offering
Your Avondale Pledge

For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check, PayPal or a one-time or reoccurring bank draft . Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please contact Jacqueline for more information.

Using the link below, you may contribute to your 2020 pledge or make a gift to the church.
Announcements
Elder Nomination Form

Avondale members may now begin nominating Elders for the class of 2023 using the nomination form found here   and on our website.

Nominations are due by Sunday, July 19

Please submit your completed form in one of the following ways...

Mail to the church office
2821 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209

Complete and submit the online form using the link below.
Virtual VBS
July 20 - 24
Ages 3 years - 5th Grade

During times like these we feel very blessed to have the advanced technology that allows us to continue with plans for VBS and nurture the spiritual growth of our children at Avondale and in the community.

"Feet that Follow" is a curriculum that encourages the entire family to participate! A few of our children's ministry leaders, youth and our newest member, "Professor Pickles" have worked hard to prepare daily recordings that will introduce the theme and bible story.

All registered children will receive an activity bag with additional activities, snacks, crafts and lesson plans to do as a family!
A Drive-thru pick-up for the activity bags is scheduled for
Thursday, July 16 4-6 PM
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