November 8th, 2020 - Bulletin and Sermon Notes

November 8th, 2020

Welcome to

Community of Grace!

We exist to WIN, DEVELOP, & DEPLOY equipped followers of Christ to go out and do the same.

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COG’s current COVID-19 Update

FAITH that Works

11.8.20

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? ¹⁷So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

¹⁸But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

¹⁹You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! ²⁰Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? ²¹Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? ²²You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; ²³and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. ²⁴You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

²⁵And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? ²⁶For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:14-26. ESV

Counterfeit faith -vs- Saving faith

BIG IDEA:

People recognize the faith in our heart by our good deeds.

Use the following game plan with your family, LifeGroup, or personal study this week. Allow this game plan to stimulate conversations with each other and with God.

Game Plan This Week:

1^st Down:

- Review the sermon

o What were the main points?

o What points were most meaningful to you?

2^nd Down:

- Study/discuss the text

o From James 2:14-26, what do we see that “faith” demands from us?

3^rd Down:

- Break into smaller groups and discuss these items:

o Agree or disagree: It is unloving to question whether someone has genuine biblical faith? Why?

o How would you describe genuine biblical faith to an unbeliever?

o Given that we have limited time and resources, what is our responsibility to the needy?

o How do you want the group to be praying for you this week?

4^th Down:

- This week make a commitment to sit down often with God and discuss your faith.

o Contemplate on this question: What evidence is there that my faith is not merely “sentimental”?

o How does this passage change your prayer life?

o Continue to build on the daily habit of prayer this week.

What’s Happening

Communion: We will observe the Lord's supper on Nov 15th.

(If you would like to pick up your elements at the church, please email us at anita@communityofgrace.com)

2 Service Sundays:

Just a reminder church that we will be going to a 2 service Sunday starting November 8th, 2020. Our service times are: 9am and 10:30am.

We ask that you reserve your seat and time at

http://cogaurora.org/sunday-service/reserve-your-seat

Any questions, please reach out to anita@communityofgrace.com. Thank you and see you Sunday!

Operation Christmas Child: It is time to start building boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We have 250 boxes to fill with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, etc. to help out kids around the globe. COG is also going to help at the distribution center on Dec 4th from 6-10pm. There are spots for 40 people and Covid-19 rules will be followed. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. You can pick up boxes in the foyer starting October 18th and boxes must be back by Nov 22nd. If you have questions or want to sign up for a volunteer spot, email Mitty Spidell. You can also learn more about Operation Christmas Child by going to their website.

Children's Ministry:

COG KIDS ANNOUNCEMENT

We are so excited to be reopening kids ministry! Kids are welcome to sign up, wear a mask and join us for a fun morning of Bible learning, games and activities! Email or text Nancy with questions (nancy@communityofgrace.com or 303-305-8310).

Started - Nursery and Preschool aged kids.

Started - Elementary aged children.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA8A922A2FF2-cogkids

Child Evangelism Fellowship:

Good News Club meetups will be every third Thursday from October thru January at COG from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. This group is for elementary-aged children. The next meeting is November 19th from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm.

Masks are required during the Good News Club get-togethers at COG. You can register online or download the registration form. If you have questions or want to be a helper/leader, you can email Kathleen Chandler or call her at 720-621-3602.

Southeast Aurora Christian Homeschool Co-op:

Our next meeting will be at COG from 9-11 am on November 13th. We will have missionaries join us and share their experiences in Africa. They run a nonprofit called Crutches 4 Africa. The main speaker, David, was struck with polio as a child and the Lord has put it on his heart to help others receive mobility devices. If you have any old crutches or walkers, please bring them to donate.

If you are interested in joining us or have questions, please contact Lisa Dole at 720-299-4801, or visit our Facebook page at SE Aurora Christian Co-op. We would love to have you keep this group in your prayers as well.

Church Ministry:

A quick note about our annual Thanksgiving at the Olin this year. We just received word that we can bring pre-made containers down to the Olin. Missy Noel is making a plan of where the assembling of these will be, how to sign up to bring food, and delivery. Stay tuned!

Women's Ministry:

•Ladies Fellowship Event-Ugly Christmas Sweater Decorating

•November 22, 2020 6pm to 8pm

•Sanctuary of the North Building

•Join us for our first in-person Ladies Fellowship event since January (virtual participation will be available for those not comfortable attending in person)

•Bring a sweater you would like to decorate, random decorating supplies to share with others, and a copy of your favorite Christmas cookie recipe.

•All participants are required to wear a mask at all times and we will work to create a safe environment that supports 6 feet social distancing.

Sunday Prayer Time: The COG prayer team is gathering outside, in the parking lot, weather permitting, at COG each Sunday at 9:15 am - 9:45 am to pray before worship service. Please bring your own chair. You can email Kathleen Chandler if you have any questions.