Aug 13 2010
I just, only moments ago, finished the final edit on this week’s sermon: “The Bible Has Been Used To Do Terrible Things.” Part Two of our ISSUES WITH THE BIBLE sermon series.
A small change from last week… I won’t be using the “theoretical conversation” format in this week’s sermon. I appreciate your encouragement of me in how I was being creative, but I also realize that for some this “hypothetical dialogue” was at times distracting. So this week, we’re back to the way I normally preach.
If I choose to explore the “back and forth” theoretical dialogue format again for either of the two sermons left in this series beyond this week’s sermon, I’ll be sure to invite someone to join me so they can physically represent the theoretical skeptic. Thank you for that suggestion.
We did start the series off with a BANG! For those that don’t know we broke our attendance record with 366 for the day (not counting Easter Sundays).
I’m also thrilled at how many of you helped to make COAH a hospitable environment for newcomers by: parking further out, sitting up front, asking people to sit with you (and otherwise trying not to leave single seats open) and speaking to new people.
Please keep it up. We seemed to have a real positive energy Sunday and lots of empty seats (because you sat up front and sat together). I’m hopeful that we’ll break our attendance record at least once, if not twice more by the time this series and our August Invitation Month comes to a close.
Invite, Invite, Invite!
Lastly, this week’s sermon will be much more practical then last week. I realize last week’s sermon was cognitively heavy and while some of you really appreciated that, others left feeling overwhelmed… good perhaps, but also overwhelmed.
This won’t be the case this week. Please pray about who you can invite and then go invite them!
THANKS!!
Here are a few things I think you should be fully aware of!
· This Week Is COAH’s 4th Birthday!
· Youth Group Following Sermon Series
· Last Chance for Financial Peace University
· Spiritual Growth Opportunities @ COAH
· Helpers Needed for “Praise Street”
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THIS WEEK IS CITY ON A HILL’s 4th BIRTHDAY!
Four years ago (Sunday, August 13th, 2006) we opened the doors of CITY ON A HILL Church for the first time.
It was an incredible day of worship as nervous-excitement and God-centered-expectation filled the air. That day 201 souls were present, many were what we called, “well-wishers,” people who came just to “wish us well,” but we also had a good number of true 1st time visitors, a few of which continue to worship with us to this day.
I was so nervous but also terribly proud of the efforts of those 35 adults that composed our launch team. I remember just beaming as a number of the teenagers in our congregation at that time started off our worship experience with D.C. Talk’s song, “In the Light,” which though certainly fit our vision/purpose as a church was a bit ironic in that our lighting wasn’t very good at that time and I especially had shadows on my face with I preached. To those that were there – do you remember that!!
When the dust settled about a month later, we were a brand new congregation of about 135 worshippers (counting children) who had no idea what the future actually held but were certain that God had called us to do what we were doing. Today, our congregation consists of just over 300 worshippers on a weekly basis, with 115 members and plans for our first ever 24/7 facility. For the past two years we’ve had 100% participation in our Special Forces Missions and figure 50-60,000 lives have been touched through the over 50 distinct mission events we’ve sponsored. We’ve witnessed over 150 new or renewed commitments to Christ and heard over 3 dozen live testimonies given in worship of how God has changed lives through Jesus.
The word is out! People in the community are starting to get to know CITY ON A HILL, the church with the big heart, the church that gives away free stuff, the church that helps people, the church where you don’t have to check your brain at the door, the church that actually puts faith into action…
I wonder what the next four years have in store for us and what our story will be like then?! I sincerely hope you’ll be part of it!
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YOUTH GROUP FOLLOWING SERMON SERIES
I’ve heard some awesome things about our growing student ministries. Last Sunday, they followed the morning’s sermon by talking that evening about how we might be assured that the Bible (and specifically the Old Testament) is accurate.
Zac, (Zac@cityonahillumc.org) thank you for your amazing leadership of this ministry and a gold star also goes to Jackie Stauder and Michelle Clason for the Youth Ministry Workers these kids need.
Really amazing stuff that the kids learned last Sunday night concerning how the Jewish scribes went to extreme lengths in accurately copying the holy texts. I wish I had a youth group when I was growing up like the one ours is becoming!
I wonder what they have going on this week?!? Sunday night youth – 6pm!
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LAST CHANCE FOR FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Did you know Jesus said more about money than love? The Bible is filled with practical and relevant wisdom on saving and spending money, debt, and even investing!
Financial Peace teaches you to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before. You will be challenged and motivated to make a PLAN for your money that works.
FPU consists of a 13-week video curriculum—taught by Dave Ramsey that incorporates small group discussions and encourages accountability and discipleship.
Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm: starting THIS WEEK - August 18.
Location: the home of Cosby Clark, class facilitator.
RCosbyClark@gmail.com; 678.596.7797
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AT COAH
This Sunday, each worshipper will get a Spiritual Growth Brochure covering the existing (6) Six spiritual growth opportunities we’re offering at COAH this Fall.
Here are website links to a couple of them.
A one-day Bible study, takes you to a new level in your relationship with Jesus. Saturday, August 28 More...
Would you like to know more about what the Bible says and not just what others say about it? Cover 70% of the Bible during the course of this School year – Tues, Thursday evenings, and Friday mornings... More...
Know by heart 40 key passages from the Bible. Review them here. More...
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HELPERS NEEDED FOR “PRAISE STREET”
Great News! Children’s ministry attendance is up… Way up, especially at 9:30! Your help is needed.
We have the Teachers but our teachers need helpers. We need folks that just want to be assistants.
Giving small assistance will make a BIG DIFFERENCE on Praise Street (Kids ministry, grades K – 4).
Sign up on your connect card this week!
Amy Pavlik, Praise Street Coordinator, amyp617@yahoo.com
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That’s it! Happy 4th birthday COAH! It is just awesome to be your Lead Pastor!
Chris