Archive for September 2008
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Brad and Denise Wicks
Good morning, church family!
This summer, we have been committed to telling Phillips County that "NO RELATIONSHIP IS TOO BROKEN". We are happy this weekend to cap that theme off with a marriage retreat and special Sunday featuring Brad and Denise Wicks, adult ministries pastors at James River Assembly of God in Ozark, Missouri. Brad and Denise have been featured this summer in our radio and TV ads, and their story is highlighted at www.nothingstoohardforgod.org.
If there ever was a marriage that should not have made it, it was Brad and Denise's. Married out of rebellion to their parents, with alcohol and abuse an unfortunate companion in their relationship, Denise finally kicked Brad out of the house. But they were to find that nothing is too hard for God! The Wicks are right now on their way to P-burg to help us communicate that message to everyone!
This evening, from 6:30-9, and tomorrow morning from 9 until noon, we will be at the Huck Boyd Center for a FREE marriage retreat. The registration deadline has passed, but there are still open slots available. If you have not yet registered for this event, reply to this message, or call me here at the church (543-6592) right away. We are also offering free child care at the Christian Church, but you will need to let me know that you need it when you register.
Then, Brad and Denise will be here at First Assembly Sunday morning at 10:30 to share their story. We are believing for miracles in relationships this weekend!
Also Sunday morning, Steven and Chalina Seems will be bring little Ryleigh Adeline to the Lord for dedication. This is a special day for the growing Seems family (can you say, "Waltons"?), and I know they would be honored to have you join them for the occasion!
Finally, at 6:00 Sunday evening, we have a special business meeting called to bring the proposed floor plans for the new facility for a vote. Certainly all members should plan to be here, but we would also like to invite non-members to attend as well. These are exciting days as we get ready to step out in faith and build our new facility to the glory of the Lord!
So thrilled to serve Jesus with you,
Pastor Dave Pugh <><
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The night of the Knots
Tonight during our Royal Rangers meeting we went over our bible study & devotion, but we also discussed a couple different types of knots. In the Royal Rangers ministry we try to take the boys camping at least once a year. When the groups go on this camp out it's nice if the boys are able to perform certain tasks for the camp out. As many of us know...usually a "true" camping trip will require the use of rope. The ropes may be used for multiple things: to setup the tent, hang up clothes, tie up something, etc. When using the ropes there are many different knots that can be used, depending on what you are wanting to do. So tonight we discussed the Figure 8 Knot and the Square Knot. Both of the knots are pretty easy to tie, but can be very effective when needing to tie something. Each of the 10 boys we had in class tonight were able to tie both knots. The evening with the boys went very well, and I really believe that God is going to wonderful things with this group of boys.0
"God is Pro-Choice"
Message for Sunday morning, September 21 -- Pastor David L. Pugh "God is Pro-Choice" Deuteronomy 30:11-20 It's been debated throught the centuries, but God did create us with a free will. He did not create us as programmed robots blindly doing His bidding. In this passage, He gives us a choice, and then "hints" at what is the best choice. Our choices are: prosperity vs. destruction; love God vs. turn away from God; walk in His ways vs. disobedience; keep His commands, decrees and laws vs. drawn away to bow down and worship other gods; increase vs. not living long; blessings vs. curses. You may believe that the choices are stacked. Yes, they are, and thank God they are! He has given us very clear choices, and we must investigate them to find out the best way to take. This morning, let's look at the choice we have between DEATH and LIFE. I. DEATH A. It is the way of rebellion. Rebellion is not peculiar to a particular population group, i.e., teenagers. It is a societal problem. We are rebellious by nature. All rebellion stems from rebellion to God, beginning with Lucifer, who rebelled against God before the Creation, and was kicked out of heaven as a result. Since that time, as Satan, he has done everything he can to get mankind to rebel against God. There is a reason why the Scriptures declare that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft". It opens the door in your life for the work of the devil. B. It is the easy way. If sin wasn't fun, it wouldn't be so popular! There's a reason why "everyone is doing it!" Jesus described this way as "the broad road". It's the easy way through life. The problem is, it's also... C. The way of destruction. Proverbs says, "there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Romans 6:23 -- "The wages of sin is death". II. LIFE A. This is the way of obedience, which is simply devotion to God. It's not about "lists" of right and wrongs, it's simply holding Jesus' hand and walking with Him throughout life. B. It is the difficult way -- Jesus called it "the narrow road" -- but not impossible! C. It is the way of prosperity. Hmmm....Death or life? To choose life is to choose the Lord. John 10:10 -- "the thief comes to steal, kill & destroy, but I have come that they might have LIFE, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL." (emphasis mine) Jesus declared that He IS the Way, the Truth and the Life, that no one can get to the Father except through Him.0
Discovery Rangers are now on the Web!
This is a test post to make sure that the new Discovery Rangers web page is working correctly. With the new web page we will now be able to provide up-to-date information on our Discovery Rangers group. This may include weekly devotions, Bible stories, merit announcements, and our quarterly lessons. We will be posting activities and fund raisers that the boys will be participating in. To go along with the activity announcements we will be posting photos from the events. If anyone has any questions about the web page or is interested in the Royal Rangers program at First Assembly of God, please contact us.0
God is pro-choice!
Good morning, friends!
Now, before you throw stones at me regarding the subject line of this email, hear me out!
Sunday morning at 10:30, I will be speaking on this subject, and it may surprise you to find out that God is VERY pro-choice! I encourage you to join us, and find out how this can be!
Then, at 5:00 Sunday evening, we will come together for our Family Fun Night. Previously it was announced that this would be held at the new property, but in fact, it will be here at the church. Bring some food for a potluck picnic, and we'll have games and activities for all ages. And, if you just want to sit and fellowship, you are welcome to do that as well! Bring the family, your neighbors and friends, and we'll have a great time!
I look forward to seeing you all Sunday!
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In Him
Good afternoon, church family! Wow! What a great God I serve! He never fails to prove Himself over and over again. We had a wonderful day Sunday, and a great week so far. And the weekend, though busy, is shaping up to wonderful, as well. I know the women are having their "Alongside Tea" tomorrow morning at 10:00, and, ladies, if you have not yet made your plans to be here, I hope that it works out for you! Then, the worship team is getting together at 3:00 at Pastor Donna's house for fellowship and instruction, and the men are meeting at Mike Jennings' home at 4:30 for an "HonorBound Cookout". I'm certainly going to be there, because when they invited me, they said my 2 favorite words: "free" and "barbecue"! Of course, Sunday is the Lord's Day, and we have a great day planned. First, at 10:30, I will be sharing preaching responsibilities with Pastors Todd and Donna Toomer, in a tag-team message, entitled "In Him". We have been working together on this message, including the visual aspects, and I believe it will be a powerful message that you will not soon forget. At 6:00pm, we will be back in the Book of Acts, with the message, "Bright Light! Bright Light!" (Those from my generation who have any recollection of the '80's will be familiar with that phrase!) It's so much fun to serve Jesus! I can't wait to see you this weekend!0
What Kind of 'Tater' Are You? - Sermon Notes
Ephesians 5:1,2 There are many kinds of potatoes, and there are many kinds of "taters" in the church, as well. My question: What kind of "tater" are you? I. Spectator A. Jesus dealt with spectators -- they were the crowds who just wanted a show. B. Spectators are never actually involved in the game. C. They always have an excuse for not being involved -- "I was hurt in the past," "I don't have time," "I don't have enough money," etc. D. Some spectators think they know how to play the game better than the players, the coaches and the refs. II. Commentator A. Jesus dealt with these as well -- they were the Scribes and Sadducees B. Commentators are the self-proclaimed "authority" C. They always have to have the last word -- and it's usually a negative one D. Commentators -- you don't have a clue! III. Agitator A. Jesus dealt with agitators -- the Pharisees B. Agitators are always stirring up trouble, but in the wrong place. We should all stir up trouble in the kingdom of darkness, but some have their kingdoms confused! C. They keep the work of God from being accomplished because they're agitating the kingdom instead of Satan. IV. Hesitater A. "Ya snooze -- ya loose!" B. Ecclesiastes 11:4 -- "if you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done." V. Imitator A. Described in our text -- imitators of Jesus B. Christ's life -- one of love and sacrifice C. That's why our purpose involves evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, worship & ministry D. That's why we support missions! So, what kind of "tater" are you? Surrender yourself to be an imitator!0
Adult Sunday Sessions
I am so thrilled to be able to let you know, in case you hadn't heard, that we have a veritable smorgasbord of offerings for adults in our Christian education ministry, commonly known as "Sunday School". We offer three different classes geared towards a variety of needs and interests that today's adult is craving. 1) CONNECTIONS group meets in the little house north of the church parking lot. I am the facilitator of that group, and beginning tomorrow, we will be using the "Nooma" series that is sweeping the nation in small group studies. We used one in this series, "Rain", earlier this year, to much "critical acclaim", so I look forward to further exploring issues that face adults through this series. 2) CORNERSTONE group meets in the church auditorium with Dan Heinze as its facilitator. They are just getting warmed up in the exciting John Bevier series, "Driven by Eternity." I have had some participants in this group tell me that it's the best study they've participated in ever! Even if you are now thinking of joining this group, you would still benefit greatly! 3) SPIRITUAL DISCOVERY group meets downstairs at the church, near the kitchen. Don and Mary Smith co-facilitate this group, and will tomorrow begin leading a thrilling study in the Book of James. Mary tells me this study was specifically chosen by the Holy Spirit Himself for this group, and (maybe because James is one of my favorite books in the Bible), promises to be extremely beneficial to every believer desiring to live out their walk with Christ on a daily basis. A couple of people have mentioned to me that we have made it difficult to decide which group to be in. That is intentional. All three studies would benefit any adult who would just take the time to come and be a part. I promise you, it will only help you in your journey with the Savior! We hope to see you tomorrow morning at 9:30 in one of these groups!0
What kind of "tater" are you?
Good morning, church family!
I hope you are enjoying our refreshing late summer rains today, and that you all had a safe and blessed holiday this week!
I am looking forward to our services this Sunday for a number of reasons. First, my message Sunday morning will address the question, "What Kind of 'Tater' Are You?" It will be a fun way to consider what each person is doing to advance the Lord's purpose for our church. Second, it's Missions Sunday, another opportunity to invest in the Kingdom of God around the world. We also have a few surprises thrown in on Sunday for good measure that you will not want to miss.
At 6:00 Sunday evening, we will continue our series in the Book of Acts, with a message on "A Stranger in a Chariot". If you've ever felt unequipped to share your faith, you'll want to be here!
It's gonna be a great day -- hope you'll join us for it!