Agape Church of Christ

Just a reminder that all of those interested in being a part of the worship planning committee we will be meeting tonight at 5:45 at the building.

Tonight at 6 we will be watching and discussing The Singing Revolution. Come join us at the building.

Greetings,

Yesterday was another great day for the Agape family.  Ryan Shelton finished up his Fireproof series and beginning next week Kirk Hollis will continue the relationship discussion drawing from his experiences and expertise.  Plan to be a part of that if you can.

During our sermon time we talked about three different healing incidents at the very beginning of Jesus' ministry in Mark's gospel.  Three truths emerge out of Jesus' healing of the man with an unclean spirit, Simon's Mother-In-Law, and the man with leprosy:

1. If Jesus can heal a man with an unclean spirit, He can heal the struggles of your heart.
2. If Jesus needed solitude so do we
3. If Jesus didn't need publicity then neither do we

This next week we will begin a mini-series within the gospel of Mark in which Jesus stirs up controversy.  Again and Again. 

Book clubbers, I will see you at my house tonight at 7!

Don't forget the inaugural Movie Club Discussion one week from tonight at 6 PM at the building.

Greetings Family,

We had another wonderful period of worship this past Sunday.  Michael Garland did an outstanding job leading and I am thankful that he is able to share his gifts with us.  In the sermon time we began our study of Mark by looking at Jesus' calling of the first disciples.  They simply left their nets and followed.  No questions asked.  How comforting it should be to each of us that God calls the ordinary, average and everyday to do His great work.

Some Important Dates and Information:

The Central small group decided to meet on June 28 and July 12 so as to not interfere with Father's Day and the July 4 weekend.  Word is pending on the East Side group.

June 15th–Book Club Discussion on A New Kind of Christian
June 22–Movie Discussion Group on "The Singing Revolution"

As you know we are beginning a study on Mark during the sermon time on Sunday morning.  Mark's to the point story telling will be a tremendous study into the person of Jesus and the ramifications of his ethic for our lives.

I'm going to jump in with verse 14 on Sunday and so I will not spend a lot of time on the background.  Suffice it to say that the gospel of Mark was written somewhere between 66–73 AD.  I prefer a later date but there is no consensus or manner of proving a more precise dating. 

The author is anonymous and it was not attached to John Mark until the 2nd century.  However, whoever wrote it is not important.  The story of Jesus is!  We will refer to the author as Mark throughout because that is the consensus view of designation.  It is important to note that the author was not an eyewitness to Jesus.

Mark seems to have been written to a select group of Christians who were struggling with issues of persecution, controversy and suffering.  The message of Mark is perfect for living in difficult times. 

There is much I could say in introduction to Mark but I know that most of it would appeal only to geeks like me and will be immaterial to the study itself   However, it is very important to note the manner in which Mark was intended to be read.  Mark was intended to be read all at once.  It is not a book but a story.

Therefore, I encourage everyone to read Mark in its entirety between now and Sunday morning. Read it as a story. This is not a book that can be outlined or is simply a how-to manual on what it takes to be a follower of Christ.  If you read it simply for advice or steps to be a better christian then you miss the power and impact of Mark's narrative. 

Read this story, this powerful portrayal of Jesus.  It'll bless you.

FYI, the water is currently shut off at the building due to a leak. 

But that is not the exciting news.  That is below:

First, Life groups resume Sunday Night.  We recently reconfigured the groups and sent that information to you last week.  If you are unclear where to be on Sunday night email me and let me know.  I love my small group and am anxiously waiting to get back to it.

Second, we will meet again to discuss A New Kind of Christian on Monday, June 15th.  Join us for that.

Third, our next book club book will be Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.  I checked and there is one copy currently at Brace Books and 4 at Hastings.  Of course, they will order more for you if you need.  Amazon has it for less than 10 bucks as well.

Fourth, we will begin a movie discussion club on Monday, June 22nd.  We will come together once a month or so, watch a movie together and then spend some time discussing the spiritual message for us.  Our first selection will be "The Singing Revolution"  Come to the church building at 6 on Monday, June 22nd for a night of good movies and discussion.  We will be advertising this to the community as well.

I am pumped about these events and look forward to seeing you there!

Scott

Last night was the inaugural meeting of our Agape Book Club.  10 of us met together to discuss Brian McLaren's A New Kind of Christian.  I think I am safe to say that everyone was challenged by the book and some lively discussion ensued.
As a matter of fact, we got to chapter 2 and decided we should meet again in two weeks to finish up the discussion. If you are in the process of reading the book or would like to get in on the follow-up discussion on June 15th then make plans now to be a part of it.

Our next book club book will be Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.  We will meet to discuss that one on Monday night, August 3rd.  That will give a full two months to read that one. Blue Like Jazz is a captivating and engaging read.  You will be blessed by it.

Good Morning Church,

I appreciate the number of positive comments about yesterday's sermon.  The message, that we need to not be afraid and attempt to do great things for God, is one that we all need to be reminded of. 

You will find attached the list of things that came out of our Wednesday night class of things that need to be done around the building.  There are a number of ideas listed on there that include some level of expense.  Due to our current financial circumstances we ask that you look over the list and consider sponsoring one of these improvements.

For those of you who have read part of all of A New Kind of Christian I will see you at my house tonight at 7.

Scott

Hello Church,

I think I have the website set up now where my emails will automatically post to the main page.  That will enable me to keep the website more up to date.  Here is hoping.
We were down in numbers yesterday but that is to be expected for this time of the year.  Our sermon time focused more on an introductory approach to the gospel of Mark and his focus on Jesus as human.  We will begin a new series on Mark beginning on June 7th.
Don't forget the book club that will meet one week from tonight.  Please join us at my house at 7 PM on June 1st to discuss "A New Kind of Christian."  Please feel free to come if you have read it, read part of it or just interested in some good conversation.  If you have only read part of it we might break it up and meet a couple of times.  I will also introduce the next book in our club.
I will be heading to Arkansas with the girls for a few days tomorrow so Kirk will be teaching my Wed. night class this week.
Peace,
Scott

Greetings Agape family,

You know there are some things I like to spend my money on (tithing, presents for family, running shoes, vacations), there are some things I don’t mind spending money on (food, electricity…) and then there are things I just detest spending money on. One of those items is an alarm clock…don’t really like alarm clocks to begin with, but I sure don’t want to buy one. A couple of weeks ago our alarm clock checked out (I guess it’s time was up) and I had a new one on my walmart list and then could not find the silly things at the supercenter and when I finally did I just couldn’t bring myself to add it to the basket and pay for it. We have since been using our cell phone alarms to rouse us from dream land every morning but I discovered something about the missing alarm clock…it provided a bit of light to the darkness of night. I woke up the other night and was totally disoriented without the little light the alarm clock provided, it occured to me just how much a single light amongst the darkness provides. Jesus tells that we are “the light of the world” and “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” You may find yourself in what you perceive as a dark situation or surrounded by darkness, but perhaps God has placed you just where you need to be and His light shining through you can provide illumination to those around you. Have a blessed week and let your light shine just where God has placed you. Please feel free to call me with new prayer requests or any updates 763-4728.

Bible Verses of the Week:
Romans 12:2

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalm 9:10

10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Prayer Request:

* Please continue to pray for the Brown family, Hank remains in the hospital following his broken leg Sunday evening. Please pray for strength and peace for Logan and Katie.
* Sunday was Sr. Sunday, please cover our graduates as they embark on a new chapter in their lifes…Kenny, Aric, Eli and Alix.
* Doris asked for prayers for Bert who is suffering health issues and for his wife who is his primary care giver.
* Jason’s brother is home and doing better, please continue to lift he and his family up in prayers.
* The Brown’s asked for prayers for Heather Meyer and her family, she just delivered their third child and is very sick and her husband has taken over home duties and their income has been strapped. Please lift up the health of Heather and new baby and the Meyer family.

Agape Happenings:
http://agapeponcacity.com/ Check the calendar online also at our website or if you are a Facebooker our facebook page.

05/19 Womens Bible Study tonight at the Ford’s house…call 763-4728 if you need details.
05/20 Youth Group meeting with Logan prior to Bible classes 5:45pm.
05/22 Summer kick off picnic at the duck pond out at Lake Ponca.
05/31 Ice cream party at the Freeman’s house 4:00pm for the kids that have learned the books of the New Testament.
06/01 Book Club discussion, visit with Scott for details.

Get involved Agape!!!

Parting Thought:

Below is a link to a video that has touched me, I hope you enjoy…some of the lyrics that I think should challenge us:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OihvG607W-c

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see