We talked a lot about worship on Sunday morning as we continue to look in-depth at our overall mission statement as a body. I hope the stories from Mark and Luke about the two women who demonstrated real, genuine worship of Jesus were an encouragement to you as you consider the amazing event that congregational worship can be. And,. remember that we worship God every day with the manner in which we live our lives. Romans 12 has a lot to say about that.

If you are a parent of a teen, don’t forget the opportunity for the kids this weekend to go rock climbing as well as the dinner plans at the building.

As for other things going on, we will be announcing the nominees for role of deacon at Agape on Sunday, February 21st. We are excited about having some people who are already servants by nature becoming more involved in the organized work of the church. Please continue to be praying about that process and if you would like to nominate someone, please let Rick, Bill, or myself know.

Life Groups resume on February 21st. Look for some more specific details regarding that next week.

Thanks to everyone who was a part of the discussion about Wednesday nights last week. We really got some good feedback that I think can be used to make that time a time of enrichment as well as service to others. We will be having a very special Wednesday night fellowship on March 3rd to as a way of kicking off the new Wednesday night format that is taking shape. Sharon Stewart will be heading up that first get-together.

Per our discussion on Sunday, please keep the following in your prayers as the week progresses:

- Jerry and Marilyn Jantz…Jerry had a biopsy yesterday and the results of that will be made known to him towards the end of this week.

-Diane Pendleton…Diane begins cancer treatment this week.

-Linda Lessert’s sister, Pam…Linda updated us and stated that Pam is doing better and coping with things a little better, but I know prayers would still very much be appreciated.

-John Goeppinger…Is having knee surgery this week; Please keep John in your prayers; also, Ryan Shelton mentioned that a friend of his is also having knee surgery this week.

-Tyler Ford expressed thanksgiving to God that he was accepted at Oklahoma State for next fall. Congratulations to Tyler!!

This new year continues to be an exciting time for Agape as we strive to fulfill the mission that God has placed before us with regards to our community, our families, and our love for one another. Please always feel free to e-mail Rick, Bill, or myself with any concerns that you have about anything or just to get clarification on something. Our “doors” are always open to you.

Scripture of the Week: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him”. Luke 12:35, 36.

I’m not sure if this is really an expression, but when life deals you six inches of snow, make snow cones! That’s what we decided to do this past Sunday with our church “building” swallowed up by the soft, flaky, white stuff. The result was a very encourgaing time of worship and fellowship at the Barricks’ home and a very, very special thanks to Damon, Gayla & family for hosting such a large group. If you were there, you were blessed, no doubt.

The last couple of weeks, we’ve been asking you all to submit names of individuals you feel would fulfill the role of deacon within the church body. Deacons are an integral part of maintaining a healthy church as they serve the body as well as leading ministries that serve others outside of the body. We’ve had some submissions thus far, but not as many as we would like in terms of input from you all. So, feel free to send an e-mail to Rick, Bill, or myself this week if you haven’t already done so to submit names of persons you feel could glorify God in that role.

Here’s a look at some upcoming events at Agape:

Wednesday, February 3rd (TOMORROW)- Fast Food n’ Fellowship Wednesday Night at the church building. This will begin at 6:00. Bring something to eat and enjoy some time with the Agape family. At 6:45 or so, we will have a class for the kids while the adults take some time to talk about Wednesday nights and how to best fulfill God’s purpose in our lives via our mid-week assembly.

Thursday, February 4th- Food Distribution Day- Logan has already sent out a separate e-mail on this, so I won’t repeat everything. Just be aware that there are lots of opportunities to serve on Thursday with regards to getting food in the hands of those that really need it. I promise that getting involved in that will be a blessing in your life.

Sunday, February 7th- Souper Bowl Sunday!!- This is an annual Agape tradition; Bring your favorite soup and compete against others for various awards. Sheila Ford is in charge of those categories and there will also be an overall champion crowned! (So, whoever has the Traveling Thermos….errr, trophy, please make sure it comes with you on Sunday. The Soup Extravaganza will follow our AM worship hour. Please stay and be a part of everything if you can…it’s always a great deal of fun!

Several new prayer requests were submitted on Sunday night at the Barrick’s. I didn’t personally write them down, so I’m going to miss a few. Doris, you might as a follow-up to this e-mail, note the ones that I miss.

Linda asked for prayers for her sister, Pam, who is really struggling. This has been a very difficult start to the year in 2010 for Linda and her extended family with all that is going on. Please lift her and Pam and Ryan up in prayer all week. I know Linda is resilient and a wonderful example of faith to us all…but the situations in her life right now are tough and we really need to go to God with our hearts in prayer.

Jerry Jantz continues to undergo tests in Houston. I am hoping we can get an update from Jerry & Marilyn tomorrow on where things stand. We sure miss them. What a tremendous blessing they are to our church family.

Angela Shelton asked us to remember Linda Cole in prayer. Linda is a teacher at West Middle School and is dealing with cancer.

Katie Brown requested that we be prayerful about ways to serve the men and women who frequent the Mission. Remember, we have a ministry in place thats aim is to serve those who are hurting and/or struggling with various aspects of life. If you know of an individual or family that needs additional support, please contact Jim Iraggi or Katie to get the ball rolling on making that happen. The Agape family can and should extend to all corners of our community whenever possible.

I know there were a few other prayer requests, so Doris, again, please feel free to follow-up on this e-mail with those. I normally write them down, but Sunday was a little different in terms of our format and I didn’t do that. My apologies for that.

Finally, just wanted to mention that Ryan Shelton is one of three finalists for the Ponca City Teacher of the Year. What an honor! A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Andy Galindo won a city-wide contest at the YMCA for physical fitness during the months of November and December. Seems like we have some people really doing neat things in the community. Congrats to Ryan and Andy (again) for these accomplishments.

I hope everyone has a good remainder of the week as we have begun to thaw out. Remember to keep your eyes open for God’s calling this week in your life and as we talked about on Sunday, set your minds AND your hearts upon Him. Here’s that verse as we close E-News this week:

” If then you were raised together with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”

First of all, I want to say thank you to Bill Ford for starting up this tradition several years ago. In the fast-paced world that we live in, being able to get information quickly and concisely is a real must and that’s what these weekly e-mails are intended to do.

It was a very encouraging Sunday at Agape. It was so nice to have Ken and Wanda McKee back with us. Please continue to remember them as you go through the week. They are such an inspiration to so many. A special thanks also to Sheila for providing everyone with bagels…that always makes for a special treat.

It’s going to be a very busy next two weeks at Agape and I hope you will be able to be involved in that! Here’s a look at some of the things that are happening:

Wednesday, January 27th- We will meet at the Sterling House Care Facility at 6:30 pm for a devotional with the residents. There will be no activities at the building. Please join us and bring the kiddos!

Sunday, January 31st- We are blessed next Sunday to welcome Peter Cariaga to Agape for a special lesson. Peter is intimately involved with the Goat Ministry in the Phillipines that we have been supporting for the past year. Everyone who knows Peter says wonderful things about him and about his heart for God. Please make plans to be at the building for worship and to hear Peter share some things with us. Life Groups will also be meeting on this evening.

Wednesday, February 3rd- Fast Food/Fellowship Wednesday Night. This will start at 6:00 pm and we should be done by 7:15-7:30. We will be having an open discussion about the future direction of Wednesday nights and if you’re interested in being a part of that discussion, we look forward to your input!

Thursday, February 4th- Food Distribution, 6:00-7:00 pm. We will be distributing food once a month for the foreseeable future and this is the night for that. It’s a great opportunity to serve if you’ve got the time…

Sunday, February 7th- Souper Bowl Sunday!! This is an annual event at Agape as we get together after worship services for a friendly competition to see who can whip up the best soup. There are a number of categories to compete in and the soups are always delicious. Come hungry, leave happy.

I mentioned Life Groups…the East Side group will begin a study this Sunday night on the Fruits of the Spirit. It will be based on a Beth Moore workbook designed to help us better get in touch with the Spirit’s role in our lives. The Central Group (at the Barrick’s) will continue with what they have been doing in recent times.

Logan and Katie have a new calendar at the building for everyone to see and it looks like the teens are going to be quite busy in the months to come. What a blessing it is to have the events planned out in advance and a timetable for things. Most of us have to know about things a ways in advance, so be sure to thank Logan and Katie for jumping into that reality and getting the ball rolling in 2010!!

Here are some requests for prayer that were mentioned on Sunday:

* Jerry and Marilyn Jantz as they undergo treatment in Houston
* The Nolan Family
* Ryan Connelly, granddaughter of Linda Lessert
* Kevin Hurley, neighbor of the Hollises battling cancer (has two small kids)
* Jim Iraggi asked that we pray for our teens…that they may grow in faith and love
* Kayte M. asked for prayers for her mother, Ms. Clark
* Ryan Shelton asked for prayers for God to guide as he navigates a busy time in his life

Please feel free to “reply all” anytime you wish to add someone to the prayer list…or to add yourself!! The power and comfort that come from prayer is an awesome thing.

That’s about it for this week…remember that there are no strangers at Agape…you are always welcome in a family that is seeking to serve God and love one another. Hope everyone has a good rest of the week!

Verse for Thought: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; My God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalms 18: 2-3.

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.

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"

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.

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

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.