Envision Cleveland Urban Bridges Urban Bridges The Christian and Missionary Alliance

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1 October 2016 Newsletter, Volume 14, Issue 10 - MAC LIFE Church, 501 3rd St, Blairsburg, IA, office@maclifechurch.com The book of Acts is the action book of the New Testament, and it constitutes therefore one of the most exciting books of the Bible. The full name of it is, "The Acts Of The Apostles," but there are not many apostles mentioned in it. James, John, Peter, and Paul are the only ones who appear in any prominence. Through the centuries Christians have shortened this title and called it simply, "The Acts." I like that better for this is the book of action, revealing how God is at work through Christians. There is intense conflict throughout the book, but a conflict met by a ringing confidence that is wonderful to see. It is a record of power exercised in the midst of persecution; an account of life and health pouring from a living Christ into a sick society through the channel of obscure men and women, very much like you and me today. We could never understand the New Testament if we did not have the book of Acts, for it fills the gap that would exist between the Gospels and the book of Romans, which follows. At the end of the Gospels we find a handful of Jews gathered in Jerusalem talking about a kingdom to come to Israel. In the book of Romans we find an apostle who is not even mentioned in the Gospels, and who was not one of the twelve, writing to a band of Christians in the capital city of Rome, talking about going to the ends of the earth. The book of Acts tells us how this happened, and why this change occurred. Whenever God wants to get a message across to men he does not simply send someone to announce it; his final way of driving it home is to dress the message in flesh and blood. He takes a life and aims it in a certain direction and, by the manifestation of his own life through the blood and flesh of a human being, he makes clear what he has to say. That is the strategy of the book of Acts. It is the record of incarnation; men and women, possessed by Jesus Christ, owned by him, and thus manifesting his life. The book of Acts therefore is an unfinished book. It has never been ended, but is still being written. The book abruptly closes with an account of Paul in the city of Rome, living in his own hired house. It just ends there as though you might turn over the next page and begin the next adventure. We are writing the next chapter today and like any good story, His story, each new chapter builds on the previous chapter. Join us on Sunday mornings as we experience insights and principles from these ancient pages that will transform your life. Pastor Ron Lotz

2 This November, Jim and Denise Manchester will be heading to Cleveland, Ohio to work with Envision Cleveland. Jim will be the new director of Community Impact as part of the non-profit organization, Urban Bridges, and the greater C&MA Envision team, which comes alongside local churches to reach the marginalized and poor in the urban environment. Right now, hundreds of refugee families arrive in Cleveland each year. This has created a unique opportunity to reach people from all over the world who are struggling to adapt to a new language and culture. Jim and Denise will be working to establish strategic partnerships with churches, other ministries, individuals and other agencies to meet tangible needs, and build relationships with refugee families and other marginalized people groups in Cleveland. Throughout their time in ministry, Jim and Denise have always had a strong desire to be a part of missions work, serving for a year in Mongolia and taking part in several short term missions trips over the years. As they considered what God was leading them to do to fulfill their desire to be involved missionally, they specifically sensed a strong call to be a part of community development work. God was faithful in providing just such an opportunity, that fulfilled the desires of their heart, with this new ministry opportunity with Envision in Cleveland! Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart ~Psalm 37:4 TO PARTNER FINANCIALLY WITH THE MANCHESTERS: To make a donation by check, you can either send your donations to: Urban Bridges, 2503 Broadview Road Cleveland, Ohio and put Jim and Denise Manchester in the Memo. OR The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Alliance Office of Donor Accounting, P.O. Box Colorado Springs, CO and put Jim and Denise Manchester in the Memo. You can also provide support, by donating online: Just go to and enter the code: Jim and Denise Manchester when giving to international workers and special projects. All donations are tax-deductible.

3 Hearts at Home is a place for moms who love to learn from moms who "get it". We believe that faith is essential and hope is non-negotiable. We want to help you connect with your friends, connect with your family, and connect with yourself. Will you consider joining other moms in the community Friday October 14 - Saturday October 15th at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN as we listen to music from Meredith Andrews, hear speakers such as Jill Savage & Missy Robertson and then break up into workshops of your choosing which range from: Moms Dealing with Anger; Making over yourself and your closet; Tools for raising great kids; raising respectful kids; what you must know about your teen or tween; How to Make a Great Marriage; Disconnecting from Devices and Connect with your Kids; Journey of Adoption; Marriage Without Masks; Thriving in a Stepfamily; Sex after Kids; Why Dads Resist Teaching Kids Spiritual Truth and how us moms can help; Reducing Stress; Myths Moms Believe... the list continues on. Preregistration ends Sept 26th for $98 and assistance is available if needed. Hotels are being booked and we are excited for you to join us for this weekend of uplifting encouragement. Contact Christina Denekas christina.denekas@hotmail.com or if you have questions or want more info. Awana Events October /5 $ for Awana Missionary Ron Glynn s gas fund (to pay for his travels around Iowa). Each $ given = 5 token. GIRLS - AWANA STORE 10/12 $ for Awana Missionary Ron Glynn s gas fund (to pay for his travels around Iowa). Each $ given = 5 token. BOYS - AWANA STORE 10/19 Clubber Picture Night Wear Your Uniform & Best Smile 10/26 Harvest Party!!! Invite your family & friends Wear costume, nothing scary Games: PUTT-PUTT COURSE, Duck Decoy, Prizes, Face Painting, Sandy Candy! Free Hot Dogs & Tortilla 6:00pm

4 October 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Leonard Moss Awana Leaders Meeting 9 AM Beth Ades Trey Seiser Doug Jacobsen Ellie Weinschenk Scott Renaud Rosalie Stark *Matt & Megan Ring Kitchen Dedication Paulette Andrews 9 * Mark & Ashley Weisberg Lovie Pruismann Jack Adams 12 Etter Watne Alyssa Schwering Dolores Schaa Doug Sogard Partnering Together Class, 9 AM Congregational Meeting 11:30 AM Prayer LIFE Group 23 Elizabeth Lockwood 30 Ben Grimshaw Board Meetings Elders, 6 p.m. Governing 7:00 p.m. Lillian Dawson Elders meet, 6:00 p.m. Matthew Perin Rebecca Steig Carol Harms Steve Vande Zande Pearl Brown Zac Frye Judy Burton Don McKee Matthew Jacobsen Jeannie Vande Zande Bob Brown Janice Greenfield * Tony & Jan Neubauer Allison Oswald Jim Stafford Sunday Activities The Cafe opens at 8:00 AM Sunday School - 9:00 AM Please note Kids Zone, Jr & Sr High will take a break watch the bulletin for start up dates. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:00 AM; Children Pre K through grade 5 dismissed prior to the message Communion Sundays only: Preschool & Pre K have Children s Church, older children remain with their families. Wednesday 6:00 Pizza Supper, multipurpose room downstairs 6:25-8 Awana, meet on the Awana circle in the multipurpose room downstairs 6:30-8, Middle school Youth, room 6 lower level 6:45-8, Armor of God Women s Bible study, Classroom 1 lower level 7:00, Sr. High Youth, in the Cafe 7:00-8:00, Family Life Skills class, Building Up Your Spouse, Sanctuary 29

5 Men s Conference Jan 28, Here at MAC The Principles of Spiritual Warfare The correct application of the principles of war caused the United States to be successful in World War II and most recently in Operation Desert Storm. The violation of these same principles caused failure in Viet Nam. In a time when Christians are being attacked by the enemy as never before, learn how to apply the principles of war to a spiritual battle. The goal of this Advance is to teach the 9 Principles of War that have stood the test of time and discuss the soldier s defense that allows each of us to fight the good fight of faith. Showing at MAC Saturday, Nov. 6:30 PM The Cafe Coffee and 5:30 PM Evening sponsored by the Prayer Ministry Performances are Friday December 6:30 PM, Saturday December 5:30PM, & Sunday December 5:30PM. These three evenings will be filled with, great food, applaudable dedication, wonderful music, and a message that only the Lord can provide us. Anyone interested in involvement or helping with this years performance please Contact Candace Ruby, Thank you!

6 My family and I are excited to come and join you in service for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I grew up in a CMA Church in Charles City, IA and came to know Jesus at a young age. My faith continued to grow and I felt a call to serve Christ at a LIFE conference in After high school I pursued a degree in Pastoral Ministries at Grace University where I continued to volunteer with the CMA in Council Bluffs, Iowa. During my time at Grace I met my wife, Laura, and we were married a year after graduating with my undergraduate degree. We made a leap of faith in 2007 where we quit our jobs and went to work at Hidden Acres for the summer. When we returned God opened doors for us to continue to pursue ministry. God provided financial resources by giving me an opportunity to work at TD Ameritrade. The opportunity allowed me to work at a church plant for the Missionary Church as an Associate Pastor and pursue two Master s degrees in Christian Ministry at Grace University. We have a daughter, Julia, who is 4 and a son, Luke, who will be 20 months. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us at MAC Life Church and reaching the youth with the good news of Jesus Christ. In lieu of Sunday school we will meet for Cinnamon rolls, coffee and fellowship. Come to tour the new kitchen