The Cross. Dr Robert Brink

Transcription

1 The Cross Dr. Robert J. Brink Senior Pastor Sandra A. Hildebrand Pastor of Congregational Life Jerry Mitchel Pastor of Visitation KC Graves Pastor of Student Ministries Jamie Conkling Worship Arts Pastor Stacy Krull Director of Children s Ministries Nancy Krick Office Manager Notary Rebecca Hirschy Preschool Director Debbie Brink Day Care Director On April 13 (Palm Sunday) during our morning service, we want to share with you an awesome soul-winning tool presented by Billy Graham and his Evangelistic Association. What s your idea of the average American community? Maybe it is white picket fences, manicured lawns, and two cars in the garage. The real America is not so picturesque. Research shows, if you live in the typical community with 100 average neighbors here s the reality: 7 of your neighbors struggle with depression; some consider suicide 14 feel crippled or trapped by fear and anxiety 7 abuse or are addicted to drugs or alcohol 8 are struggling with the loss of a job 3 are grieving the death of a loved one 60 don t profess to be born again Billy Graham said, I feel a deep burden for so many Americans who live with no lasting hope. Together, we can help them find it. On Palm Sunday we will show a DVD from Dr. Graham and then at the close of the service for the first 50 requests, we will provide a copy of the DVD that they can show at home to their friends and neighbors. If you have ever wondered how you can share your faith, now is the time, and The Cross is a tool that you can use to help others discover Jesus. Coming to The Cross, Dr Robert Brink

2 John Tibbs Band In Concert Sunday, March 30 at 9am John Tibbs is an upcoming singer/songwriter worship leader. John's latest release 'Anchor' reached the Top 10 on itunes Christian/Gospel and was featured on Relevant Magazine. His music has been compared to Mumford and Sons, Bruce Springsteen, and The Lone Bellow. John toured the country this fall with the respected Audrey Assad. His passion is to write songs that both encourage and excite the listener. Don t miss this day and invite a few friends for this morning concert. The monthly Community Dinner at First United Methodist Church our church is in charge of is Wednesday, April 2nd. Workers, food, and monetary donations are appreciated. Sign up at the lobby table Sunday, March 30th or call Judy Secaur # Men s Wild Game Supper April 3, 6:00 PM Sign up in the lobby. FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY April 6th Needed: tuna, canned chicken, Manwich, red beets, carrots, pineapple, toilet paper Put your items in the cart by the office clearly marked Food Pantry. We will be having an Easter Egg Hunt this year on Saturday, April 12th at 2:00 pm for all kids thru 4th grade. The youth will be selling their chocolate eggs as well. This is a free event so bring your camera, Easter basket, and friends. Please be aware that all plastic eggs will need to be returned to Stacy Krull on Saturday so make sure you have a bag or basket for all your goodies. We will be going to the Abundant Life Church in Fort Wayne to see The Messiah on Friday, April 11th. We will be leaving DCOG at 5:45 pm for the 7:00 pm performance. Tickets are $11.50, they are pre-ordered; please pay Pastor KC after signing up in the church lobby. A Salute to Sisterhood Ladies Candlelight Dinner Friday, April 25, :30 pm Table Viewing 6:00 pm Dinner 7:00 PM Program Tickets $10.00 Sign-up for Hostesses & Waiters will be on 3/23 & 3/30/14. Tickets will go on sale on 3/30/2014.

3 MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH YELLOW CREEK LAKE CAMP The 2013 camp theme was Heirs to the Kingdom from Galatians 4:7. Campers were invited to learn what it means to be part of God s kingdom through a variety of games, devotions, worship sessions, and more. A total of 120 students attended camps last year. Over the camp season, 15 students indicated that they gave their lives to Christ either for the first time or renewed a commitment. Several others indicated that they addressed an important issue in their life. Two students shared that they were called to enter the ministry. This summer s theme will be Be Strong from Ephesians 6:10. Campers will learn what it means to have strong faith as they stand firm in a sinful world. May Youth Maynia $5.00 May Free Camping FREE May 24 Family Maynia FREE June Tadpole Camp K-2nd grade $60.00* June Sr. High Camp 9th-12th grade $200.00* June 30-3 Kid s Zone Camp 2nd-4th grade $160.00* July Camp Blast 4th-6th grade $200.00* July Jr. High Camp 6th-8th grade $200.00* July Family Camp & Camp Meeting FREE for most lodging *Indicates a camp that is eligible for our new camper incentive program. Each new camper you bring you will receive a 25% discount from the total camp price. You will also receive a 25% discount for EACH new camper you bring! If you bring four new campers, you come for FREE! Register by MAY 1 for receive early rates. Our church pays 1/2 the fee for attenders. Decatur Church of God was instrumental in three new roofs being stripped and recovered. The camp expresses thanks to and all those who helped complete this project. Great improvements are being made to the auditorium sound system. The goal is to have a great atmosphere for praise and worship as this year s worship leader for camp meeting is Doug Irving. We are also very excited to have Tamara Dreger Shelton as our camp meeting speaker. Please mark your calendar now for these important dates. Thank you for you continued support of the camp ground and on-going YCL ministries. DCOGY Chocolate Covered Eggs for Easter Order deadline is Sunday, April 6th. Extra eggs will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Please order at the youth table after morning worship services. Flavor choices are caramel or peanut butter eggs for $4.00 each. Youth are invited along with the Young at Heart to attend the Easter drama/musical The Messiah. We will be attending on Friday, April 11th and the cost is $ Please sign up in advance with Pastor KC. Special Holy Week Youth Service Youth, remember our special service on Wednesday, April 16th at 7 PM. A memorable night you don t want to miss! PRAYER FRESHENER FOR THE MONTH Every work of God can be traced to some kneeling form. Dwight L. Moody

4 ITEMS DUE: April 15th GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE April 18th - 1 pm Here Maundy Thursday April 17th - 7 pm Communion & Foot Washing The Story Musical will take place Saturday, April 19 th at 6pm and Sunday, April 20 th at 9am. Following the Saturday evening presentation, there will be refreshments in the fellowship hall. TICKETS are available to pick-up following morning worship at the Information Center or you can stop by the church office. They are not needed for admission, however they are a great tool to use for inviting friends to the event. Do not miss this opportunity to invite people you know who really need to hear the message of God s love for us.

5 Sunday: Weekly Services 9:00 AM Worship & G.I.G.ville 10:30 AM Cross Training, Kid s Church, Sunday School 6-8 PM Youth Elevation Wednesday: 6 PM Worship Singers Practice 7-8 PM Family Activities & 56ers 7-8:30 PM Youth 8:15 PM Worship Band Practice APRIL 2014 MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH: Yellow Creek Lake Camp Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 His Pantry Sunday 11:30-1 PM Easter Choir (S) 1:30-5 PM FH/K Reserved 6-8 PM Youth Elevation (SMC) PM Home Groups 13 PALM SUNDAY 11:30 AM (L) Impact meeting 11:30-1 PM Choir (S) 6-8 PM Youth Elevation (SMC) PM Home Groups 20 EASTER 9 AM Easter Musical The Story No GIGville 10:30 AM Sunday School No PM Groups 7 14 PM Logos 6:30 PM F&E (L) AM DMA 8 9 AM Full Staff Mtg 15 6:30 PM B&G (L) 2 Kitchen reserved 5 PM Community Dinner (1st UM) PM Love Inc (L) 6:00 PM (FH/K) Men s Wild Game Supper :00 PM Elders 6:30-8:30 PM DC4K SMC 7-9 PM Love Inc (FH) 16 6 PM Easter Choir Rehearsal (S) No Evening Services 7-8:30 PM Easter Youth Group (RH/SMC) 17 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Communion & Footwashing Service Kitchen reserved all day 6:30-8:30 PM DC4K SMC 7-9 PM Love Inc (FH) 4 Disc Closed (CR12) 1 PM FH reserved reception PM wedding rehearsal (S) 11 PM Youth & YAH to Messiah Disc Closed FH 18 Preschool Day Care closed 1 PM Good Friday Service (here) Disc Closed (FH) 5 Church Reserved for wedding & reception 12 2 PM Easter Egg Hunt Carpet Cleaning New part church closed sanctuary, lobby & hall for EASTER 25 Kitchen reserved all day 6:00 PM Ladies Candlelight Dinner (FH/S) Disc Closed (L) 19 6 PM Easter Musical The Story followed by refreshments S/FH/K PM Youth Elevation (SMC)

6 Highlights from March 2014 Elder s Meeting Members Present: Mike Cook, Lew Simerman, Pastor Brink, Karen Fouts, Karen Carty, Dion Jordan, and Pam Mitchel We are currently spending 92.48% of the budgeted amount and offerings are running at % of the budgeted amount. The Board of F&E is working on updating our computer systems. The current TECH committee members are Dave Landis, Jeff Alberding, and Dan Lehman. An update for the Connection Ministry was given by Mona Simerman. Pastor Brink gave us the March Report concerning the upcoming services, events, and updates to staff ministries. The question was raised on the policy of editing personal names from thank you notes posted in the newsletter. After discussion the Elders decided that the newsletter is set up for general thank you notes due in part to keeping them shorter in length. We prioritized the responsibilities of The Associate Pastor, Minister of Congregational Life: Pastor Brink will oversee and coordinate the Pastoral visitation for the sick, hospitalized and homebound. He will also coordinate the pastoral care for those facing a life crisis and/or change. We will develop an Adult Discipleship Committee. The Elders will be seeking God s direction for this committee for the next Elder meeting. We will also recruit and coordinate a Compassion team. We currently have a Financial Aid Committee already in place. Pastor Brink and Nancy Krick will oversee the Bereavement Ministry. Lew handed out model policies statements for safety and usage suggestions for the MUVs. The Board of Building and Grounds will be responsible to make a decision. The Elders agreed to move forward with the Night of Intercessory Prayer. More information will be forthcoming. Preschool Board met and Dion stressed the need for prayer for the direction of our Preschool. The Elders received a letter from His Pantry requesting financial assistance. Thank you for all the prayers for me while I was in the hospital and at home. Also, the visits, notes and gift card. Brent Habegger Thank you Thank you so much for the calls, well wishes, notes, and thank you cards. Each and every one has been appreciated. God is healing me but it will be a long time. He is teaching me to have much more patience each day during this recovery. Thank you for your continued prayers for me. Judy Witte Church of God Preschool will begin registering for the school year on April 1st. Children must be 3 yrs of age by Sept 1, 2014 and must be fully potty trained. Do you have a child or grandchild that you need a registration packet for? If so, call the church office ( ) and ask for Rebecca Hirschy.