NWH HAPPENINGS. Volume 33 Issue 8 August 2014 SERMON SERIES:

Transcription

1 Volume 33 Issue 8 August 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS SERMON SERIES: WISDOM ABOUT CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF SERVING! These lovely ladies took on the mountainous task of thoroughly cleaning our kitchen! Thank you so much to this Reunion group: Betty Kuehnhoff, Diana Belden, Gigi Bishop, Diane Smith, Barb Drury and Arlene Leinweber. God loves when the fellowship of believers is active in serving and caring for His house! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! August 3 Despairing Ecclesiastes August 10 Loving Song of Solomon KEYS TO CHRISTIAN FAITH August 17 The Power of God August 24 The Person of God August 31 The Purpose of God Acts 1:6-11 Northwest Hills United Methodist Church 7575 Tezel Road San Antonio TX

2 FROM PASTOR DAVID... David Trawick Senior Pastor By the time you read this, we ll have been back from the mission trip to Uganda for some time, and two other mission trips will have taken place. One of my concerns coming home was that the routine and busyness of life at NWH would drown out what God had been doing and saying within me while in Uganda. But it s still fresh in my heart and mind. What made the difference? Telling and retelling the stories. Many of you asked how the trip was, what our take-aways were, etc., and we got to tell stories and live it all again. A couple of my neighbors asked, and I got to tell stories. In my preaching I ve had opportunities to tell stories. (There s more of that to come. Hopefully it s all relevant to the topics of the sermons!) Every retelling carries a hint of being there and experiencing it again. It keeps it fresh. I ve told about meeting the two boys we ve sponsored for years through Watoto Childcare Ministries and Compassion International, and how good it felt to see the difference sponsorship makes. (You could sponsor a child, too.) I ve told about children in the slums who were starving for adult attention and affection, and I ve urged parents to take that to heart for their own children. (Do you give your kids time and positive attention?) I posted on Facebook about the peace and joy people found in Christ despite their lack of material well-being. (Is your peace and joy linked to having stuff?) I ve told stories of a woman who converted from Islam to Christianity, and another women who was healed in answer to prayer on the spot! It was like opening one of the Gospels and reading it into life! (Do you ever wonder if God really does those things? He DOES.) I ve told people about the incredible traffic, motorcycle taxis (bodas) carrying 3-4 people or impossible loads of cargo, cattle on city streets, awful air pollution, dietary issues, and wonderful people on the Revelation Life team and in the slums. And with every telling it is made fresh again. I usually encourage you to tell others about what God has done in their lives so we might lead someone else closer to Christ. But telling the stories also helps US stay closer to Christ. Tell someone a story of what God has done in your life. Tell it for YOUR OWN sake! See you Sunday! REACH OUT DAY Saturday, August 16 Ready for another Reach Out? Our next Reach Out opportunity is August 16. We will be returning to Magdalena House as well as back at the Texas Diaper Bank. We will also have the opportunity to work around NW Hills sprucing up for the fall come back! Those that enjoy cooking will also be preparing a lunch for all work teams to share back at the church. There is something for everyone, you won t want to miss out! Look for sign-up sheets at the Connection Center and join in the fun! AUGUST DONATION FOCUS We will be collecting School Supplies Details will be available in the bulletin and at the Connection Center. SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY Sunday, August 24 All Sunday School classes will meet in our sanctuary promptly at 9:40 am. Pastor David will begin the 9:45 service with announcements and his last announcement will be an altar call for all school teachers and Sunday school teachers. After the prayer is done, we will dismiss and return to our classes. All 11 o clock classes will join in the same prayer time at the 9:45 service; therefore, continuing worship and will have class at the usually scheduled time. AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 2

3 FROM PASTOR PHIL... Phil Bland Associate Pastor Miraculous Signs and Wonders MIRACULOUS SIGNS AND WONDERS As I continue to study the Book of Acts, a pattern has emerged. It's a pattern that's as obvious as the nose on my face. As the church expands, wherever the believers go, miraculous signs and wonders follow. It's important to note that it's not just where the apostles go but wherever any believers go that the miraculous signs and wonders follow. Now that Team Jesus has returned from Uganda, it's been fun listening to them share their experiences while there. It's pretty clear that they saw a few miraculous signs and wonders themselves. As we were sitting in staff meeting listening to Kelly and David share their experiences, the question came up: Why don't we see God performing signs and wonders like that here? As we discussed it, an answer began to emerge; we don't ask for God to do those things and when we do, we don't ask with a sense of expectation. This, of course, leads me to ask another question. Why not? The answers to that question are far too numerous to deal with in a short article like this one. However, I believe that ultimately the answer comes down to what a friend said to me in a conversation just this week. He said, "I'm not sure how I would react if I saw someone miraculously healed in the midst of our church service." And there it is. We don't ask because we're unsure of how we would react. We're unsure of what it would mean. We're afraid and therefore we do not ask. I looked at my friend and told him I knew exactly how he would react. Every time I've had an experience where God was at work in a truly miraculous way, I stood in awe and amazement and my friend would have, also. There was never anything fearful in the midst of those experiences; just amazing. The apostle Paul tells the Ephesians that he prays they "will understand the incredible greatness of God s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead..." (Eph 1:19-20). I pray WE will understand the greatness of God's power for US who believe him. Perhaps then we will pray as the early believers prayed, "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30). Perhaps then we'll see miraculous signs and wonders follow us wherever we go. FROM THE LIBRARY... As the summer winds down, please check your favorite reading areas and collection of VHS/DVDs for the following items and return to our library. Books: 31 Days Toward Passionate Faith Birds of A Feather Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking Taking the Guesswork Out of Applying The Theology of the Old Testament To the Edge of the Universe Juvenile: My Side of the Mountain The Vanishings-A Left Behind Book Children: 3 in 1 Being Selfish Dr. Seuss s ABC Froggy Gets Dressed God s Gift of Touch I Was So Mad Raggedy Andy Stories The Story of Jonah Toy Story DVDs: The Bible: The Epic Miniseries Judgment Left Behind World at War Revelation School House Rock Veggie Tales: Larry Boy and the Bad Apple Veggie Tales: Super Hero Pack VHS: Creation Science Evangelism Flywheel Road to Redemption Veggie Tales: Where s God When I m Scared? We appreciate you checking for these missing items from the Library. Thank you! Library Staff AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 3

4 Lynda Byrd Chair WHAT CAN I DO? In the news lately are numerous stories and visuals about children alone, and some with a parent trying to find sanctuary here in the United States from Guatemala, El Salvador and other Central America countries. These persons are crossing into the United States at a number of places.., many into the state of Texas. How to handle this onslaught of immigrants has been a topic addressed from every possible perspective. Some churches and other groups have sought to try and assist these children and families, at least by providing them with safe, clean places to live until this issue, on a broader scale, can be resolved. A few Sundays ago, a flyer was inside the bulletin inviting assistance by providing basic needs, such as towels, bed linen and other necessities. There is literally no end to the ways that assistance might be provided. Sometimes circumstances can be so great that it seems that there s nothing an individual alone can do to make a difference. But, of course, we know that s not really true. When we think about situations in our lives, quite often it has been a single individual who has made the greatest difference: offering a listening ear to help us sort through conflicting feelings; loaning an automobile when transportation was a problem; dropping off food when an illness or death had made even the simplest tasks nearly impossible. It doesn t take very much to recall a time when someone.., perhaps you made a difference in another s life. Every week, I am humbled by the privilege of volunteering at Haven for Hope. I am blessed by meeting men, women, and children whose lives, for countless reasons, have been severely altered, broken. Admittedly, I haven t always seen people who are without homes, jobs, or family support as equals..., loved as much by God as God loves me. Volunteering at Haven has caused me to look deeper into my heart and spirit and admit these shameful prejudices. Seeing the duality of vulnerability and strength in these women and men, and especially children provides a mirror to see myself, and to recognize how amazing is God s grace. Volunteering at Haven has become a persistent conscience.., challenging me to ask myself, what can I do? Matthew 25:34-41 provides a vivid reminder of what we can do.., in fact, what we must do! Where are some places that you might make a difference? Northwest Hills offers many opportunities and there s definitely a place just for you! Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:34-40 GOD S FISHING HOLE The other day I was having a little quiet time and thinking about how blessed we are and how God has given so much to us and asked so little in return. I had just read an about the up coming Ladies Walk to Emmaus this month. The walk number is 1757 and it got me thinking. That is 1,757 walks just in Texas. If the average number of pilgrims is 28, that totals up to almost 50,000 Christians who have agreed to make Christ a part of their daily lives. In our NWH Emmaus Community, we have 120 people that we know of but some who may need a little reminder. Now if you add in all the other walks and total that number of pilgrims, I would venture to guess the total number somewhere around 100,000+. That s a lot of people who should be out fishing for our Lord. Are you one of those or just one who has taken their Walk and has fallen back into their everyday life? We as members of the Emmaus Community have been shown the love and support of others who have gone before us and have been blessed by God and filled with the Holy Spirit to help others experience the same gifts we have received. My question to you is; are you using those gifts? Are you willing to talk to and encourage others to make that next step to have a closer relationship with God in their daily life? Are you ready to show your love and support by being a sponsor for a pilgrim who is ready to welcome God into their daily life? I know this all takes time, but remember, God always has time for you, and don t you think you can find time for one of His children? If you need a little reminder as to what the Emmaus Community is all about, Northwest Hills is hosting the NWSA Gathering, Sunday, August 3. We will have food and fellowship starting at 5:30 pm (please bring a food to share), and the service will start at 6:30 pm. Our own Worship band will be leading the music. Everyone is welcome, even if you have not gone on a walk. This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the Walk to Emmaus. We look forward to you coming! DeColores Tom Bader AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 4

5 UGANDA MISSION TRIP 2014 AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 5

6 Monthly Events CLASS 101, Sunday, August 24 3:00 to 6:00 pm What it means to be a Christian What it means to be a United Methodist What it means to be a member of Northwest Hills UMC This class is for anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a Christian, about the United Methodist Church and about being a member of Northwest Hills Church. Class 101 is required before becoming a member of Northwest Hills. Class is led by Pastor David Trawick. LANDA PARK Saturday, August 30, 11:00 am Last year was Children s Ministry s first trip to Landa Park and it was a huge success! It s a perfect venue because it has something for children of all ages. The Youth Group get a Schlitterbahn trip and the kids get to have a super fun day at Landa Park! We will meet there under the big slide so we can all put our belongings together. Please bring a sack lunch so that we can share a meal together. Mark your calendars for a day of family fun in the sun. There is a sign up sheet at the Connection Center, if you wish to attend the next class or call the church office at to reserve a place. LADIES OF LEISURE Meets Every Friday, 11:30 am The ladies meet each week at a different restaurant just for fun. If you would like to be included in the fun or would like more information, contact May Lang at (210) or maylang@sbcglobal.net. UNITED METHODIST MEN S BREAKFAST Saturday, August 9, 8:00 am Meet at the church and then drive to Denny s on 410 off Ingram Road. Contact George Hampton at TEXAS RAMP PROJECT Building Freedom for the Homebound Saturday, August 16, 7:00 am. Meet at the church. We build accessibility ramps for the homebound. So, if you like working with power tools and get satisfaction in doing a job that betters another person s life, this is for you! Sign up at the Connection Center. For more information contact Ron Gloyd at (210) PRIME TIME POTLUCK LUNCH Monday, August 25, 11:30 am Anyone age 60 and older is invited to attend. Bring a yummy dish to share and stay for a fun activity. WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES Kickoff is September 10 and will end December 10. The evening starts with pizza snack supper from 5:30-6:30 pm. For $ 2you get 2 slices of pizza, salad and a drink (and sometimes dessert!) You must sign up in advance at The Connection Center or call the church office. We need a head count so we can order enough pizza. Of course, good fellowship is always free. There are children and youth activities as well as Bible studies for adults starting at 6:30 and ending at 8:00 pm. David Trawick will teach a course on Islam. Steve Smith will lead a men s class, The Kingdom Man by Tony Evans. Other classes will be announced in the bulletin and the September newsletter. If you would like to lead a class, please call David Trawick at or Gerry Kimsey at AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 6

7 Sunday, August 3 5:30 pm NWSA Emmaus Gathering 6:00 pm Parenting Class Wednesday, August 6 Saturday, August 9 8:00 am United Methodist Men s Breakfast 11:00 am Martha Thompson Memorial Sunday, August 10 5:00 pm Board of Trustees, Room 6:30 pm Troop 228 Committee Meeting Saturday, August 16 7:00 am Texas Ramp Project 8:00 am Reach Out Day 6:00 pm NW Hills Family Night at Missions Baseball Monday, August 18 7:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting 3:00 pm Class 101 Sunday, August 24 Monday, August 25 First Day of School 11:30 am Prime Time Potluck Lunch WEEKLY EVENTS Sunday: 12:00 pm AA 6:30 pm Church Prayer Group 7:00 pm AA Women Monday: Tuesday: 12:00 pm AA 1:00 pm Needle crafters 6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 228 7:00 pm AA 5:15 pm Worship Band Practice 7:00 pm Crew 228 Meeting 7:00 pm AA 7:30 pm Adult Choir Practice 8:15 pm AA Spanish Wednesday: 7:00 pm Hand bells 8:00 pm NA 12-Step Program Thursday: 7:00 pm AA 8:15 pm AA Spanish Friday: 12:00 pm AA 7:00 pm AA Saturday: 9:00 am AA 10:00 am TOPS Weight Loss 7:00 pm AA Spanish Tuesday, August 26 9:00 am Mother s Day Out Staff Development Wednesday, August 27 9:00 am Mother s Day Out Staff Development Thursday, August 28 9:00 am Mother s Day Out Staff Development Friday, August 29 9:00 am Mother s Day Out Staff Development Saturday, August 30 11:00 am Children s Ministry to Landa Park Sunday, August 31 7:00 pm Troop 228 Patrol Leader Council AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 7

8 FROM CHILDREN S MINISTRY Natalie Long Children s Minister Caught in the Act of Serving A special thank you goes to Debbie Wisniewski and Crystal Moczygemba for providing our Sunday school teachers a break for the summer. We appreciate you! This sweet angel, Madison, made this box full of bracelets to donate to Africa! What a heart of gold. Thank you, Madison! The kids in Africa will appreciate these so much! Splashapalooza What a blast the kids had celebrating the start of summer together. This a super fun time of fellowship and fun for the kids! If you missed out this year, don t worry, this is a yearly event and there is more water fun to come this summer! 5 th Grade Celebration At the end of the school year, we celebrated these 5 th Graders by gathering together, viewing a slide show of their time growing up at NW Hills, receiving words of encouragement and welcome by their former and new teacher and some other very special things that will remain unsaid so that our kids next year will be surprised! This was an excellent way for our children to transition to Youth Group. Many of those children have attended Youth events, camps and even Mission Trips since. AUGUST 2014 NWH HAPPENINGS Page 8