Heartbeat INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH August 30, 2015 Greetings and a warm welcome to each one this last Sunday of August. Evangelism Training As believers in the risen Savior, we have been commissioned to Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations (Matt. 28:19). While the gospel may be simple, sharing it is rarely easy! Even the Apostle Paul asked for prayer in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:19). Sharing God s plan of salvation clearly takes practice, and a lot of prayer! but Jesus promised I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). In preparation for Fall Kickoff, Adam Flaugh will be presenting an evangelism training class on Tuesday, September 8 at 7 p.m. in the Bible Learning Center. Adam will share insights and methods to use when communicating the good news. Be sure to attend this class to help develop your skills as an evangelist. Bible Resources The church website (www. ihcc.org) has many resources for the Bible student. We currently have 1,750 of Gil s messages available as well as messages from other speakers and classes. These messages can be listened to, watched or downloaded at your convenience. If you would like to get Bible teaching on your mobile device, download the Sound Words app to your iphone or Android device. You will have access to a multitude of resources for your personal Bible study. Sound Words app Heartbeat 3
Introducing the New Awana Director Galen Pfeiffer by Gale Engle Galen Pfeiffer has agreed to take on the responsibility of leading Awana and said, Awana is a great ministry because it gives us another opportunity to build the Word of God into our kids hearts and minds. Galen and Kellie Pfeiffer and family Galen has taught Awana the last two years and said, One of the main objectives of Awana is Bible verse memorization. The more verses the kids learn, the more awards they get. Along with that, they have fun with games, songs that praise and glorify the Lord, and lesson time, where we get to plant the Word in their hearts again. Raised in Kearney, Galen grew up in a Lutheran church. Although the pastor preached regu- 4 Heartbeat larly concerning the consequences of sin, Galen didn t see the need for a personal Savior in his life. Instead, Galen believed that he could make his own way to heaven by doing good deeds. Galen thought he would be good enough for God because he did more good things than bad things. During the high school and college years, Galen s path took him farther away from God, pursuing the things of the world, chasing things that he liked, and not being concerned about how the sin in his life was separating Him from God. After high school, Galen took classes at UNK for two years and UNL for three years to obtain an electrical engineering degree. Galen and his high school sweetheart, Kellie, were married shortly after graduation. Being newly married and living in Lincoln, they wanted to attend church together. There was friction over where to go because Galen came from a Lutheran background and Kellie came from a Baptist Church. As a compromise, they decided to find a church that was neither Lutheran nor Baptist, but centered on the Bible. They came to Indian Hills and liked it, Continued on page 5
Continued from page 4 Galen Pfeiffer but didn t get into the pattern of coming to church regularly. In January, 1998, Galen and Kellie moved to the Highlands. I tried to make myself happy with things, Galen said. Kellie and I had a lot going on in our lives. We built a house, and I was enjoying my work, but nothing brought true contentment or joy. Providentially, Rick and Julie Valenta moved in next door. They invited us to attend a Bible study in their home and Kellie and I enjoyed getting to know them and the others in the study, and studying the Bible, Galen said. Around the same time, Galen was working as an electrical engineer and often worked late at the office. By divine providence, Dan McGerr had a custodial contract with the engineering company and came in after hours to clean the office, while Galen was working late. According to Galen, he started to think Dan was a little strange, because every time he saw him, he would talk about God. One evening Dan asked me, If you died tonight, would you go to heaven? I didn t answer straight away, but it definitely got me thinking. God was drawing Galen to Himself. One night after Bible study the gospel was suddenly clear, Galen said. I knew I was a sinner and that my sin separated me from God. I also knew He would never let me into His heaven because of my sin. Bill and Carolyn Mize went to the Pfeiffer s home and presented the gospel to them. The veil over Galen s eyes fell away. It was clear that my previous belief that I could work my way to heaven by doing good deeds was purely a lie, and a terrible insult to God, who had sent His only beloved Son to suffer and die to pay the penalty for my sin. Galen turned from his sin and believed in Jesus complete work on the cross and His resurrection. It was October, 1999, and Galen was a new creature in Christ. Kellie also became a believer in Jesus Christ and the Pfeiffers began attending Indian Hills regularly. We loved being involved in the study of the Bible. We were surrounded by mature believers and it was a joy to get to know each one. They helped us with our daily walk with the Lord and with learning the Scriptures. Galen and Kellie s first child, Blake, was born in 2001. We got plugged into ministries for parents with children, Galen said, and loved it. The Pfeiffers now have five children and can t imagine life without any of them. As a church, we have been blessed with a great opportunity Continued on page 6 Heartbeat 5
Continued from page 5 Galen Pfeiffer to share the gospel with kids that would not hear the gospel if we didn t bring them to church. We never know how God will use the gospel seed we are privileged to plant, Galen said. We want to share the Word with our community. With Awana and the Van Ministry, we have been given another opportunity to do that. The additional kids can be challenging, and it has stretched us a bit, but it is a true blessing. The work is rewarding. We are blessed to have fantastic leaders in Awana, Galen said. The workers are dedicated to the Lord and to teaching the children. Sometimes Awana can be a challenge, as the kids have a lot more energy than we do, but the leaders truly love these kids and have fun with them. When it s song and lesson time, their compassion toward the children and their desire for them to learn the things of God is an amazing thing to see. If you are willing to serve where the work is not always easy, and would like to help children learn about Jesus, Galen would like you to come help with Awana. For more information, contact Galen at 402-613-6896 (leave message), or gk5fer@gmail.com Where do babies who die go? Does Scripture address this issue? In his booklet, What Is the Destiny of Babies Who Die? Pastor Gil Rugh searches the Bible to see what conclusions Christians can come to on this important but often emotional issue. Using a balanced approach, Pastor Rugh closely examines what the Bible does and does not say about babies and salvation. This resource will be a help to all who have wondered about the eternal destiny of infants and the destiny of others who have passed away without having the ability to accept or reject Christ. What Is the Destiny of Babies Who Die? is free and available in the lobby book racks. It is also available for free online at www.ihcc.org. Click on Resources/Booklets. 6 Heartbeat
Fall Classes Begin Tuesday, September 8 9:30 11:00 a.m. All Ladies Invited Unity of the Spirit Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). Be sure to put this on your calendar! Heartbeat 7
Interpreted for the Deaf Make plans to attend the 2015 Fall Kickoff Picnic & Concert on Sunday, September 13. Bring the whole family and invite your friends and neighbors. Interpreted for the Deaf. Everyone is welcome. 8 Heartbeat
Phil Boehr Announces Music & Arts Camp Schedule The first eighth graders involved in Music & Arts Camp have the following schedule: Sunday, August 30 All practice in the Family Center from 10:30 11:35 a.m. All have pizza lunch in Family Center from 11:45 a.m. 12:10 p.m. (bring $3.00 if you can) All practice in the auditorium from 12:15 1:30 p.m. Speaking parts continue practice until 2:15 p.m. All meet together in auditorium at 5:15 p.m. for final instructions and sound checks Present program from 6:00 6:45 p.m. Refreshments, devotional and games from 6:45 7:30 p.m. Please wear bright colored tops and shorts for the program. Keep listening to your CDs, especially the last few songs. Keep praying that God will keep teaching us about His amazing grace! Heartbeat 9
Family News. Hospitalized. Don Buhr was a patient at St. Elizabeth Hospitalized. Norma Buhr was a patient at St. Elizabeth There are no words... thank you seems so inadequate to express our gratitude to our church family at Quentin s home going. Your outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. What an awesome testimony to our unsaved family and friends to see what it means to be a follower of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We appreciate all the meals, cards, kind words of sympathy and encouragement, and your prayers. We are blessed beyond measure because of you. Also thank you to the ladies who prepared the memorial service luncheon and to those who served it. Again, to the watching eyes of the unsaved, to see the Body of Christ serve with such unconditional love is truly a love in action testimony of His Grace. In His Love and Service Perry & Lori Beard and family Children s Studies Sunday School studied Luke 12:35 48 and learned about the watching servants and the faithful steward. Children s Church. The children rehearsed for tonight s mini-concert, Amazing Grace. Information AWANA leaders meeting will be held Sunday, September 13 in the high school room (1430) immediately following the morning worship service. The meeting will conclude in 15 minutes or less. Awana Workers Needed for Awana on Wednesday nights beginning September 16. If you would like to teach, assist, listen to verses, work with crafts, treats, or recreation, please contact Galen Pfeiffer. Call 402-613-6896 leave message or e-mail: gk5fer@gmail.com Choir and Orchestra. Rehearsals resume Wednesday, September 16. Orchestra will rehearse from 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Choir will rehearse from 7:00 8:30 p.m. Choir will meet in the EDGE Room (Choir Room). Talk to Aaron Nicholson about joining orchestra (aaron. nicholson@ihcc.org). Come join us and, Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy (Ps 33:3). Cookies/Fruit. Volunteers are needed to provide cookies and fruit for the Fall Kickoff meal on Sunday, September 13. If you would be willing to bring three dozen cookies or some fruit, call the church at (402)483-4541 and talk to Kathleen, or email her at kathleen.anderson@ihcc.org. Signup sheets will also be in Sunday School classes. 10 Heartbeat
Home School Class. Each Titus Tuesday morning, a homeschooling class will be offered for children whose mother is attending Titus Tuesday. This class is for students, Kindergarten sixth grade. We will begin our organized mornings in the gym, south side. Please plan on sending 15-20 minutes of independent work and needed supplies (some direction reading and help will be available) for your child, each time. If you are planning on your K sixth grader joining our class, or if you have any questions, please contact Shannon O Neal at 402-420-9986. Also, any ladies (homeschooling or not), who have a special desire/heart to help in our homeschool room, please call Shannon. We need rotational helpers each week, and women who might be interested in teaching a lesson (art, science, etc.) to our students on occasion. Girls of Grace registration for the coming year will be held Sunday, September 6 and 13 in the Family Center. Boys of Faith registration for the coming year will be held Sunday, September 6 and 13 in the Family Center. Cleaners are needed to vacuum and wipe down surfaces of a section of the church once every five weeks. If you d like to serve the Lord in this capacity, please call Tami Coffin, 402-366-3490. Fall Kickoff will be held Sunday, September 13. Be thinking of who to invite to the picnic at 4:30 p.m. and concert at 6:00 p.m. The concert is interpreted for the Deaf. Deaf Conference. Many volunteers will be needed for the Friday- Saturday, October 2, 3 conference. If you would like to help, contact Perry or Lori Beard at 402-475-5657. Door to Door evangelism meets Mondays at the church s north entrance at 6:15 p.m. Sunday Night Nursery. An adult helper is needed for the first and fifth Sunday of the month in the two-year-old room. If interested, call Joanna Andrews, 402-465-0301 or Lynette Wiens, 402-570-9044. Gardening. Please meet in the south parking lot on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Information Desk workers are needed for Sunday mornings and evenings. If you would like to help, contact Kathleen Anderson at 402-483-4541 or kathleen.anderson@ ihcc.org. Last Week s Message August 23 AM. MW 15. Mike Wing. Following Christ In the World As It Is. Matthew 16:24 August 23 PM. MW 16. Mike Wing. Attitudes Towards Leaders In the Church. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Heartbeat 11
This Week s Events Sunday Music & Arts Finale Amazing Grace 6 p.m. Sonshine Kids Monday Door to Door Evangelism Sisters Wednesday Gardening 9:00 a.m. Thursday Alpha Omega Study 7-8 p.m. Guest Speakers While Gil is taking a break, we will be well-fed by the following men. August 30: Peter Barber September 6: Mike Hulinsky Heartbeat August 30, 2015 Vol. 23, No. 36 Editor: Gale Engle Publisher: John Scholle Heartbeat is published each week by Indian Hills Community Church for distribution on Sunday morning. Future Events September 6 Girls of Grace, Boys of Faith Registration September 7 Labor Day (Offices Closed) September 8 Titus Tuesday Begins 9:30 a.m. Pre Fall Kickoff Activities Begin September 12 Tract Give-a-way at Football Game September 13 Awana Meeting 11:30 a.m. Fall Kickoff Girls of Grace, Boys of Faith Registration in Family Center September 16 Awana 6:45 p.m. Junior High Issues in our Contemporary World September 20 Girls of Grace, Boys of Faith Begin September 23 Wednesday Night Study October 2, 3 Deaf Conference Alpha Omega Fall Retreat October 4 Baptism October 6 Cleaning Morning November 3 6 Branson Trip 12 Heartbeat