CHRISTIAN Journal S A R D I N I A C H U R C H O F C H R I S T t 7130 Bachman Road, Sardinia, Oh 45171 * (937)446-2594 * website: sardiniacc.com * email: sardiniacc@gmail.com * November 2017 November 13th - 20th Operation Christmas Child Collection Week
Kevin s Comments Change Change is in the air. Fall is here, the temp is dropping, and the leaves are changing. Time change weekend with our clocks is just around the corner on November 5. If there is one thing I ve learned in life and ministry Change is inevitable. Embrace it and live, or resist it and be miserable. We have to accept change in order to make progress. In the Bible, Abraham was 75 when God came to him and said, I want you to move. Abraham agreed. From that point on, his life was one incredible adventure. There was little certainty, but there was a lot of significance, because he was willing to be flexible. The Christians in the first century had to change. Paul s method of preaching in Athens was different than his method at Corinth because the cultures were different. The Christians at Jerusalem had to make a big adjustment in accepting Gentiles into the church. We have to accept change too. The pipe organ isn t a part of our worship service any more. We ll seldom hear the King James Version of the Bible read. We likely won t ever sing, Do Lord, O Do Lord, O do remember me again. You can sit back with your arms folded in disgust and pine for the good old days or you can get on board with God s program for the future. That s why Jesus taught that you can t put new wine in old brittle wineskins because, when the wine ferments, the old wineskins will burst. You better put new wine in new wineskins that they can expand and be flexible. Jesus gave 8 beatitudes. Someone said that there is a 9th one. Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape! I have to remind myself of that from time to time, because as I get older, I tend to be more critical. Changes are coming to Sardinia as we seek to make an eternal difference for Jesus Christ. We are ever looking for ways to reach out and make a difference for Him! There will certainly be ample opportunities for that in the next couple of months and years. It really is a new normal. Changes are occurring outside (and inside) the church every week that will help us reach the goal of going to heaven when we die and taking as many people with us as possible. So view change as a friend to embrace, not an enemy to fear. I love what the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:20, Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a beautiful expression of worship it would be for us to live out this verse in our lives. We can do this because we know God s love and concern are unfailing. No matter how many things may change around here, one thing will never change God loves you and so do I! Kevin
Student Ministry News Questions? Please contact jhenslee.scoc@gmail.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/scocstudents A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. - Jesus speaking in Matthew 10:24 - If you google leadership you ll find countless books each with their X number of suggested traits, practices, attitudes, etc. That s not including the numerous articles that all try to do it condensed. Most of my life I ve heard a ton about why everyone should become a leader; how, when, and it s benefits. However, there s a basic mathematical problem in suggesting everyone should become a leader: who would be following if everyone is leading? You ll find very little on being a follower, yet an overwhelming amount of people will be a follower of something whether they think of themselves as followers or not. Also, what makes or breaks a leader is the followers they have or don t have at all. All being said, you and I are going to be more of a follower our entire life than a leader, so why not invest in the X number of traits, practices, attitudes, etc. on being a good follower? Let s take a look our perfect example, Jesus. Yes, Jesus was a leader and a perfect one at that. As a leader Jesus was constantly demonstrating AS A LEADER what it means to be a follower of God. Whenever Jesus was challenged in his teachings, his teachings always led back to how one follows. Jesus is an excellent example of being a faithful servant of God and his disciples struggled with doing so. They were following Jesus yet trying to tell him how he should treat certain people. Think about that: the followers were trying to lead the leader. They weren t following. Ever dislike a leader because of how the followers behave? We have that problem every day especially in our political climate. So why not give thought to how we follow? We should consider carefully how to grow in character as a follower so that we, as Christians, can be a better reflection of Christ. Therefore, Christ is the leader and we are the followers. Joe
Alpha Class News ALPHA CLASS NEWS Due to the many church activities during the month of October, the Alpha Class decided to pass on a meeting for the month. We would like to send a special thank you to Diane Evans for bringing cakes to those having birthdays in September. As I was one of the recipients, I especially wanted to publicly thank Diane for her thoughtfulness. She is just one of the reasons that makes the Alpha Class special. If you are looking for a Sunday School Class to attend, please join us at 9:00 Sunday mornings in the classroom across from the sanctuary on the offices side of the building. You could be having fun like we are in the pictures below during Alpha Class meetings. Diana Newman
Service Opportunity THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY MEAL/BOXES Your support of the Agape Community Food Pantry outreach in the Sardinia area is deeply appreciated. Again this year we are requesting that all boxes/sacks be as uniform as possible for distribution which means no decorations on the boxes or additional items included. There are many people picking up boxes at the same time. If at all possible, place one complete meal in one box/sack along with $10 (in envelope) for turkey or ham and perishable items. Please tape the envelope with money where visible. ITEMS FOR MEALS: 2 cans Green Beans (14/15 oz.) 2 cans Corn (14.15 oz.) 2 large boxes Instant Mashed Potatoes (13.75-15.3 oz.) 2 jars or 2 cans or 3 packages of Chicken or Turkey Gravy 2 boxes of Stuffing (Dressing) 1 box Cake Mix 1 can of Icing 2 Cans of Fruit (15-20 oz.) 1 large box or 2 3-oz. boxes of Gelatin (Jell-o) Thanksgiving boxes will be distributed to those requesting on Monday, November 20th between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sardinia church family, please bring your holiday boxes to the church no later than noon of November 12th. Otherwise deliveries can be made to Sardinia United Methodist Church by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12th.
Service Opportunity Rice Packing and Fall Cleaning Events Saturday, November 4th Come at 10:00 a.m. to the gym. It will take only until noon to pack thousands of meals. Since each person has only one job to do for each meal pack, the process is fast and efficient and children can also participate. It s a fun time for everyone and benefits people in need. Depending on the number of people who come to pack meals, if there are more than needed then there is a list of items that need cleaning in the church. These jobs may require ladders and cleaning equipment and can be done simultaneously during the meal packing. This cleaning event is not expected to extend much past noon and it is anticipated that it will include cleaning the gym floor once the meals are packed and the gym is cleared.
What s Happening Here at Church? Every week plates are set out for a free will offering of a dollar. At the end of the month the money collected is given to someone in the community in need. Church members can recommend someone who has been hit with difficult times. Application forms are available at the Welcome Center or on our web page at sardiniacc.com under Our Ministries/The Dollar Difference. Getting involved can make a dollar difference for someone! Euchre Night at the church on Friday, November 3rd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring finger foods and snacks to share. Beverages are provided. Come and enjoy a fun time of fellowship. Prayer Meeting on Sunday, November 5th Meet at the church at 6:00 p.m. for a time set aside for prayer for our families, for this church, for our community, for our state, for our nation, and for our individual needs. We ll be praying for protection from Satan and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms and against the spirits of bondage/ addiction, unbelief, pride, and fear operating in our country. Then we can experience first hand the strong arm of God and His Spirit moving through our land. To God be the glory! Amen. Fitness Activities Every Monday classes in Zumba Tone convene at 6:30 p.m. and Yoga begins at 7:30 p.m. Every Wednesday Zumba begins at 6:30 p.m. and Yoga at 7:30 p.m. Both evenings the church building will be unlocked for those who wish to walk inside or outside. (The track is available for use at any time.) Each session costs $2 per person. Bring your own mat if you have one. Questions? See Kevin or Cathy Hamilton.
What s Happening Here at Church? SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS seminar, for those who are grieving, will help you survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. Attend on Saturday, November 11th, from 9:00 11:00 a.m. here at the church. There is no cost for the workbook and a light breakfast. Please use the sign up sheet at the Welcome Center by November 5th. Veteran Recognition Sunday November 12th During the Morning Worship service our veterans will be recognized for their service to our nation and to our families. Thank you so much, men and women of the armed forces, for your protection. Church Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 12th Everyone is invited to the church Thanksgiving Dinner which will begin at 5:00 p.m. Meats, beverages, and table settings are provided. Just bring a side dish and a dessert. We have so much to be thankful for in our church family. God is so good. All the time God is good.
What s Happening Here at Church? November 19th is ALL-IN Sunday, a day when people take their next step in their spiritual journey and go ALL- IN with their faith by being baptized into Christ, just like they were in the New Testament. Any time you feel led to go ALL IN for Christ you can and should do so. This ALL-IN Sunday serves as a great catalyst for many. If you are thinking about making a decision on this day please let the staff know so we can make adequate preparation for this day. LET'S ALL BE PRAYING FOR GOD TO WORK IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE CONTEMPLATING AN ALL-IN DECISION FOR HIM! Community Church Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day This free traditional Thanksgiving dinner is available to anyone in the community and to those who attend church here. This dinner will be served on Thanksgiving Day from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. If you know that you can attend please r.s.v.p. by November 16th to the church office at 937-446-2594 or to David Mignerey at 937-515-0734. If your plans have changed and you find that you can come, come anyway; there will be plenty of delicious food and good fellowship.
Announcements Capital Campaign Status as of October 22, 2017 Amount Received is $274,194.71 Amount Remainingis $62,255.39 If you would like to participate in this Building Fund Campaign, please use the Building Fund envelopes on the back of the pews. Suggested donations for each month: January: stuffed animals February: small toys (no guns or war related items) March: toothbrushes April: wash cloths and bars of soap (no liquids) May: lip balm (solids only) and stuffed animals June: small balls and sunglasses July: chalk, crayons (no larger than 24 pack), erasers, scissors and notebooks August: paper, colored pencils, glue sticks, and rulers September: solid deodorant, combs, and brushes October: coloring books and flip flops November is Collection Month to fill and assemble shoe boxes. Bring your empty shoe boxes, donations and/or filled shoe boxes to the Welcome Center. Sardinia s Hamburger/Tuna Helper, Tomato and Chicken Noodle Soups, Canned Tuna and Chicken, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Crackers, Spaghetti, Spaghetti Sauce, Mashed Potatoes or other boxed potatoes, Gravy, Jello or Pudding, Canned Fruits and Vegetables
November 2017 Calendar November 3rd - 5th - Senior High Fall Retreat for Grades 9-12 November 4th - Service Opportunity: Pack rice in gym for Lifeline Christian Mission from 10:00 a.m. to noon and fall cleaning in the church building November 5th - Set clocks back one hour November 5th - Prayer Meeting at 6:00 p.m. November 8th - Friendly Circle Meeting at 7:00 p.m. November 11th - Grief Share: Surviving the Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. November 12th - Veteran s Day Recognition at church during Morning Worship November 12th - Thanksgiving Meal Boxes here by noon November 12th - Church Thanksgiving Dinner at 5:00 p.m. November 13th - 20th - Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 19th - ALL-IN Sunday during Morning Worship November 21st - Thanksgiving Community Service at St. Mary s Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m. November 23rd - Thanksgiving Day with Community Thanksgiving Dinner here November 24th & 25th - Church offices closed December 3rd - Congregational Meeting December 7th - YAH at Butler Springs Christian Camp at 6:00 p.m. WORSHIP TIMES SUNDAY SCHEDULE 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m Worship SARDINIA CHURCH OF CHRIST l Mission Statement l Staff Kevin Hamilton, Minister kevinscoc@gmail.com Joe Henslee, Youth Minister jhenslee.scoc@gmail.com Alexa Koewler Worship Co-ordinator alexakoewler@gmail.com Ruth Ann Goodlin Secretary sardiniacc@gmail.com Bob Hopkins, Treasurer Jeannie Puckett, Janitor Elders Ed Fryman Scott Mays Bill Boling Joe Etienne Dave Mignerey Deacons Jeremy Mignerey Regge Fender We are committed to worshiping GOD, making Jesus the Lord of our lives, and sharing the truth of God s Word with our community and the world.