Book recommendation - I Have Called You Friends, by Fisher Humphreys

Do you see yourself as a friend of Jesus? Picture yourself as a guest in God’s house. Or a traveler. If you are a Christ follower, you are all of these and more. Using 10 images from the New Testament, I Have Called You Friends invites us to grasp the unique dimensions of our identity as believers. Author Fisher Humphreys has written this important book for Christians who are interested in understanding themselves and the life God is calling them to live. Presented in an easy-to-read format, this book will draw you into the depths of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Highly recommended!

Come by the Fellowship Hall weekdays 8am-3pm to check out this book or any of the other good reads we have available!

Book recommendation - Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, by Richard Foster

Do you ever feel unworthy, selfish, lost, confused in coming to God in prayer, not knowing how or what to pray? Richard Foster in his book, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, writes, “We do not have to be bright, or pure, or filled with faith, or anything. That is what grace means, and not only are we saved by grace, we live by it as well. And we pray by it.”

Come by the Fellowship Hall weekdays 8am-3pm to check out this book or any of the other good reads we have available!

Lent Devotional Bags

It is time to prepare our hearts for Easter. That is what the season of Lent is for--to focus our hearts and change whatever needs to change. To help with that, there are Lent Devotional Kits for everyone to have and use at home. They are on a table in the Fellowship Hall, so please come by and get one, or let us know and we're happy to mail one to you. They have interactive devotions for every day on our journey to Easter.

A Song to Hear as You Pray - “Surely We Can Change” by the David Crowder Band

Let this song be part of your prayer today--as you pray for others, and as you pray for yourself.

“Surely We Can Change” by the David Crowder Band
 
And the problem is this, we were bought with a kiss.
But the cheek still turned, even when it wasn't hit.
 
And I don't know, what to do with a love like that.
And I don't know, how to be a love like that.
 
When all the love in the world, is right here among us.
And hatred too.
And so we must choose what our hands will do.
 
Where there is pain, let there be grace.
Where there is suffering, bring serenity.
For those afraid, help them be brave.
Where there is misery, bring expectancy.
And surely we can change.
Surely we can change, something.
 
And the problem it seems, is with you and me.
Not the Love who came to repair everything.
 
[repeat]
 
Oh, the world's about to change.
The whole world's about to change.

Need a good book? - Staff picks, Jane

Sing!, by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Sing! is an inspiring look at congregational singing as a witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ in our lives. Authors Keith and Kristyn Getty are leading a movement to encourage new, theologically-rich hymn singing. Their best known hymn “In Christ Alone” is one of our favorites! They also hold large gatherings of church musicians around the world to teach the importance of the revival of hymn singing in our churches. 

Our Adult Choir used this book as our devotional for our Fall Retreat last year and was blessed by its insights. Choir members and ALL church members, check this out for a deeper understanding of the privilege and responsibility we have as believers of singing our faith.

Need a good book? - Staff picks, Joy

A Whole New World: Life after Bethany, by Jan & Tony Cartledge

This is a book about life and loss. It begins with a personal account of a parent’s worst nightmare. Well-known ministers Jan and Tony Cartledge lost their seven-year-old daughter, Bethany, in an automobile accident. As you read their story, you will walk with them as they journey through the shock of Bethany’s death, the first year without her, and the healing process of the years that followed. Their story will touch your heart, mind, and spirit.

Mid-Week Bible Study – Ephesians 4:22–5:2

This week's Scripture passage talks about behaviors we should stop (put off) and ones we should practice (put on) when we clothe ourselves with the righteousness of Jesus. Even if we already know it, we need reminders not to be dishonest, violent, rude, etc., and instead we should be kind, helpful, and compassionate.
Click here to read Ephesians 4:22–5:2.

Mid-Week Bible Study - Ephesians 4:1-16

As we move into chapter 4 of Ephesians,  this week's passage encourages us to use whatever gifts that God has given us to help strengthen others as we all grow in Christ-like maturity. We talk about what maturity looks like, and what character traits Paul says we should have to be worthy of our calling.
Click here to read Ephesians 4:1-16.

Mid-Week Bible Study – Ephesians ch. 3

In chapter 3 Paul talks about a mystery that's been revealed, and how he's been called to "the administration of God's grace." Now that we know the mystery, that is our calling too! That's what we're thinking about in our discussion this week. Read Ephesians 3 here.

Mid-Week Bible Study – Ephesians 2:11-22

We continue reading through the book of Ephesians during the week. We finish chapter 2 this week, and hear about some of the incredible effects Jesus had to bring people together. Anyone is invited to watch, read along, and offer thoughts or questions in the comment section. Tune in each week around Wednesday afternoons as we read what Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to us about what God has done and how we should live in response.

Sunday School Books, Devotionals, & Magazines

The church has Sunday School books, devotional guides, Bible study commentaries, and magazines in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like your class’s book or an extra Bible reading guide, feel free to come by. We can hand it to you at the door, pass it through the car window, or you can step inside and get the ones you want from the stacks on that first table.

Mid-Week Bible Study - Ephesians 2:1-10

We continue reading through the book of Ephesians during the week. This week we’re reading Ephesians 2:1-10. Watch, read along, and offer thoughts or questions in the comment section. Tune in each week around Wednesday afternoons as we read what Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to us about what God has done and how we should live in response.