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Sermon Reflections for 5/29/11

5/25/2011

Hello again…

Remember that there is no Sunday School this week because of Memorial Day weekend. Summer Sunday School will begin the first week of June. It will be held during worship time with the children being dismissed following the children’s time.

Annual Conference is in Des Moines June 4-7. Cathey Grosvenor and Rev. Textor will be attending. Their daytime emergency phone number at HyVee Hall will be 515-707-6538. During that time our secretary Sheryl Sindt will be on vacation. Bev Zuch will substitute for her.

Looking ahead into June

Communion will be served on Pentecost Sunday the 12th.
Shirley’s farewell will be Sunday, June 19th.
VBS will be held at the Christian Church June 20-24.

Remember in prayer

June Smith, Ilene Parkhill and others with cancer
Rita Henningson and others who are seriously ill
Persons recovering from surgery
Persons grieving the loss of loved ones
Persons who died serving our country and the men and women presently serving in the military
Our church family and Pastors Karen Hoff and Shirley Textor in this time of transition

For this Sunday (29th)

Scripture: John 14:15-21
Sermon Title: “No Orphans Here”

Reflection

Think of the feelings involved when someone goes through a major transition—getting married, starting a family, graduating, becoming empty nesters, surviving a difficult loss, retiring, etc. That’s what Jesus’ disciples will soon be experiencing in this passage from John.
What is the blessing that the disciples will receive in light of Jesus’ leave taking?
Why is the Holy Spirit important to Jesus’ followers?
How can we tell that people love Jesus?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

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Sermon Reflections for 5/22/11

5/20/2011

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Hello again…

Our church community appreciation day activities went well—lunch for guests, library grounds clean-up, preparing pots and planting flowers, litter clean-up, thank you notes. Thirty-five or so of our church folk took part including 2 youth and 4 children. This would be a good project to continue in future years, perhaps with other community churches included.

Our church related graduation activities are completed and the graduation ceremony and receptions are taking place this weekend. Congratulations to Quintin Forrester and Alex Gleaves

Mary Applegate passed away this week. Her viewing is at the funeral home Friday night, her funeral is at our church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, and the funeral lunch will be held at the Christian Church.

This Sunday we will present Sunday School certificates to our children during worship; next Sunday the Sunday School will not meet. Hats off to all who help provide Christian learning and fellowship activities for our children!

For this Sunday (22nd)

Scripture: I Peter 2:4-10
Sermon Title: “Solid Rock and Living Stones”

Reflection

In what ways is Jesus a living cornerstone?
Why is Jesus a stumbling block to some people?
What is our status as God’s people?
As God’s people what are we called to do?
Stephen (Acts 6 & 7) is one of many “living stones” that we read about in the bible. Do you know any present day “living stones”?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

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Sermon Reflections for 5/15/11

5/13/2011

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Greetings everyone…

I know that I announced this vacation as a working one. However, I could have done without the sick part! While I achieved the crucial tasks of finding a place to live, of testing places to eat out, of acquiring a bank and a library card, and signing up for the Curves exercise program, I spent the rest of the time with the dentist and the doctor and feeling blah—my usual throat, voice and cough problems, plus putting my back out of place.

Finally, May 14 is upon us and we’ll be carrying out activities to show our appreciation to the Oakland community. If you won’t be available to help with your presence or physical participation, be sure to pray for the event itself.

This Sunday we are honoring our two Riverside graduates--Quintin Forrester and Alex Gleaves. Be sure to bring a food dish and join these two and their guests at an after church brunch/potluck. The RCA sponsored Baccalaureate service will be in the evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Christian Church. I’d appreciate your prayers for my voice to hold out for the two events.

Our special missions offering this week is for tornado recovery assistance for the Mapleton community. I served as pastor in that community for 7 years and have a special place in my heart for them. Oh, if you haven’t done so, be sure to express your appreciation to our missions committee for two recent outstanding events—the Chicken Delight Heifer Project Fundraiser and notes and gift cards for area service men and women.

For this Sunday (15th)

• Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33
• Sermon Title: “Take My Hand”

Reflection

Why might this bible story be helpful to persons who are anxious or fearful or even facing life-threatening circumstances?
How many bible stories can you think of where Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid?
Peter actually walked on the water. What caused him to sink?
What difference does it make to know that Jesus is the Son of God?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

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Sermon Reflections for 5/29/11

Sermon Reflections for 5/22/11

Sermon Reflections for 5/15/11

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