Flowers

I just wanted to remind everyone about bringing flowers in memory of your loved ones to be read in Service on Sunday. You can have more than one name on your flowers if you would like. Remember the church will be unlocked all day on Saturday to bring your flowers at your convenience. I will probably re-lock the Church around 7:00 in the evening and open it by 8:00 a.m. If you can't bring them on Saturday, then Sunday would be fine - just make sure I get your card with the names you want read ahead of time.

Our Trish - So proud of you!

We are so blessed to have this talent in our little church. She has done a fantastic job on the children's mural. I am so glad Trish's hard work and talent got recognized this week in our paper. If you all don't get the paper you can check it out online at http://currentnoblesville.com//archive/20103/

PRAYER MEETING TONIGHT!

Prayer Meeting tonite at 7:00

at Hinkle Creek Friends 

Come on down, Come as you are

Let's all get together 

for just a little while

and pray

together

as one.

This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Hallelujah
This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
All in my house

I'm going to let it shine
Oh, all in my house
I'm going to let it shine
Hallelujah
All in my house
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

I'm not going to make it shine
I'm just going to let it shine
I'm not going to make it shine
I'm just going to let it shine
Hallelujah
I'm not going to make it shine
I'm just going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Out in the dark
I'm going to let it shine
Oh, out in the dark
I'm going to let it shine
Hallelujah
Out in the dark
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
By: Harry Dixon Loes

My friend Tom's websight

http://www.bonafidefarmfood.com/

I just want to share with everyone the link above. My friend Tom whom I've told you about before has a website. He lives in Arcadia and he is a chef/farmer/photographer. He has many delicious recipes on there and I thought you might enjoy looking at his site. There is a new video about cooking pork chops that I really like. He is so passionate about cooking it's inspiring!

Bon Appetit'

Kelly

"As many candles lighted and put in one place do greatly augment the light and make it more to shine forth, so when many are gathered together into the same life there is more of the glory of God, and His power appears to the refreshment of each individual, for each partakes not only of the light and life raised in himself, but in all the rest. -- Robert Barclay (1648-1690)"

For love in all things does oneness call, thinking no evil but pure good to all. Yea, love is God, and God is love and light, Fullness of pleasure, joy and great delight.
-- Caleb Raper's Commonplace Book, 1711

Update

Just a quick update on Peggy Stubbs. She is out of ICU and in a transition room waiting to get a little stronger, then will be put in rehab. with possible home health care once she goes home. She is still somewhat confused and very weak from it all. All of her family is keeping vigil over her while she recovers. I appreciate your prayers for her.

Prayers needed

Just wanted to ask if you could pray for Peggy (my Dad's wife). She is in ICU and they think she has had a stroke or at least several mini-strokes back to back. I have been there all afternoon, but we don't know much yet until they can observe and take a series of tests. While I was there, Sharon Griffith came down the elevator and she said her mother Martha Barnes was having a heart issue and they think she has pneumonia. So, I went up to see her and she is very depressed that she is back in the hospital. She asked if you could all pray for her. I'll post more on both as I know more.

from Bob

B.Stubbs photography

beautiful golden light in the sanctuary -Pastor Stubbs took this picture

Bible Study Questions for Tonight

Genesis: Study 7

In tonight’s study we will go a little further into the life of Abram. We will focus heavily on the relationship between Abram and his nephew, Lot. There are many issues and events surrounding this relationship that we should spend some time on, as well, but the majority of tonight’s reading pertains to some aspect of this relationship.

Genesis 13:1-18 (Abram and Lot Separate)

Questions for Discussion

What are the details concerning the separation of Abram and Lot? Who offers what to whom? What leads up to this separation?

Does Lot’s choice of land say anything about him as a person? Why does God talk to Abram and not Lot?

At many points in the Old Testament, we are told that God communicated directly to a human being through what would seem to be audible speech. How does God speak to you in your life? Have you ever heard the voice of God? Do you think God’s voice would be like a human’s, or would it be something completely and utterly different? Can you give an example of an instance in your life when you believe God was speaking to you in some way?

In a nutshell, what is the important lesson we should take from the separation of Abram and Lot? What is the distinct difference between the two men based on this situation (especially in relation to their individual relationships with God)?

Genesis 14:1-24 (Lot’s Captivity and Rescue, Melchizedek)

Questions for Discussion

What is the importance of the account of the battle between the various kings in this chapter? It seems an odd place to have such a detailed account of who was involved in the battle, etc. But obviously, since it’s in there, it’s there for a reason. Why do you think it’s there?

Does this episode provide us with a different image of Abram than described previously? How would you describe Abram in this particular section of Genesis?

Who is Melchizedek? The name Melchizedek actually means “my king is righteousness”. How does the meaning of his name relate to his blessing of Abram? Why is this significant in the story of Abram’s life?

Compare Abram’s conversation with the king of Sodom to the conversation between Abram and Lot earlier. What does this comparison teach us about respect and how God rewards the honorable?

I am bringing a mexican casserole tomorrow for bible study.

More reasons to smile.

Thank-you!

I can't begin to express my deep gratitude for everything that everyone has done to help carry the load this week and especially today to help with the Memorial Service, the food, greeting, and showing love which is what we are all about! All of those 150 plus people in attendance today got to see and experience this beautiful place where "Love Grows". I love all of you and appreciate you so much! I'm the most fortunate Pastor in the World to have a congregation like you! See you tomorrow!

Family Fun Night

You see, when the Bible encourages us to be humble, it means for us to simply recognize God's right to rule in our hearts and lives and to use our gifts to bring Him glory. It also means that we do not consider ourselves to be "better" than our fellow human beings knowing that God loves us all and that Jesus died for us all. So, while we do not gloat over our abilities, we don't deny them and bury them either. We let our lights shine and direct the glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

Humility is one of the traits that God wants to see in His people: "as God's chosen people...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). The Bible equates humility with other positive characteristics, such as doing good, being peaceable and being considerate. James 3:13 tells us that humility leads to wisdom: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own powers. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man.
--John Ruskin

Sin Of Pride

I was feeling low this morning and was wondering what my problem was. I found this summary about the sin of pride below. I thought I would share it.

So in summary, the sin of pride manifests itself in selfish motives, an exaggerated ego, a low opinion of others, and disrespect for God. It can lead to other sins against God. For example: robbing God of the glory He is due, and it can and does distort your perception of reality. We fight pride by humbling ourselves before God in prayer, asking Him to reveal the pride hidden in our hearts, acknowledging and repenting of pride when we see it in ourselves, and by being transparent with our Christian family for the sake of accountability and prayer.

In closing here are a few passages of Scripture dealing specifically with pride:

"The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts." (Psalms 10:4)

"Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6)

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate." (Proverbs 8:13)

"When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2)

"By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13:10)

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

"Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5)

"A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." (Proverbs 29:23)

So the Lord knows how to save those who serve him when troubles come...

2Peter2:9

I know of a country church.

It’s an old building with old pews.

It’s a place of peace.

There’s a small cemetery right next door.

And in that cemetery are two trees.

They stand by the side of the road.

They stand together.

Together they look as though they make just one tree.

But they are two.

So beautiful and so tall.

I can’t imagine one without the other.

They seem to be keeping each other company.

Their message to me is in such stark contrast to what the cemetery seems to be saying.

I look at the stones lined up in the yard and I wonder how we do it.

Saying goodbye.

Feeling left behind.

Feeling so incomplete you actually look down to see if there is a hole in your chest.

Looking for the physical evidence of the pain you feel.

You catch a glimpse of those trees.

So perfect together.

So right.

A life fully lived will understand the story the trees tell and also the story of the stones.

So, I smile.

They are a beautiful symbol of love.

Oh the many tears that this ground has absorbed.

Oh to love and to be loved.

The leaves will gently rustle in the summer breeze and I will come to see them, to walk between them.

I thank them for reminding me how amazingly beautiful love is.

I thank God for letting me share in his creation.

These trees tell me that I am not alone.

They say, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Not without you.”

We cannot make that promise to one another.

But God can.

MAGNITUDE

She welcomes hello
with eyelashes that blink
in waves
and I am the shore,
the resting place for her smile.

She shrinks
with fragile breath
bolstered by a long silver cord,
as if connected to heaven.
God makes oxygen machines.

She says bye
but my stomach says
wait,
and I wonder when I return
if she'll be here.

Empty space
will wave to me.
A hurricane
with a magnitude of years.
And the richter scale of sobs
will be shooting off the charts.


Judith Pordon

You can shed tears that I have gone,
Or you can smile because I have lived

You can close your eyes
And pray that I’ll come back,
Or you can open your eyes,
And see all I have left.

Your heart can be empty,
Because you can’t see me,
Or you can be full of the love we shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow
And live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow
Because of yesterday.

You can remember me and only that I’ve gone,
Or you can cherish my memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back,

Or you can do what I’d want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Author unknown

Memorial Dinner - Food Contribution Request

Its been requested by the Food Committee that if anyone is interested in donating or contributing to the dinner for Michelle to please bring a Dessert Dish and or Salad Dish. If you have further questions you can reach out to Sharon Griffith.

Memorial Service

The Memorial Service for Michelle will be held this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Church with a meal following the services. The Family would like everyone in attendance to help them celebrate Michelle's life and fellowship with them at the meal. It is estimated to be around 100 people for the meal and more for the Memorial Service. Sharon has been notified, so many of you may be getting a call from her to help out with food.

In lieu of flowers, Tom has requested that money be sent to Hinkle in Michelle's memory.

Michelle

Good morning. Our sweet Michelle went home to be with the Lord at 6:50 this morning. I'm going over to be with the family for a little bit and will post more details about the memorial service as we discuss that. Please lift this family this morning in your prayers as they cling together during the tough time.

Michelle

I have not been up today, but have been in touch with the family. I just received the below email from her sister and thought this was the best way to inform you of the latest:

"You people are the best...what church community is all about. Michelle is in deep coma now but her strong heart & lungs are keeping her going. Spiritually we are convinced she is ready but her body is still strong. We are keeping vigil & feel that she is at least no longer in pain. Thank you all so much for all the love coming our way. Gina & family"

Let's keep praying for this precious family as God leads them through this valley. Bob

He Catches Our Tears In His Hands

There are seasons of life that yield so much pain
that even God's children might doubt He is there.
For the trial is long and they've shed many tears
while sobbing in the midst of their prayers.

Yet, God loves us so much...even in our deep pain
and He's listening to every word that we say.
He sees the heartache, knowing all we endure
and every unspoken prayer we might pray.

He's so near to the broken hearts, who carry such sorrow
and His silence means He's letting us speak.
For He's still the God who listens...like a Father to His children
every time that we earnestly seek.

And God knows there's a time for everything on earth
a time for mourning...lament...or great sorrow.
Just as sure as the day comes when the burden is lifted
and His joy brings the sunrise tomorrow.

He treasures every time His children lift their faces
to the heavens for His gracious relief.
For His Spirit gives the comfort & courage to go on
when souls are tired from the load of their grief.

Despite any doubts we might have in our weakness & struggles
and all the miles where we don't understand,
Our Father is still listening as every teardrop falls
and He catches each one in His hands.

~~ Author Unknown

In our hour of weakness, Lord, soften our hearts, pierce through our anger and tears and self-righteousness and guilt and fear, that we may lift our eyes to that hill where comes our help, to that place, where weakened and bleeding and walking through your own shadow of the valley of death, you bought life for all of us who will answer your call.

Lord, be this day with those of us who are facing the death of all we have loved, as we paw through the rubble of our lives with bleeding hands, searching in grief and sadness. Open the doors we need, and in our unconsolable moment, hold us tight in the palm of your hand.

And may those of us this day blessed not to be suffering under the burden of crisis, hear your call to be your hands, and feet, and voice and respond as you would have us do. Amen.

Surround Me With Your Light

Surround me with your light, Jesus, and penetrate the very depths of my being with that light. Let there remain no areas of darkness in me or in my family members, but transform our whole being with the healing light of your love. Open me completely to receive your love, Jesus. Thank you for being our family healer and my personal healer.

~~Author Unknown

Michelle

I went up to spend a little time with the family last evening and to see Michelle. As her sister puts it, Michelle has a foot in both worlds at this point. They asked if I could go talk to her about letting go. So, I had some quality time with her and told her that it was ok to go and that all of us would be here to take care of Tom and would stand in for her as she moves on to be with God. It was a difficult conversation, but needed to be done. She is so frail and in a lot of pain. I just pray for God's Mercy to spare her of any more suffering and to help the family with closure. In many ways they have been blessed to be able to have all of this time to say "goodbye". As I hear more, I'll post for you. But, for now, things are just about the same. Please keep praying for God's Will.

Tonight's Bible Study Questions

Genesis: Study 6

In this study session we will be looking at two very compelling sections of Genesis. The first is the story of the Tower of Babel. Many are familiar with this story, but there’s a larger message hidden within its words that we all need to remember and apply to our everyday lives. The second section of Genesis we will study includes God’s call of Abram and the situation between Abram, Sarai and Pharaoh in Egypt. What’s important about Abram’s story here? What do you think about his actions when he and Sarai arrive in Egypt?

Genesis 11:1-9 (The Tower of Babel)

Questions for Discussion

What does the story of the Tower of Babel try to explain?

It seems as if the people who have settled in Shinar have some sort of foreknowledge of what will be done to them by God (verse 4). Is this really foreknowledge or simply something the author has put in the text to foreshadow events to come?

Why does God decide that He must interfere with the workings of man here? Where else in Genesis does a similar situation arise?

Within this story lies a very important lesson that God wants us to recognize and remember as we move along in our everyday lives. What is the message God has placed in this story?

Genesis 12:1-20 (The Call of Abram, Abram and Sarai in Egypt)

Let’s compare the way Abram reacts to what God asks of him and the way many today react. How can we account for the obvious difference?

What would your reaction be if God told you to leave the house you had inherited from your father, take your entire household (remember what we talked about concerning the definition of “household” in biblical times) and move to an entirely different country?

What does just this small section of Abram’s (Abraham’s) story tell us about him? How can we use the figure of Abram to improve ourselves?

Do you agree with Abram’s actions after he and Sarai get into Egypt? Essentially, what does Abram do in order to spare his own life?

What is Abram’s answer to the questions of Pharaoh after God has afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues?

Compare and contrast the figures of Noah and Abram. How are they alike? How are they different? What does a close study of these two men tell us about the human condition?

FAMILY FUN NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FRIDAY, MARCH 19 AT 6:00 

PLEASE BRING A SNACK TO SHARE

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY

BRING FRIENDS

BRING NEIGHBORS

BRING YOUR SMILE

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE,

ONE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOU!

 

 

Communications Meeting

Tonight after Bible Study

Bible Study food

I have received word from Heather that she is bringing Lasagna and a fruit parfait (sp?). As I know more to share, I'll post it in the comment section of this post.

Update on Michelle

Good morning Friends. I woke up at 4:30 and felt compelled to get up and begin praying for Michelle and her family this morning. I was expecting to hear that she had passed through the night by the way the nurse talked yesterday, but I just talked to Michelle's brother and found that she is still with us, breathing comfortably, and waking up now and then being alert. They are administering morphine for the pain, so she is comfortable at this point. I will be heading up there later today to again cover this family with my prayers. I appreciate knowing all of you are helping me with the prayers as well. It means a lot to me knowing my Church Family is behind me. I'll update as I know more.

Something Beautiful

Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokeness and stife
But he made something beautiful of my life

If there ever were dreams
That were lofty and noble
They were my dreams at the start
And hope for life's best were the hopes
That I harbor down deep in my heart
But my dreams turned to ashes
And my castles all crumbled, my fortune turned to loss
So I wrapped it all in the rags of life
And laid it at the cross.


Gaither Music

http://www.prayer-and-prayers.info/index.htm

O Thou, from whom all blessings flow,
I lift my heart to Thee;
In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes,
Dear Lord, remember me. Amen.
 ___________________________________

Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee:
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed,
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing! Amen.
_____________________________________

Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me! Amen.

Michelle

Dear Friends, I have received word that Michelle's condition is deteriorating quickly and the family has asked for my presence today to guide her in prayer. I ask that you join me in prayer as we lift this beautiful soul to the Lord.

Meals needed

We are short on people providing food to the Bryant Family for Sunday (tomorrow) and the rest of next week. If anyone would like to provide a meal for the family, please contact Bev Stewart so she can coordinate the days so they are not without. Your help with this special ministry at this time would be greatly appreciated. So come on you great cooks from Hinkle - we need your help!

Update on Michelle Bryant

Hello everyone. I was able to go see Michelle today and what a sweet spirit that lady has! She is still hopeful that she can be healed. She said to me, "didn't you tell me that I could be healed?" Then she said, "Can you fix it?" It just broke my heart, but I told her that all I can do is pray on her behalf and that any healing is up to the Lord. I explained that He may choose a different type of healing that will be eternal. She just smiled with that sweet smile and said "yes, I know". Tom tells me the doctors are now saying she may only last a week in her present condition. But I was surprised that she wanted out of the bed and got up and walked into the living room to try to visit. The liver failure makes her confused at times and some of what she says doesn't make sense, but that is a result of the poisons going through her body and brain. She is a trooper and expressed how much she loves all of you and how much you all mean to her and Tom. They just celebrated 24 years of marriage and Tom intends to be at Hinkle on Sunday to put in their offering. I've been praying for them all day and just wish I could "fix it", but all I can do is be there for them right now. Your earnest prayers would be much appreciated. They are also open to any food or anything that any of you feel you want to do to show your support. If you want to do anything like that, please let Bev Stewart or Sharon Griffith know since they will be coordinating food. Either they or myself can give you directions to their home. Michelle's sister and husband will be arriving from Pennsylvania this evening along with her and Tom's children. When I left, Michelle gave me a kiss and thanked me for being her support system. You just have to know how tore up I am at this time. Thank you for all of your support and prayers for this special couple. Bob

Update on Paulette's Dad

His hip is definately broken and he will undergo surgery tomorrow. So your prayers are certainly appreciated.

More Prayer Needed

We received a call that Paulette's father fell and could not bear any weight on his hip. So, her mother called an ambulance and they took him to the hospital to have him checked out. It sounds as if he may have fractured his hip, but we haven't heard for sure. Her mother at 82 years old has much on her plate with his care. So your prayers would be appreciated.

Prayer for Cynthia

Our Friend Cynthia Rodriguez needs our prayers for herself and family. She receieved a call today that her sister is not going to make it much longer. She has been fighting health problems and has been a consistant person of prayer on our prayer list. Cynthia had to leave suddenly this evening and travel to Georgia to be with family.

My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart,and my portion for ever.
Psalm 73:26

Our New Website Address

Please check out our completely new website. Our new address is:

www.hinklecreekfriendschurch.org

                               It's still under construction so please be patient as we work out any kinks.
                                                                              thankyou.

Upcoming Events

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

9:30 Fellowship Breakfast

Monthly Meeting 

(immediately following worship)

TUESDAY, MARCH 16

Bible Study 6:30

Communications Committee Meeting

(immediately following Bible Study) 

FRIDAY, MARCH 19 

6:00 Family Fun Night

TUESDAY, MARCH 30

7:00 Prayer Meeting

 

PLEASE join me in prayer!

I just received a call from Tom Bryant with sad news concerning our Michelle Bryant. Her liver count has dropped from around 500 to 1 which means she is in liver failure. The doctors have given her two weeks or less to live and nothing more can be done. Tom is heart broken and needs our support at this time! She is in a commatose state at this time, but we are hopeful that she can rally so I can go see her. Tom will let me know on Saturday morning and wants me to come visit with her, so the prayer is two-fold. One, that the Lord would comfort Tom and of course be with Michelle. Two, that she will be able to rally so I may have that opportunity to have some time with her. He expressed their desire that I have her memorial service when this happens, so that is one of many things we will be discussing. I'm also broken hearted as I write this as I have grown so close with this precious couple. They really need the support of their new found Church Family right now. You just can't imagine how much all of you mean to them as they have gone through this tough valley. Thank you so much.

I love Bible Study...

For the rest of the night love to rest before bed and enjoy the many comments and questions shared with everyone. I mentioned many times tonight as a single answer over and over again. (Mostly to make Will smile.) But I said we all just need to Pray.

This got me to thinking. I try to pray every day? Do I really understand what prayer is and what it can do? What is prayer? Prayer is our direct line with heaven. Prayer is a communication process that allows us to talk to God!

Pray for each other. Jesus set an example for us on what to pray. He prayed for His disciples and for every generation to come that would follow Him. His prayer was that God protect and strengthen them as long as they were in this world. Jesus also prayed for those who would come to believe in Him through the Gospel message (John 17). Pray with faith. “So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Pray with worship and reverence. “Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!” (Psalm 99:5). “‘Yes, Lord,’ the man said, ‘I believe!’ And he worshiped Jesus” (John 9:38). You will know with confidence that God can hear you when you pray, so open that line of communication! Pray, knowing that no matter how far you roam, your connection with Him can never be lost! “I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding” (Philippians 1:9).


Power Of Prayer - How powerful is it?The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers. Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Power Of Prayer - How do I tap into it?The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully! We cannot access powerful prayer by using "magic formulas." Our prayers being answered is not based on the eloquence of our prayers. We don't have to use certain words or phrases to get God to answer our prayers. In fact, Jesus rebukes those who pray using repetitions, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7-8). Prayer is communicating with God. All you have to do is ask God for His help. Psalm 107:28-30 reminds us, "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." There is power in prayer!

Power Of Prayer - For what kind of things should I pray? God's help through the power of prayer is available for all kinds of requests and issues. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." If you need an example of a prayer, read Matthew 6:9-13. These verses are known as the Lord's prayer. The Lord's prayer is not a prayer we are supposed to memorize and simply recite to God. It is only an example of how to pray and the things that should go into a prayer - worship, trust in God, requests, confession, protection, etc. Pray for these kinds of things, but speak to God using your own words. The Word of God is full of accounts describing the power of prayer in various situations. The power of prayer has overcome enemies (Psalm 6:9-10), conquered death (2 Kings 4:3-36), brought healing (James 5:14-15), and defeated demons (Mark 9:29). God, through prayer, opens eyes, changes hearts, heals wounds, and grants wisdom (James 1:5). The power of prayer should never be underestimated because it draws on the glory and might of the infinitely powerful God of the universe! Daniel 4:35 proclaims, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?'"


Prayer can be our shield when we face the temptations, many evil things of this world.

Food for tonight

Here is the latest list that I know of when it comes to the food this evening. Heather is bringing some sort of cheese potatoes, Trish is bring vegetable soup, and Paulette is bringing a casserole (new recipe). We will provide decaf coffee and a gallon of sweet tea.

Submitted by Squeak

Squeak sent this to me via email and we both thought it would be good to post. It might just hit home with someone!

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited
island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the
horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to
protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One
day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in
flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened,
and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He
cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the
island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the
weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.
The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going
bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even
in the midst of our pain and suffering.
Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the
ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who
feels as if their hut is on fire today.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain. It is not measured by the number of breaths we take; but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

Bible Study Questions for Tonight

Genesis: Study 5

covenant: an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified; formal agreement of legal validity; the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture.

_________________________________________________

In tonight’s study we will finish up the amazing story of the life of Noah. Why does God choose Noah? What sort of man is he? What can we take from Noah’s story and apply to our everyday lives? Tonight we will discuss God’s covenant with Noah. What exactly is this covenant? What are God’s conditions surrounding this covenant? One significant event in the life of Noah we will talk about tonight takes place after Noah has had too much wine and passes out in his tent. What does this part of the story do to our conception of Noah? What does it teach us about ourselves, as humans? What can we do to avoid pitfalls such as this? These are all questions we need to ask ourselves while we read chapter 9 of Genesis.

Genesis 9:1-29 (The Covenant with Noah, Noah and His Sons)

Questions for Discussion

God’s covenant with Noah is His first formal covenant with mankind (the first instance in scripture where God actually refers to this type of relationship as one involving a covenant). What exactly is included in this covenant? What are God’s conditions relating to His covenant with Noah?

What does this covenant tell us about our God? What does it tell us about the relationship He wants with us?

How would you describe the figure of Noah up to the point where God establishes His covenant with him? What does Noah’s life exemplify up to this point? Think about the life you lead everyday. Are you building an ark, or are you tearing one down?

It is after God establishes this covenant with Noah that we are told of his drunken night in the tent. Does this soil the image of Noah? What does this event tell us about the human condition? What is the most important lesson to take away from this? How would apply this lesson to your own life?

What did Ham do wrong? Why was Noah so angry with his son? Does Noah have the right to be angry? After all, he’s the one who became intoxicated and passed out naked in his tent.

How does your life compare with that of Noah? If God told you to do something completely outrageous, could you brush away at all the things that try to tell you you’re crazy and just do it? Can you think of a moment in your life where you stopped listening to everything else and simply did what God was telling you to do?

Food Pantry Letter

Friends

What a beautiful day today! The sun is shining and spring must be right around the corner! We had 111 families last night which included 11 new families. Each family could choose from bologna, sausage or hot dogs in addition to their bag of groceries, bread and sweets. In addition each family got a bottle of laundry soap. Thanks to our special group of volunteers that are making the soap!! We also had 18 wonderful volunteers that helped unload a truckload of products from Marsh redemption center. You certainly all helped make a huge job much more manageable. It really takes a lot of hands to make this ministry work and we are so thankful for each one of you!


Pantry items needed this week include cereal, pop tarts, pancake mix, syrup, sugar, canned meat, pasta and pasta sauce, soup, flour, beans, diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6, toilet paper, Kleenex and personal hygiene products. We were blessed with 26 volunteers yesterday. Ideally we need around 30 to make things run smoothly. We are seeing an increase in the number of guests going for the meal from 5-6. We estimated approximately 64 attending yesterday. The number of families attending church Thursday evening is increasing as well.

Thanks for all of your generous donations and many service hours. We absolutely could not maintain this ministry if it were not for each one of you!

Blessings, Kim

CONTACT INFORMATION:
KIM DEMASIE
kdemasie@comcast.net
317-776-2848








This email was sent by Kim DeMasie at White River Christian Church.

1685 North 10th Street | Noblesville, IN 46060 | 317-773-2233

www.wrcc.org

Bible Study Concerns

Hi all, I thought I would ask some questions pertaining to our most recent bible studies. Are you getting something out of our bible study? What changes would you like instituted? The teachings of Jesus and the New Testament are much easier for me to apply to my everyday life, so it was, therefore, much easier for me to come up with studies that were more focused on life application. So far in Genesis, I guess I have let my analytical side take over a bit and I have not been focusing enough on life application. I'm sorry if the studies have not been as "spiritually deep" as they have been in the past, but I'm going to try to look at the Old Testament more like I have the New Testament so that we can apply its lessons to our lives, rather than debate over how long Noah and his family were in the ark. Any input you all have would really help me out a lot, as I want these studies to be beneficial to all. Maybe it would be more beneficial to someone else come up with some of the studies on different weeks? This is just a thought, but this has been weighing on my heart heavily today and I don't want to fall short where the spiritual enrichment of our church family is concerned. I love leading the bible studies, but I'm open to any suggestions you have on how our sessions can be improved, even if that means letting someone else lead them.

I love you all very much,

Will

Tonight's Bible Study Questions

Genesis: Study 4

The flood that nearly wiped out all of creation is an event that lingers in the collective memory of almost every culture throughout the world. It was such a hugely catastrophic event that even cultures who kept histories through oral tradition without any formal written language were left with flood stories that were based on the very same event we read about in the book of Genesis. The magnitude of the flood and its effect on God’s creation is sometimes overlooked because the account of Noah, his ark, and the animals he takes on the boat with his family is one of the favored bible stories to teach in children’s Sunday school. Now there’s nothing wrong with teaching children about Noah and the ark, but the lessons we are taught early in life about the flood are, at times, sugar-coated and it is easy to come into adulthood without a full grasp of the seriousness and apocalyptic nature of the story of the flood. Let’s take a good, long look at the next two chapters to make sure we understand the momentousness of this event.

Genesis 7:1-24 (The Great Flood)

Questions for Discussion

In the first verse of this chapter, God tells Noah to go into the ark with all of his “household”. What exactly does the word “household” mean here? What was the nature of a “household” in the days of Noah?

How does God create the flood? Is it simply through the agent of rain, or is there another source?

What are “the fountains of the great deep” and what does it mean for “the windows of the heavens” to open?

Why do you suppose there is so much reiteration in the telling of the flood within chapter 7?

How was Noah able to get all of those animals into the ark? Wouldn’t that have been quite a difficult task?

In chapter 6, God tells Noah to bring two (or one pair) of every kind of living thing into the ark with him. In chapter 7, God tells Noah to bring with him seven pairs of each kind of clean animal, seven pairs of each kind of bird and one pair of each kind of unclean animal (according to the NRSV). Are these details conflicting? Why does this chapter tell us God said something completely different than what He said in the previous chapter?

Genesis 8:1-22 (The Flood Subsides, God’s Promise)

Questions for Discussion

Exactly how long was Noah in the ark according to the account we have in Genesis? Does Genesis give us conflicting answers on this question?

What is God’s promise to Noah? Why does He make this promise this to Noah? Does God regret His decision here to wipe all the life He created from the face of the earth?

Do you agree with what God says here, that “the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth”? Why would the human heart be inclined towards evil from youth if human beings were created in God’s image?

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.

What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can doIt doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the waterIt’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
hat’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
will have the strength to rise