10/04/06
Now and then it is good to hear about resources that can encourage our walk with God. The following is an excerpt from “Holy Habits” by Mimi Wilson and Shelly Cook Volkhardt. It is a book about intentional Christian living. It is full of great insights on making God a daily choice that will allow God to work His changes in our lives. It was written as a woman’s study but the insights are applicable to anyone.
“When you and I focus on God, He fills us with Himself and He also makes us holy. Holy habits are daily spiritual habits that help us transcend our circumstances and keep our focus on God. Our part is to make it a habit to know Him. His part is to make us holy.
For years I thought it was the habit that would make me holy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Holiness is the result of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The habit is simply a vehicle that allows God to change us.
Our prayer cannot be “Make me like Hudson Taylor, or Jim Elliot, or Amy Charmichael.” We have to begin our own journey toward knowing God firsthand. Those who have helped us in our walk with God have only been role models, not the actual means by which we come to know Him. They are simply examples of what God does in a life that is focused on Him. We can be thrilled by the reflection of God we see in our mentors, but we must not forget that these individuals also did their part to allow God to make them into His image. Like me, many Christians seem to think that merely wanting to know God is enough - that the desire itself will ensure the result. Yet we would never assume this in other areas of our life. For example, would we ever think that simply wanting to cook like Martha Stewart or play the piano like Linda McKechnie would enable us to do so? Of course not. We would recognize the need to put forth much effort to accomplish such skill. Similarly, we must take personal action to free God to work in our lives.
For an action to become a habit, it must be done regularly and repeatedly. Personal action is demonstrated through holy habits that help us focus on who God is in a practical way on a daily basis. What our great God does in our hearts with our choice to get to know Him is what makes these habits holy.”
I hope this causes you to think about what daily habits you already have that may have lagged behind a little or habits you would like to begin. The goal is becoming more intimate with God and having Him change your life from the inside out.
Submitted by Tricia Willcutts
What’s Happening?
Our sympathy
goes to the Glenn Stewart family on the home-going of his wife Opal on Tuesday. The service will be at Stoddards on Friday morning.
Congratulations
to Robert & Brooke Warkentin
on the birth of son Ronan Xavier (8 lb. 6 oz.)
last Sunday at 10:01 a.m.
This Sunday
What is a disciple’s assurance? At the
culmination of Jesus’ “You don’t have to
worry” passage He says, “Do not be afraid,
little flock, for your Father has been pleased
to give you the Kingdom.” On October 8.
David Shelley will teach on Luke 12:32, and
we’ll celebrate the Shepherd, Father and King.
College Retreat
Many of our college students will be away
on a retreat this weekend.
Lunch together
Thanks to all who made last Sunday’s lunch
such a great time. We are still looking for
someone to coordinate the next one. If you’re
interested, call Tricia Willcutts at 686-5245
Pray . . .
For the budget reformation process. We need
to bring our budget more in line with actual
income, we need the Lord’s provision for our
ministries, and we need wisdom in the process.
Bethel’s building project is waiting for city
permit paperwork to come through. Pray for
progress and provision.
Ladies. . .The Pregnancy Resource Center is holding their Annual Pumpkin Patch Boogie on Oct. 21. This is a chance for us to be a part of this wonderful ministry and we can do this by making chili for this event. A recipe will be included. Info this week in the foyer!
It’s a surprise! You are invited to join Bob Staley at an open house Sunday, October 8 to celebrate his 80th birthday! It will be held at the Hospitality House from
3-5 p.m. Sh-h-h-h!
Week-end worship attendance……………...217
Special funds…..…………..…….……….$850
Weekly budget needed………………….$7,553
Giving towards budget…………..….…$11,479
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$247,138
YTD expenses…………………….…..$252,396
YTD budgeted amount…………….…$302,120
Next level giving…………..…..………......$260
Next Level TD….....…...……………..$179,736
Coming Events . . .
Oct. 7 Women’s Service Project—“Paint Fellowship Hall!”
Oct. 8 3-5 p.m. Surprise Birthday Party for Bob Staley! Sh – h-h-h!
4 p.m. Baby Shower for Christy Aldridge at the church
Oct. 22 2:30 p.m. Baby Shower for Jessica Lyle at Hospitality House
Oct. 24 Jr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 25 Sr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 27 6 p.m. Berean Class Potluck at the Asmus’.
Children’s Ministry News:
Nursery News
* We are in need of one teacher’s helper for the Preschool Sunday School Class at 10:30 every other week.
→ Please contact Christy Aldridge, 356-5858 if you are interested.
* We are in need of the following items for our nurseries: boppy billow covers, a clothes dresser, shelves for the wall, cabinet with shelves for the wall, play food items, play shopping cart, batteries, latex gloves, tissues, paper towels, snacks, baby wipes, and sippy cups.
If you have any of these items to donate, Christy Aldridge at 356-5858.
HEROES UNMASKED our fall festival will be Wednesday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will again be coupled with our MEN'S CHILI COOK-OFF AND WOMEN'S CINAMMON ROLL BAKE-OFF. Needed immediately! Outreach Director –person responsible for publicity, registration and leading the after event followup. We are also looking for someone to coordinate the Chili Cookoff and Cinnamon Roll Bakeoff. Questions, please contact Kristi Weimer at 304-1749.
*************************************************
Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:
The Big Idea #64: God’s People Know Heaven is Their Home.
Week 2 story: “Hope and Home for Ishii” – (Story of the Saint Big Idea Story)
Memory Verse for Big Idea #64—Hebrews 10:35-36
BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER: our memory verse for the week is 1 John 3:4a. Dave and Christie Roberts will be our leaders this week.
*************************************************
You are invited to a “Baby Shower” for Christy Aldridge
on Sunday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. at the church. They are expecting a baby girl and are registered at Walmart and Target. Contact Brenna Bryant for more information.
*************************************************
**Reminder** Ladies – we are painting the fellowship hall from 8-4 p.m. this Saturday, October 7. Come anytime and join us!
*************************************************
Dear Bethel family,
A quick note to thank you for the cards, letters, and gifts. Helen and I have certainly had an adventure. All the mail from home has made our time here bearable. Helen has done so well with the therapies and the eating program. Eating is such a complicated process. We all take it for granted.
We will be home in 11 days and we can hardly wait. God is good, even here in inner city Baltimore at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Shawna and Helen
B C News (USPS 015027)
Published weekly (except wk. of New Years, Spring break, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) by Bethel Community Ministries, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 352-7373 Fax 352-8583
Periodicals Postage Rates paid at Greeley, CO 80631
POSTMASTER: send address changes to BC News %
Bethel Community Ministries, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
MISSIONS CORNER
From John and Gayla Dallman at BGC headquarters:
John is back from Lebanon! Thank you for praying for his safety and for a fruitful trip. God answered both. He spent most of the time traveling from one end of the country to the other, looking at the water needs of this war torn country. He discovered several ways he can be Christ's hands and feet to the hurting people of Lebanon and involve the local Christians in the ministry as well. Many of the Christians there have already been showing Christ's love to their Muslim neighbors by housing them when they were homeless and feeding them when they were hungry. What a testimony of the love of Jesus. And His love is what can win the hearts of these hurting people. It is easy to take sides in a conflict like this and yet when you look into the eyes of hurting people - you see what Jesus sees - people who need His love. Many times when those people receive that cup of cold water in Jesus' name their hearts are open to receive His love as well.
Continue to pray for John as he plans the next phase of ministry in Lebanon. Pray also for safety as he continues to travel. He is visiting with many here in the US who are excited about being Christ's hands and feet all over the world.
From Lynn and Barb Conner in Mexico:
Two weeks ago Lynn clearly explained to our friends that salvation is by faith, not by works. Eternal life is a gift by the grace of God. I wish you could have seen the look on their faces. Just previously the gentleman had spoken of the heavy burden of trying to make sure that your good works outweigh the "bad" you have done. When he heard the Good News he relaxed back onto the couch and exclaimed: "Que alivio!" What a relief!
********************************************
The audio sermons for last week and this week will be available online at the Bethel website. On Oct.15 copies will again be available in the foyer.
Have you upgraded your digital camera lately? The church is looking for a 3 mega pixel or higher digital camera for use with our ministries. If you no longer use your old one and have one to donate, call the office or see Ben Klopp on Sunday.
********************************************
Wanted: Men & Women of Prayer
It's time to update and expand our Day and Evening Prayer Chain. If you want to be contacted by phone and/or e-mail to earnestly pray for prayer requests please call Mary Lynne Cochrane for more information 351-7858
It’s a surprise! You are invited to join Bob Staley at an open house Sunday, October 8 to celebrate his 80th birthday! It will be held at the Hospitality House from
3-5 p.m. Sh-h-h-h!
PERIODICAL
POSTAGE
PAID
“When you and I focus on God, He fills us with Himself and He also makes us holy. Holy habits are daily spiritual habits that help us transcend our circumstances and keep our focus on God. Our part is to make it a habit to know Him. His part is to make us holy.
For years I thought it was the habit that would make me holy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Holiness is the result of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The habit is simply a vehicle that allows God to change us.
Our prayer cannot be “Make me like Hudson Taylor, or Jim Elliot, or Amy Charmichael.” We have to begin our own journey toward knowing God firsthand. Those who have helped us in our walk with God have only been role models, not the actual means by which we come to know Him. They are simply examples of what God does in a life that is focused on Him. We can be thrilled by the reflection of God we see in our mentors, but we must not forget that these individuals also did their part to allow God to make them into His image. Like me, many Christians seem to think that merely wanting to know God is enough - that the desire itself will ensure the result. Yet we would never assume this in other areas of our life. For example, would we ever think that simply wanting to cook like Martha Stewart or play the piano like Linda McKechnie would enable us to do so? Of course not. We would recognize the need to put forth much effort to accomplish such skill. Similarly, we must take personal action to free God to work in our lives.
For an action to become a habit, it must be done regularly and repeatedly. Personal action is demonstrated through holy habits that help us focus on who God is in a practical way on a daily basis. What our great God does in our hearts with our choice to get to know Him is what makes these habits holy.”
I hope this causes you to think about what daily habits you already have that may have lagged behind a little or habits you would like to begin. The goal is becoming more intimate with God and having Him change your life from the inside out.
Submitted by Tricia Willcutts
What’s Happening?
Our sympathy
goes to the Glenn Stewart family on the home-going of his wife Opal on Tuesday. The service will be at Stoddards on Friday morning.
Congratulations
to Robert & Brooke Warkentin
on the birth of son Ronan Xavier (8 lb. 6 oz.)
last Sunday at 10:01 a.m.
This Sunday
What is a disciple’s assurance? At the
culmination of Jesus’ “You don’t have to
worry” passage He says, “Do not be afraid,
little flock, for your Father has been pleased
to give you the Kingdom.” On October 8.
David Shelley will teach on Luke 12:32, and
we’ll celebrate the Shepherd, Father and King.
College Retreat
Many of our college students will be away
on a retreat this weekend.
Lunch together
Thanks to all who made last Sunday’s lunch
such a great time. We are still looking for
someone to coordinate the next one. If you’re
interested, call Tricia Willcutts at 686-5245
Pray . . .
For the budget reformation process. We need
to bring our budget more in line with actual
income, we need the Lord’s provision for our
ministries, and we need wisdom in the process.
Bethel’s building project is waiting for city
permit paperwork to come through. Pray for
progress and provision.
Ladies. . .The Pregnancy Resource Center is holding their Annual Pumpkin Patch Boogie on Oct. 21. This is a chance for us to be a part of this wonderful ministry and we can do this by making chili for this event. A recipe will be included. Info this week in the foyer!
It’s a surprise! You are invited to join Bob Staley at an open house Sunday, October 8 to celebrate his 80th birthday! It will be held at the Hospitality House from
3-5 p.m. Sh-h-h-h!
Week-end worship attendance……………...217
Special funds…..…………..…….……….$850
Weekly budget needed………………….$7,553
Giving towards budget…………..….…$11,479
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$247,138
YTD expenses…………………….…..$252,396
YTD budgeted amount…………….…$302,120
Next level giving…………..…..………......$260
Next Level TD….....…...……………..$179,736
Coming Events . . .
Oct. 7 Women’s Service Project—“Paint Fellowship Hall!”
Oct. 8 3-5 p.m. Surprise Birthday Party for Bob Staley! Sh – h-h-h!
4 p.m. Baby Shower for Christy Aldridge at the church
Oct. 22 2:30 p.m. Baby Shower for Jessica Lyle at Hospitality House
Oct. 24 Jr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 25 Sr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 27 6 p.m. Berean Class Potluck at the Asmus’.
Children’s Ministry News:
Nursery News
* We are in need of one teacher’s helper for the Preschool Sunday School Class at 10:30 every other week.
→ Please contact Christy Aldridge, 356-5858 if you are interested.
* We are in need of the following items for our nurseries: boppy billow covers, a clothes dresser, shelves for the wall, cabinet with shelves for the wall, play food items, play shopping cart, batteries, latex gloves, tissues, paper towels, snacks, baby wipes, and sippy cups.
If you have any of these items to donate, Christy Aldridge at 356-5858.
HEROES UNMASKED our fall festival will be Wednesday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will again be coupled with our MEN'S CHILI COOK-OFF AND WOMEN'S CINAMMON ROLL BAKE-OFF. Needed immediately! Outreach Director –person responsible for publicity, registration and leading the after event followup. We are also looking for someone to coordinate the Chili Cookoff and Cinnamon Roll Bakeoff. Questions, please contact Kristi Weimer at 304-1749.
*************************************************
Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:
The Big Idea #64: God’s People Know Heaven is Their Home.
Week 2 story: “Hope and Home for Ishii” – (Story of the Saint Big Idea Story)
Memory Verse for Big Idea #64—Hebrews 10:35-36
BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER: our memory verse for the week is 1 John 3:4a. Dave and Christie Roberts will be our leaders this week.
*************************************************
You are invited to a “Baby Shower” for Christy Aldridge
on Sunday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. at the church. They are expecting a baby girl and are registered at Walmart and Target. Contact Brenna Bryant for more information.
*************************************************
**Reminder** Ladies – we are painting the fellowship hall from 8-4 p.m. this Saturday, October 7. Come anytime and join us!
*************************************************
Dear Bethel family,
A quick note to thank you for the cards, letters, and gifts. Helen and I have certainly had an adventure. All the mail from home has made our time here bearable. Helen has done so well with the therapies and the eating program. Eating is such a complicated process. We all take it for granted.
We will be home in 11 days and we can hardly wait. God is good, even here in inner city Baltimore at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Shawna and Helen
B C News (USPS 015027)
Published weekly (except wk. of New Years, Spring break, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) by Bethel Community Ministries, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 352-7373 Fax 352-8583
Periodicals Postage Rates paid at Greeley, CO 80631
POSTMASTER: send address changes to BC News %
Bethel Community Ministries, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
MISSIONS CORNER
From John and Gayla Dallman at BGC headquarters:
John is back from Lebanon! Thank you for praying for his safety and for a fruitful trip. God answered both. He spent most of the time traveling from one end of the country to the other, looking at the water needs of this war torn country. He discovered several ways he can be Christ's hands and feet to the hurting people of Lebanon and involve the local Christians in the ministry as well. Many of the Christians there have already been showing Christ's love to their Muslim neighbors by housing them when they were homeless and feeding them when they were hungry. What a testimony of the love of Jesus. And His love is what can win the hearts of these hurting people. It is easy to take sides in a conflict like this and yet when you look into the eyes of hurting people - you see what Jesus sees - people who need His love. Many times when those people receive that cup of cold water in Jesus' name their hearts are open to receive His love as well.
Continue to pray for John as he plans the next phase of ministry in Lebanon. Pray also for safety as he continues to travel. He is visiting with many here in the US who are excited about being Christ's hands and feet all over the world.
From Lynn and Barb Conner in Mexico:
Two weeks ago Lynn clearly explained to our friends that salvation is by faith, not by works. Eternal life is a gift by the grace of God. I wish you could have seen the look on their faces. Just previously the gentleman had spoken of the heavy burden of trying to make sure that your good works outweigh the "bad" you have done. When he heard the Good News he relaxed back onto the couch and exclaimed: "Que alivio!" What a relief!
********************************************
The audio sermons for last week and this week will be available online at the Bethel website. On Oct.15 copies will again be available in the foyer.
Have you upgraded your digital camera lately? The church is looking for a 3 mega pixel or higher digital camera for use with our ministries. If you no longer use your old one and have one to donate, call the office or see Ben Klopp on Sunday.
********************************************
Wanted: Men & Women of Prayer
It's time to update and expand our Day and Evening Prayer Chain. If you want to be contacted by phone and/or e-mail to earnestly pray for prayer requests please call Mary Lynne Cochrane for more information 351-7858
It’s a surprise! You are invited to join Bob Staley at an open house Sunday, October 8 to celebrate his 80th birthday! It will be held at the Hospitality House from
3-5 p.m. Sh-h-h-h!
PERIODICAL
POSTAGE
PAID
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