Where is wealth?

Look around and see the many things that we possess. Those at the poverty level in our nation are considered wealthy in Third World Countries. Truly God has shed His grace on America. Americans tend to work harder than their European counterparts. People have worked hard to have what they have. Others have handed down their fortunes to their offspring.

It reminds us that on the day we die, each will make a charitable gift — voluntarily or involuntarily. In other words, we can’t take our wealth with us, so it will be transferred to: (1) family or other individuals, (2) charity, or (3) government. And since the government has capped the amount that can be transferred to individuals without either paying a tax or making a charitable gift, the question is, who should receive our charitable gifts? One is very wise to use their wealth when they are in control it.

In no other time have people had it so good yet are so unhappy. There seems to be turmoil at the top of the status scale as well as at the bottom and plenty in between. Instead of using our wealth as it should be we have allowed it to be the source of our misery. Money is a cruel taskmaster enslaving people by the deception that satisfaction comes from its abundance.

Very few people discuss their finances outside of the immediate family. In contrast, Jesus was never afraid to talk about money. He said, “You cannot worship God and money both” (Mt.6:24).

1 John 2:1“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Prayer Petitions

Prayer Petitions: Remember the family of our beloved Mabel Miller. She went home to be with her Lord last Monday. She requested a private funeral for the family last Wednesday. Margaret Beeson will have surgery this Friday. Gordon Zachary’s mother. Terry York is recovering well from a liver transplant surgery. Jody Carnes. Marilyn Burgess. Ernie and Faye Barnard. Wade Fletcher. Susan Combes. Moriah Stout. Elsie Hall. Marie Wilson. Albert Pence. Joetta Wilkinson. Don Talbott. Henry Overbay. Nick Paul. Mark Ballenger. Olive Bruner. Adam Pinnick. Olive Berkebile. George and Helen York. Hailey Blevins. Jan Townsend. Rex Anderson. Amazing Angels Child Care Ministry. Persecuted Christians in communistic and Muslim countries. Ashley Longfellow in the Navy. Kyle Sparks in Iraq. Our soldiers in Iraq.

Missionaries: Robert Pickle- Set Free Ministries. Dan & Sheri Miller. Dana Harding. Daniel Duke. Bob & Janet Miller. Dee Sudnig. Lindell & Kay Browning. Bill & Kay Swesay. Ken & Linda Walker. Greg & Amy Crofford. Wayne & Connie LaForce. Mark Ryan. Dan & Margaret Clark. Scott and Emily Armstrong. Kathy Matson.

Nursing Home: Bonnie McLain. Phyllis Lambert. Franklin White.

News, 09/23/07

Yesterday 12 ladies from our church attended the district ladies day event. We will never be the same.

Our special prayer project needs $350 more to reach our goal of paying for a truck purchased to help a man begin a new start out of prison. Please mark your gift “truck." Thanks to those for making a difference in this man’s life.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Exercise aerobics will meet 6:00 p.m. this Monday and Wednesday at the church.

Alabaster offering will be received next Sunday, September 30. This is our missionaries building fund. Save your pocket change everyday, and you’ll be surprised how much you can give to building the kingdom.

Williamsburg Church Softball League end-of-season awards pitch-in is scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 12 noon, at the Church Fellowship Hall.  In addition to the great food and fellowship, team and individual awards will be distributed, and another person will be inducted into the Softball League Hall of Fame.

Awards will be issued to many churches, including Centerville Christian (tourney and overall champion), Hagerstown Nazarene (regular season champion and 2^nd place tourney), New Life Holiness (3^rd place regular season), Williamsburg Teen and Sylvan Nook (3^rd place tourney).  The home run king trophy will be awarded to Seth Stomm.

Ingredients for sandwiches will be provided. Bring lots of good food.  All players and family members are invited.

October Revival Services with Rev. David Perry begins Wednesday, October 3^rd, and goes through Sunday, October 7^th. Begin planning to attend and pray for a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit upon His people.

TV Gets Worse, but People Still Watch
The majority of Americans (62%) believe that the quality of television programming is getting worse; yet, the average TV viewer is spending more time than ever in front of the tube, according to a new poll by The Associated Press and AOL Television. “There's a divide between our opinions and our behavior here,” said Robert Thompson, director of The Bleier Center for the Study of TV and Popular Culture at Syracuse University. “Americans check off all the boxes on a survey saying TV stinks with one hand, but they've got the other hand on that TV remote,” Thompson said. “They're complaining, but they're still watching.”

The study, which was based on interviews with 1,204 adults from Aug. 24-26, revealed that 13 % of Americans watch more than 30 hours of television each week and 27% watch at least 21 hours. This shows an increase of 5% from a similar study taken in 2005. Interestingly, those who watch a lot of television and those who watch very little all agree that the quality of programming is declining.

When asked which new shows they were looking forward to watching, only 7% of viewers could name one. The poll also found that 28% of Americans would like to see more news on television compared to 17% in 2005. The ABC show, “Desperate Housewives” was seen as “most offensive,” getting more votes for unpopularity than even “Jerry Springer” and “South Park.” When asked which show they would most like to see canceled, 9% chose CBS's “Survivor.” The returning show that Americans are looking forward to the most is CBS’s “CSI,” being named by 47% of respondents.

 

Romans 5:3-4“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

Eileen Hultz

http://www.culberson.yourtribute.com/EileenHultz

This is a link to Culberson.com on Eileen.

Here is the video tribute link: http://culberson.yourtribute.com/viewtribute.asp?fh=culberson&mv=EileenHultz.html

Matthew 5:11-12“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

It’s all in what you see

In his reflections on the gospel of Luke in The New Interpreter’s Bible, R. Alan Culpepper tells a Jewish story centered on the good fortune of a hardworking farmer. The Lord appeared to this farmer and granted him three wishes, but the catch was that whatever the Lord did for the farmer would be given double to his neighbor. The farmer was thrilled, and wished for a hundred cattle. Immediately the wish was granted, and the farmer was ecstatic until he saw that his neighbor had 200. So he wished for a hundred acres of land, and again he was overjoyed until he saw that his neighbor had 200.

Rather than celebrating God’s goodness, the farmer could not escape feeling jealous and cheated because his neighbor had received more than he had. Finally, he stated his third wish: that God would strike him blind in one eye. And God wept.

We are given many choices to make in life. Many decisions are made according to what we see. But what we see may not determine our best interest. The beauty or handsomeness of a person may only be the cover-up of an ugly attitude. What may appear greener on the other side may be a patch of grass over a cesspool. Things may not appear the way they are.

Christ’s gospel gives us the reality to live and love life with true meaning and mission. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 

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Prayer Petitions, 09/16/07

Prayer Petitions: Remember the family of Barbara Dishman. Her funeral was Thursday. Gordon Zachary’s mother had a stroke Friday. Terry York has undergone liver transplant surgery. Jody Carnes. Marilyn Burgess. Ernie and Faye Barnard. Wade Fletcher. Susan Combes. Moriah Stout. Elsie Hall. Marie Wilson. Albert Pence. Joetta Wilkinson. Don Talbott. Henry Overbay. Nick Paul. Mark Ballenger. Olive Bruner. Adam Pinnick. Olive Berkebile. George and Helen York. Hailey Blevins. Jan Townsend. Rex Anderson. Amazing Angels Child Care Ministry. Persecuted Christians in communistic and Muslim countries. Ashley Longfellow in the Navy. Kyle Sparks in Iraq. Our soldiers in Iraq.

Missionaries: Robert Pickle- Set Free Ministries. Dan & Sheri Miller. Dana Harding. Daniel Duke. Bob & Janet Miller. Dee Sudnig. Lindell & Kay Browning. Bill & Kay Swesay. Ken & Linda Walker. Greg & Amy Crofford. Wayne & Connie LaForce. Mark Ryan. Dan & Margaret Clark. Scott and Emily Armstrong. Kathy Matson.

Nursing Home: Remember Mabel Miller. Bonnie McLain. Phyllis Lambert. Franklin White.

News, 9/16/07

Last Wednesday Missionary Kathy Matson brought an inspiring presentation of the missions work in Mexico City. If you wish to contribute to her deputation offering, mark your gift “deputation.”

Thanks to our stewards for arranging a fine missionary meal last Wednesday.

Last Friday and Saturday several ladies from our church attended Resolve in Columbus, OH. This event was designed for young ladies. Ten traveled from our church. Thanks Carolyn and Chris for chaperoning.

Our special prayer project needs $400 more to reach our goal of paying for a truck purchased to help a man begin a new start out of prison. Please mark you gift “truck." Thanks to those for making a difference in this man’s life.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Exercise aerobics will meet 6:00 p.m. this Monday and Wednesday at the church.

District Ladies Day presents the Amen Sisters. They offer contemporary country and classic music, hilarious speaking and lifetime changing concepts. Thirteen ladies from our church will be attending. Ladies mark you $25 for “Ladies Day.”

Alabaster offering will be received Sunday, September 30. This is our missionaries building fund. Save your pocket change everyday, and you’ll be surprised how much you will give to this worthy cause.

Williamsburg Church Softball League end-of-season awards pitch-in is scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 12 noon, at the Church Fellowship Hall.  In addition to the great food and fellowship, team and individual awards will be distributed, and another person will be inducted into the Softball League Hall of Fame.

Awards will be issued to many churches, including Centerville Christian (tourney and overall champion), Hagerstown Nazarene (regular season champion and 2^nd place tourney), New Life Holiness (3^rd place regular season), Williamsburg Teen and Sylvan Nook (3^rd place tourney).  The home run king trophy will be awarded to Seth Stomm.

Ingredients for sandwiches will be provided. Bring lots of good food.  All players and family members are invited.

October Revival Services with Rev. David Perry is set to begin Wednesday, October 3^rd, through Sunday, October 7^th. Begin praying for a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit.

Ephesians 4:29“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

A New Look

Hagerstown, Church of the Nazarene is going to a new look. The blog style is working out better than a static web-site. It is also much cheaper to host a domain name and let blogger redirect for free.

If you need to reach Pastor Fannin you may still send email to rlfannin@hagerstownnazarene.org. It just may not work properly for a few days as the domain name is being rerouted to a new host.

 

 Jason

News, 09/13/07

Alabaster offering will be received Sunday, September 30. This is our missionaries building fund. Save your change everyday, and you’ll be surprised how much you will give to this worthy cause.

 

A special prayer project has so far received $500 towards our goal of $900 to help a reclaimed man back on his feet. Through Winnie Nirich we were able to acquire a 1992 chevy truck for transportation employment. He started his new job last Tuesday.

There may be others who wish to contribute towards this. Thanks to those who are making a difference in this man’s life.

 

September Finances
MONTHLY GIVING	Received last Sunday the 2nd	Received so far for the Month	Goal for the Month
Tithes and Offerings	1,999.75	1,999.75	6,000.00
Building Fund Loan	187.00	187.00	728.77
Missions	55.00	55.00	500.00

It’s all in how you see it

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?" The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty. God keeps taking my picture."

What worried the mother was only pleasing to the little girl. All this came from a different point of view. How would the following perspective affect our attitude in live? “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

 

1 John 4:16“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

Take care now!

How many times have you said to someone ‘take care now’? The one person you may hear say that is Melvin. It’s a good farewell phrase probably picked up from his mother. But it’s a good phrase that we should appreciate its meaning. What does it mean to give a farewell with ‘take care now!’

First, it probably means to take care of yourself and keep yourself safe. Don’t do anything that would jeopardize your health or safety. This is a good basic understanding. Maybe the Lord said that to Adam after visiting with him in the Garden of Eden. The Bible does say that “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it” (Gen. 2:15). After God created all, He placed Adam in charge to take care of the created order. God’s design for humans is to rule in the sky, in the sea, and on the earth (Gen. 1:26). What an authority and what a responsibility God has given us humans. God is saying, “Take care of this for Me.”

The Bible view of this concept is how we get the word steward. A steward is one who is trusted to care for what belongs to another. What this means is that what we have really belongs to someone else. It has been loaned to us for a while, and what belongs to us now will eventually belong to someone else. But we have to give an account for what we did with what we had-our time, talents, and possessions. Though all belong to God, we still have the choice as to rather acknowledge God as Owner or not.

Eventually we will give an account for what we did with what we had and who we were. Let us begin now acknowledging God as the rightful Lord of all we have and all we are.

 

Isaiah 48:17“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

 

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News Items, 09/02/07

Thank you, JC, Kerry, and John for weed-eating the front bank this week. It enhances the beauty of our church property. Also thanks to Dwayne for replacing the front brake pads on the church van.

First Teen Quiz is next Saturday at Indianapolis Gracepointe Nazarene Church. Bethany Cameron is coaching Kendra White, Derek Talbott, and Jenny Jenkins as our teen quizzers. We’ll need to leave the church at 7:30 a.m.

Children’s quizzing is another great quizzing program of the church. The children definitely learn about God through His Word. See Pastor if you’re interested in heading this important ministry with our young treasures.

Exercise aerobics will meet this Monday and Wednesday at 6:00p.m.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Resolve Conference is a 2-day event for teen and pre-teen girls held in Columbus, OH. We have several girls attending. The tickets are $69. If you wish to help sponsor this event for our girls, mark you donation “NYI-Resolve.” There will be a Mike Bonanza spaghetti meal on Saturday, September 8^th, 4:00-8:00 pm. to help raise funds. Also, you may donate ingredients for the meal. See the bulletin board.

Real Italian Spaghetti Dinner is planned to help raise funds for the girls’ Resolve gathering. Please see the bulletin board to sign up for spaghetti dinner ingredients. Your donations are very much appreciated. Chef Bonanza will prepare the spaghetti sauce and meet balls for next Saturday, September 8, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Everyone come.

Dayton Ambassadors will be here next Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. followed by finger-food fellowship at the Outpost. Invite your family and friends to hear a great gospel concert. Let’s pray God will be glorified in the singing and praises of His people.

A special prayer project received $200 towards our goal of $900 to help a fallen and reclaimed man back on his feet. Through Winnie Nirich we were able to acquire a 1992 chevy truck for transportation for his employment. He starts his new job this Tuesday. So far we have another $330 pledged beside the $200 already received. This makes a total of $530 towards our goal. Thank you to those who are making this possible and making a difference in his life.

District Ladies Day presents the Amen Sisters. They offer contemporary country and classic music, hilarious speaking and lifetime changing concepts.

Ladies need to sign up soon in order to reserve enough tickets. The Friday service is free and open to the public. The service on Saturday, September 22, is only for the ladies and costs $25 which includes lunch.

Alabaster offering will be received Sunday, September 30. This is our missionaries building fund.

Missionary Kathy Matson will be with us Wednesday, September 12, 7:00 p.m. A missionary pitch-in meal will be at 5:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.