Sunday, September 12th, 2010

“With rejoicing we welcome you to worship.

It pleases our heavenly Father for His children to be gathered in His house on the Lord's Day."

The story is told of a teen boy tending a flock of sheep near his home in Jerusalem. One large sheep made a break for it climbing up the slope away from the rest of the flock. The lad left his flock and began chasing the bull-headed sheep. He yelled, threw rocks, swung his staff, until he caught up and grabbed the sheep. He whacked the sheep with his hand a couple of times and dragged the whining sheep back down the hill. As he neared the flock the errant sheep gave up on its resistance and joined the fold.

Many times a pastor has had the similar job of searching those who have 'made a break.' Sometimes he's successful, sometimes not.

This reminds us of the Good Shepherd who comes seeking after us when we try to 'make our break.' If understood correctly the Good Shepherd allows scolding and chastisement to come our way trying to beckon us back to the fold. He relentlessly pursues until we realize the error of our ways and return to the flock with a restored relationship with the Good Shepherd. Jesus said that there is a big party in heaven over one returning than over 99 righteous.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22

A police officer answered a call from the local Catholic Convent about a strange object circling overhead.

When the officer arrived, he asked the Mother Superior what kind of object it was. "I really can't say," she replied, "But Sister Elizabeth says she knows exactly what it was. Do you want to speak with her?"

"That's ok, I'm in a hurry," said the officer, "I'll just put it down as a nun-identified flying object."

Thanks to all who made a great time of fellowship last Labor Day Weekend church fellowship. The children loved the slippy slide as the adults loved the grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Thanks, Don, for setting up the game activities.

Thanks to Allan, Carol and all who helped Derek with Wednesday's fundraiser at Farmer's Market. His goal is to raise $999 for his NYC (Nazarene Youth Congress) trip to Louisville, KY, next July.

Thank you, Monty, for a great Saturday with our teens. They weren't able to do the tubing due to the weather. But they bowled, ate pizza, and watch an inspirational movie.

Small group discipleship is each Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Praise team singers practice at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested can join in the practice.

Children's Bible Quizzing over the book of Samuel begins today at 5:30 p.m. with Mandy Davis and Shawn and Vicky Tackett directing.

This is one of the best programs the church has for children to learn the Scriptures.

Prayer Gathering will meet this Monday 8:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary to mainly pray.

Alabaster Giving is next Sunday, September 19. This monetary gift purchases land, building material for churches, parsonages, health clinics, and equipment for our missionaries.

Marj Shepherd and work & witness team will present their ministry event in Haiti. There are lots of pictures showing their work with the Haitians.

Children's mission study will be offered by Mandy Davis each Wednesday beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ladies District Event is set for next Saturday. The ladies will travel to Gracepointe Church of the Nazarene. They will depart 7:00 a.m.

The following school supplies are needed for Shepherd Community Children: colored pencils, construction paper, crayons, folders, makers, pencils, pens, regular lined paper, and glue sticks.

Total NYI Youth Rally is set for next Saturday, September 18, with Allan beginning at 7:00 p.m. All teens are invited to participate in this youth event.

Hagerstown Faith Housing has one and two bedroom apartments with limited rental assistance for those who qualify. Appliances, weekly trash service, and central air provided. Phone Floyd Sanders, 489-4898.

Church Calendar:

Sun. Sep 12: National Grandparents Day

Sun. Sep 12: Church Board Meeting

Sat. Sep 18: District Women's Ministries Event

Sat. Sep 18: Total NYI Youth Rally with Allan

Sun. Sep 19: Marj's Haiti Trip Presentation

Alabaster Offering for Missions

Wed. Sep 22: See-You-At-The-Pole

Sun. Sep. 29: NYI Youth Gathering with Allan

Fri. - Sun. Oct. 19-21: Laymen's Retreat

Thu. Nov. 4: Collingsworth Family, 6:30 p.m.