Podcasts about congregational meeting

February 2025 Congregational Meeting by Trinity Hinsdale

At our Congregational Meeting back in March, the session presented the names of two men who were nominated to serve as deacons—Dave Talos and Dave Eldridge. After these men had some training, the session called a congregational meeting on Nov 3rd so the congregation could express their will concerning these men. Both were approved. Before that vote, I preached on Acts 6:1-7 on the qualification and method of selecting deacons. Today, for their ordination and installation, I will preach from the same text on the need and work of deacons.

Held on 10/27/24. Announcement regarding search for part-time associate pastor, and discussion.

In this Our Life Together conversation, you get to hear from a number of leaders within our community looking back to celebrate what God is doing and looking forward to how we might participate in that work. These updates were given at our Congregational Meeting on September 8, 2024. Intro for Sermon Podcasts Outro for Sermon AudioWe are a community hoping to live the Jesus-way in our city as a people of God's hospitality, God‘s restoration, and God's shalom. Learn more about All Souls Charlottesville: www.allsoulscville.com

In this bonus episode, we hear from Pastor David Henderson, a couple of elders, and our financial trustee about where God is leading Covenant this next year - into living a generous life. In our recent congregational meeting, we focused on generosity. Particularly that as we copy Jesus' pattern of living a life of sacrificial love, we'll see more and more of a family resemblance - and allow Him access to every part of our lives, including the way we give our money and our time. Recorded: July 21, 2024

A stroll through Hebrews 11 would be similar to going to an ancient castle: beautiful and austere; something out of another world on the outside and, as you enter, you would see the story of the place as you walked through in the form of tapestries and pictures, relics of another world. It is the world of the people who once inhabited the place and fought to keep it in the family for hundreds of years. Heroes, if you will, folk of renowned.             Hebrews 11 is the story of Israel in the Old Testament; it is also our story. It is the story of faith that endured. What is fascinating is that the writer takes us all the way back to the origins of the story of redemption and, guess what, it is the story of God's grace coming to people and of them laying hold of God's promises by faith. There are two stories always going on, and we see all this in Genesis 4 in the story of Cain and Abel. One story, the one you think is the ascendant story, and the other, the real story of how God is working in history. One story is about firstborns, the advantaged and power. The other is a story that is moved along by grace that comes to the ones who are thought of as afterthoughts, but by grace through faith cling to a promise.             Cain's name means “to get, create.” As first born, he embodies the future hopes and dreams of the family. Abel's name means “vapor, or nothingness.” The natural ordering of things is seen in the first siblings in recorded history. And yet, in Hebrews we see the opposite. At the fount head of the grace story is not Cain, but Abel. Though an afterthought to the world, Hebrews says, “he still speaks.”             Sunday, we will talk about it. It will be an exciting day. After worship, we have a Congregational Meeting to approve our annual budget and also to elect Elders. It is also VBS eve, and the church is already taking shape where our children—led by our youth staff and a multitude of others—will be immersed in the true story of redemption. I can't wait!

A stroll through Hebrews 11 would be similar to going to an ancient castle: beautiful and austere; something out of another world on the outside and, as you enter, you would see the story of the place as you walked through in the form of tapestries and pictures, relics of another world. It is the world of the people who once inhabited the place and fought to keep it in the family for hundreds of years. Heroes, if you will, folk of renowned.             Hebrews 11 is the story of Israel in the Old Testament; it is also our story. It is the story of faith that endured. What is fascinating is that the writer takes us all the way back to the origins of the story of redemption and, guess what, it is the story of God's grace coming to people and of them laying hold of God's promises by faith. There are two stories always going on, and we see all this in Genesis 4 in the story of Cain and Abel. One story, the one you think is the ascendant story, and the other, the real story of how God is working in history. One story is about firstborns, the advantaged and power. The other is a story that is moved along by grace that comes to the ones who are thought of as afterthoughts, but by grace through faith cling to a promise.             Cain's name means “to get, create.” As first born, he embodies the future hopes and dreams of the family. Abel's name means “vapor, or nothingness.” The natural ordering of things is seen in the first siblings in recorded history. And yet, in Hebrews we see the opposite. At the fount head of the grace story is not Cain, but Abel. Though an afterthought to the world, Hebrews says, “he still speaks.”             Sunday, we will talk about it. It will be an exciting day. After worship, we have a Congregational Meeting to approve our annual budget and also to elect Elders. It is also VBS eve, and the church is already taking shape where our children—led by our youth staff and a multitude of others—will be immersed in the true story of redemption. I can't wait!

Our congregational gathering, affectionately dubbed "The Village Drumming Circle," serves as a vibrant forum where we come together to share insights, reflect on our mission, and deepen our communal bonds. At the heart of our recent assembly was the exploration of our guiding principle: "Healing the City, One Person at a Time." This mission encapsulates our commitment to fostering individual and collective well-being, embodying the transformative power of faith in action.In alignment with our mission, we delved into the "SAP Model of Discipleship," a framework that encourages us to Submit, Ask, and Pray. This model offers a pathway to spiritual growth and deeper connection with God and each other. Pastor Eric illuminated the path of submission, guiding us to surrender our will to God's, embracing humility and openness to His direction. Mark shared insights on the power of asking—encouraging us to seek wisdom, guidance, and support through earnest inquiry, both in prayer and in community. Michael emphasized the centrality of prayer, inviting us to deepen our communication with God, fostering a spirit of dependence, gratitude, and intercession.Our financial stewardship was reviewed, affirming our commitment to transparency and responsible management of the resources entrusted to us. Discussions on various community rhythms further enriched our gathering, offering diverse opportunities for engagement, service, and spiritual nourishment.These conversations at "The Village Drumming Circle" not only reinforce our dedication to healing and transformation but also strengthen our bonds as a faith community. Together, we journey forward, guided by the principles of submission, inquiry, and prayer, committed to making a meaningful impact in our city and beyond.Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is a weekly source of inspiration and guidance for the community. Authenticity is at the forefront of each episode, with Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, and Michael delivering sermons that are grounded in truth and filled with personal stories and real-life examples. The goal of the podcast is to make spiritual growth accessible to all, regardless of background or belief system. Each week, the pastors explain different aspects of the Christian faith, exploring topics such as the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving, as well as more practical subjects like relationships, finances, and personal growth. They bring creativity to their teachings, making complex concepts easy to understand and inspiring listeners to live out their faith in new and meaningful ways. Whether you're a long-time member of the Village Church or just starting your spiritual journey, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to grow in their faith. Join Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, and Michael each week for a dose of truth, encouragement, and wisdom that will help you build a deeper relationship with God and live out your faith with authenticity and purpose. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

February 4, 2024 - Congregational Meeting by Trinity Hinsdale

Excerpt:Christian organizations and church officers often take down statements they have, at first, made publicly. Thus during conflict, they control information.For the permanent record then, this is the transcript of the statement the Session of Tenth Presbyterian Church just posted on Vimeo. Here their spokesman explains why he and his fellow elders cancelled the congregational meeting they had called for yesterday, Sunday, January 7, 2024.* * *Support Warhorn here.Music is Rise Up, O Lord, a recording of Psalm 10 by My Soul Among Lions.

Excerpt:The Session of Tenth Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church in America) has betrayed their trust to guard their sheep. For them to present themselves now as "lovers" of their sheep and the adults in the room who can be trusted—making this claim in the wake of (only) their most recent scandal of Goligher's abandonment of his call—is ludicrous and should immediately be shut down by both the congregation and Philadelphia Presbytery (BCO 11-4)...* * *Support Warhorn here.Music is Rise Up, O Lord, a recording of Psalm 10 by My Soul Among Lions.

This was originally recorded on Dec 3rd 2023. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptownchurch/support

Over 200 people gathered in Ebenezer's sanctuary during the Sunday School hour for the Semi-Annual meeting and vote on calling Scott Wright as Lead Pastor.  

This summer we are considering the book of Proverbs. Why are we doing that, you might ask. Fair question. The title of our sermon series is called, The Book of Suburbs, as in: Because this is the place we find ourselves, how do we pull back the veil and really see what it is about our place that de-forms us. Proverbs is the true book of how to live and thrive in the suburbs by actually subverting the status quo and telling a better story of human thriving.  Strangely, in order to live well and love God, love people, and love life in our context (or any context, for that matter), we need more than Bible knowledge because the truth is that 90% of the decisions we make on a daily basis are not covered with a chapter and verse in the Bible. Think about it—the things that have vexed my soul throughout my life are questions for which there is no clear direction from the Bible. Things like: What is the best ministry context to use my gifts so that there is mutual thriving between pastor and people? What do I do when I have a wayward child in the far country? What school is best for my children? Should I say something to someone or let it pass? On and on, it goes. What are we to do then? The answer from the Bible is to get wisdom. In fact, when Solomon is about to be crowned king and God asks him what he wants, he asks for wisdom. Keep in mind, Solomon is instructed and immersed in the Scripture; he has a man after God's own heart for a father; he has knowledge and principles galore. Yet when he looks at the task in front of him, he says: I am a like a child; the immensity and complexity of life is so overwhelming, I feel foolish. And so, what he asks for is wisdom.  Wonder why? Well on Sunday, we start an important pilgrimage through the book of Proverbs. I am so excited about this and also other things going on. We introduce Greg Aydt, our new Youth Pastor, and I can't wait for you to meet him. Plan to come early. as we have a brunch at 9:30 so you can meet him in person and introduce yourself. Also, what is more glorious than baptizing an infant—yes, that is all happening this Sunday. And last, but certainly not least, after worship we are having a Congregational Meeting where we will present and vote on our Operating Budget for our new fiscal year that starts July 1.  In between all of this, you might want to just wander through our facility, as it has been transformed into something magical for VBS. Hope to see you Sunday!

This summer we are considering the book of Proverbs. Why are we doing that, you might ask. Fair question. The title of our sermon series is called, The Book of Suburbs, as in: Because this is the place we find ourselves, how do we pull back the veil and really see what it is about our place that de-forms us. Proverbs is the true book of how to live and thrive in the suburbs by actually subverting the status quo and telling a better story of human thriving.  Strangely, in order to live well and love God, love people, and love life in our context (or any context, for that matter), we need more than Bible knowledge because the truth is that 90% of the decisions we make on a daily basis are not covered with a chapter and verse in the Bible. Think about it—the things that have vexed my soul throughout my life are questions for which there is no clear direction from the Bible. Things like: What is the best ministry context to use my gifts so that there is mutual thriving between pastor and people? What do I do when I have a wayward child in the far country? What school is best for my children? Should I say something to someone or let it pass? On and on, it goes. What are we to do then? The answer from the Bible is to get wisdom. In fact, when Solomon is about to be crowned king and God asks him what he wants, he asks for wisdom. Keep in mind, Solomon is instructed and immersed in the Scripture; he has a man after God's own heart for a father; he has knowledge and principles galore. Yet when he looks at the task in front of him, he says: I am a like a child; the immensity and complexity of life is so overwhelming, I feel foolish. And so, what he asks for is wisdom.  Wonder why? Well on Sunday, we start an important pilgrimage through the book of Proverbs. I am so excited about this and also other things going on. We introduce Greg Aydt, our new Youth Pastor, and I can't wait for you to meet him. Plan to come early. as we have a brunch at 9:30 so you can meet him in person and introduce yourself. Also, what is more glorious than baptizing an infant—yes, that is all happening this Sunday. And last, but certainly not least, after worship we are having a Congregational Meeting where we will present and vote on our Operating Budget for our new fiscal year that starts July 1.  In between all of this, you might want to just wander through our facility, as it has been transformed into something magical for VBS. Hope to see you Sunday!

This week we are having our Annual Congregational Meeting. Join us this morning as we thank God for 2022 and step with Him into 2023.

2022 Congregational Meeting by CBCNashville

Hey Family, We all get tired. With all that’s happening in our lives, it seems that the energy just gets sapped from us. But Jesus has something to say about that. He talks about how we need rest, and how that rest is found in him. Join us this Sunday and find your rest as Pastor Gus leads us through Matthew 11:28-30. We look forward to seeing you, 10 a.m. at 360 Schermerhorn! --Edwin IMPORTANT: Please plan to stay after service this Sunday for our summer Congregational Meeting. It will start promptly at noon.

Congregational Meeting & Building update

In this meeting we hear about changes to Ben's title, Austin's title, the roles of our staff, as well as Austin's upcoming sabbatical.

SCC and VAST leadership answer questions about their partnership and progression of possible merger.

- Announcement of our new annual goal - Global Mobilization Team (GMT) update

The elders of Vast and Sisters Community meet together with the Sisters Church to talk about the process of a church marriage, and to answer questions from the congregation.

"Creating Anew, Part 2" in 2022. God is the Creator and he has made us in his image to create! Join us again this Sunday for worship at 10am as we look "to be a Jesus-Only Disciple, Thriving in a Faith-Rich Community, Caught up in a Spirit-empowered Mission". "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 TO WATCH ONLINE - Live-stream of Sunday's 10am worship is available by YouTube or Facebook: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdluK28K9tCbeUN6oExnLQ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningChurch.CMA/ UPCOMING: - Jan. 23, (5pm) Annual Chili-Cookoff and Congregational Meeting. Everyone is invited for our Monthly Gathering for friendship, fun, food and inspiration concerning God's work through our church. - Feb. 13, Spring ROOTED Experience begins. Respond to connect@theAwakening.church for interest in this 10 week spiritual discovery and growth journey. - LIFE Groups on various nights are beginning. Find yourself in a vital community of weekly support and encouragement related to life and spiritual development. Respond to this email with interest to be apart of a group or call/text Pastor Kerry at 317-523-5700. WOMEN'S GROUPS BEGINNING (email connect@theAwakening.church for questions or to sign up) - Tuesday AM - Continues this Tuesday at 9am with Debbie Parnakian in Matthew. Open to new people each week at the church. Learn how to better study God's word. - Wednesday PM - A new group beginning Feb. 2 lead by Holly Bailes in French Valley. A seven week study of the Old Testament by She Reads Truth. "We'll read thematic selections from every OT book to see how they contribute to the greater narrative of scripture ... and point us to God." - Thursday AM - Begins on Jan. 27th at 9:30am at the church. Karen Butler leading on Ephesians and the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. - Thursday PM - Beginning Jan. 20th at 6:30pm at the church. Shannon Beam study "The Women of the Bible" lead by Andrea Fleek. - Friday AM "HELD" - This group is for mom's who have kids with disabilities who want to study the Bible and be in support of one another as parents. Group begins on Feb. 4 at 10am at the church. For more information or to RSVP contact Melissa Bowman Thanks for the giving of your tithes and offerings as we begin the new year! - TO GIVE NOW: Click on https://pushpay.com/g/theawakeningchurch - To give on your phone, text the word AWAKENING to the number 77977. - To give by mail send your gift to 39681 Avenida Acacias, Murrieta, CA 92563. www.theAwakening.church #theawakeningchurch

"Creating Anew, Part 2" in 2022. God is the Creator and he has made us in his image to create! Join us again this Sunday for worship at 10am as we look "to be a Jesus-Only Disciple, Thriving in a Faith-Rich Community, Caught up in a Spirit-empowered Mission". "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 TO WATCH ONLINE - Live-stream of Sunday's 10am worship is available by YouTube or Facebook: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdluK28K9tCbeUN6oExnLQ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningChurch.CMA/ UPCOMING: - Jan. 23, (5pm) Annual Chili-Cookoff and Congregational Meeting. Everyone is invited for our Monthly Gathering for friendship, fun, food and inspiration concerning God's work through our church. - Feb. 13, Spring ROOTED Experience begins. Respond to connect@theAwakening.church for interest in this 10 week spiritual discovery and growth journey. - LIFE Groups on various nights are beginning. Find yourself in a vital community of weekly support and encouragement related to life and spiritual development. Respond to this email with interest to be apart of a group or call/text Pastor Kerry at 317-523-5700. WOMEN'S GROUPS BEGINNING (email connect@theAwakening.church for questions or to sign up) - Tuesday AM - Continues this Tuesday at 9am with Debbie Parnakian in Matthew. Open to new people each week at the church. Learn how to better study God's word. - Wednesday PM - A new group beginning Feb. 2 lead by Holly Bailes in French Valley. A seven week study of the Old Testament by She Reads Truth. "We'll read thematic selections from every OT book to see how they contribute to the greater narrative of scripture ... and point us to God." - Thursday AM - Begins on Jan. 27th at 9:30am at the church. Karen Butler leading on Ephesians and the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. - Thursday PM - Beginning Jan. 20th at 6:30pm at the church. Shannon Beam study "The Women of the Bible" lead by Andrea Fleek. - Friday AM "HELD" - This group is for mom's who have kids with disabilities who want to study the Bible and be in support of one another as parents. Group begins on Feb. 4 at 10am at the church. For more information or to RSVP contact Melissa Bowman Thanks for the giving of your tithes and offerings as we begin the new year! - TO GIVE NOW: Click on https://pushpay.com/g/theawakeningchurch - To give on your phone, text the word AWAKENING to the number 77977. - To give by mail send your gift to 39681 Avenida Acacias, Murrieta, CA 92563. www.theAwakening.church #theawakeningchurch

"Creating Anew, Part 2" in 2022. God is the Creator and he has made us in his image to create! Join us again this Sunday for worship at 10am as we look "to be a Jesus-Only Disciple, Thriving in a Faith-Rich Community, Caught up in a Spirit-empowered Mission". "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 TO WATCH ONLINE - Live-stream of Sunday's 10am worship is available by YouTube or Facebook: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdluK28K9tCbeUN6oExnLQ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningChurch.CMA/ UPCOMING: - Jan. 23, (5pm) Annual Chili-Cookoff and Congregational Meeting. Everyone is invited for our Monthly Gathering for friendship, fun, food and inspiration concerning God's work through our church. - Feb. 13, Spring ROOTED Experience begins. Respond to connect@theAwakening.church for interest in this 10 week spiritual discovery and growth journey. - LIFE Groups on various nights are beginning. Find yourself in a vital community of weekly support and encouragement related to life and spiritual development. Respond to this email with interest to be apart of a group or call/text Pastor Kerry at 317-523-5700. WOMEN'S GROUPS BEGINNING (email connect@theAwakening.church for questions or to sign up) - Tuesday AM - Continues this Tuesday at 9am with Debbie Parnakian in Matthew. Open to new people each week at the church. Learn how to better study God's word. - Wednesday PM - A new group beginning Feb. 2 lead by Holly Bailes in French Valley. A seven week study of the Old Testament by She Reads Truth. "We'll read thematic selections from every OT book to see how they contribute to the greater narrative of scripture ... and point us to God." - Thursday AM - Begins on Jan. 27th at 9:30am at the church. Karen Butler leading on Ephesians and the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. - Thursday PM - Beginning Jan. 20th at 6:30pm at the church. Shannon Beam study "The Women of the Bible" lead by Andrea Fleek. - Friday AM "HELD" - This group is for mom's who have kids with disabilities who want to study the Bible and be in support of one another as parents. Group begins on Feb. 4 at 10am at the church. For more information or to RSVP contact Melissa Bowman Thanks for the giving of your tithes and offerings as we begin the new year! - TO GIVE NOW: Click on https://pushpay.com/g/theawakeningchurch - To give on your phone, text the word AWAKENING to the number 77977. - To give by mail send your gift to 39681 Avenida Acacias, Murrieta, CA 92563. www.theAwakening.church #theawakeningchurch

God is the Creator and he has made us in his image to create! What will you create anew in 2022? Each year brings new opportunity for each of us as a new creation and as a renewed church family in Christ. Join us this Sunday for worship at 10am as we rethink what God has called us to create as his creations. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) As Pastor Kerry brings the message "CREATING ANEW" this week, you will be given an opportunity to hear God's renewed vision for our church in 2022 and a chance to become a PARTICIPATING MEMBER of The Awakening. Dave Reynolds, who began our church, will be leading in worship and there will be an introduction of a new Alliance pastor who will begin serving within our church body for the new year. Don't miss this key Sunday! Establish the habit of weekly worship in 2022! TO WATCH ONLINE - Live-stream of Sunday's 10am worship is available by YouTube or Facebook: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdluK28K9tCbeUN6oExnLQ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningChurch.CMA/ UPCOMING: - Jan. 15, (8am-3pm) - Men's One Day Retreat at Monteleone Meadows in Murrieta (35245 Briggs Road). Pastor Kerry is one of the speakers for this valley wide men's day. Register online at www.menofthevalley.com ($25 for breakfast/lunch) - Jan. 23, (5pm) Annual Chili-Cookoff and Congregational Meeting. Everyone is invited for our Monthly Gathering for friendship, fun, food and inspiration concerning God's work through our church. - Feb. 13, Spring ROOTED Experience begins. Respond to connect@theAwakening.church for interest in this 10 week spiritual discovery and growth journey. WOMEN'S GROUPS BEGINNING (email connect@theAwakening.church for questions or to sign up) - Tuesday AM - Continues this Tuesday at 9am with Debbie Parnakian in Matthew. Open to new people each week at the church. Learn how to better study God's word. - Wednesday PM - A new group beginning Feb. 2 lead by Holly Bailes in French Valley. A seven week study of the Old Testament by She Reads Truth. "We'll read thematic selections from every OT book to see how they contribute to the greater narrative of scripture ... and point us to God." - Thursday AM - Begins on Jan. 27th at 9:30am at the church. Karen Butler leading on Ephesians and the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. - Thursday PM - Beginning again soon at 7pm each week at the church. Contact Andrea Fleek for more detail on the new study for the beginning of this year. - Friday AM "HELD" - This group is for mom's who have kids with disabilities who want to study the Bible and be in support of one another as parents. Group begins on Feb. 4 at 10am at the church. For more information or to RSVP contact Melissa Bowman Thanks for the giving of your tithes and offerings as we begin the new year! - TO GIVE NOW: Click on https://pushpay.com/g/theawakeningchurch - To give on your phone, text the word AWAKENING to the number 77977. - To give by mail send your gift to 39681 Avenida Acacias, Murrieta, CA 92563. www.theAwakening.church #theawakeningchurch

God is the Creator and he has made us in his image to create! What will you create anew in 2022? Each year brings new opportunity for each of us as a new creation and as a renewed church family in Christ. Join us this Sunday for worship at 10am as we rethink what God has called us to create as his creations. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) As Pastor Kerry brings the message "CREATING ANEW" this week, you will be given an opportunity to hear God's renewed vision for our church in 2022 and a chance to become a PARTICIPATING MEMBER of The Awakening. Dave Reynolds, who began our church, will be leading in worship and there will be an introduction of a new Alliance pastor who will begin serving within our church body for the new year. Don't miss this key Sunday! Establish the habit of weekly worship in 2022! TO WATCH ONLINE - Live-stream of Sunday's 10am worship is available by YouTube or Facebook: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdluK28K9tCbeUN6oExnLQ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningChurch.CMA/ UPCOMING: - Jan. 15, (8am-3pm) - Men's One Day Retreat at Monteleone Meadows in Murrieta (35245 Briggs Road). Pastor Kerry is one of the speakers for this valley wide men's day. Register online at www.menofthevalley.com ($25 for breakfast/lunch) - Jan. 23, (5pm) Annual Chili-Cookoff and Congregational Meeting. Everyone is invited for our Monthly Gathering for friendship, fun, food and inspiration concerning God's work through our church. - Feb. 13, Spring ROOTED Experience begins. Respond to connect@theAwakening.church for interest in this 10 week spiritual discovery and growth journey. WOMEN'S GROUPS BEGINNING (email connect@theAwakening.church for questions or to sign up) - Tuesday AM - Continues this Tuesday at 9am with Debbie Parnakian in Matthew. Open to new people each week at the church. Learn how to better study God's word. - Wednesday PM - A new group beginning Feb. 2 lead by Holly Bailes in French Valley. A seven week study of the Old Testament by She Reads Truth. "We'll read thematic selections from every OT book to see how they contribute to the greater narrative of scripture ... and point us to God." - Thursday AM - Begins on Jan. 27th at 9:30am at the church. Karen Butler leading on Ephesians and the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. - Thursday PM - Beginning again soon at 7pm each week at the church. Contact Andrea Fleek for more detail on the new study for the beginning of this year. - Friday AM "HELD" - This group is for mom's who have kids with disabilities who want to study the Bible and be in support of one another as parents. Group begins on Feb. 4 at 10am at the church. For more information or to RSVP contact Melissa Bowman Thanks for the giving of your tithes and offerings as we begin the new year! - TO GIVE NOW: Click on https://pushpay.com/g/theawakeningchurch - To give on your phone, text the word AWAKENING to the number 77977. - To give by mail send your gift to 39681 Avenida Acacias, Murrieta, CA 92563. www.theAwakening.church #theawakeningchurch

God is the Creator and he has made us in his image to create! What will you create anew in 2022? Each year brings new opportunity for each of us as a new creation and as a renewed church family in Christ. Join us this Sunday for worship at 10am as we rethink what God has called us to create as his creations. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) As Pastor Kerry brings the message "CREATING ANEW" this week, you will be given an opportunity to hear God's renewed vision for our church in 2022 and a chance to become a PARTICIPATING MEMBER of The Awakening. Dave Reynolds, who began our church, will be leading in worship and there will be an introduction of a new Alliance pastor who will begin serving within our church body for the new year. Don't miss this key Sunday! Establish the habit of weekly worship in 2022! TO WATCH ONLINE - Live-stream of Sunday's 10am worship is available by YouTube or Facebook: - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdluK28K9tCbeUN6oExnLQ - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningChurch.CMA/ UPCOMING: - Jan. 15, (8am-3pm) - Men's One Day Retreat at Monteleone Meadows in Murrieta (35245 Briggs Road). Pastor Kerry is one of the speakers for this valley wide men's day. Register online at www.menofthevalley.com ($25 for breakfast/lunch) - Jan. 23, (5pm) Annual Chili-Cookoff and Congregational Meeting. Everyone is invited for our Monthly Gathering for friendship, fun, food and inspiration concerning God's work through our church. - Feb. 13, Spring ROOTED Experience begins. Respond to connect@theAwakening.church for interest in this 10 week spiritual discovery and growth journey. WOMEN'S GROUPS BEGINNING (email connect@theAwakening.church for questions or to sign up) - Tuesday AM - Continues this Tuesday at 9am with Debbie Parnakian in Matthew. Open to new people each week at the church. Learn how to better study God's word. - Wednesday PM - A new group beginning Feb. 2 lead by Holly Bailes in French Valley. A seven week study of the Old Testament by She Reads Truth. "We'll read thematic selections from every OT book to see how they contribute to the greater narrative of scripture ... and point us to God." - Thursday AM - Begins on Jan. 27th at 9:30am at the church. Karen Butler leading on Ephesians and the Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. - Thursday PM - Beginning again soon at 7pm each week at the church. Contact Andrea Fleek for more detail on the new study for the beginning of this year. - Friday AM "HELD" - This group is for mom's who have kids with disabilities who want to study the Bible and be in support of one another as parents. Group begins on Feb. 4 at 10am at the church. For more information or to RSVP contact Melissa Bowman Thanks for the giving of your tithes and offerings as we begin the new year! - TO GIVE NOW: Click on https://pushpay.com/g/theawakeningchurch - To give on your phone, text the word AWAKENING to the number 77977. - To give by mail send your gift to 39681 Avenida Acacias, Murrieta, CA 92563. www.theAwakening.church #theawakeningchurch

Today's show is a recap of the recent Congregational Meetings with Rev. Todd Strain. Todd has been recommended by our Personnel Committee and Succession Committee to succeed Dr. David Brooks at the end of 2022, and these meetings were set up as a way to hear his testimony, story, and to catch a glimpse of his thoughts about Calvary going forward, how he intends to lead, what drives him, and other topics that may interest you. So, if you attended the meetings and want to hear it again, or if you missed out, we hope you will enjoy getting to know Todd better through this podcast today.

It is easy to think of the Bible giving us wisdom and guidance in dealing with the lonely, the broken, and the outcast. And in the book of Ruth, we are not disappointed. I mean, if the church were to look like the field of Boaz, it would be a little piece of heaven in a place. But what we don't expect to see in the Bible is talk about romance! And yet we find one of the most delicately sensual passages in all the Bible this week. When Naomi is thinking about securing rest for Ruth, she has a plan. Rather than waiting for something to fall out of the sky, she thinks of a person––a redeemer––and suddenly we are in a passage teaming with sexual tension. If that seems hard for us to get our head around, it may be evidence of bad theology and the fact that we tend to get our ideas of romance from novels and movies, rather than letting Scripture be our guide. But what if romance exists because God is a romantic? As one writer says, The Bible speaks not only of ardent love between men and women, but it presents God himself as a lover and his courting of creation as the Great Romance. (Rodney Clapp, Christianity Today, February 1, 2001) So, for the next two weeks, we will be at the threshing floor of Boaz. Wonders await. Hope to see you Sunday! And, just a reminder, we have a Congregational Meeting immediately following morning worship to approve our Operating Budget for 2021-2022. Blessings, Jim

Congregational Meeting on February 14, 2021

We are all culture makers, like it or not. To be made in God's image is to create culture. Culture is literally, “what we make of the world.” We could wax eloquent on this for days but this week we are talking about what culture is, what is wrong with it, and how we might be part of the restoration process. Genesis 3-4 shows the progressive nature of decline because of sin. Sin affects the individual, the family and, as we will see this week, the culture. What is interesting is that, while the fall is bad, it does not destroy humanity's capacity to create culture and artifacts that serve the common good. Thank God that by his mercy all of us are most likely still alive because of cultural advances that were made by people who wouldn't darken the door of a church or call on the name of the Lord! The text for Sunday lands us right in the middle of a cultural mess! So, we shouldn't be surprised at the cultural mess we are in now—it started in Genesis 4. Also, an important reminder! This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. Lent is upon us and starts with perhaps the most audacious service of the year, a service where we smear death on the faces of everyone in our community. And yes, even in COVID, we have found a way to do this service safely. This year during our Ash Wednesday Service, we will have ashes in the small communion cups, enough for a family. As you come forward, each family will administer ashes to their own family or, if you attend on your own, a minister will administer them to you. Different, yes, but we understand safety is still a primary concern. If you have young children who need to be in the nursery, please sign them up using this link. Bear in mind, the Winter Storm Watch has a forecast of snow and ice for Monday and Wednesday, so stay tuned for updates on the status of the service. Remember also, we're having a Congregational Meeting after worship on Sunday to elect Elders. Dan Stimpson and Bob Conrad are both standing and have both served on the Session before. Please try to be present to cast your vote for your leaders. Have a great weekend and be safe. I hope to see you Sunday, live and in person or via livestream. Blessings, Jim

Grace Fellowship Church of State College, PA