"Life@First Congregational" 11/10/08

Published: Tue, 11/11/08

"Loving God, Loving Others, Serving the World"

Volume 6, Number 2 November 11, 2008

Festival Gala

This Sunday following our worship service is our second annual Festival Gala. There will be crafts to purchase, gift baskets that will be raffled, and some beautiful, unique gift items that will be silently auctioned. There will also be a cookie sale and a delicious lunch served ($6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. This is the Women's Fellowship's big fundraiser for the year so be sure to bring a few bucks with you to church this Sunday and bring a friend who will enjoy this early kick-off to the Christmas season!

The Zacchaeus Encounter

Luke 19:1-10 contains a story most of us probably haven't read since we were in elementary Sunday School. However, the story of Zaccaeus is spiritually significant for us today.

Jesus, encountering one who, because of his physical state and his "occupation," was probably despised by nearly everyone. Yet, Jesus noticed him. And here is what is so important about their encounter: it wasn't about religion. Jesus did not ask him to consider a philosophy. Jesus didn't try to convert him. Jesus said "Zacchaeus, you come on down. I'm going to your house for dinner." And that invitation to relationship cahnged Zacchaeus' life forever.

That invitation is available to us as well. It's not about religion. It's abot a relationship with one who knows you, warts and all, and wants to be with you.

The example of Jesus in this story is also available to us. Many of you have family and loved ones who you want to see change. You have probably figured out by now that you cannot "convert" them. However, you can love them.You can notice them, affirm them, and build a relationship with them. You never know, it may facilitate a change in them the way it did with Zacchaeus.

Peace,

Pastor Jason

This Week's Sermon
"How Much You Matter to God"

Real change begins when we begin to see ourselves as God sees us. And God sees us as being of inestimable worth. This week we dug into the powerful story of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus and imagined that the same invitation offered to him is offered to us. No matter how insignificant you feel, Jesus notices you. No matter what others say about you, Jesus affirms you. And no matter what you have done, Jesus wants you. This is a sermon worth listening to at least once and then sending to a friend that needs an encouraging word about who they are in Christ.

There's no video this week (technical difficulties), but you can listen to or download the audio version here.

Next week, we will look at the "Process of Change," or "So, What's Next?"

Family Night

On Friday nights, November 7th, 14th, and December 5th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Carol Lewis will be facilitating a class on parenting, centered on building bonds of love and trust between parents and children of all ages.

There is no charge for the class and nursery care will be provided. In addition, fun activities for children in kindergarten through 5th grade will be provided included crafts, games, and snacks.

If you would like to attend or if you would like to volunteer to help with the children's activities, contact Carol Lewis or sign up this Sunday.

Musicians Needed

Here at First Congregational, we have a burning to desire to reach the unchurched in our community with the transforming love of God. A new, relevant, way to do that is to begin an additional worship service with a more contemporary, more casual atmosphere to attract younger adults and families. The music for this service will be pop and rock (and yes, it will be loud). Therefore, one important element will be a kick-butt band to help lead in worship. Do you or someone you know play the keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, or drums? Were you in a band in another time and place? Do you know a good musician who is looking for a place to play? Let Jason know.

This Week's Opportunities

Thursday, 11/13

10:00 AM Romans Bible Study

6:30 PM Big House Rehearsal, Room #6

6:30 PM BINGO!, Studebaker Hall

Friday, 11/14

6:30 PM Family Night Out

7:00 PM Meditation and More

Sunday 11/16

10:30 AM Worship "The Power to Change"

12:00 PM- Festival Gala

3:00 PM

Monday 11/17

7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Centering Prayer and Meditation, Parlor

Tuesday 11/18

10:00 AM Centering Prayer and Meditation, Parlor

7:00 PM Trustees Meeting, Conference Room

Thursday 11/20

10:00 AM Romans Bible Study

6:00 PM Big House Rehearsal, Room #6

6:30 PM BINGO!, Studebaker Hall

Friday 11/21

6:00 PM Food and Games

7:00 PM Big House!

Connection Partners

Good news! The number of visitors we have on a weekly basis is increasing. Each Sunday we have two or three guests with us. That number will increase during the Christmas season.

Visiting a church can be a scary proposition.

A guest takes the risk of entering an environment where most people know one another and she or he will not know any of them.

Here at First Congregational Church of Lake Worth, we are a pretty friendly church. However, that friendliness usually does not extend beyond Sunday morning. We are beginning an intentional system of connecting our guests with caring people in our congregation who can contact them during the week, help connect them with ministries and activities in which they might be interested, and to go beyond being friendly to being a friend to them.

If you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact Jason.

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