Seeking Perfection

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5 : 48

Compassion By The Book

So last week we mentioned a way you can make a difference, by donating your books to a NonProfit started by non other than one of our own, Kurtis Griess.  He wrote about his organization below to give you some information about what inspired him and exactly what he does.  Enjoy!  And start thinking and praying about what you can do to help.

Realizations

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5 : 6

Conversational Prayer

The second part of Large Group was some time in small groups focusing on prayer; conversational prayer.

Lectio Divina

This week large group was fun and different.  So I'm going to switch up the blog!  Instead of one recap post, I'll post something tonight and the next two days. Each post will be about some aspect of large group that I feel deserves its own space.  Tonight I'll write about Lectio Divina.

But first I want to make a quick shout out to our worship team.  Thank you so much Brandon and everyone else that makes worship so wonderful each week!  I love hearing the new songs and I appreciate the change of style every once and a while.  You guys rocked it out tonight and I loved it.  I can't wait for next week!

Now for the serious business...

PIE!!!

Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.  Coincidence?  I think not!  ~Author Unknown

This semester has been a busy one, and a break was much needed, for me at least!  So I was happy when Pie Night was finally here.  I ate some delicious pie, talked to some delicious awesome people, and was able to finally relax before heading home. 

If you weren't able to make it, I'm sorry, but thanks to Sherene we have some pictures! 

Abundant Love

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you; Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" Matthew 5 : 38 - 48

Commitment... or Lack There-Of

"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord." But I tell you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is God's throne, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5 : 31 - 37

Making a Difference

Last weekend we did Trick-Or-Canning and what an amazing turn-out! I hope you guys are proud of yourselves because my basement is currently full of food.  But there is still more we can do.  We will be collecting cans and money at large group until we actually build our Castle of Cans on the 18th.

"THE" Talk

"'You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away.  It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.  It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.'"  Matthew 5 : 27 - 30 

Running the Marathon

As Ryan was saying last week, when running in a marathon mile 20 becomes really hard.  You seem like you can't continue and there is no possibility of finishing.  This semester is currently at mile 18 I think. Times are getting tough and its not fun anymore.  Everyone is getting focused on holiday's soon to be arriving, well focusing on anything other than school maybe.

Trick-Or-Canning!

This Sunday is Trick-Or-Canning!  This will be my first year going and I'm getting really excited cause I have heard some amazing stories. Katie wrote about why Trick-Or-Canning is so important and the impact you can make this weekend.

True Reconciliation

"'Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.  

'Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.  Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.'"  Matthew 5 : 23 - 26

Small Groups!

Small groups are a great way to build a community with people that are living right by you!  We have some pretty wonderful leaders this year and small groups are a lot of fun!  I highly recommend bettering your life by joining one today!

Burning Embers

Large Group is a great time to get together with friends, worship God, and be encouraged by a great speaker.  But I speak from experience when I say that it is hard to remember and reflect on things said.  Life gets busy and it's easy to forget.  

Burning Embers is a place for you to reflect on the message and what we were challenged to do throughout the week.  I will be writing up a quick description of what Large Group was about, the scripture, and any questions or challenges to think about through the week.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave a response!  I encourage you to have a discussion with other readers, anonymous or not, about what you are feeling and questions you may have.