The Contender

Report 0 Downloads 132 Views
The Contender September & October 2016

WHAT’S COMING TO PASS? 780 Lebanon St. P.O. Box 453 Monroe, OH 45050-1439

Contacts: 513-539-9584 [email protected] www.LifeWayCC.org

Sunday Service Times 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship Hour 6:30 PM Youth Meeting

Our Purpose The LifeWay Christian Church exists to honor the authority and desire of Jesus Christ by reproducing the Church of the New Testament in its teachings, ordinances, and life.

For Pastoral Care Church phone Duane Mecklem Aaron Levering George Eberhard Dave Walker Michael McSwain

513-539-9584 513-755-2138 812-276-9771 513-779-2746 513-850-9668 513-777-7847

Scripture of the Month II Peter 1:19-21 “We have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

END WATCH by Duane & Kathy Mecklem Our Prophecy Study is now underway. Too many Christians today shy away from this subject. Some because it is too speculative. Some because it is too controversial. Some because the signs of coming events are sometimes frightening. Some because people who love Prophecy sometimes become obsessed and fanatical about it. But we, on the other hand, find the study of Prophecy fascinating and faith-enriching. For those people who discredit the Bible as passé and irrelevant in our modern age, Prophecy brings Scriptures alive and right up to date. It makes the Bible real and relevant in our generation. Seeing Prophecies fulfilled reaffirms that the Bible is indeed the inspired Word of God. No one but the Omniscient and Omnipresent LORD could tell us what the future holds. The LORD God of the Bible must be the true and living God. Praise and honor be to LORD of lords (I Timothy 6:15-16). Amen. Prophecy, like no other subject, calls us to vigilance. Seeing prophecies fulfilled and seeing that Jesus’ return is possible at any time, we must be ready at all times. Prophecy then should motivate us to teach and preach the Bible more fully and faithfully, more earnestly and urgently (II Timothy 4:1-8). Prophecy should motivate every person to accept Christ now before it is too late. Prophecy should motivate every Christian to be found living a godly life, so as not to be caught by surprise in worldly living (see I Thessalonians 5:1-11; II Peter 3:11-14; I Peter 3:4-14; 1:6-16; I Thessalonians 1:7-12; I Timothy 6:13-16; Titus 2:11-14; I John 2:28; Hebrews 10:25; etc.). We believe that is exactly why God has given us a prophetic view of the future, to get us ready. Check our ad later in this paper for the September 18 LifeWay Matinee.

Discipleship at LifeWay Over the last two years we have studied and preached through topics designed to advance your personal growth. We hope you have matured in your spiritual walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Review our LifeWay Discipleship Circle. Having gone from a spiritual infant learning the basics . . . to a spiritual child making connection with God, other Christians, and our purpose . . . to a spiritual young adult equipped and able to serve . . . now we bring our discipleship full circle to spiritual adulthood where we make new disciples. The next few months our preaching theme will be “VETERAN SEASON.” A veteran disciple has enough knowledge and experience to help others come into their spiritual walk. Veteran Christians prove themselves to be spiritual adults by reproducing themselves in others (Acts 26:28-29). We show we are spiritual veterans when we model discipleship for others to follow (I Corinthians 11:1). October is “REACH OUT” month, a time for each and every one of us to find unique ways to reach outside of ourselves, outside of our church, and to bring new people into the church. God bless your creativity!

Decision for Christ Tina Pritchard answered the invitation on July 24 to rededicate herself to serving the Lord Jesus. May God bless you, Tina, in your commitment to do His will always.

Small Groups Develop your personal discipleship to the Lord and encourage others’ discipleship development. We urge everyone to choose a group you can attend. Miamisburg Group #1 meets Sundays, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Contact Aaron Levering for more details. Monroe Group #2 meets Sundays, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, at Mike & Amy Russell’s home. Contact new leader Mike Lyons for more details. Monroe Group #3 meets Sunday’s 6:30 to 8:00 pm, rotating around area restaurants. Check leaders Timothy Mecklem or Steve Levering each week for location details.

Our young people are growing a lot. So far, our kids as a Group have earned these patch and badge totals. 59 Bluebird patches for showing respectful and obedient Behavior, which translated into 7 Owl badges (see Proverbs 19:20). 76 Redbird patches for unsolicited acts of Christian character, which translated into 10 Eagle badges (see Isaiah 40:30). 225 Sparrow patches for Bible verses memorized, which translated into 40 Dove badges (see II Peter 1:21). We are learning generosity toward others in need:  by giving money for a leper village in Cambodia to buy self-sustaining food sources, like goats and chickens, etc.  by preparing emergency food bags with coastguard food rations to hand out to roadside beggars and people in need. Our Group is planning an educational fieldtrip to the Creation Museum’s Ark, tentatively on October 15. Hey Kids! Here is another Word Search on one of our lessons:

Abraham Deceit Esau Favorite First Honest Inherit Isaac Jacob Lie Oath Rebekah

Liberty Small Group #4 meets Tuesday evenings, starting September 20, 6:00 to 7:30 pm at homes near Liberty Township. First meeting will be at Mike & Sue McSwain’s home. Check leader Duane Mecklem for meeting places and to join this newest group.

Congregational Dinner On Sunday, September 11, we will hold a congregational dinner right after morning worship. Everyone is invited. Every family simply bring a covered dish, as we always do. Keep in mind, however, that the main course of lasagna is already being provided. The dinner will serve several purposes. 1It will be our V.B.S. worker recognition, as promised. 2We have an exciting update on our V.B.S. mission. 3We will entertain Sainsurin JeanBaptiste who is visiting us from Haiti that Sunday. 4 We will enjoy our usual great fellowship together.

Women’s Fellowships rd

Each 3 Thursday of the month our Ladies are meeting. Join us September 15th and October 20th for these times of encouragement and inspiration. We will eat together. The meal will be provided. Childcare will be provided.

Men’s Breakfasts September – Join us on Saturday the 24th for breakfast together at church, 8:00 am, followed by a Skeet Shoot. Bring you favorite shotguns.

LIFEWAY MATINEE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 3:00-4:30 P.M. Prophecies Fulfilled in Our Time TH

The movie time this month will be both educational and enlightening, as we learn how to evaluate and interpret Bible prophecies. Irvin Baxter has a practical and reasoned approach to interpreting God’s prophecy. By observing his methods and hearing his explanations we hope you all will learn to evaluate and interpret Bible prophecy on your own. Then you may feel more comfortable delving into this fascinating part of God’s Word, Prophecy.

October – Join us on Saturday the 22nd for breakfast together at church, 8:00 am.

Sunday School September Specials September 4 & 18 – Dave Walker leads a special study on “Watch Your Mouth.” The Bible says a lot about how we use our tongues. CU there. September 11 – Sunday School classes join together in the sanctuary for a special presentation by Sainsurin Jean-Baptiste, missionary from the Gonaives Christian Mission in Haiti.

Looking Ahead to Area Events . . .

CRA Bible Conference The Christian Restoration Association presents its bi-annual 2016 Bible Conference on the theme “Reasons for Hope.” The program of prominent Restoration preachers and teachers begins Thursday, October 20, at 1:30 pm and ends Friday, October 21, at 1:00 pm. It will be held at Christ’s Church at Mason. To register, call 513-229-8000 or email [email protected]. Costs: Individual $25. Couples $30. College Student $10. Thursday evening banquet add $18. Pick up a Restoration Herald magazine in our foyer for more details.

International Conference on Missions

“How to Take Down a 7/11” th

October 9 11:00 am at LifeWay Christian Church Pat Hartson will bring us a message entitled “How To Take Down A 7/11.” Pat is the executive director of a ministry in Northern Ohio called N.O.A.H. It is a ministry designed to plant churches, as well as be an aide to local congregations in harnessing their efforts to reach their communities. Currently N.O.A.H. has 5 church plants that they are continuing to work with. Pat has a passion to see churches succeed in reaching their community for Christ. He is a loveable man, who is fun to listen to, and who has much experience. Come and join us as we learn how to take down a 7/11.

A Community Outreach Service Project We are hosting a “Parents Night Out” for the Monroe “Wee Hornets” 6th grade football team. It will be a Friday night in October (date yet to be set), 6:00-9:00 pm. We will need all hands on deck to help watch, feed, and teach a bunch of kids. See Tia Levering to volunteer.

Congratulations on Birth Lincoln Douglas Brumfield was born to Mary & Joey Brumfield on Friday, August 26, weighing in at 8 lbs 8 oz, at 21½ inches. Mike and Amy Russell are the proud grandparents. Congratulations.

November 17-20 This year ICOM convenes in Lexington, KY, at Rupp Arena/Lexington Center. This missionary convention will expand your vision of the worldwide field to which Christ called us to spread the gospel. It will challenge and prepare you to make disciples both at home and abroad. Why not plan now to spend a day or more there. It will definitely enhance your growth as a disciple-maker.

Servers List September 4

Prayer/Meditation – Steve Levering Offering Prayer – Tim Mecklem Servers – Gillis Shepherd, Christian Levering

11 Prayer/Meditation – Duane Mecklem Offering Prayer – Greg Garrett Servers – Steve Levering, Christian Levering 18 Prayer/Meditation – Aaron Levering Offering Prayer – Steve Levering Servers – Dave Walker, Dennis Polley 25 Prayer/Meditation – Dave Walker Offering Prayer – Dave Walker Servers – Greg Garrett, Tim Mecklem

October 2

Prayer/Meditation – Steve Levering Offering Prayer – Tim Mecklem Servers – Gillis Shepherd, Christian Levering

9

Prayer/Meditation – Mike Lyons Offering Prayer – Greg Garrett Servers – Dave Walker, Gillis Shepherd

16 Prayer/Meditation – Dave Walker Offering Prayer – Steve Levering Servers – Gillis Shepherd, Christian Levering 23 Prayer/Meditation – Duane Mecklem Offering Prayer – Dave Walker Servers – Greg Garrett, Tim Mecklem 30 Prayer/Meditation – Aaron Levering Offering Prayer – Tim Mecklem Servers – Christian Levering, Gillis Shepherd

September Servers List: Preaching Meditation/Prayer Offering Prayer Server Server Computer Sound/Lights/Video

9/4/2016 Duane Mecklem Steve Levering Tim Mecklem Gillis Shepherd Christian Levering Kathy Mecklem Greg Garrett

Adult S.S.

Dave Walker

Jr. High

Tia Levering

Primary

Amanda Mecklem

Preschool S.S.

Kathy Mecklem

Preschool Helper Nursery S.S. Jr. Church

Carole Pennington Greg Garrett Aaron Levering

9/11/2016 Sainsurin/Aaron Duane Mecklem Greg Garrett Steve Levering Christian Levering Kathy Mecklem Greg Garrett Sainsurin Jean-Baptiste Sainsurin Jean-Baptiste Sainsurin Jean-Baptiste Sainsurin Jean-Baptiste Sainsurin Jean-Baptiste Greg Garrett Steve Levering

9/18/2016 Duane Mecklem Aaron Levering Steve Levering Dave Walker Dennis Polley Kathy Mecklem Greg Garrett

9/25/2016 Aaron Levering Dave Walker Dave Walker Greg Garrett Tim Mecklem Kathy Mecklem Mike Lyons

Dave Walker

Duane Mecklem

Tia Levering

Tia Levering

Amanda Mecklem

Amanda Mecklem

Kathy Mecklem

Kathy Mecklem

Carole Pennington Greg Garrett Aaron Levering

Carole Pennington Greg Garrett Steve Levering

Fishing Derby Report Last Saturday 29 people enjoyed a great time of fishing, fellowship and food at beautiful Oeder’s Lake. Thanks to Ron and Becky McCall for making arrangements for this event. Congratulations to these Trophy winners: Biggest Fish – Teresa Engle (2 lb. bass) Smallest Fish – Matthew Mecklem (4 inch bluegill ) Most Fish – Tyler Levering Tried Hardest – Sue McSwain Tallest Fish Tale – Dennis Ruth

September 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1

Friday 2

5

Labor Day

6

SS 10:00a MW 11:00a

8

9

10

b Chad Kanyuh

b Alex Polley

16

17

Worship practice 8:00p

b Beth Mullins b Richard Ratliff

i Susan Garrett

11 Grandparents Day

12

SS 10:00a Sainsurin MW 11:00a Jean-Baptiste Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p Congregational Dinner noon G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p

18

7

13

14

15 Women’s Fellowship 6:00p

19

SS 10:00a MW 11:00a LifeWay Matinee 3:00-5:00p G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p

b Seth Sandlin

b Beth Mullins

a Richard & Ginny Ratliff

20

21

22

Small Group Liberty 6:00p

Worship practice 8:00p

b Amy Russell i Duane Mecklem

23

24 Men’s Breakfast 8:00a & Skeet Shoot ‘

i David Baker

b Ron McCall

a Ron & Becky McCall

b Jacob Wilson

i Bridget Michaels

b Edna Ragsdale

25

26

27

28

29

30

b Jaden Rogers

b Susan Garrett

b. Jacob Polley

SS 10:00a MW 11:00a Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p b Wendell White

3 b Jim Davis b Josephine Berkshire

b Viola Shepherd

4

Saturday

Small Group Liberty 6:00p

b Taylor Rogers

b Tyler Levering

Letter Codes: b = birthday a = anniversary i = Immersion into Christ

October 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

REACH 2

3

SS 10:00a MW 11:00a Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p b Joann Walker

9 SS 10:00a MW 11:00a Pat Hartson Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p

10 Columbus Day

23

17

SS 10:00a MW 11:00a Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p i Jennifer Covault

6

a Mike & Susan McSwain a Roy & Hallie Taylor

11

12

Saturday 1

MONTH 7

Worship practice 8:00p

i Keith Pence

8 Pat Hartson Leadership Meeting

13

14

Small Group Liberty 6:00p

15 G.R.O.W. Group’s Creation Museum Ark trip (tentative date)

18

19

20

21

22

Small Group Liberty 6:00p

Worship practice 8:00p

Women’s Fellowship 6:00p

C.R.A. Bible Conference, at Christ’s Church at Mason, ends 1:00p

Men’s Breakfast 8:00a

b Sallie Hiler

i Emily Polley b James E. Walker

24

25

SS 10:00a MW 11:00a Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p

30

5

Friday

b Tom Call i Sydney Schenck

b Glenna Blake i Jessica Blake i Scott Blake

16 SS 10:00a MW 11:00a Small Group Msbg 4:00p Small Groups Monroe 6:30p G.R.O.W. Group youth 6:30p

4 Small Group Liberty 6:00p

OUT

Thursday

C.R.A. Bible Conference, at Christ’s Church at Mason, starts 1:30p b Delbert Playforth

26

b Arya Stonecipher b Jeff Gray

27

28

i Irene Engle i Felix Engle

b Wendell Reece b Lillian Arnold

Small Group Liberty 6:00p

31

Letter Codes: b = birthday a = anniversary i = Immersion into Christ

29