Thy Kingdom Come, College Finances, Family Nights
Dearly beloved,
Yesterday we meditated on the crucifixion of Jesus. One of the most important questions we must answer the asking world is “Why was Jesus Crucified?” We focused our attention on the following six reasons:
Why Jesus was Crucified (according to Jesus himself)
So that everyone who believes may have eternal life. (John 3:15)
Because he is the good shepherd who lays down his life. (John 10:10-11)
To serve and give his life as a ransom. (Mark 10:43-45)
Why Jesus was Crucified (according to Paul):
To forgive all our sins and disarm and triumph over the powers and authorities. (Colossians 2:13-15)
To destroy relational hostility and bring reconciliation. (Ephesians 2:14-16)
To demonstrate God’s love for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
And with those things in mind, we see that Jesus actually invited his disciples to participate in this work with him. He was not joking when he said: “23 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:23-25)
Jesus willingly took up his cross and invited his disciples to take up theirs. We follow a King who laid down his life so that we could experience the power and abundance of a sacrificial life.
This is how our leader leads, he bleeds for his people. And he invites us to discover the power of a surrendered life. So that leaves us with two questions:
Have you put your trust in Jesus to receive the life he died to give you?
Where in your life do you need to deny yourself and carry your cross?
How you answer will affect everything. I pray that you put your trust completely in the one who completely gave his life for you. I pray that we all would listen and learn from him on where we need to deny ourselves as we carry our cross to follow him.
In His love and power,
Josh
The Main Announcements
As we wrap up the summer, here are a few announcements
College Finance Course — September 16
Tuesday Night Family Nights — October 7
Family Fall Fest — October 25
College Finance Course
We are offering a complimentary college planning strategy workshop for parents of teens in grades 8th - 12th. We will be meeting on the 2nd floor of the Sprenkle House building on Sept. 16 @ 6:30pm (refreshment time) with the workshop starting at 7pm. Please RSVP to ray.stark@thrivent.com
Tuesday Night Family Nights in the Fall
Beginning October 7, we’re adding children’s programming and adult classes to our current youth ministry and men’s ministry on Tuesday nights! Pastor Josh will be teaching a course on spiritual formation in the household. Go to stillnaz.com/familynight for information and registration!
Family Fall Fest
Family Fall Fest will be at the York City Campus Saturday, October 25, 6:00-8:00pm. If you are able to serve at this event please sign-up at stillnaz.com/yccfallfest.
Custodial Help Needed
This is a part-time position. Please contact Pastor Casey Harrison at charrison@stillnaz.com for more information or an application.
Grow with us in a Prayer Group
As we grow together, prayer is the foundation for our community. We have many groups that focus on prayer. Checkout our prayer opportunities at stillnaz.com/prayer
College Strategies Financial Workshop-Presented by Ray Stark, Tuesday, September 16, 7:00pm in Sprenkle House 2nd fl. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality-taught by Pastor Brad Shaffer, this series begins September 21, 5:30pm, Sprenkle House 1st fl. Register at sillnaz.com/courses. Intro to Stillmeadow-taught by Pastor Kent this course begins September 21, 9:00am in Rm. #201. All wishing to know more about Stillmeadow and membership are encouraged to attend.
Serve with us on the Media Team
The media team needs sound and projection techs. No experience necessary! We will train you! For more information or to sign up to serve email pastorjohn@stillnaz.com.
Pray with us through our September and October Missions Prayer Card
You can submit a prayer request at stillnaz.com/prayerrequest.
Give with us to the Alabaster Fund
This special offering provides money for property and buildings around the world. Fill an alabaster box, or click the give button below and select Alabaster or check Alabaster on your giving envelope.
Condolences to…
The family of Debi Mingus whose younger sister passed away on September 1.
Debra Thieret whose father passed away on September 4.
Melanie Haugh and Family. Melanie’s father, Tom Henry passed away on September 5.
The family of Judy Anderson who passed away on September 6.
Congratulations to…
Reid and Kiersten Lowery, who welcomed Willow Reid Lowery on September 11!
Nikki Stocker and Amy Steele who received their first Local Ministry License, and to Chastity Frederick, Tara Strauser, Andrew Workman, and Joe Kidwell who’s Local Ministry License has been renewed.
Thank you from…
Dear Stillmeadow Friends, Thank you for the lovely plant you sent when I was hospitalized. Please continue to pray for my recovery. ~ Evelyn Vandervort