Whose Vineyard? // Day2Pray, Family Fall Fest, Thanksgiving Feast
Dear Stillmeadow family,
We’re continuing our series called “Don’t Miss the Point!” It follows what Jesus had to say to the religious establishment in Matthew 21-25. Christians today need to lean in and listen to and learn from the loving warnings that Jesus gave to the religious and political leaders of his time.
What a gift this life is. Don’t waste it on yourself.
The parable of the vineyard owner (Matthew 21:33-41), following the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32), was Jesus’ way of reminding the religious leaders of their origin story. Using the vineyard as an image, he recalled the imagery that runs like ivy through the Old Testament, especially in places like Isaiah 5. God so delighted in the people of Israel that he delivered them from Egypt and set them up in the promised land to be a people who partnered with him in representing justice and righteousness to the world.
But the parable of the vineyard owner and the tenants illustrated what happens when someone takes the gifts that have been given to them and wastes them on themselves.
So, this week, think about your own life. Think about the way you have been uniquely gifted and situated (you can take a spiritual gifts tests here, if you’d like). Are you living more for yourself, or more for the Giver of the gifts? Carefully and intentionally think about how to daily surrender your gifts for his purpose for your life.
Thanks for praying…
We had many people sign up to pray for September’s Day2Pray4York and the time at ANight2Pray4York was God-drenched. Thank you! Let’s press in. October 27 is our next Day2Pray4York and Night2Pray4York. Prayer is the most important activity we participate in as a church. You can sign up for an hour to pray here. And you use this prayer guide if you would like specific guidance for your prayers.
I’m grateful for, cheering for and praying for you!
Grace and Peace,
Josh
PS…Check out the devotionals for this week from Living Word.
PPS…If you missed the messages yesterday, check out the York City Service or Stillmeadow Lane Service.
The Main Announcements
Family Fall Fest: October 31
Dya2Pray/Night2Pray4York
Mum plants wanted
Family Fall Fest @ YCC: October 31
We love our neighbors, so we’re throwing a Family Fall Fest at our York City Campus on October 31. This family friendly event will take place from 6-8PM. Save the date now and sign up to serve at stillnaz.com/serve.
Day2Pray/Night2Pray4York is Oct. 27
Join us in praying from midnight to midnight, serving our community through prayer. We will end the day in prayer together at Prayer Night at 6:30 at our Stillmeadow Lane Campus. Sign up for your hour to pray! Got a prayer request? Go to stillnaz.com/pray
Mum Plants Wanted
Getting rid of unwanted Mum plants? We will take them! You can drop them off at the garage door in the back parking lot of the Stillmeadow Lane Campus.
Grow
In home life groups: We have a variety of Lifegroups who meet in each other's homes to do life together! These groups require inquiry for placement based on numbers and location. Email Pastor Tabitha at tmartin@stillnaz.com
Habitat Women's build Oct 23: Empowering women to take a proactive role in building, renovating, and advocating for safe, affordable housing in their communities. Every woman can contribute in some way. We need YOU to make this build a success!
Take the Gifts Survey: Everyone is gifted by God to make a difference in our world. Use the spiritual gift inventory to deepen your understanding of how God has uniquely wired you. stillnaz.com/spiritualgifts
Can we pray for you? One of the ways that we show love for each other is by taking our needs to God in prayer. Share your prayer request by following the button below.
Give
Community Thanksgiving Dinner @ YCC: Can you help us reach our challenge goals for our meal on November 22? 60 turkeys, #10 cans of green beans, #10 cans of corn! Please donate by Sunday, October 25.
Drop-off: Please leave donations at the entrance door @ YCC
Donating a turkey? Please make arrangements with Pastor Jade at 717-434-3223.
Every donation helps put a warm Thanksgiving meal on the table for our community. Let’s come together and make this dinner a success!
Congratulations
…to Jarrod and Alexis Haar, for the dedication of their daughter, Adria Elizabeth!
…to Lester and Holly Strait, for the adoption and dedication of their daughter, Lydia Elizabeth, and son, Joshua Eric!
…to Andrew Sirk & Felicity Lamb Sirk for the dedication of their son, Dennis Sirk!
…to Ryan and Kristy Bollman on the dedication of the son, Jayce Bollman and their daughter, Savannah Bollman!
…to Yarisma Hernandez on the dedication of her daughter, Kendra Hernandez!