2016 2018 sermon series - clover...
Post on 10-Jun-2018
215 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
December 2016 Vol. 65 No. 12
Worship Services
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
8:15 a.m. | Fellowship Center
9:30 a.m. | Fellowship Center
11:00 a.m. | Fellowship Center
Church Office 217.732.7618 I Fax 217.732.5683 I lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org
www.lincolnchristianchurch.org
2016–2018 Sermon Series Join us for the next 16 months as
Sundays at LCC are focused on
Jesus . . . period, as we observe the
ministry and teachings of Jesus in
the Gospel of Luke.
Sunday, January 8 & 15 in the Family Room
Join a life group
Baptismal Assistant Nursery Volunteer
Join the choir
Door Greeter
Join an
adult
Sunday
School
New Year . . . Fresh Start I read a recent article that listed the five most
popular resolutions made every year:
5. Take up a new hobby
4. Make more money or get out of debt
3. Improve relationships
2. Stop smoking
And the most popular New Year’s resolution? You
guessed it:
1. Losing weight
A woman walked into her bathroom at home and
saw her husband weighing himself on the scales as
he was sucking in his stomach. She laughed and
then said sarcastically, "sucking in your stomach is
not going to help you to weigh less you know."
Her husband said, "I’m not trying to weigh
less. It’s the only way I can see the numbers."
How was 2016 for you? Was it a good year
with lots to be grateful for? Or was it a challenging
year? Did you have some hopes that didn’t
become a reality like healings, professional
advancements, reconciliations? Did
disappointment knock at your door this last year?
For many, that was the case.
But for others, maybe some good things
happened and you’re hoping they will repeat in
2017.
The great thing about the New Year is that
every time it comes around it brings a chance to
take stock of our lives. Where are we going? How
are we doing?
Two elderly women were lamenting about
their old age: “Well, Ethel, we’re constantly tired,
we both have bad hips and we need a walker to
get around; we can’t hardly hear a thing, and we
can’t see past our own face.”
Ethel comments, “Yes! But at least we can
still drive!”
What can we do to make 2017 a better year
in the face of such pessimistic reports? I have a
suggestion that comes from the Apostle Paul:
First, release the past! A new year means a fresh
start.
The Apostle Paul was never one to let
circumstances of the past overly effect his
tomorrow. Listen to Paul’s attitude in Philippians
3:12–14:
Ron Otto
Preaching Minister
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is
behind and straining toward what is
ahead, I press on toward the goal to
win the prize for which God has called
me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Your memory can be both a friend or your enemy.
Hopefully, you’ll recall some very pleasant things
about this past year, but chances are that you’ll
also remember some negative things.
Maybe this past year was a time of painful
transitions in your life—the kids grew up and left
home and you’re now trying to deal with empty
nest syndrome. Maybe your job came to an end
and you’re having a tough time making ends
meet. Maybe a relationship ended. Maybe a
loved one died and you’re trying to deal with the
lingering grief and loneliness. Moments like these
can cripple us and hold us in bondage to the past.
This is why Paul said: I forget about what lies
behind me. Paul had a lot to overcome from his
past. He persecuted the church. He used his
authority to kill Christians. By his own admission he
said, "I am chief of sinners." He could have walked
around the rest of his life with a tremendous
burden of guilt and regret. Instead, he released
the past.
Second, look forward to what lies ahead.
In other words, I’m looking forward so much
that I’m going to press on to get there. To
summarize Paul again: I’m moving on now.
Truth be told, maybe you don’t know where
you are moving on to. In fact, whenever we leave
behind a vice or regret that has been such a
defining element of our lives it’s sometimes unclear
what the future holds. But you can bank on this,
when we make Jesus the center of that future, it’s
bound to be good!
Upcoming Jesus. Messages: Jan 1 Jesus with Simeon and Anna Luke 2:21–40
Jan 8 Boy Jesus in the Temple Luke 2:41–52
Jan 15 John the Baptist Luke 3:1–22
Jan 22 Jesus’ Genealogy Luke 3:23–37
Jan 29 Temptations of Jesus Luke 4:1–13
As we continue on in our Jesus. series, be reading
and looking ahead at the above passages.
Interested in Membership? Join our LifeStep 1: Discover Lincoln
Christian Church. Explore your faith
and the beliefs of Lincoln Christian
Church in a relaxed setting with Ron
Otto and Brandon Boyd. You’ll get
to ask any questions you have as well as meet
others who are exploring the same journey. This
class meets on Sunday, January 29 from 5:00–7:00
p.m. It’s free, it’s casual, and we provide dinner
(sorry, no childcare). Sign-up at the Welcome
Center.
Spring Sign-ups On January 8 and 15, 2017 you will have a great
opportunity to sign-up for your next steps at Lincoln
Christian Church in two important areas:
1. LifeGroups, Sunday School, and Bible Studies.
On these two Sundays you can find out how to
join a smaller group that emphasizes Bible
study, friendships, and spiritual growth in faith.
We will have studies for couples, men, and
women. There will be opportunities for those
with questions about their new faith, and
opportunities for those who want to take their
longstanding faith to the next level.
2. Ministry Teams
Another important way to grow in your faith is
by serving others. It takes over 400 people
each week to help with all the ministry of
Lincoln Christian Church. On these sign-up
Sundays, you will be able to find out more
information and sign-up the same day for an
area of service where you can make an
impact. Watch for more details.
Discipleship Information Website For the latest information on the adult discipleship
ministry, check out the website—
lccdiscipleshipministry.wordpress.com.
Brandon Boyd
Minister of
Adult Discipleship
Man on Fire Study
Begins January 11
Join Tim Becke as
he leads a men’s
study discussing
the key issues and
needs for men and
their biblical
solutions. God is
calling each man
to authentic Christian manhood. This study begins
on Wednesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m.
New Wednesday Study
Begins January 11
This Spring, join Dr. Pete Verkruyse, Undergraduate
Dean at Lincoln Christian University, for an eight-
week study in the New Testament Book of
Hebrews. Coinciding with our sermon series
through the Gospel of Luke, this study will offer
another vantage point focusing on the person and
work of Jesus. No cost. Begins January 11 at 6:30
p.m.
Women’s Bible Study
Begins January 30 This semester’s study focuses
on Sharon Jaynes’ book
focusing on the power of
words in the life of a Christian
woman. Two sessions are
available:
- Mondays, beginning
January 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays, beginning
January 31 at 1:00 p.m.
Cost is $15. Sign up in the Family Room on January
8 and 15.
Zach Ramsey
Student Minister
Grab a Spring Calendar! Jr. High and High School Calendars are available
at the Youth Info Desk. These calendars have
important info about all of our spring events.
The Gathering (9th-12th Grade
Youth Group) resumes Sunday
Jan 8th 6:30–8:00 pm. Doors
open at 6:00 pm.
Fuel (5th-8th
Grade Youth Group) resumes
Wednesday Jan 11th 6:30-7:50 pm.
Doors open at 6:15 pm.
NEW! Post – High School We will have Post after the Gathering Sunday,
January 8 and 22, 8:00–9:00 p.m. Post is going to
be totally new! We can’t wait!
Ski Trip – High School Saturday, January 28, we will head up to Cascade
Mountain in Wisconsin to go skiing. It is going to be
a blast. Grab a packet at the Youth Info Desk!
Approximate cost will be $80 + 3 meals. Sign-up by
January 8.
SuperStart – 5th
Graders Only! Hey 5th Graders,
SuperStart is March 10–11
in Bloomington, IL. $65
plus 2 meals. Be sure to
grab a packet for more
info at the Youth Information Desk. Non-
Refundable deposit of $30 due Sunday, January
29.
Believe – 6th-8th Grade Hey 6th-8th Graders, mark your calendars. Believe
is April 8–9 in Anderson, IN. $110 plus 3 meals. Be
sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth
Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $55
due Sunday, February 26.
Move – 8th Grade – Graduated Senior Move is July 10t–15 in Wheaton, IL. $350 plus 2
meals and a sack lunch. We will have a fundraiser
in April to help you raise funds for your trip. Be sure
to grab a packet for more info at the Youth
Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $50 is
due Sunday, March 26.
8th Grade Scholarships for CIY Move 8th grade students who attend CIY Believe over
April 8–9 can apply for a scholarship of $110 for
Move. That means that what you paid for Believe
is taken off the cost for Move. How sweet is that!
Hey Juniors and Seniors! Check out LCU’s
LEAP Program! Lincoln Christian
University’s Early
Achievement
Program (LEAP) is a
great opportunity for
high school juniors
and seniors to get a
practical and affordable jump on their college
education. Through the LEAP dual enrollment
program, students have the opportunity to enroll
and receive credit for college courses while still in
high school at a discounted rate. Begin your
college journey now by enrolling in LCU classes
either on campus or online! For more info check
out their website:
www.lincolnchristian.eduacademics/programs/.
Seriously! You should check out this program!
IMPORTANT Kroger Fundraising Info! If you are interested in or already
have a Kroger Plus Card and would
like to help fund raise for LCC's
General Youth Fund by easily
earning rebates on shopping you'll
already be doing, please fill out the pink
1/2 sheet at the Youth Info Desk (back of
Welcome Center)! If you enrolled your Kroger Plus
Card with LCC in 2016, we thank you for your
earnings! If you'd like to continue (or start afresh in
2017) we need ALL PARTICIPANTS to re-enroll in
2017, and this is our friendly annual reminder!
Visit kroger.com/communityrewards & either sign
in with your existing Kroger info, or start afresh by
creating a new account with Kroger! You'll need
an email to complete their instructions & to start
earning rewards in 2017 for LCC students. Follow
their simple directions & you'll be set up ASAP!
Select our Lincoln Kroger & choose L.C.C. (N.P.O.
#: 10095) & you can start earning within the
following 10 business days! Happy shopping &
thank you for earning for LCC's Youth!
KIDS’ WORSHIP— January 2017 Cornerstone Construction Zone
Christian Beliefs Children’s Ministry is a place
where dedicated
volunteers work to help
parents build a strong
foundation for
children’s faith. During
January, kids and
leaders will explore
God’s Word to discover
some of the basic
principles of what we believe as Christians. Below
are the key concepts we will be studying. Also, our
key verse for the month will be Matthew 16:16,
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
January Series Titles:
“The Transfiguration” (We believe in God the
Father.) Luke 9:28–36.
“Prophets Predict the Messiah” (We believe
that Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit.) Isaiah
7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:26–38.
“Jesus Comes Back to Life” (We believe that
Jesus died and came back to life.) Mark 15:42–
16:7.
“The Shepherd and His Flock” (We believe that
Jesus is the head of the church.) John 10:1–15.
“The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids” (We
believe that Jesus will return.” Matthew 25:1–13.
Sign-up during the month of February at the
Children’s Check In Area for the class “Becoming
a Christian,” offered to kids in 2nd, 3rd and 4th
grades. We will explore what the Bible says about
becoming a Christian and living life as a Christ
follower. Class will meet on Monday’s, March 13,
20, 27 and April 3, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. each week.
Marcia Wells
Children’s Minister
On EveryBODY Sunday our kids invited their friends
to a fun day wearing CRAZZZZY Socks! Here are a
few pictures of their fun day!!!
There are just a few spots left in LCC’s Preschool
and your preschooler can join now for second
semester! Take advantage of this opportunity for
your child to gain skills for kindergarten in a
Christian environment multiple times each week!
For more information, call 217.732.7618 and ask for
Jenni.
Laurin Hill
Worship Minister
Thank You! Thank You! Thank you to everyone who contributed to
Celebrate! Christmas 2016: Peace. What beautiful
moments of worship!! As I reflect on my seventh
Celebrate! Christmas, with almost 200 participants,
what a great a thing it is to work with each of you.
I pray you are as blessed by participating as I was!
Thanks to all of the choirs, the orchestra, the
handbells, and technical crew for your hard work
and hours of rehearsal and preparation. Thanks to
those who helped to set up and decorate the
building. Thank you all for your gift of service! I pray
all who celebrated Christmas with us will continue
to live in the presence of the Prince of Peace as
we enter this new year. Have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
UNDecking the Halls! Everyone’s help is needed to take down our
beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the
building to be stored properly for their next use. If
you love seeing the halls decked out for Christmas,
please consider coming to help us take it all down
and store it away for next year. We will be
UNdecorating
Tuesday, January 3,
from 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Many hands make
light work! Your help
is definitely needed.
Good News and HeartSong meet again
January 8!
Open enrollment thru January Good News, for 9th–12th grade students, and
HeartSong, for 5th–8th grade students, will be
taking a break for the holidays and resume
rehearsing on Sunday, January 8. There is open
enrollment until the end of January (Sundays =
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) to make a commitment to the
tours. If you would like more information on either
group, please contact Laurin Hill at 217.732.7618 or
laurin.hill@lincolnchristianchurch.org.
Good News meets Sundays from 5:00–6:00
p.m. with HeartSong meeting just after from 6:00–
7:00 p.m. Now is the time to invite your friends to
join us for our upcoming tours.
HeartSong will go on mini-tour April 21–23,
2017 with our home concert Sunday afternoon,
April 23, at 4:00 p.m.
Good News will be on tour from June 6–13,
2017, heading to the northeastern US and New
York City. Our Good News home concert is
Monday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Kid’s Choirs resume January 8! The Kid’s Choirs (3 years old through 4th graders)
rehearse from 6:00–7:00 p.m. each Sunday in
preparation for our spring musical, “Tale of the
Three Trees” coming up Monday, April 24, at 6:30
p.m. We’ll be working hard and having a ton of
fun in the coming months. See you Sunday nights!
Sanctuary Choir resumes January 4! The Sanctuary Choir resumes rehearsing
Wednesday, January 4, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. We
sing and lead worship each week in the 8:15 a.m.
Sanctuary service. We are in need of additional
voices because a few have moved away. Come
and lift your voice!
A few dates of importance to mark on your
2017 calendar:
Service of Shadows Thursday, April 13
Easter Sunday, April 16
you!
Happy New Year 2017!
Ooops!
News for the Family!
New Member by Baptism: Jadyn Fish – 12/11/16
*34 total baptisms for 2016
**17 total transfers for 2016
Sympathy and Prayers: Elaine Smith and family at the passing of Elaine’s
husband, Charles Smith; Tom Sowers and family at
the loss of Tom’s father, Bennie Sowers; Jim Stone
and family at the loss of Jim’s sister, Sharon Stone;
Wallace Reese and family at the passing of
Wallace’s wife, Nancy Reese; the family and
friends of Helen Taft at her passing; Marjory Smalley
and family at the passing of Marjory’s husband,
Duane Smalley; and Joe Diers and family at the
passing of Joe’s brother, Jay Diers.
Sanctuary Flower Dedications for 2017 The flower schedule for 2017 is being made. If you
would like to dedicate a flower arrangement in
memory or in honor of someone, or in celebration
of a special occasion, contact the Church Office
at 217.732.7618 or at
lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org by Sunday,
January 1. Flowers cost $25 and the bill is mailed
the week of dedication.
Elder Affirmation Update Will D’Andrea and Chuck Bennett were affirmed
by the congregation for a 3-year term with over
99% approval. Will and Chuck will be great
additions to our elders’ leadership and ministry.
End of the Year Special Giving for 2016 Harvest of Talents $110,654.10
Heart for the House Large Offering $113,023.26
Christmas Eve for Local Impact $2,808.97
2017 Offering Envelopes Boxes of giving envelopes will be available at a
table in the Family Room for the first few weeks of
January. If you do not have a box and would like
one, please leave your name, address, and phone
number on the sheet at the table, and one will be
provided for you. Similarly, if you are unable to
attend on Sunday’s but would still like to give, call
the Church Office at 217.732.7618 or email
lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org to had a box
mailed to you.
Other Ways to Give See the giving page on the website:
lincolnchristianchurch.org/give.
Global Impact Highlight: Rondal and Janice Smith, Pioneer Bible
Translators (PBT)
This couple has worked with
PBT from its very conception
on the LCU campus in the
early 70’s. Both Rondal and
Janice have recently
experienced painful health
issues. Pray for their healing
and continued service as
translators and mentors for
other PBT workers. Both have
provided leadership for
young translators like Dustin
and Sarah, interns in a North
African nation fraught with civil and militant upheaval;
even the capital city has been bombed. The young
interns have been working in a refugee camp which
has taught them to be flexible enough to handle all
the unexpected changes that come regularly. They
write, “We never again take for granted a shower,
electricity, clean drinking water, and a bed that isn’t
kept warm by the many bugs.” Their goal is simple but
powerful—to translate the Bible into the language of
these war torn people. Most recently, Dustin and
Sarah had to return to the U.S. due to escalating
violence, but their desire is to return when more
stability occurs.
Please pray for all of PBT’s missionaries in North
Africa, who periodically must leave the country when
such violence escalates. Moreover, prayer for their
courage and resilience when they are called to return
and continue working among these regions. Pray for
safety for the nationals who help with the translation
process and that the finished work will be understood
by the people.
We may ask, “Why are they risking their lives for
this?”
They would answer, “God called us to bring His
word to these people. How shall they hear unless
someone is sent? Blessed are feet of those who bring
glad tidings.”
top related