Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First Point August 31, 2009
Last Wednesday was our first Choir rehearsal for the season. I am very excited about the choir this year. We
have a larger group, which always makes it better. The song selection this season is challenging, but they are
great pieces. I believe the choir will enjoy singing them and I hope and trust you will enjoy listening. It’s not
too late to join the choir if you think you might have an interest.
Last Thursday the staff was given a day away to refresh. The gift came from a very generous couple in the
church. You know who you are—thank you so, so much! We had a great time. It was just what we needed to
reconnect after a summer of busy, scattered schedules.
Sunday night Marcia and I visited Green Street Baptist Church to hear the Rick Webb singers in concert. It
was a heart touching evening. We enjoyed ourselves and were glad to have been able to attend.
In Sunday morning’s message I left out some items that I think may be of interest for further study.
I had mentioned there were 9 parts to a typical Jewish covenant ceremony. Let me recount those for you;
1. The Introduction To The Covenant
The initiator would hand his coat to other person, which represented giving himself to other person. In
Hebrew thought one’s coat symbolized "who you are". The initiator would also hand his belt and weapons to
other person which they would fight for the other person. Then the recipient would reciprocate.
2. The Dying Of The Old, The Resurrection Of The New
Animals would be cut in half, forming two walls of death. Each person in the ceremony would then face
each other, surrounded by dead animals, and recite their vows to each other.
This Ritual Signified Two Things: 1) The Participants would die to what they were as individuals and would
come alive into a united relationship. 2) The agreement was until death.
In essence by walking through the center of the divided animals, the participants were saying—“If I break
the terms of this covenant , may God do the same to me as to these animals.”
3. The Shedding Of the Participant’s Blood
The participants would take knives and cut themselves on the wrist or hand, and would then join hands, thus
mixing their blood.
Page 2 of 2
4. Exchanging Of Names
Each participant took on the name of the other so that they were identified as being in the same family. After
the covenant between God and Abraham, Abraham was known as the friend of God, and God identified
himself as “The God of Abraham”.
5. The Seal And Sign Of Covenant
Black powder was rubbed into the wounds, creating a lasting scar. The scar existed for two reasons: 1) It
reminded those in the covenant of their great responsibility to the other partner; anything that happens to
him, happens to me. 2) It reminded those in the covenant of their great privileges. They were now allies until
death.
6. The Declaration Before Witnesses
Each party would declare their total assets and debts. Then they would jointly assume the assets and debts of
the other.
7. A Memorial Would Be Arranged
The memorial could be a variety of things; a pile of stones, planted trees, a ring, the exchange of livestock. It
was something that signified that the covenant was now established.
8. A Covenant Meal Was Shared
Sharing a meal was extremely significant in Jewish culture. Ceremonial meals were only shared with
covenant partners. That meal consisted of two parts; 1) bread, which was broken and fed to the other person.
2) wine which symbolized life and blood.
9. All Children Were Automatically In The Covenant Whether Born Or Unborn
At the age of accountability a child could either choose to stay in the covenant, or choose to get out. The
choice was final.
That’s some of the material we looked at Sunday. What I didn’t have time to do, and what may be beneficial
for your further study, is to see how Christ’s New Covenant followed those elements.
1. Jesus introduced the covenant by taking on human flesh, thus giving himself totally to us
2. Christ cut the covenant with His own blood
3. As people passed through the severed wall of animals, Jesus passed through death for us
4. He took on our name (son of man) and offered us his name (Christian)
5. He gave us a seal (The Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:13ff.)
6. We exchanged assets and debts. We traded our debt of sin for his asset of eternal life—
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
7. The memorial is His cross
8. The meal of covenant was served in the upper room
9. Every child born is automatically under the covenant of grace until the age of accountability
Maranatha! Keep your eyes to the sky. Our Redemption draws near!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick
have a larger group, which always makes it better. The song selection this season is challenging, but they are
great pieces. I believe the choir will enjoy singing them and I hope and trust you will enjoy listening. It’s not
too late to join the choir if you think you might have an interest.
Last Thursday the staff was given a day away to refresh. The gift came from a very generous couple in the
church. You know who you are—thank you so, so much! We had a great time. It was just what we needed to
reconnect after a summer of busy, scattered schedules.
Sunday night Marcia and I visited Green Street Baptist Church to hear the Rick Webb singers in concert. It
was a heart touching evening. We enjoyed ourselves and were glad to have been able to attend.
In Sunday morning’s message I left out some items that I think may be of interest for further study.
I had mentioned there were 9 parts to a typical Jewish covenant ceremony. Let me recount those for you;
1. The Introduction To The Covenant
The initiator would hand his coat to other person, which represented giving himself to other person. In
Hebrew thought one’s coat symbolized "who you are". The initiator would also hand his belt and weapons to
other person which they would fight for the other person. Then the recipient would reciprocate.
2. The Dying Of The Old, The Resurrection Of The New
Animals would be cut in half, forming two walls of death. Each person in the ceremony would then face
each other, surrounded by dead animals, and recite their vows to each other.
This Ritual Signified Two Things: 1) The Participants would die to what they were as individuals and would
come alive into a united relationship. 2) The agreement was until death.
In essence by walking through the center of the divided animals, the participants were saying—“If I break
the terms of this covenant , may God do the same to me as to these animals.”
3. The Shedding Of the Participant’s Blood
The participants would take knives and cut themselves on the wrist or hand, and would then join hands, thus
mixing their blood.
Page 2 of 2
4. Exchanging Of Names
Each participant took on the name of the other so that they were identified as being in the same family. After
the covenant between God and Abraham, Abraham was known as the friend of God, and God identified
himself as “The God of Abraham”.
5. The Seal And Sign Of Covenant
Black powder was rubbed into the wounds, creating a lasting scar. The scar existed for two reasons: 1) It
reminded those in the covenant of their great responsibility to the other partner; anything that happens to
him, happens to me. 2) It reminded those in the covenant of their great privileges. They were now allies until
death.
6. The Declaration Before Witnesses
Each party would declare their total assets and debts. Then they would jointly assume the assets and debts of
the other.
7. A Memorial Would Be Arranged
The memorial could be a variety of things; a pile of stones, planted trees, a ring, the exchange of livestock. It
was something that signified that the covenant was now established.
8. A Covenant Meal Was Shared
Sharing a meal was extremely significant in Jewish culture. Ceremonial meals were only shared with
covenant partners. That meal consisted of two parts; 1) bread, which was broken and fed to the other person.
2) wine which symbolized life and blood.
9. All Children Were Automatically In The Covenant Whether Born Or Unborn
At the age of accountability a child could either choose to stay in the covenant, or choose to get out. The
choice was final.
That’s some of the material we looked at Sunday. What I didn’t have time to do, and what may be beneficial
for your further study, is to see how Christ’s New Covenant followed those elements.
1. Jesus introduced the covenant by taking on human flesh, thus giving himself totally to us
2. Christ cut the covenant with His own blood
3. As people passed through the severed wall of animals, Jesus passed through death for us
4. He took on our name (son of man) and offered us his name (Christian)
5. He gave us a seal (The Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:13ff.)
6. We exchanged assets and debts. We traded our debt of sin for his asset of eternal life—
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
7. The memorial is His cross
8. The meal of covenant was served in the upper room
9. Every child born is automatically under the covenant of grace until the age of accountability
Maranatha! Keep your eyes to the sky. Our Redemption draws near!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick
Monday, August 24, 2009
FWC - Discipleship Orientation Invite - from Pastor Doug & Cher
This is an invitation and a reminder about orientation that is coming upTHIS Wednesday, August 26th at 6:30pm at the church. The orientation is forthe LIFE JOURNEY Discipleship GROUPS that are currently forming!
We have been talking a lot about this Journey over the past few months, andthe time has come for these groups to start!
If you can't make it on Wednesday, we are offering ONE MORE orientation thatwas mentioned in church on Sunday.
Right after church THIS SUNDAY (Aug. 30th) at 12:30pm, we will be offering aluncheon/orientation at Our Daily Bread in the Towne Centre. The cost isonly $3.
So, there are two opportunities left!
WEDNESDAY at 6:30pm in ROOM 224SUNDAY at 12:30pm at Our Daily Bread in the Towne Centre
Come, find out what this Journey is all about!
Please RSVP to this email if you are planning to come on Sunday (for foodplanning purposes) by Wednesday, Aug. 26th.
We hope to see you there!
We have been talking a lot about this Journey over the past few months, andthe time has come for these groups to start!
If you can't make it on Wednesday, we are offering ONE MORE orientation thatwas mentioned in church on Sunday.
Right after church THIS SUNDAY (Aug. 30th) at 12:30pm, we will be offering aluncheon/orientation at Our Daily Bread in the Towne Centre. The cost isonly $3.
So, there are two opportunities left!
WEDNESDAY at 6:30pm in ROOM 224SUNDAY at 12:30pm at Our Daily Bread in the Towne Centre
Come, find out what this Journey is all about!
Please RSVP to this email if you are planning to come on Sunday (for foodplanning purposes) by Wednesday, Aug. 26th.
We hope to see you there!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
FWC - Children's Ministry Orientation Reminder
Dear Parent!
This email is just a reminder of the Children's Ministry Orientation we willbe having THIS Sunday, August 23rd!
This orientation is for any parent of a child at FWC from birth to Grade 5.This orientation will give you an idea of the direction that Children'sMinistry is going, PLUS a look at all of the ways you could be helpingout... from Nursery all the way through the new Zone 5!
So, if you aren't plugged in anywhere in Children's Ministry, or if you ARE,but would love to see what other options are out there for serving in thisvital ministry, we would love to see you THIS Sunday!
If you came last week, you don't need to come again.
We hope to see YOU on Sunday at 9:15 in Room 107, which is 85 Z Street!
Sincerely,
Sheri Jennings, Children's Ministry DirectorShana Dulin, Nursery & Preschool Director
This email is just a reminder of the Children's Ministry Orientation we willbe having THIS Sunday, August 23rd!
This orientation is for any parent of a child at FWC from birth to Grade 5.This orientation will give you an idea of the direction that Children'sMinistry is going, PLUS a look at all of the ways you could be helpingout... from Nursery all the way through the new Zone 5!
So, if you aren't plugged in anywhere in Children's Ministry, or if you ARE,but would love to see what other options are out there for serving in thisvital ministry, we would love to see you THIS Sunday!
If you came last week, you don't need to come again.
We hope to see YOU on Sunday at 9:15 in Room 107, which is 85 Z Street!
Sincerely,
Sheri Jennings, Children's Ministry DirectorShana Dulin, Nursery & Preschool Director
FWC NEWS - August 19, 2009
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED
Our Interfaith Guests will be arriving THIS SUNDAY, August 23rd! We arestill in desperate need of Dinner and Overnight Hosts to help out as well asother needs!
Contact Darren and Sherry Stone, 889-6031 or email sherryestone@yahoo.com ifyou are able to help out!
=======================
FALL KICK-OFF IS SEPTEMBER 2!
There are some great options to choose from:
FOR WOMEN ONLY (by Shaunti Feldhahn) - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm); Facilitatedby Anita Brand; 7 week study; Cost $15.00.
THE BOOK OF EZRA - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm); Taught by Pastor RolandCavanaugh; 7 weeks; No cost, just bring your Bible!
THE VISION OF HIS GLORY (by Anne Graham Lotz) - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm) orThursday mornings (9:30 - 11am); Facilitated by Pam Foster (Wed) and DebbieBarwick (Thurs); 7 week study; Cost $15.00.
DISCIPLESHIP FOR KIDS! - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm); Taught by Sheri Jenningsand her team of teachers! Children will be studying the Word with the OneYear Bible Challenge Edition! You can get that from Sheri on Sundays orWednesday's for $10.00.
To sign-up for one of these Bible Studies, simply respond to this email orcall the church office!
=======================
DISCIPLESHIP GROUP ORIENTATIONS
Are you looking for an opportunity to grow deeper in your spiritual life?To be able to experience and understand God's Word? To be in a warm andcaring community of believers? The last two Wednesday's in August, the 19th& 26th, we will be having an orientation for ANYONE interested in beinginvolved in a Discipleship Group. These groups are kicking off THIS FALL!
There are two Wednesday's to pick from: TONIGHT! 8/19 - 6:30-8pm - Room 224 Wed., August 26 - 6:30-8pm - Room 224
You only need to attend ONE of these meetings!
=========================
WORSHIP ARTS ORIENTATION AND MINI-CAMP
TONIGHT! 8/19 - 6-8:30pm Meet in ROOM 106! There will be food, followed by vision and orientation! Join now! Talk a friend into joining! Come on out!
=========================
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ORIENTATIONTHIS SUNDAY, Aug. 23 - 9:15-10:15am
For all parents of children from birth - Grade 5 this fall!
All parents are encouraged to attend. Find out where the Children'sministry is going and how YOU can be involved!
=========================
BAND OF BROTHERS BREAKFAST
THIS Sat., 8/22 from 8-9:30am at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, 119 BunkerHill Rd., Colfax, NC.
Breakfast will be provided by the Shady Grove Wesleyan Band of Brothers andis FREE!!! Hear the testimony of Bobby Draughan. A man of God that wasHEALED of Multiple Sclerosis!
See www.BandofBrothersMinistry.com for more details.
=========================
CPAS CONCERT REMINDER!
The Hoppers and Gold City will be in concert as part of our CompassionPerforming Arts Series on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 7pm here at FWC.
Tickets will be on-sale in the Main Foyer after church beginning next Sun.,Aug. 23rd, or they are available anytime in the Church Office during regularoffice hours. Don't Miss Out!
========================
FWC ALL CHURCH PICNIC
Sunday, Sept. 13 - 2:30-6:30pm!
NEW LOCATION! City Lake Park in Jamestown! We will have ONE large picnicshelters for everyone to fit under! There will be fun activities for thewhole family!
Watch for more information in next week's bulletin!
======================
MARRIAGE RETREAT COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER!
This retreat will be led by Dan and Katie Croy (Certified MarriageEnrichment leaders) and professors on staff at Point Loma NazareneUniversity.
This will be held here at the church -- Friday evening & Saturday, Sept. 25& 26!The cost is only $35 per couple and is designed for good marriages that wantto grow and become better!
Keep and eye and ear out for more information soon!
=======================
Our Interfaith Guests will be arriving THIS SUNDAY, August 23rd! We arestill in desperate need of Dinner and Overnight Hosts to help out as well asother needs!
Contact Darren and Sherry Stone, 889-6031 or email sherryestone@yahoo.com ifyou are able to help out!
=======================
FALL KICK-OFF IS SEPTEMBER 2!
There are some great options to choose from:
FOR WOMEN ONLY (by Shaunti Feldhahn) - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm); Facilitatedby Anita Brand; 7 week study; Cost $15.00.
THE BOOK OF EZRA - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm); Taught by Pastor RolandCavanaugh; 7 weeks; No cost, just bring your Bible!
THE VISION OF HIS GLORY (by Anne Graham Lotz) - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm) orThursday mornings (9:30 - 11am); Facilitated by Pam Foster (Wed) and DebbieBarwick (Thurs); 7 week study; Cost $15.00.
DISCIPLESHIP FOR KIDS! - Wed. evenings (6:30-8pm); Taught by Sheri Jenningsand her team of teachers! Children will be studying the Word with the OneYear Bible Challenge Edition! You can get that from Sheri on Sundays orWednesday's for $10.00.
To sign-up for one of these Bible Studies, simply respond to this email orcall the church office!
=======================
DISCIPLESHIP GROUP ORIENTATIONS
Are you looking for an opportunity to grow deeper in your spiritual life?To be able to experience and understand God's Word? To be in a warm andcaring community of believers? The last two Wednesday's in August, the 19th& 26th, we will be having an orientation for ANYONE interested in beinginvolved in a Discipleship Group. These groups are kicking off THIS FALL!
There are two Wednesday's to pick from: TONIGHT! 8/19 - 6:30-8pm - Room 224 Wed., August 26 - 6:30-8pm - Room 224
You only need to attend ONE of these meetings!
=========================
WORSHIP ARTS ORIENTATION AND MINI-CAMP
TONIGHT! 8/19 - 6-8:30pm Meet in ROOM 106! There will be food, followed by vision and orientation! Join now! Talk a friend into joining! Come on out!
=========================
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ORIENTATIONTHIS SUNDAY, Aug. 23 - 9:15-10:15am
For all parents of children from birth - Grade 5 this fall!
All parents are encouraged to attend. Find out where the Children'sministry is going and how YOU can be involved!
=========================
BAND OF BROTHERS BREAKFAST
THIS Sat., 8/22 from 8-9:30am at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, 119 BunkerHill Rd., Colfax, NC.
Breakfast will be provided by the Shady Grove Wesleyan Band of Brothers andis FREE!!! Hear the testimony of Bobby Draughan. A man of God that wasHEALED of Multiple Sclerosis!
See www.BandofBrothersMinistry.com for more details.
=========================
CPAS CONCERT REMINDER!
The Hoppers and Gold City will be in concert as part of our CompassionPerforming Arts Series on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 7pm here at FWC.
Tickets will be on-sale in the Main Foyer after church beginning next Sun.,Aug. 23rd, or they are available anytime in the Church Office during regularoffice hours. Don't Miss Out!
========================
FWC ALL CHURCH PICNIC
Sunday, Sept. 13 - 2:30-6:30pm!
NEW LOCATION! City Lake Park in Jamestown! We will have ONE large picnicshelters for everyone to fit under! There will be fun activities for thewhole family!
Watch for more information in next week's bulletin!
======================
MARRIAGE RETREAT COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER!
This retreat will be led by Dan and Katie Croy (Certified MarriageEnrichment leaders) and professors on staff at Point Loma NazareneUniversity.
This will be held here at the church -- Friday evening & Saturday, Sept. 25& 26!The cost is only $35 per couple and is designed for good marriages that wantto grow and become better!
Keep and eye and ear out for more information soon!
=======================
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The First Point - August 18, 2009
As I mentioned in last week’s First Point, I spoke last Monday at Wesleyan Academy.Tuesday was staff meeting day. We spent the morning reviewing the direction of the church and wherewe believe God is leading us. I always enjoy staff time together.On Wednesday, Pastor Chris and Pastor Doug and I met to make final decisions on the Christmas Presen-tation. We have selected the music and are looking forward to the Worship Arts Mini Camp this Wednes-day night. I’m looking forward to this new season with the choir. We’ve got some great new songs in thelineup.We had another School Board meeting on Thursday night. God is opening opportunities for us. As one ofthe board members said recently, “God is marching us toward His will.” I like that. No matter what hap-pens, if we know that God is in control, we must assume that whatever circumstances come our way,God is directing us through His providence. Our job is to keep our eyes and ears open to his directionthrough spiritual discernment, counsel and the Holy Scriptures. School begins this week. I am so excitedfor what God has in store for Wesleyan Academy this coming year.Sunday afternoon we had a “think tank” meeting. We need to put a new sign out front on Westchester,and we need to update our webpage, among other things. Therefore, I brought together a group of crea-tive people to help me brainstorm some ideas. We had a good start.Some of you have been praying for me because of some health issues. I appreciate that. A few monthsago, I had two teeth that were abscessed. Bacteria had entered through a crack in the tooth. The Dentistended up doing two root canals. The problem was the infection was not going away. As a result, I wasgiven three courses of antibiotics. After being on strong antibiotics for 36 days, the infection cleared up.However, the medication also wiped out the good bacteria in my stomach. Reluctantly, I have been sickfrom that. I have eaten very little in the last week and let’s just say that what I have eaten hasn’t stayedwith me very long—‘nough said. Anyway, I’ve been weak and uncomfortable because of it. Sunday wasa chore preaching, as I had eaten almost no food and was physically depleted. However, the Lord gaveme strength to get through. Those who were aware have been praying for me and I believe the Lord hashonored your prayers. I had some fluids put in intravenously yesterday and had some blood work done todetermine where I am at. Good news—I’m going to live to tell the tale! ☺ It will be a few more weeksbefore I am back to 100%, but I am on the mend. Hopefully, I’ll be back to eating normally before verylong. The silver lining is that I have lost about 10 pounds, though this is an unpleasant way to losepounds! Thank you for your prayers, and I appreciate it if you’ll continue to pray for me. God bless you.
Keep your eyes to the sky. Our redemption draws near. Maranatha!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick
Keep your eyes to the sky. Our redemption draws near. Maranatha!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick
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