November 2015 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 11
The Will of God
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ecently someone asked me about God’s plan for believers. As we dialogued about the concept, I recognized that we (the collective Christian “we”) often throw around a phrase in such a way that it gives a conception that is very difficult to defend biblically. We often say that “God has a plan for your life.” We also express the same concept differently as we talk about the “will of God” for our lives. Those statements are just fine depending on what we mean by them. Is what we mean what the Bible actually teaches? What do we mean by the statement, “God’s will for our lives”? Most non-believers or nominal believers (define that as you wish) understand the phrase “God’s plan” or “God’s will” for our lives to be communicating something akin to a life agenda. For example: God wants Fred and Judy to marry in the fall of next year and they are to have three children, buy a slightly used SUV, (Childish - Continued on page 2)
GETTING READY - PART 3 More Tips on Buying Emergency Foods
Psalm 107:8-9 (Note: This is the third in a series of special interest short articles to help you and your family prepare for coping more effectively with various emergency situations.)
“So you bought a few emergency and outdoor
by Dick Haines
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: American Pilgrims: Heroic & Flawed
7
Birthdays & Anniversaries
9
It’s Happening this Month
12
FBC Faces Meredith Falk
8
Getting Ready - Part 3
1
camping foods did you?” I asked Keith as he came in our back door and sat down at the table again. I was really glad that he felt so comfortable coming over. “Yeah, and they were better than I expected, and my kids even liked them!”
Pastor Brian - Worship
5
(Ready - Continued on page 2)
Readjusting Focus
7
Sunday Service Times Change
Missions
3 & 12
One Cry
10
Pastor Ron
1
Silver Eagles
6
The Teacher or the Student?
4
Women’s Ministry
4
Youth
6
Don’t forget to set your clocks back!
Jan. 2016 Mark Your Calendars!
Starting with the first Sunday in January (January 3rd) we will meet for worship at 8:30, 9:50, and 11:20 AM. This change will give our Sunday School teachers a little more time to cover their lessons as they share God’s Word with their students.
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
October 31st
www.oakharborfamilybib le.org
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(Childish—Continued from page 1)
rent until they save a down payment, buy a house in XYZ subdivision two years later, etc. I’m quite sure that I could stir up a conflict similar to what Paul did in Acts 23 when it comes to who believes what about how many of the minute details of one’s life are precisely determined in advance. Again, the nominal believers and sometimes the even more committed believers tend to understand that phrase as a concept that is extraordinarily difficult to defend biblically. What concept is that; the belief that God wants me to be happy all or most of the time. In their minds they tend to define happiness as a favorable set of circumstances. However, Jesus promised that if he, our Master, was persecuted then we should expect persecution (John 15:20 et.al.) In the book God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, Ray Com(Ready - Continued from page 1)
He replied. “But before I go get a lot more what else do I need to know about buying freeze-dried and dehydrated foods? I want to do it right.” I answered, “Well first of all, I’d look for the “BEST USED BY DATE” stamped on every package to make sure they’ll be edible as long as you need them to last and also to make sure they aren’t some “surplus stock” already ten-years-old. Canned foods also show this date. I’ll bet you didn’t know that if they are kept cool they can last several years (or even more) beyond this date. They say this dating is used mainly for inventorying stock more than anything else. If you keep these vacuum sealed packages in a cool, dark place they should be edible twenty years or more from now.” He seemed pleased to hear this as I went on, “But remember to aim for balanced nutrition because, as you know, eating the right kinds of foods supports our physical health just like reading “healthy” books and watching good, clean TV supports our inner spiritual health.” Keith didn’t grimace at these words as I thought he might, he only nodded slightly as he thought about them. Feeling a bit relieved at his response 2
fort addresses what he calls “The Happiness Dilemma” when he says, “As we have seen, telling people that God has a wonderful plan for their lives isn’t being honest about the realities of life.” (page 33) I am not suggesting that God’s plan for believers is that they be miserable all or even most of the time. The same Jesus who told us that when you are persecuted for the sake of the righteousness, that you are blessed (Matt. 5:10), also said that he came to give a peace that surpasses what can be found anywhere else. (John 14:27) Then again he also said that he came to not to give peace but a sword, meaning conflict. (Matt. 10:34). Hmm, isn’t that contradictory? Not if we understand the plan or will of God for believers. The plan or will of God for believers is to experience life in the richest manner. God’s plan for our life is described as “abundant” in John 10:10. Much can and should be said to my probe into the realm of spirituality I went on, “Next, check out the NUTRITION FACTS that are printed on the package, can, or box. Don’t buy it if it doesn’t have any. It tells you the useful stuff like the number of servings per package and servings per container and also the vitamins and minerals content. But watch out because different companies may use different serving sizes. Why pay more if you end up getting less? And, if things like high salt content, cholesterol, soy, gluten, GMO alterations or MSG or chemical preservative additives are a health concern, this label (and advertising on the package) will alert you. Sometimes there is also an INGREDIENTS list. It’s usually in very tiny print, probably so you won’t notice the fillers or additives they may put in for taste, appearance, texture, or longer shelf life. I try to take my magnifying glass with me when we go shopping. Next, remember that the taste of these preserved foods is degraded by higher heat during long-term storage so keep them between 50 and 60° F if you can… if above 70° F it can shave many years off their shelf life. Oxygen, moisture, light, and pests eating their way into the packages are also bad.” My friend’s eyebrows raised when I mentioned pests because he thought I had said “pets”.
about that, but for this short article let me point us to one simple attitude that is clearly God’s will or plan by Pastor Ron Lawler for all believers. We are to be so extensively conscious of God’s sovereignty that in every situation, whether pleasant or painful, that we can give thanks for his presence with us. (1 Thess. 5:18). I’m really glad the verse says that we are to give thanks “in” everything and not “for” everything. Personally, there are a lot of things I would have a hard time thanking God “for,” but I can easily give thanks “in” everything for God being with me and building me through every good and bad circumstance. As Thanksgiving rolls around this month, let us truly give thanks “in” all circumstances for the faithful presence of God that will give us abundant life!
“You want me to go on?” I asked. He just nodded his head up and down because now he was busily munching on one of my wife’s cookies. “OK, then there’s dehydrated foods that only take out the moisture through heating; but I think quick freeze-drying and vacuum packaging is better since it gives longer shelf life, improved texture and (quite often) better taste. Oh, and something else, always be sure after you open a food pouch to reach in and take out the small oxygen absorber packet that’s inside before you add the boiling water otherwise you’ll be biting into a soggy tasteless lump.” My friend was reaching for his third cookie when I asked, “Now, what else can I tell you?” He just lifted both shoulders, got up, and walked out the door with another cookie in his hand. As he left I called out, “Next time you come over I’ve got something even more important to share with you.” I really hoped he would return. (Next time in Part 4: Are We Prepared Spiritually?)
Family Bible Church—FamilyGram
Dan and Debbie Smythe
GTN Office P.M.B. 449 7558 W. Thunderbird Rd., Ste. 1 Peoria, AZ 85381 Dear Friends: Greetings in the name of the Lord! In less than a month I head back to India (departing November 5th) for my final 2015 training in India with the 14 men there who are journeying through Romans with me. The attached newsletter gives the photos and report of my trip to India last month where we were digging into Romans 4-7 — as well as photos showing a tremendous response to the Gospel by the men.
Training the Untrained To Reach the Unreached
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
www.oakharborfamilybib le.org
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The Teacher or the Student?
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t the end of Matthew when Jesus gathered his disciples to give final instructions before leaving earth to return to his Father, he said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. “ When I think about what it means to fulfill the Great Commission in my own life, one thing that the Lord has continued to greatly impress upon my heart is a love and a passion for teaching. When I was approached and asked to pray about teaching women in the Women of the Word (WOW) ministry here at FBC, I was intimidated but certain that this was where the Holy Spirit was leading. What I never anticipated was that when He called me to teach it was because He had so much
delicious breakfast , or unpacking a passage of scripture that is hard to understand, He has taught and grown me so much the past several years. And as I transition with my military family to a new location and a new ministry, I am thankful that the passion and love that He has given me to be a teacher, and a student will always remain.
by Brittany Rowan
more to teach me. As I continued to study the Bible so I would be able and prepared to teach other women, I began to realize that by leading me to teach He was also leading me to be a student spending time with Him at His feet. As I really became a student of His word, He continued to grow and refine me and gave me a passion for His word like I had never known before.
(Brittany has served as a teacher and worship leader for Women of the Word for the past several years. Her family is moving to a new duty assignment in Washington DC. God Bless you Brittany, Chris, Abby and Kate!)
Wondering what’s going on in Women’s Ministry Go to our Facebook page for all the information about classes and events.
It has been such a pleasure to watch the WOW ministry grow at FBC and to see how He is working in the lives of women. Whether it is through bonding with military wives who are struggling to navigate the same challenging lifestyle, fellowshipping over
Women’s Ministry at amily Bible Church
Ready, Set, Here Comes The Christmas Tea!
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re my eyes deceiving me? Or in just a few short days will we be turning our calendars to November? No matter how quickly it came upon us, November is here which means the Christmas season is just around the corner. This also means the date is quickly approaching for the Christmas Tea which will be held, on Saturday, December 5th at 10:30 am, here at Family Bible Church. Women’s Ministry invites you to “Catch the Tea Vision!” If you’re new to FBC you may not know about the Christmas Tea, but you’ll be hearing a LOT about it over the next several weeks and here’s why. Several years ago Women’s Ministry wanted to present a special evangelistic outreach to the women of our community. We envisioned a lovely tea which women would find interesting and attractive – an event to kick-off the holiday season and focus 4
on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We strive to make this event not just a special holiday experience, but an invitation to change lives forever, by inviting women to open their hearts and receive the most precious gift of all: Jesus Christ. To make this event successful we rely on the whole church body: to pray, to serve and to invite nonbelievers. Now at this point, you may be tempted to leave this article thinking this is just a “women’s thing” and as a man, or a teenager I really won’t be needed. Well that is one of the most exciting aspects of the Tea as it takes the entire church body to make it successful. We need everyone including men and teens to serve as valet parkers, servers and childcare workers. The tea truly is a church-wide effort with the body of FBC serving to reach lost women
with the Gospel! Over the years we have been blessed to see over 100 women come to Christ, and many more who heard the gospel, perhaps for the first time. Over the next several weeks you will receive much more information as to where you can serve. Watch the bulletin, Family Gram, and women’s ministry Facebook page for upcoming details! So, as we begin preparing for this exciting event, please do three things: 1.
Pray. Pray for those women who will be attending and for all the people who will be working on the tea.
2. Volunteer. There will be many opportunities for you to serve. Volunteer sign-ups will begin on Sunday, November, 1st after each service. 3. Invite. Ladies, consider whom (Tea - Continued on page 5)
Family Bible Church—FamilyGram
(Tea - Continued from page 4)
you will invite to join you at the tea – a neighbor, friend, coworker, or family member – and begin praying for them. Then invite them! Here are some important upcoming dates pertaining to the Tea: J Sunday, November 1st – Volunteer Sign-ups begin. Ticket Pre-Sale Forms available.
J Saturday, November 7th – Ticket Pre-Sale, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in C-6. J Sundays, November 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th – After each service in the lobby of FBC. Contact Carolynn Kaetterhenry at 675-1833 or Lauri Black at 682-5969 if you have any questions regarding the Christmas Tea or want to volunteer!
rom the Worship Desk Uncommon Acts of Worship: Welcomed in Welcoming
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our times in the New Testament (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:21; and 1 Thessalonians 5:26) the people of God are commanded to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” This was sign of friendship and beyond that a sign of family welcome. This kiss would have represented welcome and acceptance into the community or fellowship of believers. But today we do not normally greet our friends with a kiss; some families however still greet this way but it is becoming less and less common to see this greeting amongst family members. But, how can we take this understanding of welcome and acceptance into the community or fellowship of believers that has become an ancient custom and practice hospitality in our churches today? Let me first say that Family Bible Church is one of the most welcoming and friendly churches I have participated in over my few years in the church. I am always excited to see the desire to fellowship that happens during that brief greeting time in the service. Many times Ron or I am ready to move on with the announcements and you (the church) are just brushing the surface of fellowship with each other when we call you back. And on fre-
quent occasion when we ask a new member what they like about FBC it is answered simply with, “Friendliness.” How can we take this to the next level? Can we take it to the next level? Can we do something that reaches into the lives of those around us and makes an impact? I think so…First we can be looking for that person who is on the outside looking in at the fellowship going on and go out of our way to sit with them, or just say hello, and make the concerted effort to remember their name and seek them out the next week. Second, we can take our fellowship to the next level and take the church out into the community by going to lunch or coffee together after the service we attend. And while you have the regulars that you go out with, make another concerted effort to invite someone new into that lunch or coffee outing. Finally, we can as a church make an effort to invest in the newcomer (Christian or Non) that makes their way into the four walls of FBC. How do we do this last one, you may be asking? May I invite to you join our Welcome Team as they pursue to welcome all who enter into the building on Sunday morning. It would also be great to see a new team ministry arise that would undertake to intentionally seek out
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
the newcomers to FBC. If your gifts and passions line up with being in a position like this, I would truly like to meet with you and see our potential increase in welcoming the newcomer. NEWS: Chris and Britt Rowan have been relocated by God and the NAVY to serve in Washington D.C. We thank them for their years of service at Family Bible Church in the worship, youth, and children’s ministries. The Worship Ministry is looking for musicians (singers and instrumentalists) who have a passion to serve God and serve His church. We are also looking for technicians (audio and computer) who have the ability to work with technical things and have the same passion to serve God and His church. Finally, we are looking for people who would like to serve in the Welcome Team as greeters and on a hopeful new ministry to seek out the newcomer. Contact Pastor Brian Haynes by email
[email protected] or by phone (206) 349-7688
www.oakharborfamilybib le.org
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Youth Group 6:30 PM Wed. Night Youth Dinner 7:00 7:00--8:30 PM PM— —Bring a friend and encourage others to participate!
Some nights will be small group nights where we have more discussion of topics
Other nights will consist of fun activities, worship and a taught lesson
Silver Eagles November 20, 12:00 - 2:00 PM Call Marjorie Kott for more details
Sunday Morning: Church Service Service— —Worship with the whole Body at 8:30, 9:50 or 11:10 AM. Sunday School is offered at 9:50 AM.
Youth Calendar - November 2015 Sun
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9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. High in C6 Book of Acts
Mon
2
Tue
3
9
10
9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. High in C6 Book of Acts
15
22
16
17
9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. High in C6 Book of Acts
6
18
23
24
25
Thu
Fri
Sat
5
6
7
12
13
14
Topic: Simple truths found in the Bible
Dinner @ 6:30
-Veterans DayNo School
Topic: Simple truths found in the Bible
Dinner @ 6:30
Small Group: Thanks for Grace
9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. High in C6 Book of Acts
29
11
Thanks For Mercy
9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. High in C6 Book of Acts
Jr. High
4 Small Group: Who are you fighting for?
Fall Serve Trip Oct. 30 30--Nov1
8
Sr. High Wed
19
20
21
26
27
28
JR. High Bowling night
No Dinner No Youth Group
Thanksgiving Break!! 30
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Family Bible Church—FamilyGram
Readjusting Focus
by Tamara Collins
"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." —1 Thessalonians 5:18
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omewhere along the way I lost my thick skin. The stubborn, independent girl of long ago has become more aware of her shortcomings, limitations, and inability to juggle it all. I'm not sure when it happened. I know it wasn't overnight. I'm sure it was a process. But last night through my tears, I realized it's become a full-blown condition. I had been swallowed up in the "can'ts" and "not able to's." Whether it was because of limited finances, resources, time, or simply a decision based on conviction, it didn't seem to matter. The response I seemed to give most often was some version of "no" or "can't." And instead of choosing joy and gratitude for the million spoken and unspoken "cans," I began to wear down. Emotionally. And spiritually. That was until I heard myself speaking words to my daughter that I needed to hear myself. Comparison never turns out good. Never. I know it was what my daughter's ears needed to hear. What I didn't except was the words to travel from my mouth to my own heart. I can honestly say this new awareness of my condition did not change my heart right away. It's a slow process of reversal. I guess the same kind of slow that got me here. I'm asking God to make me aware of the mental poison I've been swallowing. I'm spitting it out and replacing it with gratitude. And I'm applying 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to my life: "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
American Pilgrims Were Heroic ‘and’ Flawed
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heaton College Professor Robert Tracy McKenzie explores the heroism and weaknesses of the first American Pilgrims: There is much to admire about the “company of plain Englishmen” who disembarked from the Mayflower almost four centuries ago. They were men and women [who] exhibited enormous courage in the face of unspeakable hardship and loss. They loved their children, they loved the body of Christ, and they abandoned everything that was familiar to them to serve both ….They have [given] us an invaluable Christian example of belief, action, and endurance. But human frailty is part of the Pilgrims’ story as well. They argued among themselves. They were frequently duped both by strangers and purported friends. They were ethnocentric and sometimes self-righteous. They struggled with their finances …. They were frightened by wolves. They got lost in the woods …. A key leader got caught by an Indian deer trap and dangled helplessly upside down …. In years to come, they would have a hard time keeping a pastor … and many of their number would move away in search of larger farms, prompting William Bradford to speak of the Plymouth church as “an
ancient mother grown old and forsaken of her children.” Their flaws may shock us, but it wouldn’t have shocked the Pilgrims. They seemed to glory in how God could use them despite their weakness and sinfulness. One of their key leaders (Robert Cushman) said, “Our voyage … hath been as full of crosses as ourselves have been of crookedness, but God can do much.” Another leader (Edward Winslow) said, “How few, weak, and raw were we at our first beginning, and yet God preserved us.” William Bradford gloried in their weaknesses, but his object in doing so is clear: “that their children may see with what difficulties their fathers wrestled in going through these things in their first beginnings; and how God brought them along, notwithstanding all their weaknesses and infirmities.” U Robert Tracy McKenzie, The First Thanksgiving (IVP Academic, 2013), pp. 95-97 References: Psalm 51:3-5; Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 5:3; Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:17; Luke 18:9-14; Romans 3:913; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:20-21; Romans 7:9-25; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 12:910; 1 Timothy 1:15; James 5:16; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 John
say it aloud if possible. It doesn't take away the reality of the situation, but it does take my mind and attitude to a grateful place. Choose to be thankful today. Instead of staying stuck in your limitations and shortcomings, give thanks for something. Keep a list in your journal, on your bathroom mirror, or even on your phone. And be sure to thank the Lord for all these blessings. A prayer for you: God, I thank you. I don't understand everything, but I am still grateful. Amen.
When I find myself complaining or being swallowed up in my limitations, I stop right there. I choose at least one thing I am thankful for and 2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
www.oakharborfamilybib le.org
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November 11
“God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible — what a pity that we plan only the things that we can do by ourselves." — A. W. Tozer
Meredith alk
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et you didn’t know…
Meredith Falk, the director of Whidbey Youth Dynamics (YD) moved thirty times by the time she turned thirty, even living in a bus with her family (mom is Barb Eldredge) for a year as a teenager in Oroville. Needless to say, she became very resourceful and creative; and she learned to adapt to almost any environment! Meredith graduated from Oroville High School in 1997. After graduation she spent a few years in Minnesota then came back to Washington to stay, finally settling in Oak Harbor in 2004. Meredith had worked with youth as a volunteer for many years by then. In 2010 God opened the door for her to do
By Julie Fakkema
so full time when she became part of the staff of YD. In 2015 she became director. YD is structured around fun challenging adventures and activities, teaching about who God is, creating relationships, and introducing kids to the church. Her resourcefulness, creativity, and ability to adapt are what enable Meredith to do that job well. One of the things she most enjoys is building relationships with students, seeing them show respect for one another, challenge each other to work hard, encourage one another, and realize that God has a vision for them is what drives her.
right now is the trust He’s helped her build with the kids at the skate board park. According to her, that kids in rough situations are able to bring her into their environment is huge. Meredith also looks forward to having lots of projects outside of work like baking cakes and pastries, building rough log night stands and wall maps, and painting. One of her favorite things is decorating the apartment she shares with Sara Burris from the worship team.
Meredith would be happy to meet you and tell the amazing stories of her adventures with Youth Dynamics and the hopes she has for every teen in Oak Harbor. Look for her during second service The thing that God is doing in her or all three services, if she’s particlife that has Meredith most excited ipating with worship team.
Correction: The article on Christine Anderson last month mistakenly reported that she earned her Bachelors Degree. Christine has been awarded her PhD in History & Elementary Education. Our apologies to (Dr.) Chris for failing to properly report her hard-earned degree! 8
Family Bible Church—FamilyGram
Training
D
iscovering God’s truths for yourself is a life-changing experience. If you long to know God and yearn for a deep and abiding relationship with Him, attend a Precept Ministries International Training Workshop and learn how to interact with God’s Word personally, absorb its meaning and let God engrave His truth on your heart, mind and life through using the age old method of Inductive Bible Study – Learn to see truth for yourself, discern what it means, and apply that truth to your life. This workshop qualifies participants for “Precept Upon Precept” leadership. This workshop is for those who desire to lead Precept Upon Precept class discussions. Learn to effectively study a “Precept Upon Precept” lesson. Practice inductive study skills using Becoming a Friend of the Faithful God: A Study on Abraham. See how PUP Bible study results in application for life today. Learn how to follow God as Abraham did. Be equipped as a new leader for Precept Upon Precept discussions. Understand the qualifications for becoming a Precept Upon Precept Bible Study Leader. Learn how to effectively use the Leader Guides for all PUP courses to plan your discussions. This was part of the former “Basics of Precept Upon Precept” and “Studying and Leading Precept Upon Precept” workshops. This workshop teaches the Inductive Bible Study Method.
Learn observation, interpretation, and application skills for Old Testament history. Learn how to apply these skills to make proper application to your life. Study selected passages from Old Testament history books. Apply inductive study skills to Old Testament prophecy using the book of Amos. Learn to properly interpret Old Testament prophecy books in their historical setting. Understand more about God’s character. Learn observation, interpretation, and application skills for a New Testament letter. Apply inductive study skills to a New Testament letter using the book of Titus. Use inductive study skills to overview a New Testament letter. Use inductive study skills to observe a chapter. Use a concordance for simple word studies and cross-reference.
Event Information First Baptist Church of Lakewood 5400 112th St SW Lakewood, WA 98499 COST: $100.00 Payment is non-refundable but transferable to another person. Study Materials Include: Student Packet Schedule: November 20-21, 2015 8:30 am Check-in (9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day) Contact: Phil Roy Phone: 253-582-1000 or by Email
[email protected] Us
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
www.oakharborfamilybib le.org
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their destructions (vv. 17-20).
The November OneCry Women's Prayer Time will be Thursday, November 4th at 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM at Hartman's house, 4470 Sunday Drive. The next (December) OneCry Women's Prayer coffee will be Thursday, December 3rd from 6:45 to 8:00 PM at 4470 Sunday Drive, Oak Harbor. Questions? Contact Ruth Hartman at
[email protected] or 360-675-0244.
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LORD in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distresses.
“He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea…. “Their soul melted away in their misery. They … were at their wits’ end.
“He led them also by a straight way, to go to an inhabited city (vv. 4-7).
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.
“They had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
“He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed….
“Therefore He humbled their heart with labor; they stumbled and there was none to help.
cry is a word that implies desperation. When there is nothing else to do and nowhere else to turn, you cry out.
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; and He saved them out of their distresses.
A desperate cry seems to be irresistible to God—especially when it is a united cry from His people.
“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart (vv. 11-14).
Psalm 107 overwhelms us with the consistency of this thought, as the psalmist speaks of Israel’s continued wandering, God’s judgment, the people’s cry, and God’s deliverance. Four times this pattern is repeated. “They wandered in the wilderness in a desert region…. Their soul fainted with them. “Then they cried out to the
“So He guided them to their desired haven (vv. 25-30). We seek every other remedy. In vain we try every prescription except God’s. If there was ever a time when the believers in our land, who have rebelled and wandered from Christ, need to repent, turn their faith upward, and cry out, it is now.
“Fools, because of their rebellious way, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted….
I wonder if God would hear our cry and relent in His judgment. I wonder if this is the year American history will record …
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; he saved them out of their distresses.
“And they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them.”
“He sent his word and healed them, and delivered them from
Getting to Know Our Neighbors...Starting with the Kids! What do 58 East African HALVORSEN’S children, singing songs, playing games while running around a green-grassy field, and learning about the Fruit of the Spirit all have in common? They are things we did while holding a Vacation Bible School for our neighbors in early August. Renting a large white tent for the field across from our house, we sent our kids bicycling through the neighborhood with colorful fliers announcing to all our neighbors that VBS would be held the next week. Twenty-four kids participated the first day and it grew from there to a total of 58 kids through the week.
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Jon Michael kicked off each morning off leading the excited and energetic 4-13 year old children in singing, with songs like ‘Rise and Shine’, ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ and ‘Hip-Hip-Hip -Hippopotamus’. Singing loudly while trying to follow along with the very fun, and sometimes silly, actions, the kids enjoyed the fun songs. During our large group teaching, Dan, Lesli, and our friend and neighbor, Janell, took turns teaching about the Holy Spirit, Sin, the Law, Heaven, and Salvation through Christ. Lydia, Jon Michael, and Lesli, as well as Janell and her two daughters, all led agebased discipleship groups following
the teaching time where we had great discussions with the kids. By American VBS standards, crafts were very simple, not the ornate crafts with glue sticks, glitter and pipe cleaners that exactly matched the theme for the day. Just colored pencils and coloring pages of the fruit of the Spirit, but the kids LOVED it! Snack time followed crafts, which again, were quite simple, just some biscuit-type cookies and water, but enough to refuel the kids for the games of running around the field that followed. The kids enjoyed every lick of their vanilla or chocolate ice cream cones Halvorsen - Continued on page 11)
Family Bible Church—FamilyGram
Brendan Darnell 01
Carol Klinnert 09
Jan Reynolds 06
Jason Dearing 06
Rich Klinnert 01
Jim Reynolds 14
Joseph Dixon 20
Daniel Leeper 02
Pat Roodzant 08
Laura Dixon 22
Marjurie McClimans 06
Dan Simenson 20
David Adam 23
Chris Felipe 24
Alexander McLeod 26
Bridger Stapert 18
Tracey Blanchard 21
Tyler Fitzgerald 07
Benjamin Menks 19
Carl Taton 04
Liam Blas 17
Gabrielle Gebhard 07
Pete Phillips 30
Christopher Trisler 04
Gloria Bonacci 04
Don Groves 12
John Radka 17
Brett Vagt 27
Isaac Brady 02
Jim Hannahan 17
Tony Ransford 24
Jacob Vrbas 19
Susan Cannon 28
Levi King 16
Vena Reyes 15
Michelle Vrbas 29
Nancy & Dave Alvarado
Claudia & Robert Olson
Holly & Mike Buxton
Elsie & Bob Palmer
Katherine & Joeydino Cabigting
Dianne & Pete Phillips
Karen & Ken Fredericks
Flo & Dan Simenson
Ghena & Eric Medina
Michelle & Kevin Wilson
Halvorsen - Continued from page 10)
that we celebrated with on the last day, despite the cool, overcast, 'wintertime' weather of Nairobi in August. One of the highlights was on day 4 of VBS, when 10year-old Njeri asked me, “Mama Jon Michael, can we have VBS during every school holiday?” It wasn't only the 58 kids who had a great time, each of the Halvorsons had a blast also. It was such a blessing to get to know these precious children
and teach them about Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit and the Bible. After the VBS supplies were carried back home and put away, and the tent was being taken down, Mwalimu, an 8-yearold neighbor boy stopped by our home with a picture he had colored for us. It said, “Thanks for teaching me” with all the fruit of the Spirit listed around the edges of the page. It is still on the front of our fridge reminding us of the wonderful week we had with the sweet kids of our neighborhood. We decided after VBS that we needed some kind of fol-
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
low-up. We now hold a weekly Kids’ Bible Club each Friday afternoon from 4:30-6:00pm. We consistently have 25-30 kids at the club, and each week we have so much fun as we get to know the kids better and get the privilege of teaching them more about God’s word, investing in their lives and pointing them to Jesus as their savior. How to contact the Halvorson family: Dan's email:
[email protected] Lesli's email:
[email protected] Address: PO BOX 21171 Nairobi 00505 KENYA Dan's cell: +254 733 943 452 Lesli's cell: +254 733 236 106
www.oakharborfamilybib le.org
11
ance
Jim & Corliss Mock What business does a gray-haired 63-year -old man have trying to “mingle”among a group of 18-20 year-old college students each Tuesday evening at the student union building on their campus? You would think that these young people would suspiciously relegate my presence to some distant corner of the room. But they don’t!While I am often the initiator of conversation with them, they respond with curiosity and a measure of interest in the fact that I would value them enough to come to their “turf” to offer help in their pursuit of truth and direction for their lives on campus. It is amazing what a little love and honesty can do to break the ice between strangers with 45 years between their ages and life experiences. “Mark” is a typical 18-year old freshman who came to Southern Oregon University because it seemed like a good and convenient place to start his college education and sort out his future direction. Our conversation turned quickly to why he was drawn to a meeting of Christian students on the SOU campus, which is not known for itswelcoming posture toward Christianity in particular. As he shared a bit of his life’s story, it
was evident that here was a “Godseeker” with an appreciation for the truth and relevance of Christian faith and practice. Over the past three weeks as we have met in Ashland, he has welcomed my friendship and concern for him as a person, and as one genuinely interested in helping him to learn to follow Jesus. He is confiding in me genuinely as a friend. It is a privilege to be there with a few insights, answers, and recommendations that could possibly lead to spiritual transformation for this young man. Please pray for an effective outreach to students at Southern Oregon University, and fruitful relationships that lead to genuine spiritual transformation Please uphold in prayer a young couple who have agree to provide leadership for the group of students who show up each week at SOU, that they would fully recognize the surpassing value of one- to-one disciple making relationships and their potential for spiritual multiplication. Could we ask you to be in prayer with
us for several members of our immediate and extended family who are currently facing significant health problems, financial needs, and emotional and spiritual challenges? In each situation, we are seeking the goodness and wisdom of God. Our family is so precious to us!
In this challenging effort to reach across generational gaps in order to engage young adults with the life-giving words of Jesus, we are deeply dependent on your prayer support and your financial partnership with us. We are encouraged by you, in much the same way Paul experienced in his relationship with the Philippian church, when he said, “...you sent aid once and
again for my necessities.” Thank you for standing with us…beside us… strengthening us with the resources God has placed in your hands for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into the nations! To donate to our ministry with The Navigators, please fin d us online at this secure site: https://donations.navigators.org/SpecialPages/
Family Bible Church is a non-denominational church. We are located at 2760 N. Heller Road, Oak Harbor. Our Sunday service times are 8:30, 9:50 and 11:10 AM with Sunday School running concurrently. Church office hours are 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday. You can contact us by calling 679-1585. Our FAX # is 6796144. Email address:
[email protected]. Web location: www.oakharborfamilybible.org. Articles for this publication may be submitted to
[email protected].
IT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH
Elders
Every Tue
6:00 PM
The Pier—College and Career
Every Wed
6:30 PM
Prayer & Praise Meeting — Library
Every Thu
6:30 PM
Grief-Share
4
OneCry Prayer Meeting - Hartman’s
Nov Nov
7
Christmas Tea Ticket Pre-Sale
Nov
11
Veteran’s Day - Office Closed
Nov
20
Silver Eagles 12: 00 PM
Nov
26-27
Thanksgiving - Office Closed
Looking Ahead Dec
12
5
Your Leaders Are Available To Serve You
Christmas Tea
Position & Area of Oversight
Phone
Wayne Abbott
360-929-0333
Tyler Black
360-682-5969
Steve Burt
310-500-8200
Brian Haynes
206-349-7688
Ron Lawler
360-675-3653
Alan Schell
360-679-2381
Jason Stapert
Treasurer
360-675-4312
Pastors
Position & Area of Oversight
Phone
Ron Lawler
206-240-0740
Dan Potter
Youth & Family
206-604-4439
Brian Haynes
Worship
206-349-7688
Kirk Kallander
Church Administrator
360-679-1585
Family Bible Church—FamilyGram
