Parable Series, Week 2

Hi gang!

Happy April Fool's day!

Next week's lesson is going to be on Matthew 22:1-14, The Parable of the Wedding Feast. So try to read the passage, and maybe the context (like Matthew 21-23), and if you have time and feel up to it, take some notes of your observations. And be sure to write down any questions you have.

Travis is going to be leading, and we're going to be doing a lot more discussing that the past two weeks, since we aren't hearing a sermon before this lesson.

Be praying for Jared's mom. The doctors still don't know what's wrong, and she's still in the hospital. And pray for Anna, as she has a heart monitor for the next two weeks, which is no fun at all, and the doctors are still trying to figure out what's wrong in that case too.

See y'all Sunday!
-R.T.

Journals and Next Week's Lesson

Hey guys!

Last night was awesome! I know we forgot the journals, but those of you who don't already have one can get one next week.

In case you weren't there, or even if you were, next Sunday's sermon is going to be on the Parable of the Prodigal Sons, and next Monday we're going to be discussing it. The passage is available here: Luke 15:11-32.
If you get the chance, try to read the passage sometime soon, that way you can be thinking about it before Sunday.

Also, next week will be the beginning of our series on parables, so be thinking of parables you'd like to cover, and be ready to suggest them next week. Maybe try to read through a list of parables online or in your Bible. Try to think of some you don't understand, or some that confused you growing up. We want to tackle stuff that's going to help you understand God's Word better, and love It, and Him, more!

Love you guys. See you soon!

-R.T.

Read 1 John 4

Stay in the Word this week by reading 1 John 4 at least three times so we'll all be ready to discuss next week's topic.

Home Opportunity

Your home opportunity this week (and next week) is to read 1 John 1 at least twice.  Here's a question for you to think through and answer while you read 1 John 1: If we have already been forgiven by God of all of our sins at our salvation, why does 1 John 1:9 tell us that we need to confess our sins and be forgiven still?  (feel free to leave some thoughts in the comments)

This Week's "Home Opportunity"

Read through 1 John 1 at least twice this week.  Use the reading time as your devotions if needed. Write down any questions you might have.  Also see if you can come up with a good definition of joy and fellowship.

Monday Night Fellowship 2007-2008

We are starting to meet again on Monday nights at 6:45 PM until 8:30 at the Trinity Methodist building until our new church is completed.  We are expected to move in the first Sunday in October.  We'll keep you posted on when we will meet at the new church.  In the mean time start reading through 1 John.  We will begin our in-depth Bible study tomorrow.  Bring your own Bible and a pen to take notes.  Here's a question to think about in the mean time: what does it mean to have fellowship?  Post your thoughts on the blog and come prepared tomorrow night.

Happy Birthday Trent

A special happy birthday to Trent Snyder today!

P.S. Gentlemen don't forget your homework this week.

MNF Tomorrow

Tomorrow is youth group at the normal time. Be sure to have your "homework" done both ladies and the men. The young men need to finish memorizing the Apostles' Creed and the Definition of Man. Adam and Jason will be telling the guys about their experience in work and in life.

Men's Study Homework

Gentlemen, I just posted the Apostles' Creed on the blog thanks to Michael's hard work in getting it typed up. Be sure to memorize it as well as the definition of man by next Monday night. And those of you who didn't interview your Dad, make sure you get that done by Monday night (wink, wink Michael and Trent).

The Apostles' Creed from the Trinity Hymnal

The

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and Earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended into hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Men's Study Homework

Gentlemen!

Your duties for the week involve the interview with your Dad as well as to begin memorizing the Apostles Creed and the Definition of Man.

Interview with your Dad

Specifications: You are to give a formal interview of your Dad to learn about what he does for a living (his job/career). You are to schedule a time when it is just you and he (or you and your sibling and he) without any interruptions. You are to take detailed notes and report back to us next week what you learned (providing your dad wants to share that information with us: you are to ask for permission to share this info with our group).

Here are the questions:

1. What do you do for a living?
2. What is your official title?
3. How long have you been in this job or career?
4. What training or experience did you need/obtain for your job?
5. How did you know that you wanted to do what you are doing now?
6. What are some of your daily responsibilities?
7. What do you love about your job/career?
8. What do you dislike about your job/career?
9. What did you want to be when you grew up?
10. If you could do anything you wanted to do and didn’t have to worry about being paid well, what would you do?
11. What is something you wished someone told you when you were my age? (i.e. advice, wisdom, etc.)

Date: __________________ Permission to share with group: Y or N

Interviewer’s Signature: ___________________________________________

Interviewed Signature: ____________________________________________

Definition of a Man

· Rejects passivity

· Accepts responsibility

· Leads Courageously

· Expects a greater reward

From Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis