Tuesday, June 18, 2013

On Your Mark Devotion - Week 4 Day 2



Text 4:21-25
Topic:  Light in a dark place

When our mission team was in Ghana, Africa in April, we had the privilege of working with the children on Sunday morning. We talked to them about being a light in a dark world. After the lesson, we taught them a song you may very well know.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, oh no. I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bush oh no, I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bush oh no, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let its shine.

I hope by now you are singing this song. It is a great reminder to take the light of Christ and share it in our world. How are you shining the light of Jesus? Are you bringing light out into the darkness?
  Spend some time in prayer, asking God to show you new ways that you can bring light into the world. Write down your reflections after your time of prayer.

Monday, June 17, 2013

On Your Mark Week 4 Video Introduction

On Your Mark Devotion - Week 4 Day 1



Text: 4:1-34
Topic: How is your soul?

We have all experienced weeds growing where they should not be. They seem to be able to spring up anywhere. Unfortunately, we do not want weeds to grow in our gardens or our flower beds. We choose seeds we want to plant, we prepare the soil and tend to them in a way that helps them grow. We celebrate when the flowers have bloomed or when we eat the fruit of our harvest.
  In our own lives, what kind of soil are we? Pray and ask God to reveal to you what kind of soil you are being today. Are you the fertile soil that produces a great harvest?
  Write down ways that you can improve the quality of your soul/soil?

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Friday, June 14, 2013

Andover Bulletin Announcements - June 16, 2013



Sunday, June 16
9:30 Fellowship Time
         10:00    Worship Service
         11:00 Friendship and Sentinel Classes
Monday-Wednesday
6:00 Joint Vacation Bible School
       Downtown Campus

Thursday, June 20
6:00 Joint Vacation Bible School &
       Thursday Evening Meal
       Andover Campus
Sunday, June 23
9:30 Fellowship Time
         10:00    Worship Service
         11:00 Friendship and Sentinel Classes
5:00 Youth Group
        Mike and Kristin Fisher Hosting
        2405 Rockminster Rd.


Staying in Touch
We strive to make keeping up with the events at Andover as convenient as possible for you.  Here are some good places to go to stay connected.

Website
Go to www.1stumcandover.blogspot.com for the latest updates, devotional thoughts, and even a preview of bulletin announcements.  You can subscribe on the website to receive the new content directly to your email inbox if you prefer.

FaceBook
Go to the First United Methodist Church-Andover Campus FaceBook page and LIKE us to keep up to date.  We often share pictures of events and even link to the website to remind you of updates there.

New TV in back of Sanctuary
We are using the TV in the back of the Sanctuary to give you a heads-up about future events as well as a look-back at past events.

Andover Newsletter
Did you receive the newsletter this past month?  If not, give us your email address and we will be sure to send the past newsletter and all future newletters directly to your inbox.  This is a great snapshot for us to celebrate what is happening in the Andover community.

Constant Contact
We are using an email database called Constant Contact to send out updates and reminders.  If you haven’t already, be sure to give us your email so we can send you the latest news directly to your inbox.  

Youth Group on Sunday Nights
June 16th- NO Meeting. Happy Father's Day 
June 23rd- Fisher's Home 
June 30th- Hillyard/Edward's Home

Thursday, June 13, 2013

On Your Mark Week 3 Study



Who, What, When, and Where - spend a few minutes getting acquainted with the people, the places, and the events in this section of Scripture.  Chart them on the map located in the back of your study guide.


For Study and Reflection

1)  Again, Mark records that demons know Jesus’ true identity.  What does this tell us about the nature of Jesus’ ministry?  Read Ephesians 6:10-12 for some perspective.   Is there something going on beyond the physical world at this point?

“Demon-possessed people are under the control of one or more demons.  Demons are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God and are now evil spirits under his control.  They help Satan tempt people to sin and have great destructive powers as a result.  But whenever they are confronted by Jesus, they lose their power.”  
Life Application Study Bible


2)  Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the twelve men Jesus appointed as apostles.  A quick note:  disciples were all followers of Jesus but apostles were these twelve who were given special access, authority, and power by Jesus.  How many of the names do you recognize?  Describe their role, authority, and access to Jesus?

3)  Jesus says in verse 28 that “all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.”  This is a sin with eternal consequences.”  This often quoted verse describes that on-gong unbelief and an unrepentant attitude leads to separation from God.  If you are worried about past sinful actions preventing you from forgiveness, that in itself is a sign of the Holy Spirit working within you.

4)  What type of relationship does this section paint between Jesus and his family?


5)  In the end, how does Jesus define family?  Does this new definition diminish the role of blood relatives or simply expand the number of people we are to treat as blood relatives?