We're building a bigger heaven and better lives!
Load Up the Truck this Sunday
After reading an announcement a few weeks ago about the Good Samaritan Thrift Mart, Sherri Smith is taking a load of household goods to this resale store. If you have household items, linens, knick knacks or clothing that you would like to donate, bring them with you to church this Sunday, January 25. Sherri's truck will be parked by the entrance. Be sure to bring your donations in a box or bag (nothing too large, please) and Sherri will see that they get to the Thrift Mart this week.
Good Samaritan Thrift Mart is staffed entirely by volunteers and 100% of the profits go directly toward the Christian education and support for the people at Bethesda Lutheran Homes. (Due to a miscommunication, we had originally said Sherri was bringing the truck last week. It's not a mistake that this announcement is here again!)
Forgot the Bottle?
Thanks to those of you who brought donations of money-filled baby bottles and baby items last Sunday. We know there are a few baby bottles that were forgotten last Sunday. So, if you still have a bottle at home, be sure to bring it tomorrow, Sunday, January 25.
New Series:
Financial Peace in Turbulent Times
The wealthiest man who ever lived actually wrote a book of the Bible. Even Bill Gates had nothing on Solomon, king of Israel. Solomon ate from plates of solid gold. He was also the wisest man who ever lived. Fortunately, he wrote down God-given principles for financial peace in a book called Proverbs. Discover financial peace in turbulent times this Sunday, January 25 at 10:45 a.m. 101 Pecan Drive, in Schertz [map and directions].
Nursery (infant to age 3)
A caring nursery is available for children infant – age 3 at any time during the worship service on Sundays in the Mother’s Room, to the left as you exit the worship area.
Movers & Shakers (ages 2-4)
Children ages 2-4 are invited to Movers & Shakers during the LifeLesson portion of worship after the children's talk for a fun learning time. Join us in the Mother's room, to the left as you exit the worship area. Interested in helping with Movers & Shakers? Contact Isabella White at 650-3166.
J.A.M. (ages 5-8)
Children ages 5-8 are invited to join us for J.A.M., our age appropriate worship/learning experience for children, just after the Children's message this Sunday! Interested in helping with J.A.M.? Contact David White at 650-3166.
Just for Tweens (ages 9-12)
Kids ages 9—12 are invited to be a part of Tweens, a group specially designed for them. Join them on Sunday during the LifeLesson portion of worship for this fun learning experience. Want to know more? Call David White at 650-3166.
Grace Prayer Team
Know the miraculous power of prayer. Word of Life has a team of prayer warriors ready to pray for you. The team meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. [map and directions] to pray for the morning worship and other needs. Also, prayer partners will be available to pray with you or for you after worship. Just come to the right side of the worship area.
If you would like the team to pray for you throughout the week, just let Pastor Ken know (566-2237 or Ken@WordofLife4u.com), and he will share your request with the team. Want to be on this exciting prayer team? Contact Betty Tolsma 659-8107 or bettytolsma@sbcglobal.net.
LifeGroups
Hungry for deeper meaning in your life? Want to learn how the Bible applies to your life today? You can grow in your faith through a LifeGroup! LifeGroups feature:
a friendly atmosphere
time for questions, discussions & insights
a built-in support network
a relaxed & fun setting
For Women—Evening
Did you resolve to grow in your time with God in 2009? If so, here’s the group to help you keep your resolution! Join us on Mondays, 7:00 p.m. for “Lighting the Lamp: Bible Study Tools for 09.” Join them this Monday, January 26.
Location: Patti Mitschke’s home 1531 Jasmine Dr, Schertz
Questions? 566-1650
For Students
Students in 7th grade and up are invited to join us on Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. for a new study of “The Beatitudes.”
Location: Mark Stemmermann's home 1013 Gate Creek Ln, Schertz
Questions? 566-1401
For Women—Daytime
Are you available during the day and searching for a group for a deeper spiritual connection and personal growth? Join us on Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. for the Beth Moore study, “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place.”
Location: Sherri Smith's home 3309 Dusty Crossing, Schertz
Questions? 659-2585
For Men
Start your workday off right with time in the Word and with other men of God. Join us on Fridays, 6:30 a.m.
Location: IHOP 17220 I-35, Schertz
Questions? 566-2237
Building a Bigger Heaven in Texas
This Sunday we’re praying for mission planter/pastor Mario Casillas and the ministry of Iglesia Monte de Sinai in Baytown, TX. We support Pastor Casillas’ ministry through Texas Partners in Mission (TPIM). Ten percent of our Sunday morning offerings are donated to TPIM.
Jeremy Camp in Concert
Award-winning Christian musician, Jeremy Camp, will present a FREE concert on Sunday, January 25, at Cornerstone Church. A group of youth and adults plan to enjoy this musical event. If you would like to join them, meet at the Peterson’s (2839 Pond Apple, Schertz) at 5:00 p.m. to carpool to Cornerstone. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. but the free seats will fill up quickly. Questions? Call 945-7952.
Souper Bowl of Caring
This year, on Sunday February 1, 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join young people around the U.S. as they demonstrate God’s love by loving their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Here’s how you can help:
Bring donations of non-perishable food items on Sunday, February 1. All items donated will be given to RACAP.
Drop $1 (or more) in the soup pot as you leave worship on February 1. All monetary donations will also go to RACAP.
Travel with us to the San Antonio Food Bank and help assemble food boxes for area families. We’ll meet at the Mitschkes (1531 Jasmine, Schertz) at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3 to carpool to the San Antonio Food Bank. (If you would rather meet us at the Food Bank, please let Patti Mitschke know.) Volunteers, please wear closed toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and long shorts or pants. Sign up on the RSVP form at worship this Sunday or contact Patti@WordofLife4u.com
Super Bowl Party
Join your Word of Life friends on Sunday, February 1 to watch the Super Bowl (or alternative programming). The party begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Stockers (3520 Meridian) and the Gibsons (3517 McAlister Lane) - back door neighbors in the Carolina Crossing North subdivision. One home will feature Super Bowl viewing. The other will show something for the non-sports fan. Bring a snack to share and invite your friends to join us! Questions? Call Stockers (566-3145) or Gibsons (945-7915).
Women’s Movie Night
Invite your female friends and join us on Monday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. for a special viewing of, “One Night with the King.” This dramatic retelling of the story of Esther will serve as the kick-off for a new women’s study on the Book of Esther. Movie viewing and Bible study will be at Patti Mitschke’s house (1531 Jasmine Drive, Schertz). Questions? Call Patti at 566-1650.
Financial Peace University
You can have financial peace in economically turbulent times. Several of our members have benefitted greatly from Financial Peace University and Dave Ramsey's work. Previews and classes are starting now in three area cities, Schertz, Universal City and Cibolo, and at different times to fit your schedule. Start 2009 right, but hurry, it may be awhile before there are so many choices so close to home. For information, schedules and online registration, go to: www.daveramsey.com/fpu/ today!
Blood Donors Needed
We have been praying for Amanda Conniff, Jayme Edward’s 14 year old niece. Amanda has had a difficult struggle in her battle against cancer and has needed a great deal of blood. You can donate blood to “replace” the units used by Amanda. Go to any blood donation station and let them know you want to give a replacement donation for Amanda Conniff, a patient at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s hospital. Thanks to those who have already given blood in her name!
Online Calendar
You've read through the WordofLife4u. You sense what God wants you to do, but how do you keep track of events to invite your friends and neighbors to, groups where you can grow, and ministries where you can use your gifts to make a real difference? Check out our online calendar at: www.WordofLife4u.com/calendar.
Listen Online to Worship at Word of Life
If you have a broadband internet connection, you can listen to audio streams of recent worship services at Word of Life, or you can download a recording of the service to your computer or mp3 player and listen whenever you'd like. Click here! and you'll be directed to our Worship at Word of Life page. Left-click on "Stream" to listen to a service right away or click on "Download" (some require a right-click) to download a service to your computer and/or connected mp3 player to listen to later. You can view, save or print a copy of the LifeLesson notes too.
"Better Life" Links
Dave $ays… - Advice on personal finances from popular radio
personality, live event speaker and best selling author, Dave Ramsey..." [more]
Impulsive and Compulsive Spending - "Advertisers play on the insecurities of consumers and tell them infinite ways their products will satisfy needs and dissatisfactions. Consumers in turn spend with a vengeance. However, this consumption does not add up in favor of the consumer..." [more]
How to Control Spending - Does money burn a hole in your pocket? Does buyer’s remorse set in after you have spent your money?..." [more]
Resource Packed Financial Sites:
Prayer Requests and Thanksgivings
We Thank God…
for promising true riches to those who are trustworthy, for giving us practical guidelines and principles, and for giving us Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord
for healing Pam Toifl of cancer and healing Lillian Mitschke, Joseph Moore and Norma Koester
for blessing Natasha Puller with the new birth of baptism
for the blessings of good health and every good thing
for the safe return of Stephen Linn from Iraq
for our nation and our leaders, for standing guard over our troops and their families, and for those who have been wounded or who have sacrificed their lives defending us
for all the resources He has entrusted to our care, and we ask God to bless the gifts we offer Him today to help build a bigger heaven and better lives.
We Ask God…
to inspire and empower us to be trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, to know the state of our finances, to plan carefully, to think before buying, and to give Jesus Christ complete control of my life and finances and to encourage others to do the same
to bless mission planter/pastor, Mario Casillas and the ministry of Iglesia Monte de Sinai to people in Baytown
to direct us to the piece of property which will best help us reach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for resources to help us buy it
to comfort the families of victims of persecution, terrorism and disaster
to bless John Hunter as he goes through Marine boot camp
to bless Ana Koester & Brad Moser with employment
to bless recently elected leaders with godly wisdom and guidance as they prepare to take office and serve
to protect our troops abroad, especially J. K. Berkland, Josh Yates, Dustin Osgood, Filip Malka and Nathan Zimmerman in Iraq
to protect Howard Leasure in Iraq
to comfort those who mourn, especially the family and friends of Bob Tolsma
to heal Art Stemmermann, John & Nita Bowden, Sandra Carlow, Blake Waldrop, Jordan Hernandez, Bea Bernthal and Erwin Michalk; to heal those battling cancer: Manuel Coloura, Cindy, Todd Reineck, Zach Vangundy, Amanda Conniff, Brandon Landsbury, Ruie Pines, Natalie, Pam Smith, Ann Dube, Vonda Boerger, Kurt Bickel, Susan Doering and to give comfort and strength to their families
to empower us to make it hard for people to go to hell from our cities.
Join us in prayer wherever you are! You may leave prayer requests at 566-2237 or Ken@WordofLife4u.com.
Spending Fun
Seems there was this preacher's wife who decided along with her husband that they really had to save more and spend less starting in the New Year. Well, she went shopping and found the dress of her dreams. It cost way too much, but she had to have it. When she showed it to her husband, he exclaimed, "After all we said about spending less money, how could you?" She replied, "The devil made me do it!" "Didn't you tell him 'Get thee behind me, Satan?'" asked the exasperated preacher. "I certainly did," she replied, "but he said 'It really looks great from the back!'"
Just a Thought
I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.
- Martin Luther
Pastor Ken Mitschke
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P.S. For past issues or to subscribe [WordofLife4u].
Word of Life Fellowship-LCMS
1531 Jasmine Dr
Schertz TX 78154-3738
www.WordofLife4u.com
210-566-2237
Ken@WordofLife4u.com
We're building a bigger heaven and better lives!
Word of Life Fellowship LCMS
1531 Jasmine Dr
Schertz TX 78154-3738
Pastor Ken Mitschke
210-566-2237
Ken@WordofLife4u.com