We're building a bigger heaven and better lives!
Operation Christmas Child
Don't forget to bring your gift filled shoeboxes THIS Sunday, November 22.
Thanksgiving Baskets
The Wednesday Morning Women's LifeGroup took initiative and lovingly assembled the food baskets for the five families we adopted for Thanksgiving, giving each basket a personal touch. Thanks to the generosity of the people of Word of Life, each family will receive an HEB gift card for $100. As you can see by the pictures, the ladies found this was a fun and fulfilling missional project. God's Kingdom is growing as Word of Life LifeGroups, families and individuals seek to be Christ and share Christ with people in our neighborhoods, work places and schools.
Open Your Gifts Now
Recently, we were encouraged to discover and open up all the gifts God has given us and use them to serve. If we don't, we will cheat ourselves, God, and the people around us. If we do, people's lives will be changed, God's Kingdom will grow, and we'll experience joy and fulfillment. Many completed Ministry Gifts Surveys and offered them to the Lord. If you have not done so please pick one up from the Info table on Sunday, complete it and place it in the offering box.
Reducing Risk
What is the hardest but most rewarding lesson for Christians to learn? It carries the potential for astonishing growth and spiritual excitement - if you dare! Be challenged this Sunday, November 22 at 10:45 a.m. 101 Pecan Drive, in Schertz [map and directions].
Nursery (infant to age 4)
A nursery is available for children infant – age 4 at any time during the worship service on Sundays in the Mother’s Room, to the left as you exit the worship area. The audio of the service is broadcast into the room.
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 this Sunday during the LifeLesson portion of worship for this fun learning experience. Want to know more? Call Becky Peterson at 945-7952.
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.
The team is compiling a quarterly newsletter and they would like to add your story of answered prayer. Please share YOUR story and/or become a part of this exciting prayer team. Contact Betty Tolsma 659-8107 or bettytolsma@sbcglobal.net.
Building a Bigger Heaven in Brazil
In our prayers this week, we’re lifting up missionary pastor Hilbert Wendler Jr. and the ministry of Cristo as they reach out to people in Estancia Velha, Brazil and beyond. We support their work through the gift of 10% of our Sunday morning offerings to Brazil Mission Society (BMS). To find out more about BMS, visit www.BrazilMissionSociety.com.
Advent Hymn Service Featuring Woodwind Ensemble
Advent celebrates the first coming of the Messiah, Jesus, to live, die and be raised up for us. It also anticipates the second coming of Jesus Christ. He comes to judge against those who persist in turning away from Him and to judge for those who, by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word, remain turned toward Him. We'll celebrate the first Sunday of Advent on November 29 with an Advent Hymn Service featuring a Woodwind Ensemble comprised of our very own talented youth and adult instrumentalists and favorite Advent hymns.
Additional offerings from our talented musicians include:
Dec. 6 Women’s Chorus
Dec. 13 Men’s Chorus
Dec. 20 Mixed Choir Anthem
Dec. 24 Choir & Instrumentalists
Rehearsal Schedule for Sunday, November 22
Choir Rehearsal
4:00 p.m. at Mitschke’s (1531 Jasmine Dr.)
Woodwind Ensemble Rehearsal
5:00 p.m. at Mitschke’s (1531 Jasmine Dr.)
When does a
$10,000 donation = a $20,000 donation?
Now! For every dollar you give to our Building Fund until the end of 2010, the Texas District LCMS has generously offered to match it up to $100,000. What a great way to double the impact of your contribution! If you give before the end of the year, you may be able to save on your 2009 income taxes. As a bonus your donation will receive a high rate of return in the coming year through our Texas CEF Building Fund which is currently paying 2.53% apy. Just write "Building Fund" in the memo line of your check or place your gift in a Ministry Facility Fund envelope.
San Antonio Car Show
The youth will be attending the Car & Truck Show on Sunday, November 22. They will have lunch at Wendy's after church and travel to the show as a group. Show admission is $8.00. Youth will also need to bring money for lunch. Any adults who would like to attend are welcome also. You can find $1.00 off coupons online or in the newspaper. The youth are also collecting coupons.
Heaven's Whisper
This group is scheduled to sing this Sunday afternoon, November 22, at 3:00 P.M. at Autumn Winds. Join them as they sing familiar hymns and songs for several Autumn Winds residents.
LifeGroups
For Mothers of Daughters
Sundays 9:45 a.m.
map and directions
Your daughter’s growing up. The world has a lot to say to her, and she’s starting to listen. It’s time for you to tell her some things she might not know—or might have forgotten—about who she is in God’s eyes. Join us Sundays for Five Conversations to Have with Your Daughter at the 7th Day Adventist Bldg. in the Mother's room. Questions? Becky Peterson, beterson2@sbcglobal.net or 945-7952.
For Youth (Grades 7-12)
Tuesdays 7:00 p.m.
Our culture does not value or hold dear those things which are important to Christians. Set aside time each week to reconnect with young Christians and with Christ. Learn from each other and from adult examples, how to shine your light for Jesus in the dark hallways of your life. Join us Tuesdays at the Osgood home, 3740 Limestone Mesa, Schertz. Questions? Mark Stemmermann, 508-2073.
For Women
Wednesdays 9:00 a.m.
Dive into the Bible to discover the treasures and answers it holds. Learn key concepts of our faith and break down the Bible to make it come alive! Great for new believers and those unfamiliar with Scripture. Meet Wednesday mornings at the Smith home, 3309 Dusty Crossing, Schertz. Questions? Call Sherri Smith, 659-2585.
For Women
Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.
Join us for Living Free: Learning to Pray God’s Word, by Beth Moore on Wednesday, November 25 for Lesson #5 at the Peterson home, 2839 Pond Apple, Schertz. Questions? Patti Mitschke, 566-1650 or Patti@WordofLife4u.com.
For Readers
Wednesday 6:45 p.m.
We’re reading, “A Redbird Christmas,” by Fannie Flagg. Join us for a book discussion on Wednesday, December 16, at the Schertz Library, 608 Schertz Parkway. Questions? Patti Mitschke, 566-1650 or Patti@WordofLife4u.com.
For Men
Thursdays 7:00 p.m.
Meet with other men for discussion of 1 Timothy, prayer and encouragement. No meeting on Thanksgiving. Join us on Thursday, December 3 at the Mitschke home, 1531 Jasmine, Schertz. Questions? David Smith, 659-2585.
Advent Devotions
Advent is a great time to get into the habit of doing daily devotions or to vary your current routine. A great source for these in online, audio and podcast editions will be available at: www.adventdevotions.net beginning November 29.
Christmas Tea
The Ladies Christmas Tea will be held the afternoon of Saturday, December 12, at Sherri Smith's house. More details to follow. Please be thinking of neighbors and friends to invite.
Congregational Assembly
A Congregational Assembly will be held on Sunday, December 13 after worship (around noon) for the purpose of seeking the Spirit's guidance and calling a pastor. Pastor Ken is currently called by the Texas District and serves Word of Life on District's behalf. At a previous Congregational Assembly, the decision was made to move forward with a one-candidate, fast track call process, that candidate being Pastor Ken. The only item on the agenda for the upcoming meeting is to actually call Pastor Ken as our pastor.
Youth Fundraiser & Christmas Progressive Dinner
Saturday, Dec. 19, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Meet at Peterson's 2839 Pond Apple Dr., Schertz for appetizers. Kids stay at Petersons to be supervised by youth (fundraiser). Adults progress to Molina's 1660 Cloudy Brook, Schertz for the main course, then to Betty Tolsma’s 2705 Star Light, Schertz for dessert and singing.
The kids will have pizza, movie, dessert and maybe a craft or two. Freewill donations will be accepted for babysitting. Sign ups will be available for appetizers and desserts. Be watching for more information.
Say Thanks to Our Military
Pick out a card, personalize it and have it sent to a soldier serving in Iraq. Just visit www.LetsSayThanks.com. Xerox will print the card you select and send it to a soldier. You can't pick out who gets it, but it is FREE and only takes a minute.
Great Turkey Challenge
Help the San Antonio Food Bank put food on the table for families this holiday season by participating in this 5K Run/Walk event on Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 26. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the event begins with a staggered start at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place in the King William district, starting at the HEB store at 646 South Main Avenue. Registration is $20/individual. Children under 12 are free. Register online at www.safoodbank.org.
Ministry Builders Saving Program
If you shop at Family Christian Stores, please ask about their Ministry Builder stamp program. It's like the old green stamp books, but it is NOT to be confused with getting your card 'punched' for future savings. At each purchase, let the cashier know you want to collect stamps. They’ll give you a booklet and a number of stamps, depending on the amount of your purchase. Just peel & place the stamps in the booklet. Once a booklet is full (20 stamps) pass it on to Pastor Ken or drop in the offering box. Word of Life gets $5 towards a Family Christian Store purchase for every booklet filled. This discount can be used on Sunday School supplies, Youth materials, Bible studies, Bibles and more.
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
GenerousGiving.org - "Generous Giving... is a small part of a growing movement of Christians and organizations exploring what it means to live biblical lives of generosity. Sign up to receive regular email encouragement and updates and/or a complimentary copy of Randy Alcorn's The Treasure Principle..." [more]
The Ancient Rise and Recent Fall of Tithing - "Is yet another time-honored Christian practice fading from view?..." [more]
Tithe Calculator - "If you'd like some assistance in calculating proportional giving, here are two valuable tools..." [more]
Prayer Requests and Thanksgivings
We Thank God…
for entrusting us with all we have, for praising and rewarding us for the service we do for Him, for sharing His happiness with us, for opening the flood gates of heaven and pouring out His superabundant blessings upon us
for the $100,000 matching grant offered by our Texas District to help build a ministry facility to reach out to our community
for favorable test results for Zach Hrncir
for our nation and our leaders
for standing guard over our troops and their families
for those who have sacrificed life and limb defending us
for all the resources God has entrusted to our care
for His promise to multiply our tithes and offerings to help build a bigger heaven and better lives.
We Ask God…
to inspire and empower us to invest wisely the funds He has entrusted to us, to give sacrificially, to give expecting the Lord to multiply our gifts and do great things with them
to bless missionary pastor Hilbert Wendler Jr. and the ministry of Cristo as they reach out to people in Estância Velha, Brazil and beyond
to direct our purchasing of a property to help us reach our community with the Gospel and for resources to help buy it
to comfort the victims of persecution, terrorism and disaster
to bless our leaders with godly wisdom and guidance that they would lead according to His will
to bless Scott McDonald in his new home
to bless our children, especially those apart from us, through challenges and temptations and toward the faith and purpose God has for their lives
to bless David & Ana Koester, Chuck Tolsma, Harold Toomey, Roger Smith, Phyllis Thompson and Jeff Conley with employment
to bless negotiations for the sale of Daniel Sanchez’s business
to protect our troops abroad, especially Erik Moore in Iraq and Juan Pizarro & Julie Astrachan in Afghanistan
to bless the family and friends of Todd Reineck and Hank as they mourn their deaths
to heal David Koester, Lisa Flowers, Debra Gutierrez, Curtis Doering, AJ Whitman, Sharon Aben, and to heal those battling cancer: Chase Bargsley, John Dury, Rachel Midgett, Kayla Nunnery, Alden Malachowski, Marcia Waldgeir, Sadie Norris, Matthew Provencio, Manuel Coloura, Zach Vangundy, Amanda Conniff, Pam Smith, Kurt Bickel, Susan Doering and to comfort and strengthen their families
to empower us to build a bigger heaven and better lives.
Join us in prayer wherever you are! You may leave prayer requests at 566-2237 or Ken@WordofLife4u.com.
Benefits of Tithing Fun
Two men were marooned on an island. One man paced back and forth worried and scared while the other man sat back and was sunning himself. The first man said to the second man, "Aren’t you afraid we're going to die." "No," said the second man, "I make $100,000 a week and tithe faithfully to my church. My pastor will find me."Just a Thought
At a church meeting a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith. "I'm a millionaire," he said, "and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I only had a dollar bill and had to either give it all to God's work or nothing at all. So at that moment I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today." He finished and there was an awed silence at his testimony as he moved toward his seat. As he sat down a little old lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him: "I dare you to do it again."
Joy & Peace,
Pastor Ken Mitschke
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Word of Life Fellowship-LCMS
1531 Jasmine Dr
Schertz TX 78154-3738
www.WordofLife4u.com
210-566-2237
Ken@WordofLife4u.com
KenMits - Twitter
Ken Mitschke - Facebook
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