SONSHINE

As we grapple with the experiences and insights of the Book of Acts in worship, let me ask you something. Can you tell who influences the people around you, in your own family and in your church? Can you discern the wisdom of modern writers, or televangelists, or even the sage wisdom of Momma in the speech of the Christians with whom you typically interact?
       Understand, I am not being critical. It is just essential to know the source of the wisdom you encounter. There is quite a bit of advice out there in the world. Some of it is quite good. Some of it is not. Some people can even speak with a kind of authority that sounds biblical. The thinking Christian needs to take care that the leading in life comes from the giver of life. Don’t be dismayed by the clever platitudes of the professional fundraiser who operates under the guise of a theologian.
       Who is your favorite theologian? Is it the Apostle Paul? Or perhaps it is someone who can claim a certain percentage of market-share on a Christian broadcasting channel. Confused? Don’t be. Just absorb from this lesson the role of theology. Here it is: to free a human being from the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin.
       Did you notice that there is no instruction to send your money, sow a seed of faith with your checkbook, or wrap yourself in an anointed cloth? There actually is nothing really wrong or evil at the root of any of these common practices. However, there is one reality that cannot be negotiated: Only God has the power to free a person from the guilt and penalty of sin.
       People do wonderful jobs of pointing to their ideas and claiming divine inspiration. Some of them are operating with integrity within their sphere of understanding, but I would save you some confusion and perhaps even redirect your interest—and the savings you have at interest—today by proclaiming that God sent his son to redeem us. The recorded words found in your Bible, today from the person of Paul of Tarsus, are the only direction you need in this modern world. Don’t worry about who to follow, to consider, or to contribute to. Turn off the TV and tune in to the apostle sent by God for just a time as this.

God of grace,
We live in a world that rewards the strong and violates the weak. Forgive us for the ways in which we have adopted the values of this world and trusted in human strength only to be tripped up by our weakness. Teach us to welcome our weakness as opportunities to rest in your Spirit.

We are so readily seduced by the power of words that when our own words fail us, we feel lost. In deceiving ourselves, we have failed a world that desperately needs to knows hope. Teach us to be still enough to find the powerful hope that lies in Your love shown to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.

                                                                                                                                 As Always,
                                                                                                                                       Pastor Chet

You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.
                                                                                                                                  ~ Zig Ziglar

September Calendar 2010

 2 - 7:00 pm Board of Deacons meeting at the Lincoln’s
 5 – 10:00 am Worship-Communion Service
 8 – 1:00 pm Women’s Get-Together at the church
12 – 9:00 am Sunday School / 10:00 am Worship Service
14 - 7:00  pm Board of Trustee meeting at the church
19 - 9:00 am Sunday School / 10:00 am Worship Service 
26 - 9:00 am Sunday School / 10:00 am Worship Service 
28 - 6:00 pm Board of Christian Education meeting at the church

      Church World Service sent a thank you for our donation of Baby Kits. Rev. John L. McCullough writes, "  Because of your support, our programs in emergency response are able to quickly respond to disaster, whether overseas or here at home.  Your donation of CWS Kits helps meet needs in the wake of catastrophe and conveys the consoling message that they are not alone in their struggle to recover.  Kits are a gift of hope in a time of need. Thank you."

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Congratulations to the class of 2010 high school & college graduates:   Ethan Boor, Brian David Ham, Ben Criss,             Andrea Gleason,
Rebecca Russell and Julie Rohr.

We have several books in our church library for you to enjoy. Help yourself and remember to sign out the books you borrow.

Handbook of Life in Bible Times  J.A. Thompson
A colorful book that captures the sights, sounds, pulse of life in Bible times. Topics include homes and furnishings, family customs and roles, food and drink, trade and travel, music and games, health and healing, warfare and government, religion and worship. Tour the ancient world with Thompson as your guide.

The Illustrated Guide to the Bible J.R. Porter
This reference book starts with Genesis and continues through Revelation with over 300 full color reproductions, photographs and maps. It includes how the Bible was written, compiled and handed down from generation to generation.

Jesus:His Life and Times Blosser, Dailey, Peterson, and Gruen
Jesus of Nazareth – the most pivotal person in the history of the world. This is the entire story of the Son of Man – and the opportunity to be touched by his life awaits you.

International Bigger Breakfast

The International Bigger Breakfast sponsored by Baptist men in the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa. This looks to be an exciting time of Christian fellowship for all denominations.

Begun in the United Kingdom in 2008, Baptist Men from across England gathered in churches, homes, and restaurants at 9 a.m. for breakfast and more. Besides sharing a meal, the Bigger Breakfast became a forum for challenging men to focus on their roles as spiritual leaders.

In our area, the American Baptist Men of Living Waters and Broome-Tioga Associations will be hosting this event at 8:30 am, on September 25, 2010 at the First Baptist Church, 23 Tioga St., Waverly, NY. There is no cost, but a free will offering will be taken. After breakfast, Pastor Steve Reynolds will lead the men in a short devotional.

We look forward to seeing many men from your church at this wonderful gathering.  Reservations, not required, but appreciated for the food planning and can be emailed to 
Abmennys@gmail.com . Any questions please contact me. 

 For more information check out http://www.abmennys.org/BiggerBreakfast.dsp 

From the Music Stand

Chancel Choir Rehearsals

Ah, summertime -- hot, lazy days, vacations, respite from work.  But alas, the “good ol' summertime” is coming to an end. And so, our thoughts turn to fall activities and busy schedules. I'm sure the Chancel Choir folks have fully rested their voices and are eager to once again participate in Sunday worship.

Chancel Choir will resume rehearsals on August 25, meeting at the church on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Please prayerfully consider joining us either on a regular or occasional basis.

Hymn Selection

Got a favorite hymn you'd like to sing during Sunday worship?  Let me know! I'll be glad to incorporate hymn suggestions into our service.

 From the e-mail bag:

                                                      The Lost Generation                                                        Jonathan Reed

I am part of a lost generation.
And I refuse to believe that
I can change the world.
I realize this may be a shock, but                         
“Happiness comes from within.”
Is a lie, and                          
“Money will make me happy”
So in thirty years, I will tell my children
They are not the most important thing in my life.
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
Work
Is more important than
Family
I tell you this:
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
But this will not be true in my era.
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
Thirty years from now, I will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of my divorce.
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making.
In the future,
Environmental destruction will be the norm.
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this Earth.
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic.
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.

And all of this will come true unless we reverse it.

(Now read this starting on the bottom line and go up.)
 
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
                                         Wayne Dyer

Attention Knitters Needed!!!!!!!!!!!!

Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care would like to ask your assistance in a fundraising endeavor.

We would like to offer handmade scarves, hats, mittens and pet coats to those who make a suggested donation at our Memorial Tree table at the Arnot Mall in Horseheads during the Christmas season of 2010.

Why does Southern Tier Hospice & Palliative Care need funraising help?  Each dollar we raise goes to help support our programs across Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler Counties.  Special events and programns like this make up the difference between what it costs to provide our services and what we get reimbursed for those services.

Whether you are an expert knitter or a beginner, your creation of a beautiful knitted item will help us raise money to benefit hospice.  We have instructions that you can use or do your own design.  All colors are appreciated!  We would like to offer hats, scarves, mittens and pet coats.  However, you can knit just one of them items or all of these items – we just need your talent!

Have Fun and Express your Creativity for a Good Cause!

If you would like to knit something and need additional information or need someone to pick up your completed items please call Susan Herron at (607) 962-3100.

(Copies of the instructions will be on the back table of the church.)

                                    
Our church website www.pinecityabc.com

Pastor Chester Williams
607-215-6791 (cell)
734-8384 (church)

Sunday School 9:00 A.M.   Worship Hour 10:00 A.M.

See you on Sunday!