7 pm Phillips Hall
Come for the Neighborhood Kitchens Meal 5-7 pm and stay for the free showing of the movie, Fireproof.
A word from Greg Taylor
Ethelene Davis and Arnetta Pollard had both recommended a great new movie, so Jill and I told the kids we were watching that movie just out on DVD: Fireproof. We said they could watch it with us if they wanted. The kids didn't seem very interested. You know, a movie has to be hyped in theaters months in advance and carry some kind of kid-cred for them to think it's legit sometimes. So we played it cool and just said, "Watch a few minutes with us if you want."
They did and they were hooked and watched the whole movie. We all benefited from the movie as a family and I believe you, your family, your spouse or loved ones will enjoy Fireproof and grow spiritually from watching the movie.
Student Ministry is popping popcorn, Spirit and Truth Church is coming over to join us for the movie, all are welcome from the community and many will stay after eating the free Neighborhood Kitchens meal.
Come eat 5-7 pm and then grab some popcorn and we'll get the movie started around 7:20. We'll need help breaking down tables and setting up chairs after the meal. We'll also ask people if they want to attend a class on marriage and relationships offered later in the year and facilitated by Walt and Kathy Erwin.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Be not afraid
Fear paralyzes so many today. From Swine Flu to terrorism to dying a painful death to loneliness, people are afraid.
Those here Sunday were asked to write on an index card one thing they most fear. I spoke about fearing for the lives of my children, and how this can become paralyzing and even idolatrous. More people feared losing loved ones than anything else--that stack of index cards was tallest with several dozen expressing that fear.
About the same number expressed fear of being alone, dying alone, or having a painful or prolonged illness. Many, however, expressed spiritual fears, such as going to hell. Many expressed fear of displeasing God or failure, or simply that they fear God.
Of course a few wrote that they fear spiders, snakes, tornadoes, the unknown. A few fear losing job or the ability to support their families. Some fear the violence in our world, from extremist violence to break-ins to government intervention in our lives.
There's no doubt about it, fear is a strong tool for good. We run or protect when fear strikes, but fear can also be used as a tool of Satan. Our task is to look our fears squarely and discern whether or not these fears have led us to worship something other than God. We worship what we fear, or respect. To fear rightly is to respect, honor, and worship God.
Jesus said in Luke 12, which we looked at Sunday, "do not be afraid of those who can kill the body and after that can do no more." Then he says, "Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."
Jesus follows by saying God cares about us so much he has our hairs numbered. He hasn't even forgotten the sparrows, so how could he forget you?
Then he draws a connection to ownership. If you own God, by acknowledging him before people you may fear, he'll own you. Disown Christ, he says, and you will be disowned before the angels of heaven. This chapter is full of hard sayings of Jesus, and it's followed by the infamous "blasphemy" against the Holy Spirit. This is a kind of rebellion against the prophets and very presence of God in Christ, a hardened heart that God allows people to have but with consequences of punishment and no forgiveness (Luke 12:10).
Later in the chapter, Jesus tells about a man who is rich in things for himself but poor toward God. So don't worry, he says, your father knows what you need so you don't have to worry about it. He has given us the kingdom, so he says we can sell our possessions and give to the poor.
We're so afraid of losing what we have that we forget it was God who gave it to us in the first place. When we begin to see everything as God's, we can begin to give more freely, looking for people who are poor among our church body and sharing all things with them, then widening the circle to the poor in our community, and sharing all things with them.
So many of us trip over Jesus plain command, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor" (Luke 12:33). But can we live with that statement a while, rather than explaining it away? Can this be something we pray for the strength to do, whether gradually, slowly or suddenly?
To take steps toward emptying ourselves of fear and dread of loss and filling ourselves with words of Christ takes prayer, faith, practice, and listening. Jesus emptied himself of everything. And that's the call of Christ in this difficult chapter 12 of Luke's gospel. Let's start by giving up fear to God in prayer this week. Would you pray today, "God, I give you my fears"? Tomorrow and the next day, would you speak those fears out loud to God? Read Luke 12 and see what God is saying to you.
Some people of prayer have come to Garnett today to pray over each card that was written expressing fears. Thank you to those who prayed.
Those here Sunday were asked to write on an index card one thing they most fear. I spoke about fearing for the lives of my children, and how this can become paralyzing and even idolatrous. More people feared losing loved ones than anything else--that stack of index cards was tallest with several dozen expressing that fear.
About the same number expressed fear of being alone, dying alone, or having a painful or prolonged illness. Many, however, expressed spiritual fears, such as going to hell. Many expressed fear of displeasing God or failure, or simply that they fear God.
Of course a few wrote that they fear spiders, snakes, tornadoes, the unknown. A few fear losing job or the ability to support their families. Some fear the violence in our world, from extremist violence to break-ins to government intervention in our lives.
There's no doubt about it, fear is a strong tool for good. We run or protect when fear strikes, but fear can also be used as a tool of Satan. Our task is to look our fears squarely and discern whether or not these fears have led us to worship something other than God. We worship what we fear, or respect. To fear rightly is to respect, honor, and worship God.
Jesus said in Luke 12, which we looked at Sunday, "do not be afraid of those who can kill the body and after that can do no more." Then he says, "Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."
Jesus follows by saying God cares about us so much he has our hairs numbered. He hasn't even forgotten the sparrows, so how could he forget you?
Then he draws a connection to ownership. If you own God, by acknowledging him before people you may fear, he'll own you. Disown Christ, he says, and you will be disowned before the angels of heaven. This chapter is full of hard sayings of Jesus, and it's followed by the infamous "blasphemy" against the Holy Spirit. This is a kind of rebellion against the prophets and very presence of God in Christ, a hardened heart that God allows people to have but with consequences of punishment and no forgiveness (Luke 12:10).
Later in the chapter, Jesus tells about a man who is rich in things for himself but poor toward God. So don't worry, he says, your father knows what you need so you don't have to worry about it. He has given us the kingdom, so he says we can sell our possessions and give to the poor.
We're so afraid of losing what we have that we forget it was God who gave it to us in the first place. When we begin to see everything as God's, we can begin to give more freely, looking for people who are poor among our church body and sharing all things with them, then widening the circle to the poor in our community, and sharing all things with them.
So many of us trip over Jesus plain command, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor" (Luke 12:33). But can we live with that statement a while, rather than explaining it away? Can this be something we pray for the strength to do, whether gradually, slowly or suddenly?
To take steps toward emptying ourselves of fear and dread of loss and filling ourselves with words of Christ takes prayer, faith, practice, and listening. Jesus emptied himself of everything. And that's the call of Christ in this difficult chapter 12 of Luke's gospel. Let's start by giving up fear to God in prayer this week. Would you pray today, "God, I give you my fears"? Tomorrow and the next day, would you speak those fears out loud to God? Read Luke 12 and see what God is saying to you.
Some people of prayer have come to Garnett today to pray over each card that was written expressing fears. Thank you to those who prayed.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What is justice?
What does the word justice bring to mind? What did justice mean to Jesus?
I think of the words "fairness" and "equity" and "dignity" among others.
Today we're hosting Paul Kent from Habitat for Humanity Tulsa at the Green Country Event Center. We'll get his input on how our land or resources can be used to bring justice to those without adequate or affordable housing in Tulsa.
We're also hosting Linda Williamson, Chairman of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa. She is bringing her team and we'll also get their input on how we can participate in justice for Hispanic people in Tulsa.
I think of the words "fairness" and "equity" and "dignity" among others.
Today we're hosting Paul Kent from Habitat for Humanity Tulsa at the Green Country Event Center. We'll get his input on how our land or resources can be used to bring justice to those without adequate or affordable housing in Tulsa.
We're also hosting Linda Williamson, Chairman of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa. She is bringing her team and we'll also get their input on how we can participate in justice for Hispanic people in Tulsa.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sunday, May 10
Sunday is Mother's Day and Baby Dedication @ Garnett Church of Christ
Lundy Morrison and Janet Collins have put together an excellent dedication and time to honor mothers. Kathy Erwin and children's chorus will be singing, and Amy Victory plans to give a testimony that goes along with Greg Taylor's sermon. There are a few pieces of good news and surprises you won't want to miss, but you'll have to come to find out!
IMPORTANT NOTE: After Bible classes this Sunday, May 10, all children and babies of all ages will be coming into worship for the entire worship time. Nursery will still be open if mothers need it but it will not be staffed for leaving babies, since all ages of children will be with us for whole worship.
JAMES AND NELDA LAWRENCE: Nelda Lawrence's dad, Byron Stewart, passed away suddenly Wednesday May 6 in Longview, TX. James and Nelda are traveling there for the funeral which will be Satruday at 2 p.m. Please pray for Nelda's family. Related to this, Greg Taylor will teach a combined class in James Lawrence's place, 9 am Sunday, May 10 in Building 6.
garnettinfo@gmail.com
Lundy Morrison and Janet Collins have put together an excellent dedication and time to honor mothers. Kathy Erwin and children's chorus will be singing, and Amy Victory plans to give a testimony that goes along with Greg Taylor's sermon. There are a few pieces of good news and surprises you won't want to miss, but you'll have to come to find out!
IMPORTANT NOTE: After Bible classes this Sunday, May 10, all children and babies of all ages will be coming into worship for the entire worship time. Nursery will still be open if mothers need it but it will not be staffed for leaving babies, since all ages of children will be with us for whole worship.
JAMES AND NELDA LAWRENCE: Nelda Lawrence's dad, Byron Stewart, passed away suddenly Wednesday May 6 in Longview, TX. James and Nelda are traveling there for the funeral which will be Satruday at 2 p.m. Please pray for Nelda's family. Related to this, Greg Taylor will teach a combined class in James Lawrence's place, 9 am Sunday, May 10 in Building 6.
garnettinfo@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
All welcome to pray Thursday May 7
You're invited to Garnett Church of Christ May 7 Thursday 7 am - 7 pm for National Day of Prayer. Come at time best for you. We'll have a place for personal prayer, a place where groups can gather to pray, and a cafe where you can drink coffee with old friends and make new friends. All welcome, saints and sinners, backsliders, people of all faith traditions. Pray for city, state, nation, and ALL nations.
Tulsa World story
Friday, May 1, 2009
National Day of Prayer: 7 to 7 @ Garnett
Thursday, May 7 from 7 am to 7 pm the Mall, Prayer Center and Worship Center will be open for the National Day of Prayer.
Everyone is welcome for coffee and fellowship in the Mall, times of focused prayer in the Prayer Center, and prayer time in spontaeous groups in the Worship Center. Printed and displayed prayer helps will be provided.
We are not signing up for times but opening from 7 am to 7 pm for come and go times of prayer. Garnett staff and shepherds other people of prayer will be on hand to facilitate, but everyone is also welcome to these three areas for the different activities of fellowship, personal prayer, and group prayer. All Garnett partners, community guests, Green Country Event Center community are all welcome.
This Garnett 7 to 7 event is registered at the National Day of Prayer web site: http://www.ndptf.org
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