RECAP: ALL IN based on Colossians 4:2-18
World changers become world changers because they are all in, fully committed to their cause. Even when under pressure to give up, recant, or in the face of consequences, they refused to move and even were willing to die for their cause. For to be all in, you have to be willing to risk it all, no matter what happens, and accept that consequence.
Paul was an all-in type of guy. He was in chains for the cause of the gospel. His friends also were all in with him, pushing to see the gospel advanced, whatever the cost! But Paul wanted the church to also become all-in in how they lived as people of faith. People today are looking for a church that is fully committed to Christ. What if we stand up, and go all-in? How did Paul encourage us to go all in?
- Devoted to prayer. Devotion is an unwavering commitment to a cause, an unwillingness to deviate to the right or left. What if we truly were devoted to prayer? Coming to God first in everything, asking God to lead our steps? Asking God to be fully present in our midst? Do we believe we can approach the throne of grace with confidence? Do we believe that God’s ear is tuned to the prayer of the righteous? When we are devoted to prayer, it helps us be watchful and spiritually alert. We gain spiritual strength to overcome the attack of the enemy!
- Bold proclamation. Paul wanted the church to pray for open doors and open hearts. What if we start praying for God to open a door, to provide opportunities for the gospel to go forth? As we pray for opportunities, God gives us the ability to clearly share the message. We are all placed in different locations for a reason; let us boldly proclaim the gospel!
- Wisdom in action. Paul challenges us to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders. That means we need to live in a way that points others to Jesus. We can’t be half in for Jesus and half out, for we might be the only Jesus that people could see. We need to make the most of our God-given opportunities!
- Salty conversation. Just like salt causes one to be thirsty, so too our words should make people thirsty to know the truth of God. Do people crave the living water when they listen to us? Is our conversation full of grace–which is very different than how our world is?
- Finish the task. Don’t grow weary in doing good. If God started it, he will complete it. But we need to pay attention to the details of our journey, for nothing comes without work! We have to work on our faith.
Paul was all in. World changers are all in. What if we are all in? Let it start with us, and change this world!
Questions for Reflection
1) What is a step you can take to become more devoted to prayer?
2) Who can we pray for to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
3) Does your lifestyle match your declaration of faith?
4) Do your words point people to Jesus?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, we will have our annual Hanging of the Greens service. It is also the first Sunday of Advent. We will light the candle of hope. Pastor Ryan will share a meditation “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” based on Romans 5:1-11.
Daily Bible Readings for November 22-28
November 22: Malachi 3:6-18 Why is it dangerous to rob God? How do we do so?
November 23: Acts 4:32-37 Why is giving so important? Who does it help?
November 24: Acts 5:1-11 Why is purity of heart important when we give?
November 25: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Why should we be with a generous heart when we give?
November 26: Philippians 4:10-20 What was Paul’s attitude toward giving and finances? How did it help him?
November 27: Job 13:1-16 What was Job’s hope? Why was it so powerful?
November 28: Psalm 42 Why is hope important? How should we pursue it?
This Week’s Events:
Saturday, November 26–Hanging of the Greens set up @ 9 am
Sunday, November 27–Hanging of the Greens
Saturday, December 3–Women’s Fellowship Christmas Auction–Food @ 5:30 pm, Auction starts @ 7 pm
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, December 4–First Sunday offering and breakfast
Sunday, December 11–Christmas Caroling @ 4 pm
Saturday, December 24–Christmas Eve Service @ 11 pm
Sunday, December 25–Christmas Day Service @ 11 am (no Sunday School)
Sunday, January 1–New Year’s Day Service @ 11 am (no Sunday School)
Announcements:
NOTE: The flu is going around and is unfortunately in the Cooper house at the moment. I now have the flu. I will hold off on at-home visitations until I know the flu is clear.
Hanging of the Greens
We will have our annual Hanging of the Greens service during worship on Sunday, November 27. Some of the highlights include:
–Lunch after service (everyone brings finger food or dessert!)
–Ornament exchange
–Mitten Tree (please bring mittens and hats to place on the tree)
–Christmas cards (please bring a signed Christmas Card for the church to place on the bulletin board and make a donation of the postage–cause TBA)
–Fruit baskets (please bring in fruit for baskets we will assemble for our elderly friends within the congregation)
–Reverse advent (we will begin collecting items for the food pantry)
Please see the attached flyer for more information!
WE NEED TWO THINGS:
1) As many volunteers as possible to help with laying things out on Saturday, November 26 @ 9 am
2) A Sunday School class to volunteer to help with the fruit baskets during Hanging of the Greens. Also, please try and bring the fruit by the beginning of Sunday School if possible!
Women’s Fellowship Christmas Auction
We anticipate this year will be a very busy year of the need for heating oil. The auction is one of the biggest ways the Women’s Fellowship raises money to help those in need this upcoming winter. I have also attached the flyer for this auction information. The auction takes place Saturday, December 3. Food starts at 5:30 pm, and the auction at 7 pm.
If you have anything to donate (baked goods, crafts, handmade items, etc., please let Women’s Fellowship know!
Youth Calendars
There are still plenty of calendars available to support the youth ministry. Please consider buying one today!
BIRTHDAYS NEEDED!
If you are a newer attendee at Beaver Creek, please call the office or leave in the offering plate your birth date so we do not miss anyone!
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are still in need of both worship leaders and children’s storytellers. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to the Christian Education Team and let them know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
Sandy Bennington (peace)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Tori Jackson (peace)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Norlen Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Savannah Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Evy Kaye Sandin (recovery)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Tess Southerly (recovery)
Whitmore family (various)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church