Mulberry Church Info

Children's Ministries Ramp Up For Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:06:00 +0000

Is May really here already? End of year programs, band concerts, awards...busy, busy, busy! Don’t get so busy that you forget to come to church! We have a lot of great things going on this month...check out the May calendar.
This month we will be learning about God’s Promise of Attention. God knows every hair on our head, hears every prayer, works in every life, and loves each and every one of us. Amazing! Even the much-disliked Zaccheaus got called out by Jesus Himself! Zaccheaus’ response to Jesus changed his life! Like with Zacchaeus, Jesus can bring about new life in every person that responds to His call. See you at church!

*VBS is right around the corner! We need your help! We still need several more volunteers to make this year’s VBS a success. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 19. There will be a VBS staff meeting at 6:00 p.m. Childcare will be provided. All staff members need to attend. You will receive your teaching materials at this meeting and we will discuss our goals, curriculum, and other details essential to a quality VBS event.
*Here we grow again! We have several new projects in the works for Fall 2010 through 2011, but lots of activity requires lots of people to make it happen. For example, we plan to expand Children’s Sunday School and Extended Teaching Care. We will add adult assistants to Children’s Church as well. Whether you have never worked with children, or are a seasoned veteran of children’s ministry, please pray about how you might serve. Details to come…

Worship and Media Ministries Celebrate!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:06:00 +0000

Three of our kids were selected for All-State Honor Choir this month: Tessa Gautreaux, Olivia Cruse and Bob Patrick. They worked very hard preparing before the rehearsal weekend and memorizing all of their music ahead of time. As Lee Gautreaux would say, “You guys rock!”

The music ministries will be presenting a concert on May 23rd involving children’s choir, Sanctuary Choir, handbells, Testament and Kindred Spirits. We need you! Join us in Sanctuary Choir at 6:15PM on Wednesday evenings and Children’s Choir at 5:00PM on Sunday evenings.

You may have noticed some new construction in the Sanctuary. The new sound booth structure is part of a three phase process to improve the media capabilities of our services. The completed project will include a new projection screen on the back wall of the church above the sound booth and flexible commercial stage lighting for the platform. We are currently about $13,000 short of our goal to complete the project. Consider and pray as to what you can give to the project above your normal tithe.

As always, thank-you all for your support and help with our music and media programs.

We've Got God's Attention!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:05:00 +0000

Luke 19 recounts the story of Jesus’ interactions with a man named Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who was intrigued by what he had heard about Jesus. He wanted to know more, but the large crowds prevented the short Zacchaeus from being able to see Jesus as he passed through Jericho. Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree so that he could catch a glimpse of Jesus.

Imagine for a moment what a version of that scene might be like in your life: A celebrity of interest to you is passing through Houma, and you decide to go see him. There is such a large crowd on Barrow St. that you can’t see, so you climb up on a left-over Mardi Gras viewing stand. As the celebrity passes by, he stops in the midst of the masses and turns toward you. Not only does he give you a friendly wave and a smile for a convenient photo-op, but he makes eye contact and calls you by name! He asks you to come down and join him and then suggests that he’d like to visit with you in your home. The dignitaries in the crowd are beside themselves; how can he spend time with a person of such small influence or importance!

That is essentially what happened to Zacchaeus.
Consider the incredibly personal nature of the encounter. Jesus stopped in the midst of the crowd and locked in on Zacchaeus. Jesus called him by name. Jesus made time for him and went to his home.

I am incredibly thankful that our God is not only mighty and glorious but also personal and caring. Scripture teaches us that God knows every bird and “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30) For some of us, that is a bigger claim than for others, but regardless of hair volume, it is the principle that is significant. God knows us intimately and personally, and God cares deeply about us. We see this illustrated throughout scripture: Jesus engaging in conversation with the woman at the well, Jesus gathering the children around himself, Jesus stopping to heal the crippled woman and the blind beggar. Whatever the circumstances of life may be, we can find hope and take comfort in knowing that God knows and cares. In the midst of the chaos that life sometimes brings, God calms the crowd, stares us in the eye, calls us by name, and initiates relationship with us.

Praise be to the God of the Universe who has chosen to be personal with each of us!

Mulberry ends the spring with a full May

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:04:00 +0000

On May 2nd, we will finish our Reality TV series with “Minute To Win It,” a game show where regular people attempt to complete insignificant tasks in one minute. If they succeed, they win extraordinary prizes. We will use this theme as we consider the incredible significance of the seemingly ordinary tasks of life. We will all be able to attempt some of the games from the show during the church-wide lunch.

We will recognize our Awana participants during our Mother’s Day service on May 9th. Our Awana clubbers have worked very hard this year hiding God’s Word in their hearts. They are an encouragement to us all. Awana will conclude this year on Awana family night, May 12th.

Our teenagers are presenting a service entitled “Why?” on May 16th at 10:30AM. The drama service explores the deep question: “Why did Jesus die for me?”.

Our annual CDO Commencement will be May 16th at 5PM. Come see how our CDO kids have grown and learned.

On the evening of May 23rd at 6PM, the Music Ministries of Mulberry will come together to present a concert entitled, “Make Me An Instrument”. This evening concert will include our children’s choir, Sanctuary Choir, Les Sonnettes Des Joie (our handbell choir), Testament, and Kindred Spirits. This one hour concert celebrates the talents here at Mulberry and encourages us all to make our lives an instrument of His praise.

Let’s Listen To God’s Word Together!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:11:00 +0000

In 28 minutes per day in April and May, Mulberry will listen to the entire New Testament together. We have the audio New Testament professionally recorded in various formats for everyone who would like to participate in the 40-day listening plan. There is also a kid’s version available with scripture songs. Listen in your car, listen at home, listen on your iPod … fill your mind and heart with the life-giving words of scripture.

An exciting Spring for music and worship

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:10:00 +0000

The Music and Worship Ministries have a number of exciting events planned in the next couple of months. Come be a part and plug in.

Children’s choir is growing. We would love to have your child with us on Sunday evenings at 5pm. They are preparing for a Spring musical and are beginning a children’s handbell choir again.

The youth are working on plugging in to services with drama and are even planning to lead their own service in May. So teenagers come see what’s going on each Sunday night. Contact Kelly Babb (985) 335-4200 for more information.

The Sanctuary Choir is preparing a musical presentation entitled, “It’s All About You: Meditations on Christ’s Last Words on the Cross.” It’s not too late to join. Sanctuary choir meets at 6:15 every Wednesday evening.
We are always looking for talent in Praise Band. If you can play a guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, or sing, and if you have a heart for worship and leading others in worship, join us in praise band. Praise Band meets each Wednesday at 7:30pm.

Handbells and Testament have been working hard preparing selections for our worship services and upcoming concerts.

We want you to find an avenue of expression for your worship that fits you, whether it be in the pew or with one of our worship leadership teams. Join us in experiencing God together as we are creating worship experiences that are authentic, relevant and engaging, with excellence, that encourage freedom.

How can help support missions?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0000

In our February meeting, the Missions Committee voted to continually collect items that are needed for mission projects in which we participate. Some of those are: Haiti, The Haven, The Good Samaritan Food Bank, The Armed Forces, Spring Creek Missions, and a number of others. We will place collection boxes in the education building near the front entrance.
We will be collecting the following:

Toothbrushes ~ Toothpaste ~ Dental Floss ~ Shampoo ~ Conditioner ~ Soap ~ Wipes ~ Hand Sanitizer ~ Eye Drops ~ Nasal Spray ~ Lip Balm ~ Petroleum Jelly ~ Sunscreen ~ Hand and Body Lotion ~ Chewing Gum ~ Deodorant ~ Combs ~ Brushes ~ Band Aids ~ Antiseptic ~ Alcohol Wipes ~ Diapers ~ Phone Cards ~ We will also continue to collect clothes for Spring Creek.

We will notify you with any additional items. Also, we welcome items that we may have neglected to add. Thank you so much for your generosity to God’s work.
The Missions Committee

The king will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew 25:40

Salvation is our focus!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0000

This month your children will learn about God’s promise of Salvation. They will learn that Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned. We will answer the questions, “What is sin? Am I a sinner? What is the price of sin?” Together we will discover Who is the answer to our sin problem and that we are to trust in Him alone. We will learn that faith is the key to receiving God’s free gift of Salvation. I hope you will faithfully attend church with your children and allow them the opportunity to receive this message. I also hope that you will continue on-going conversations with your child about Salvation. You are their primary teacher and they will look to you for answers.

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt! Sunday March 28, right after lunch. If you would like to donate candy to put inside eggs, it will be greatly appreciated. There is a bin outside the Children’s Office for your donations.

We are currently staffing VBS and Music Camp. If you would like to volunteer for one or both of these awesome camps, contact Amy Lewis (VBS) Chris Babb (Music Camp) or me. You may also volunteer through the MBC website.
I hope you all have a truly blessed month of March!

In Christ,

Do your best!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:08:00 +0000

I really enjoyed watching the Olympics the last few weeks. I love seeing athletes from around the world compete together “in the Olympic spirit.” It is special to see athletes receive their gold medals. I can’t imagine their pride in seeing their flag raised and hearing their national anthem played - all because of their accomplishment. It is also interesting to see some games I would normally not see. (Anyone know where I can find a curling match around here? I’m a new big fan!)

I think one of the best parts of the Olympics is seeing athletes achieve a goal for which they have trained for such a long time. In some sports, an athlete may train for more than a decade for one shot at the Olympics. For years, they literally rearrange their lives because of this two week period. Some move away from family to training facilities, some make financial sacrifices, and most make social sacrifices as their sport becomes the central focus in their lives. Their daily routine has been followed with this Olympic goal in mind, an event which in some cases lasts less than one minute. To me, some of the overlooked heroes of the Olympics are athletes who represent their country and achieve a personal best in their event, even if it is only good enough to place 13th, or even 27th, in the Olympic competition. With determination, discipline, and perseverance, they have reached their goal and done their best at the critical moment.

I can’t help but think of the spiritual analogy for us. There is much more than Olympic medals or national pride at stake in our lives, but we often fail to live with such determination or focus. Paul was likely referencing the ancient Olympic games when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” He spoke of his whole life investment in Philippians 3 when he wrote “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. … Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Finally, we can follow in our daily lives the encouragement found in Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Go for the gold … or at least your own personal best!
In Christ,
Steve

Meditate on Christ’s Last Words on the Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Have you ever contemplated Christ’s final hours on the Cross? His sacrifice, His struggle, His last words?
His last words are important to us. He came to be one of us, to walk as one of us, to struggle as one of us, to die as one of us. He was God in the flesh.

On the cross, Christ uttered words that have resonated His love and human struggle throughout the centuries:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“Forgive them Father for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Dear woman, here is your son.” “Here is your mother.”
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
“I am thirsty.”
“Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit!”
“It is finished!”

Join us on March 28th during morning worship as Mulberry’s Music Ministries present “It’s All About You: Meditations on Christ’s Last Words on the Cross”. We will encounter God together as we seek to understand Christ’s humanity and the ways that His final words can give us encouragement and guidance today.

Children's Ministry 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:10:00 +0000

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. God promised the Jews that He would send a Savior. Jesus fulfilled that promise, but that is just the beginning. The Bible is full of promises God has made to us. This year, we will focus on some of those promises and discover how we can respond to them and live our lives in their truth.

I am really excited about God’s Promises 2010 and how it will apply in all of our church’s ministry activities, including Children’s Ministry. We will include the promise of the month in Sunday School, Children’s Church, and Awana. This year, we will theme VBS and Children’s Music Camp around God’s promises. We will announce our plans for VBS and Music Camp at a church-wide meeting on Wednesday evening, February 10.
Mark your calendars! God’s Promises will touch other children’s activities and our Awana Adult Challenge as well.

As always, there are many ways that you can get involved with children’s ministry this year. Watch for opportunities to faithfully serve our amazing God. And remember, you’re never too young or too old to stand on the promises of God.

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands” Deuteronomy 7:9.

Use Every Opportunity to Share Christ in a Tangible Way

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:09:00 +0000

It is a privilege to be a part of a church that genuinely wants to help others, and I believe that we are in position to be able to serve in a way that makes a difference for Christ in our community. Considering the ways our church family spread joy and hope this Christmas is very encouraging. Working together, we helped provide Christmas presents for 18 families who would not otherwise have had gifts to exchange. Some Sunday School classes joined together to provide food baskets and other items for families. We supported the food bank with monetary and food donations. Some of us also gave our time and resources through other community organizations, and many found ways to individually bless someone this Christmas season. Great job, Mulberry! I know people in our community experienced the tangible love of Jesus.
I spoke recently with someone we helped in the past, and I thought it would be appropriate to pass on to you our conversation. Our church helped a single-parent dad and his two kids in various ways over the course of several months after they experienced damage to their residence in Gustav and a job loss. He stopped by a few weeks ago to visit. I was thrilled to see him and to learn that he and his family are doing well. He is continuing in the job we helped him find, and he has even recently received a small promotion . They continue to live in the residence we helped him find and furnish. We talked about how God has been and continues to be at work in their family, and he expressed his gratitude to our church family and to God. I want to pass on that message of gratitude to you. His story is important because is illustrates how we can help others not only in the short term but how we can make a lasting difference in people’s lives. In the whole scheme of things, what we offered may not have seemed like an incredible amount, but it made a huge difference in helping them get through a difficult time and make it to a more stable place as a family. And this is only one of many stories we could share of how God has used and continues to use our church family in this community.
Let me encourage you to continue to look for these opportunities as individuals to spread the hope of the gospel in tangible ways. We serve our Lord as we serve people, and it does make a difference!

Worship with Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:09:00 +0000

Authenticity: Conforming to reality and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief. Truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, and intentions.
Relevancy: a measure of how pertinent, connected, or applicable something is.
Engage : To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on. To come into gear with; as, the teeth of one cogwheel engage those of another, or one part of a clutch engages the other part.
Freedom: a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Gal. 5:1
You, my brothers, were called to be free. Gal. 5:13
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Louisiana State High School 4A Championship game in the Superdome. Though my team did not win, it was quite an event. The excitement of the fans was contagious...the noise, the music.
As Southerners, we really enjoy our sports. We jump. We yell – sometimes nearly uncontrollably.

If I were to ask you about the moments that were most emotional to you in life, would a ball game be at the top of the list? We show tremendous freedom in a football atmosphere. Shouldn’t living with Christ daily engender the same excitement? Shouldn’t we feel free to tell others about Him, lift His name aloud in praise, or to raise a hand to display allegiance and praise for Christ? Christ has given us freedom, and we should live our lives freely in praise of Him. This month, rest in the promise of the freedom we have in Christ and worship Him freely.

Thank you all for a great year. Choir, Praise Band, Testament and Handbells, you have helped us engage Christ in worship. Thanks for all of your hard work!

May God Bless You as we worship Him this year,

Living God's Promises Everyday!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:08:00 +0000

As a church family, we are going to focus in 2010 on the promises of God throughout scripture. Each month, we will concentrate on one promise, reflecting on the character of God as demonstrated in that particular promise and considering how we ought to live in light of the promise.

As we journey through the year together in this way, let’s remember to focus beyond the outward demonstrations of God’s promises and look to the nature of the God who makes and fulfills these promises. For each promise, there will also be corresponding implications for our daily lives: how do we respond to God and how do we reflect God’s promises to the world?

The promises theme will be integrated throughout the entire life of the church in numerous ways. In several Sunday morning series throughout the year, we will focus on God’s promises to us, our response to God, and other implications of promises in our lives. Some of the Awana Adult Challenge verses will be connected to the promises theme, and we will have opportunities to focus our corporate expressions of worship around God’s promises.
The theme for VBS and Music Camp this summer will center on God’s promises, and the children’s ministry will highlight each month’s central promise through weekly ministries. Some Sunday School and small group topics will also help us integrate the focus into our daily lives. The list of central promises for the year along with a depiction of January’s theme and scripture is below.
In order to help us highlight each month’s emphasis, we will have a visual representation and scripture passage displayed in the hallway between the solarium and the education building. (Thanks to Jason Harper for the original artwork!)

The Perfect Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:55:00 +0000

The holidays are upon us! Shopping, baking, decorating, parties, and family traditions are all fun at this time of year, but they can create quite a to-do list. The stress of creating the “perfect” Christmas or finding the “perfect” gift can take away the very joy that Christmas celebrates. There has been only one perfect Christmas, and it took place in a stable in Bethlehem. And there has been only one perfect gift: God’s gift to us of our wonderful Savior. My prayer for you is that you will experience true peace in Christ Jesus this Christmas. And if your pie burns, just laugh it off and be thankful for the calories you saved. Merry Christmas!

Engage God at Every Opportunity!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Authenticity: Conforming to reality and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief. Truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, and intentions.
Relevancy: a measure of how pertinent, connected, or applicable something is.
Engage: To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on. To come into gear with; as, the teeth of one cogwheel engage those of another, or one part of a clutch engages the other part.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, humans have a deep inner need for God. We fill our lives with just about anything in order to replace His presence. We worship money, cars, sex, relationships, music, etc.; the list goes on forever. We find ourselves attempting to fill our need for Him with other things when what we should be doing is seeking Him.

When you “worship” are you really seeking Him? Is worship part of your lifestyle? Are you intentionally engaging your life with God? Look at Webster’s definition of the word “Engage” above. Are you engrossed in His presence? Does He have your attention? Are you in gear with God, moving as one?

Our worship is a lifestyle. It goes far beyond music and leads others to follow Christ. As we enter the Advent and Christmas season, we will be surrounded by family and familiar, warm, seasonal music. Don’t let the “season” take attention from Christ. Focus on Him. Take the time to be authentic before God and others. Remember that God’s Word is still relevant and that He is at work in our lives today. Engage God at every opportunity.

The Purpose of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:53:00 +0000

I recently received a copy of Rick Warren’s book The Purpose of Christmas. In it, he describes the miracle of Christmas this way:

If you stop to think about it, it is astounding that the simple, unassuming birth of a peasant baby boy more than two thousand years ago in the Middle East can today cause traffic jams every December in places like New York City, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.
The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field, looking up at the stars. Nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only their lives but billions of other lives as well. The world would never be the same again.

It is amazing to consider the paradox: this revolutionary event occurred in such a simple manner. The Almighty Creator came to earth, yet God came as a tiny baby. Life was changed forever for all of humanity, yet only a handful of humans were even aware initially. The Lord and King was born in a humble manger behind an overcrowded inn.

Today, lights, parties, parades, trips to see Santa, wall-to-wall baked goodies, and other holiday festivities abound. The annual celebration of this miraculous occurrence is a full production. My prayer for my family and for your family this Christmas season is that in addition to enjoying our holiday traditions, we are able to pull away from the festivities and simply reflect on the meaning of Christmas. May we encounter Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in the same humble, simple manner in which he became Immanuel, God with us.
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Giving!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:53:00 +0000

You can help those in need this Christmas by participating in three different charitable events here at MBC. We hope that you will consider taking part in one or more of these activities.

Bring a new children’s book to be given to our friends at Live Oak Baptist Church in Pointe aux Chenes-donations will be taken through Monday, Dec. 7th.

Bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Good Samaritan Food Bank here in Houma-donations will be taken through Thursday, Dec. 11th.

Provide a Christmas experience for a local family in need (contact the church office if you are interested).

God's Promises for You

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Throughout next year, MBC’s Children’s Ministry will focus on God’s Promises. A new promise will be highlighted with the children each month. Vacation Bible School and Children’s Music Camp will be centered around this topic. It’s not just for the children; the church as a whole will be involved in this theme as well. So, get ready to explore God’s Promises with us!

Celebrate Christmas with Us

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:51:00 +0000

As we get ready for the Christmas season, we want to remind you of the opportunities you and your family have to join us in worshiping our Savior.

On Sunday, Dec. 6th Les Sonnettes des Joie will hold their annual Handbell Christmas Concert at First United Methodist Church in Houma at 6:00PM.

On Sunday, Dec. 13th, the Children’s Christmas program, The Great Gift Exchange, will be held at Mulberry at 5:00PM.

On Sunday, December 20th, MBC’s Sanctuary Choir will lead in worship with The Carols of Christmas during that morning’s worship service.

On Christmas Eve our annual Candlelight Worship Service begins at 5:00PM.

Join us as we celebrate Christ’s birth!

Operation Christmas Child

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:25:00 +0000

You can give back this Christmas by participating in The Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Program. It’s as easy as packing a wrapped shoe box filled with toys and/or other items, including your $7.00 check to pay for shipping, and bringing both to our church. You can go to The Samaritan Purse website, www.samaritanspurse.org, and follow the instructions available there, or you can pick up an instruction form in the church office.

Boxes need to be delivered to the church office by Sunday, November 15th.

We will be bringing the filled boxes to FBC, Houma during that week, so, please make sure to get your box(es) to us on time. It’s so simple to make Christmas special this year for a boy or girl in need!

Christmas in Children's Ministry!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Here comes the holiday season! How will you express your gratitude to your Lord for your abundant life and the precious gift of salvation through Him? How will you share His love with other people? It is wonderful to experience the joy of a thankful heart, I know. But what do you plan to DO? Love is not just a feeling, but a choice, and an action; love is not just a noun, it is a verb. And, as we have learned this month in Children’s Church, sometimes loving others takes real work. So…how do you plan to step out in love this holiday season?

I have some really easy ideas for you. Put together a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child, include seven dollars for postage, and bring it to church by November 15. It doesn’t get much easier than that. But wait…it does! Purchase a child’s book for our young friends at Live Oak Church in Pointe Aux Chenes. Bring a food donation for the food bank—you can probably find something in your own pantry—no shopping required! We will be collecting books and food up until our Children’s Christmas Party, which will be held at the church on Saturday, December 6. You can
help your child experience the joy of giving by allowing him or her to help you fill a shoe box or bring a book or food donation to the Christmas party.

There are endless ways you can reach out to others in our community and all over the world this holiday season. I invite you to email (by November 15, please) your ideas about practical ways to share God’s love, not just during the holidays, but anytime, to me at mary.dowden@mulberrychurch.org. I hope to share some of your ideas in the December newsletter.

Mary

Worship with Authenticity and be Relevant!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Authenticity: Conforming to reality and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief. Truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, and intentions.

Relevancy: a measure of how pertinent, connected, or applicable something is.

Imagine attending a school or a conference that was in a language you did not
understand, or the information was not immediately useful to you in your workplace or life.
Would you continue to go to this event or school? Would you become confused?
Sometimes that is how people feel when attending church. They are looking for a quality experience that brings them closer to God, yet they may not understand all of the “church words” we speak or sing. Also, time is important to people. What we do in church must be relevant to your life, other members, and those outside of our church, and the time we spend in service should be valuable and useful to everyone.

Last month, I focused on authenticity – the ability of every Christian to live a life of worship through all we do and say. Authenticity lends credibility to our faith and honors God.

Relevancy keeps us mindful that others may not be as far along the path with God as we are, and also reminds us that many are not even on a path with God. Look for ways to be a relevant witness to those around you this month. Remember they are watching. Be authentic and relevant.

The groups leading in service this month are the Sanctuary
Choir on Nov. 1st, Testament on Nov. 8th, Sonnettes des Joie
(Handbells) on Nov. 15th, and Children’s Choir on Nov. 22nd.
Join us for a great month in worship.
In Christ,
Chris

Take Off Your Mask!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:55:00 +0000

ALERT: this weekend your neighborhood may
be swarmed by lots of unique and unusual
creatures walking the streets!! But do not be
alarmed; it will not be an invasion of aliens or
enemies. It’s Halloween, and kids will flood the
neighborhoods dressed as superman, Hannah
Montana, a pirate, batgirl, one of the X-men, a
princess, or one of many other favorites. Get
your candy and a big smile ready.

While Halloween is a fun opportunity to
masquerade as something we are not, we
unfortunately often wear masks throughout the
year. They may not be as easily identifiable as
some you’ll see this weekend, but they are all
around. The mask of a steady smile when there
is unspoken pain deep within. The mask of “I
have everything under control,” when in reality
we feel as if it may slip away at any moment.
The mask of the “perfect” family, when conflict,
mistrust, and bitterness swirl just below the
surface. The mask of confidence to hide our
insecurities.

This year, after Halloween passes, take off your
mask. Not just your seasonal costume, but your
mask that hides and covers you. Let down your
guard. Reveal the true you. Allow others in. Be
honest before God.

And as you do, find grace in the cross. Find
love and acceptance in God’s presence.
I believe you’ll also find understanding and
acceptance in the body of Christ. Because
while it feels as if you’re the only one hurting
and vulnerable and uncertain, the reality is that
we all are. We all are in need of grace. We all
search for love. We all need God. And we
have the unique opportunity to give and
receive grace and love as God’s children -
without the costumes!

In Christ,
Steve

AWANA Adult Challenge Leaders!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:52:00 +0000

1. The Two-Edged Swords: Mike Gray,
Hank Babin, Jennifer Boully, Amy
Clemons (29 points)

2. The Winners: Amy Lewis, Victoria
Ledet, Marsha Siddle, Suzanne
Wunstell (27 points)

3. No Pressure: Steve Graves, Chris
Babb, Mary Dowden, Haley
Kraemer (26 points)

4. Roger’s Raiders: Roger Kraemer,
Courtney Kraemer, Christy Barnes,
Lydia Voigt (25 points)

5. Brave Knights Serving Jesus: Brandy
Jabert, Kelly Babb, Susan Waldron,
Joel Waldron (24 points)

6. Scripture Warriors: Bill Hall, Melonye
Hall, Dianne Kirkpatrick, Claudette
Smith (24 points)