OHNAZ News

Archives

Recent Posts

Categories

  • Feb2Tue

    Five Ways to Relax in God’s Grace

    February 2, 2021
    Filed Under:
    From the Pastor
    “Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace.” Hebrews 12:15 (NCV)

    How do you learn to “R.E.L.A.X.” in the liberating grace of God?

    R—Realize nobody’s perfect.
    Psalm 119:96 is a verse directed toward God, and it declares, “Nothing is perfect except your words” (TLB). What society tells you isn’t perfect. What popular opinion tells you isn’t perfect. What you learned growing up isn’t perfect. But God’s Word is perfect. When you get in the Bible and build your life on it, you will have a perfect foundation.

    E—Enjoy God’s unconditional love. The Bible says, “See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children—think of it—and we really are!” (1 John 3:1 TLB). When you become a follower of Christ, you take on a role of service to him—but you’re more than a servant! The Bible says you become a child of the King. A servant is accepted on the basis of what he does; a child is accepted on the basis of who he is. A servant starts the day anxious and worried that her work will please her master; a child rests in the secure love of her family. A servant is accepted because of his workmanship; a child is accepted because of his relationship.

    L—Let God handle things. What do you do about the uncontrollable things in life? “Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). When you’re fishing and you cast a line, there comes a point where you have to take your finger off the button and let it go. Just like the essence of casting is letting go, to overcome perfectionism you have to let go and let God do his work.

    A—Act in faith, not fear. Remember how you got into God’s family in the first place. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (NIV). Grace is the only way to get into heaven. You’ll never be good enough, and you can’t buy your way in. It’s a free gift from God.

    X—Exchange your perfectionism for God’s peace. Perfectionism destroys peace. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-29, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest . . . Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (The Message). What a deal!

    You’re going to fail a lot in life. But you don’t have to worry about it if you’ve received God’s grace. In fact, there’s only one failure you ever need to worry about: “Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace” (Hebrews 12:15 NCV). Receive it right now, and then relax!

    Talk It Over
    • What troubles, grudges, or guilt can you let go of when you remember nobody’s perfect?
    • What aspects of God’s love can help you relax?
    • How do you need to respond today to God’s offer of grace?


    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    SAVE THE DATES:

    • Dr. Steve Hoskins will be our guest speaker on February 14. Please keep Pastor Mike in your prayers that week as he will be in WV closing out his mother’s estate.
    • Annual Church Board Elections will be held on Sunday, February 21.
    • Our District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Gunter will join us for his annual visit on Sunday, February 28.

     

    COMMUNITY & COFFEE BIBLE STUDY: Join us for a wonderful Bible Study every other Tuesday beginning February 16 at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop.

    BOARD MEETING: February 14 at 4:30pm in the classroom next to the office.

    OLD HICKORY WOMEN'S MINISTRY FUNDRAISER: Help us raise money for our retreat! Whether you’re an avid cook or hate to cook, there are plenty of products to choose from. These high-quality products are made in the USA, and every purchase you make using this unique shopping link helps our group.

    CHAIR YOGA: Exercise classes with Anita are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30-9:30am in the gym. Masks will be required & we will continue to social distance & sanitize our chairs. If you are interested in starting an exercise regime this year, please join us. We follow the silver sneakers protocol using a chair, including yoga, strength & balance, and we even do some "dancing to the oldies." Come join us... it's free & open to anyone. Contact Anita Woods for more information.

    SECRETARY NEEDED: We are looking for a part-time secretary to help at the church. If you know of anyone, have them contact Pastor Mike or Terri Ray.

    MEDIA ARTS TEAM: If you would be interested in joining a rotation in media arts to help with worship slides and live stream, please connect with Jenn Houchin.

    FOOD PANTRY: The pantry is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday from 10:00am-12:00pm and volunteers and donations are needed.

    COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00am-2:00pm. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.

    KELLY'S CLOSET: Kelly needs volunteers to help serve women in need of clothing and support. See Kelly Shinn for more information on how you can get involved or donate.

     

    CLASSES & STUDIES
    SUNDAYS
    Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join + Deanna & James Boorsma hosts for any who would like to join the class in person, meeting in the last room on the left of the new wing on Sunday mornings at 9am.
    Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
    Password: Bible101

    Kenneth Ray & Gracie Smith lead the Friendship Class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom beside the office.
    Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
    Password: Bible101

    Sandy Hunter leads the Teen Sunday School in person 9:00am in the Teen Room.

    SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP begins at 10:00am in the sanctuary. The services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and our website home page for those unable to be with us in the church building.

    To keep your safety a high priority, the Church Board has asked that we go back to our prior guidelines for seating in the sanctuary. If you are wearing a mask you are welcome to sit anywhere on the main floor. If you would prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please sit in the balcony. Thanks for your help as we do our best to keep everyone healthy.

    OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets during the worship hour at 10:00am with Pastor Maddie! Parents can take children directly to the OH|Kids room before worship (instead of starting in the sanctuary). See Maddie if you would like to help. 


    TUESDAYS
    Community & Coffee Bible Study every other Tuesday beginning February 16 at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop.


    WEDNESDAYS
    Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.


    THURSDAYS
    Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
    Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
    Password: Prayer605


    « What Impact Does Praying Have? View All Positive Prayer Produces Strong Relationships »

Old Hickory Facebook