OHNAZ News

Archives

Recent Posts

Categories

  • Apr13Tue

    God Made You to Be You

    April 13, 2021
    Filed Under:
    From the Pastor
    “You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body.” Psalm 139:13 (NCV)

    God planned every single day of your life. Before you took your first breath, God knew everything that would ever happen to you.

    Long before you were conceived by your biological parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. It is not by fate, chance, luck, or coincidence that you are breathing at this very moment.

    You’re alive right now because God wants you—with all of your strengths and weaknesses—to be alive.

    Whether your parents were good, bad, or indifferent, God used them. They had the exact DNA needed to create you. God wanted you alive. From the beginning of time, God has had a plan for your life—and he has a purpose he wants you to complete.

    And God made you to be you.

    The Bible says, “You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way . . . You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother’s body. When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old” (Psalm 139:13-16 NCV).

    God created you so he could love you—for eternity. Your parents may have contributed your DNA, but God made you. You were not just another baby born. God personally planned for your birth.

    You are God’s masterpiece. He made you so he could love you and so you could fulfill his purposes in this world. At different seasons of life, you may struggle to see what that purpose is. But you never have to doubt that it’s there. Before you were born, God gave you a purpose

    Talk It Over
    • What do you think about the truth that God wants you alive? What are some ways you might apply this truth in your life?
    • God made you to be you. Are there areas in your life where you are not being you? Why do you think you’re allowing that to happen?
    • Have you ever praised God for making you “in an amazing and wonderful way”? Spend some time in prayer now, thanking God for how he’s made you.

    God created you so he could love you forever.

    He also wants you to live with him forever in heaven. That will only happen if you repent of your sins and commit to following Jesus. If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus today, then pray this prayer:

    “Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

    “I confess my sin, and I believe you are God, my Savior. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I’m turning every part of my life over to you. I want to follow you and do what you tell me to do.

    “Jesus, I am grateful for your love and your sacrifice that makes it possible for me to join you in heaven. I know I don’t deserve it. And I thank you that I don’t have to earn or work for my salvation, because I know that is impossible. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you, and I ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”



    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    CHURCH CENTER: You are invited to join us on the Church Center app! Church Center is a place to connect with small groups and church events, send messages to your group, update your profile, and more! Download from the App Store and connect today. If you have trouble with setting up or updating your profile to keep your contact information up to date, see Jenn Houchin or Terri Ray.

    WOMEN'S BINGO: Women's Ministry will host a Bingo Night this Friday, April 16 at 6:00PM in the FLC. There will be (store bought) pies, beverages, and prizes. We will social distance in the FLC and masks will be required to wear unless eating (with family members). We will have hand sanitizer and wipes available. We are looking forward to a fun (and safe) time of fellowship.

    WOMEN'S RETREAT: Old Hickory Women’s Retreat with guest speaker Lisa Miller Rich will be May 21-23 at Oasis Christian Center. The registration form and payment is due no later than May 7. More information and registration is here.

    MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Connect with Pastor Mike if you would be interested in joining a membership class.

    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.

    GIRLFRIEND CIRCLE: Have you ever wished you had a mentor or just a cheerleader to talk about things that you are dealing with? The Girlfriend Circle is a women's support group where you can feel secure to share and talk about your dreams, or just to get advice. Are you tired of looking around and feeling there is no room for you? Come be a mentor, or share. In this day we all need to support each other. Girlfriend Circle will meet on Mondays at 6:00 pm in the FLC. Bring a friend; open to all women. See Kelly for more information.  

    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.

    CAMP AT THE CREEK ‘21: High School is June 7-11; Middle School is June 14-18. More details coming soon.

    CLASSES & STUDIES

    SUNDAYS
    Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
    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

    NEW! Brice Rupert leads the Teens class in person at 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
    Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on APRIL 27.


    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



    « Stop Comparing and Start Fulfilling Your Purpose View All Crisis Care Kits »

Old Hickory Facebook