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  • Jan5Tue

    Learn to Pause and Pray Before Adding to Your Schedule

    January 5, 2021
    Filed Under:
    From the Pastor
    “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.” Proverbs 20:25 (NIV)

    When you learn to pause and pray before making a decision, you are helping to slow your life down to a more manageable level.

    Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV).

    What is God saying? Ponder before promising. Deliberate before deciding. Muse before you choose. Reflect before you select. Consider your commitments prayerfully and carefully. Pause and pray before deciding. That will slow your life down.

    One thing I’ve learned the hard way is you can’t just keep adding things to your schedule without eliminating other things. Every time you add a new activity to your schedule, you need to take something off.

    One of my mentors, Peter Drucker, is considered by many to be the founder of modern management. He used to say to me, “Don’t tell me what new thing you’re doing. Tell me what you’ve stopped doing.”

    The mark of leadership is knowing what to stop and what to cut out. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are. You’re going to burn out!

    Do you have a hard time cutting out activities from your schedule? When you’re faced with an opportunity, you need to do three things:

    1. Ask, “Is it worth it?” Is it worth your time, energy, effort, reputation, or money?

    2. Ask, “What am I going to give up?” Consider the cost.

    3. Consider saying “no.” It’s the greatest time-saver in life!

    Before adding to your already full schedule, pause and prayerfully work through these three steps. Over time, you’ll find your life slowed down to a manageable pace.

    Talk It Over
    • Why is it so difficult for us to say “no” to new opportunities?
    • How can you help your kids (or other young people under your influence) learn to prayerfully reflect and consider before adding to their schedules?
    • What new things have you added to your schedule in the last month? What things can you remove from your schedule to create more margin in your life?


    Praying you will have a blessed New Year. On Sunday, I started a new sermon series entitled SEEKING GOD. God promised that he would move if we seek him with all of our heart and soul. I would like to ask you to join me in a time of fasting during the month of January. Would you fast one meal a week with me? During this time please pray for renewal, revival, and spiritual growth for all of us in 2021. ~ Pastor Mike

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    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.

    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.

    CHAIR YOGA: Exercise classes will resume on Friday, January 15th 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.
     


    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 leads 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.

    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. 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.


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

    Elizabeth Hunter leads Youth Group on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM via ZOOM.
    Meeting ID: 853 5143 1007
    Password: Bible101

    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


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