“Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him." Psalm 37:7 (GW)
One reason people struggle with contentment is because we’re always looking for explanations for why things happen in our lives. But God doesn’t tell us why most things happen, and that can frustrate us.
Sometimes God doesn’t tell you why because he’s testing you. He wants to see if you will let go of control and learn to be content, whether or not he explains why something happens in your life.
God doesn’t owe you an explanation for anything. You’re not going to know why most things happen until you get to heaven.
When I was a little kid, the only time our school classroom was quiet was during a test. The teacher would say, “No talking! Take your pencils and fill out your tests.” Even the teacher would be silent.
When God is silent in your life—when you don’t hear him, and he feels like he’s a million miles away—that is a test!
The teacher is always silent when the students take a test—but the teacher is still present with the students. When God is silent in your life, your faith is being tested—but God is still with you.
In that test, will you let go of control, or will you grab on more tightly? Will you learn to be content?
The Bible says, “Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7 GW).
When you go through pain next week or next month or this year, you don’t really need God’s explanation. You need God’s presence. Let go of control and surrender yourself to him.
Talk It Over
ANNOUNCEMENTS
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take a minute to pray for and express your thanks to Pastor Mike, Brice, and Kelsey!
TRUNK OR TREAT is coming Halloween night from 6:00-8:00pm. We need trunks, volunteers, and donations of candy for the event. Drop candy by the church office or in the foyer.
MAGNOLIA DISTRICT WOMEN'S RETREAT will be October 22-24 at Camp Garner Creek with speaker Allison Durham Speer. Click here for details.
LIFE LINE SCREENING: There will be another Life Line Screening at Old Hickory on Friday, October 29. Click here for details or register by calling toll free 1-888-653-6441 or text the word "circle" to 797979.
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting local crafters and vendors at Christmas in the Village in the FLC from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on November 13. https://fb.me/e/1d0i0DQzO
MEN’S LUNCH: Men meet for a time of food and fellowship every 1st Tuesday of the month at noon at Courtney's Diner (4066 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet).
BAPTISM: If you are interested in Baptism, please see Pastor Mike.
ZONE MISSION RALLY: Sunday, November 7 at 7:00 PM at Inglewood Church of the Nazarene (3936 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216).
UNDERSTANDING THE CHURCH: Rev. Yates leads a class during the Sunday School hour to help us understand who we are as a church. They meet in the last classroom on the left past the office.
YOUTH GROUP NEWS!! Bring a friend and join us for fun, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Youth Group meets on Tuesdays from 6-8pm. The first hour will be games and snacks and the second will be the Bible study with a dive into Romans. BRING A FRIEND AND JOIN US! Contact Brice for more information. Youth Group moves to Wednesday beginning November 3.
YOUTH BUNCH TO LUNCH will be every 2nd and 4th Sunday. Teens will meet after worship for lunch and fellowship.
WORKERS ARE NEEDED. Please let us know if you can help in the following areas...
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.
FOOD PANTRY: The Old Hickory Nazarene location is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM. Volunteers and donations are needed.
COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom next to the office.
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 down the hall and to the right of the office.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
Brice Rupert leads the teens class (grades 6-12), Kelsey Quillen leads the kids class (grades k-5), both in person at 9:00am. We have kids classes for all ages.
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 in the kids room downstairs during the worship hour at 10:00am.
TUESDAYS
Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on October 26.
YOUTH GROUP meets on Tuesdays from 6-8pm. The first hour will be games and snacks and the second will be the Bible study.
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
