Youth Head Off to Ski on Friday
As John Calvin famously wrote in his Institutes, “Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols.” That simply means that our restless hearts tirelessly churn out new, shiny, objects for us to worship instead of God Himself. Some worship at the altar of their morning bank account balances; others at the image looking back at them in the mirror. Still, others attend the Church of Pleasure and worship anything that makes them feel good. Though our idols may be different, none of us are exempt. You have your idols, your kids have theirs, and I have mine. Two of mine are the idols of Comfort and Control. Put simply: I like to be comfortable, and I like to be in control.
Enter: Youth Ski Trip.
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WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday February 19, 2023
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9:00 a.m. Christian Life Center
11:00 a.m. Sanctuary
Rev. Jon Brown
Stay Awhile
Matthew 17: 1-9
MUSIC
Praise Band (9 am)
Chancel Choir (11 am)
Elizabeth Morgan (11 am)
ONLINE WORSHIP
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Every year, God graciously takes a Louisville Slugger to these two objects of my affection.
Did you say you worship comfort and control, Mike? Well, here's an 8-hour drive in passenger vans. Comfy enough for ya? No, you will not control the radio — you will be forced to listen to “music” curated by 14-year-olds who apparently have never actually heard music before and do not know what it is. Have no fear though, your trail of tears will eventually come to an end as you arrive in beautiful Ghent, West Virginia — home of a million condos built with Youth Groups in mind. I hope you like the people you’re traveling with because you will be seeing them every second of your stay. And since you’re so fond of control, what event offers more control than scattering 62 people on skis and snowboards across a mountain in West Virginia? Did I mention you’ll be somewhat wet and cold most of the time? Have fun! Well, thank God I’m traveling with teenagers who are historically very amicable of being controlled by adults.
God crushes my idols into powder each year over Ski Trip, and honestly, I must admit that it’s a necessary annual event.
He does this for our kids as well, though. First-timers feel a loss of control (imagine: Bambi on ice) as they make their way down the bunny slopes. Then, there is the uncomfortable feeling of being 4 states away from mom, dad, your home, and your bed. Some are braving this trip without their best friends and hoping to make new ones. Some are going on a youth trip for the very first time and are very nervous. In spite of all this, though, or maybe even because of it, there is an undeniable excitement about the trip every year! It’s an adventure, and we were made for adventures.
I’m excited, too, because I know something they don’t know. I know that when we come back home on Monday evening, our idols will not be in the same shape they were in when we left. Some will have shrunk, and some will be shattered. Some will be exposed for the imposters they are, and best of all, JESUS will be seen as greater than all of them. That is my hope, expectation, and prayer, and I would appreciate your prayers to that end as well. Please, pray for our safety and for fun, but don’t forget to pray that God would shut down our idol factories for the weekend and allow us to see him as the only One worthy of our heart’s devotion.
Mike
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WESLEY GLEN ABUNDANT LIFE GALA |
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Join Me @ Abundant Life
Vineville and her members have a long history of support for Wesley Glen. We have consistently been among the top donor churches, we have regular volunteers, we have members on the board and we have current and former employees in our church family. On March 4th Wesley Glen is holding its annual Abundant Life Celebration. This is a great night to celebrate the ministry, our clients, and great company. The Grapevine Band, which includes some Vineville folks, will provide the entertainment. Our own Ben Jones will be the emcee. All we need is you!
As a sponsor of this event, we have 3 tables. That means we have room for 24 folks to enjoy the meal, music, dancing, and fun for free. Sign up if you would like to learn more about the ministry or if you want to join us as we celebrate the great work you already know about. There will be a silent auction, raffle, and other opportunities to support the work of this amazing ministry. My wife is going to be working, so I will look really sad if I am all alone at the Vineville tables! Why not join me? Email me at jasbell@vinevillemethodist.org, or call the church to let me know you want to join me.
Peace,
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MISSION TRIP TO COSTA RICA |
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The Costa Rica mission trip will take place from June 17th-24th, and will involve working with a local Costa Rican Methodist church to partner in a construction project. Our team will be able to immerse themselves in the local culture, make memories, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
There are still 4 open slots left for this mission trip, and we would love for you to join us! This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to make a difference, serve others, and grow in their faith. No prior construction experience is necessary - just a willingness to serve and learn.
If you're interested in joining the team, please contact Jon Brown at 478.765.2732 or Melissa Rodriguez-McClain at 478.284.7820 by Wednesday, Feb 22nd. This is our final deadline to add anyone to the trip. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference in the world and grow in faith. Join us on this mission trip to Costa Rica!
On March 12th the entire Vineville community will have an opportunity to engage in mission with Costa Rica by attending a special fundraiser luncheon where we will introduce our team members, and share about the Costa Rican culture and our mission partner Wil Bailey. Join us for an informative and fun-filled day of learning and supporting our mission team while enjoying a Latin inspired meal after church.
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WOMEN'S INTERGENERATIONAL STUDY |
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Forgiveness Through the Frame of the Cross
Wednesdays in March at 10:30 am in the library
Teacher: Teresa Edwards
If there’s any season that invites us to contemplate what forgiveness really means, it’s Lent. Throughout these 5 weeks, we will explore how Jesus defines forgiveness and how those around him experience forgiveness. Judas, Peter, the Crowd and Jesus himself will be our guides. Bring your Bible and an open heart as we consider what forgiveness might mean for us these Forty days together.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT BOOK STUDY |
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WEEKDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES |
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COMMON PRAYER
IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Tuesdays at 7:45 a.m.
Prayer Center
TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICE
IN-PERSON
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Chapel
No Taize service February 22
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
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ATTENDANCE
Sunday, February 12
9:00: 138
11:00: 181
Online: 668
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HOSPITAL VISITATION
February 17-19
Teresa Edwards
478.396.3866
ALTAR FLOWERS
Sunday, February 19
In loving memory of Rodney Floyd,
Dr. Leon and Clara Porch,
and Hoyt W. and Lillian Floyd
by Mary Jo Floyd
ALTAR GUILD
Sunday, February 19
Harriett Durkee, Joann Edwards, Peggy Edwards, Susan Plaxico
NEW ARRIVAL
Anna Katharine Liipfert
February 3, 2023
Daughter of Katie & Rich Liipfert
Granddaughter of Dawn & Richard Liipfert
BAPTISM
Davis Cullen Coker, Jr.
Son of Mary Houston & Cullen Coker
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IN MEMORY
Walton P. and Albert B. Reichert
Margaret Anne & Mick Anderson
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We have several ways to give to the church. You can mail a check to the church or click here to give online. Thank you for your generosity.
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478.745.3331
www.vinevillemethodist.com
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