Mid-Week Minute – Oct. 26, 2022
We are so glad you are here.
We are looking forward to getting to know you better!
MID-WEEK DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
“12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.” (Romans 13:12, NLT)
Greetings, Church Friends and Family!!
Some days the morning starts even before I’ve had time to splash water on my face. And then, the first call from the individual snowballs into subsequent requests and tasks that can't wait until tomorrow. Then it happens again and again that I crush myself against my own better knowledge and judgment, stumble over my impatience, treat people insensitively, and just don't feel good.
Looking back, I know that the origin of my “mess up royally day” is the fact that I didn't even sit down with my Heavenly Father. That I didn't put my day, my spirit, my will in his hands, all the while trying to do His bidding. How sad that we do that sometimes, huh?
Let's once again resolve to have quiet and listening conversations with our Father early in the morning. After all, it is there where we will experience heavenly peace despite a turbulent world.
This is when we can absorb that heavenly peace that will renew us in mind, body, and spirit, allowing us to experience deep joy.
"Spiritual victory comes only to those who are prepared for battle," said Francis de Sales. Don't start today or any day without putting on the armor of God. Without it, you will be needlessly defenseless and fragile.
“10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
"Father, forgive me for sometimes running this race of life without You. Cover me with your greatness, please!!"
Pastor Appreciation
During this last week of Pastor Appreciation Month, I would like to thank each of the pastors at our Main Campus in Arlington. Pr. Kevin, Pr. Allison, Pr. Allan, Pr. Danny, Pr. Heidi and Pr. Jazzmine, Pr. Oddie - I Appreciate YOU!
I appreciate each of you and wish you only God's richest blessings as you continue to prepare many for the Kingdom.
"20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world." Mt 28:20
Pr. Eugene & the Lewisville Campus Family
WHAT'S NEW?!
DFW Area Adventist Events Facebook Group
I’d like to introduce the “DFW Area Adventist Events Facebook Group”. After pitching this to a few area pastors, I’ve decided to go ahead and at least get it started. This group is for ALL the Adventist Churches in the DFW area to list special programs going on at their respective churches, i.e. Special Guest Speakers, Concerts, Ministry Events, Game Nights, Food Festivals, etc. This is a way to let people know what's happening in the DFW, where members are welcome and where there is a safe environment to invite friends and family out to.
This is NOT a Bible Study/Doctrine study forum; Not a place to prove a theological point or make sociopolitical/theological statements; all such posts will be deleted without explanation. This is a forum to post/advertise your events.
So please invite all DFW Adventist Facebook friends to join, and populate the page with area events that will benefit all of us, especially events for our children and youngsters.
Calendar
October:
- Oct. 27 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Oct. 30 - Fall Festival at the Lewisville Campus from 4 - 7 pm
- Oct. 31 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
November:
- Nov. 01 - Mid-Week Prayer/Discussion 7 pm (ft. a gathering of those you know from church) - Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 894-6039-2525, - Password: 842752)
- Nov. 02 - Prayer Connect Group 7 pm (ft. a gathering of those you may know & don’t know) - Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 834 9176 7821, - Password: 1844)
- Nov. 03 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 07 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 08 - Café Connections 10:30 am – Virtual Visit/Coffee Chat with Pr. Eugene - Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 803 122 3894)
- Nov. 08 - KSCS School Board - 6 pm Zoom/In-person status to be confirmed.
- Nov. 10 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 13 - Church Board - 6 pm In-person. All Members are to be present for this meeting, please.
- Nov. 14 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 15 – TX Conf. Constituency Town Hall Meeting - Our area meeting will be held at the Richardson Church,
- Nov. 17 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 19 – 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Brunch Information will be forthcoming – plan to be here now. Seating will be limited due to the sheer nature of the program.
ANOTHER REMINDER...
Just a reminder of some items previously mentioned
New Officers and volunteers for the 2022-2024 term of office.
Why a Background Check?
“Church should be a safe place to bring our children. Everyone involved in work with children who are minors must meet all Church and legal standards and requirements” (Church Manual, Edition 18, pp. 168-169).
Who Has to do It?
As part of this effort, those over 18 who are voted to serve within our churches or organizations, and those who are employed by the church and working with children and youth, are asked to complete a criminal background check (FB 20) and child protection training through Sterling Volunteers. This should be completed every three years.
100% Compliance Expected.
LINKS:
Texas Conference Volunteer Ministries Landing Page: https://texasadventist.org/departments/volunteer-ministries/
Thank you to those who have jumped on getting this done this past week. We ask that you, please complete the training and submit to the background check ASAP. It is our hope for all to complete the training and be current and cleared, as we finish officer transition this month. We appreciate your support and timely action.
2022 Fall Festival Y'All
Join us for our family and pet-friendly event on Sunday, October 30th, from 4 pm -7 pm. There will be food, games, kids' activities, and fun for all ages!
Our Fall Festival Y’all includes:
- Hay rides for the family and Petting Zoo
Kids Activities:
- Bounce Houses,
- Bean Bag Toss,
- Sack Race,
- Pumpkin Painting.
Free Food, including a chili bar, Snow Cones, candy, and yummy treats.
Photo Opportunities and pumpkin picking!
If you are interested in volunteering, feel free to reach out to Kiana Hunte at 214-995-8965 or email alexis.hunte@gmail.com. No RSVP is necessary! Invite friends, family, or neighbors!
2022 TX Conference Constituency Town Hall
This will be a good opportunity for all of us constituents to attend a session in our area to celebrate with Texas Conference administrators God's goodness and faithfulness for the Texas Conference. It is suggested that our area meeting will be held at the Richardson Church, on November 15th
There will be time to ask questions. If preferred, questions can be emailed to questions@txsda.org.
Save the Date
Save the date now, Nov. 19, 2022, (during the divine service time slot; 11:30 am) to ensure you don’t miss out on a repeat and even bigger event than last year’s very successful and enjoyable First Annual Thanksgiving Brunch and Service.
Some Important Links/Documents
This is a work in progress and will eventually be a page on our church website. For now, this will be a space to find available documents or links to such. It will be updated weekly.
PDF Documents:
- Church Officers List 2022-2024 - https://tinyurl.com/4b2d2vye (PDF)
Google Forms:
- Membership Information Form (to Join)- https://forms.gle/dGEPKXYftWGHpFXn6
- Church Directory Contact Information Submission - https://forms.gle/Ya1hoxBk77iTVehYA
Google Sheets (Spreadsheet)
- Church Worship Schedule (List of participants) - https://tinyurl.com/88cnvdv3 (Currently only available for Departmental Leaders.)
More coming shortly.
Karate & Self-defense Classes
We are up and running. Karate classes covering self-defense and kenpō are being offered right here in our fellowship hall (Mondays and Thursdays) – Consider joining Pr. Eugene (Sensei) as he works on getting into better shape and a healthier, stronger body. For more information, please www.gojukan.org or on social media @kaizengojukan – Special rates are offered for our church and school families. Veterans, LEO’s and First Responders (see website for specials just for you.) Quarterly 1-day self-defense classes will also be offered for all who want a “refresher”. These classes are open to everyone in the community.
You can fill out the paperwork online: https://www.gojukan.org/pdf/extra/KGF-AW2a-2022Fill.pdf
See YOU there!!
Church Directory
Our church directory is available to view on your computer or on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a member website and a free app for church members to download on their Apple and Android devices.
Right now, we have 29 Family units represented, and only 15 of these have provided photos. We are building from scratch. So please help us. You can email all your information to Pr. Eugene or you can fill out the Google form to populate your/your family’s information and even upload a family photo - https://forms.gle/GVJErmzBYyWTssJB8
For more information on the app/website, go to https://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/
To download the app to your Apple device, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instant-church-directory/id589542221?ls=1&mt=8 - To download the app to your Android device, click here:
You will be asked to enter your email address as it's listed in our directory. If your email address isn't listed in the directory, let Pr. Eugene, know so it can be added. Once you enter your email address, follow the directions on-screen to complete the create log-in process. After you sign in, you'll see the most up-to-date directory for our church. Any time updates are made, they will show on the Online Members' Website, too.
For more information about the members' website, go here: https://help.instantchurchdirectory.com/article/638-navigating-the-online-member-directory or www.InstantChurchDirectory.com/app .
Café Connections
Thank you to those who joined Pr. Eugene, for a brief visit and chat on Oct. 24, it was fun. The next one will be Nov. 08, 2022 at 10:30 am.
Pr. Eugene is inviting you to grab your favorite beverage and to join him for a brief virtual chat/visit on Zoom. This is NOT a prayer meeting alternative. This will serve to connect, visit, chat, and get to know each other, ask questions, share, and maybe even pray together (after the chat and visit).
There are also options for those who may want to meet one-on-one. Reserve/Book your spot here:
- Café Connections Visit/Chat Reservation form - https://forms.gle/TGsxGSFeUxZppdYw9
Join Zoom Meeting @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8031223894
- Meeting ID: 803 122 3894
WEEKEND AT-A-GLANCE
Sermon
The Sermon streaming this week will be presented by Pr. Kevin Wells, and will be a continuation of his sermon series, “The Day of the Lord,” looking at prophecy. More information will be posted on our social media feed as it is made available.
NO Potluck
this week (1st and 3rd Saturday of every month) – Please remember to plan and bring your favorite dish, side dish, or dessert to share, and let's enjoy great food and fellowship NEXT WEEK.
GIVING MOMENT
One of the most tangible ways we demonstrate our faith in Christ is by giving. The Bible says that everything we possess comes directly from God, including our body, talents, and possessions. In response to God's gifts to us, the Bible commands us to return a tithe (10%) of our income back to the Lord. The Bible also asks us to give an offering as our heart so moves us.
Your faithfulness and generosity enable us to fulfill God's mission here in Lewisville & surrounding areas. Your willingness to faithfully give a portion of what you have is more important than how much you actually give, as Jesus illustrated with the poor widow. God promises to reward those who faithfully return to Him, His portion. Thank you for your gifts.
Let’s pray for God's spirit to move within us as we prepare our offering. If you would like to make your contribution online, right here: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANWFQ8/envelope/start - You can search for “Lewisville Seventh-day Adventist Church” if it doesn’t automatically redirect.
FROM OUR MAIN CAMPUS AT THE
Below, just a couple of quick updates for us locally, and some from the main campus at Arlington for your attention and consideration.
Arlington Pastoral Team’s Blog
The pastoral staff will be posting regular blogs on our website that will be sort of a companion strand to our planned sermonic calendar. To navigate directly to that page, click here or on the image above. The content and scripture passages will be different from the regular sermon series, but these short devotional pieces will be conceptually aligned with the themes. Each post will be somewhat different in style, some humorous, some educational, others more thought-provoking, or healing. Ideally, there will be something for everyone. We hope you will find this new project to be of benefit as a part of your own spiritual practice.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Churches of Refuge: 1 Corinthians - Join us for Wednesday morning Bible study as Pastor Kevin guides us through Paul's first letter to the church of Corinth, looking at how we can offer hope and healing to those around us. - https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonSDA
Subscribe:
Consider the following options
For more from our Main Campus, consider subscribing to the email newsletter "Arlington Life Online" CLICK HERE which is distributed every Thursday. So, subscribe now, and get it in your inbox later this week.
You can also view the latest version here
For our Younger Generation, consider checking out YG Life’s newsletter - https://arlingtonadventist.com/yglife
Current Edition is linked here, or you can click here for easy access.
CLOSING REMARKS & HOUSEKEEPING
I know, realize and appreciate that every one of us has careers and responsibilities outside of our church fellowship. I do understand how overwhelming these responsibilities could be. That being said, I would love to kindly ask, that if you’ve agreed to serve in any capacity whatsoever, and life’s responsibilities and or challenges come knocking, please reach out, and try to find someone to cover your responsibilities for the affected time frame (preferably 48 hours or more ahead of time).
Should you wish to include anything in the Mid-week minute newsletter, please ensure to send the information to Pr. Eugene by Wednesday at Noon. The Mid-week Minute will be distributed with what has been received by that time to ensure an on-time publication.