Mid-Week Minute – Nov. 16, 2022
We are so glad you are here.
We are looking forward to getting to know you better!
MID-WEEK DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Greetings, Church Friends and Family!!
I invite you to read the following portion of scripture with me, Isaiah 43:1-7 (NLT). My focus will be on Verses 1-3a
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
5 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
I will gather you and your children from east and west.
6 I will say to the north and south,
‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel
from the distant corners of the earth.
7 Bring all who claim me as their God,
for I have made them for my glory.
It was I who created them.’”
I will gather you and your children from east and west.
6 I will say to the north and south,
‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel
from the distant corners of the earth.
7 Bring all who claim me as their God,
for I have made them for my glory.
It was I who created them.’”
Isaiah 43:1-7 (NLT)
During the time of the prophet Isaiah, God's people were taken away into exile because of their sin and persistent disobedience to Him. But there, in this strange and foreign land, things are terrible for them. So much so they decide to return to God. They fear that God has abandoned them, but it is not so. Through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, God confirms that the people still belong to Him and that He will be with them. He will Protect, save and deliver them when they go through the fire. In their difficult situations, He is there for them. He still loves them and is with them, ready to deliver them from exile and return them to their land.
Although suffering is one of the consequences of the fall, and no one can escape it, it always catches us off guard. But God never leaves his children alone in fiery trial situations. He never wants his children to suffer. He does allow hardships in the lives of his children, sometimes using the hardships to achieve His purpose with them, to let them know His will, and draw them closer to Him. When you end up in such a trial by fire, you can count on God's presence and salvation with confidence. Now, here is the good news: He also wants to be your God and Savior.
“Lord God, I praise You and thank you, that You will be with me when I have to go through fire; that You will protect me precisely then because I belong to You. Amen.”
WHAT'S NEW?!
DallasPD Coat Drive
Dallas Police Department currently has a COAT DRIVE that you may want to support, as we’ve all felt the temps drop this week. We know that there is a need out there.
They are seeking new or slightly used coats for school age children ages 5 - 12. We will also accept any other winter weather gear such as hats and gloves.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Dallas Police Dept
North Central Substation
6969 McCallum Blvd
Dallas, TX 75252
Drive Ends Friday, December 9th 2022
Contact:
Senior Corporal Joshua Brooks
joshua.brooks@dallascityhall.com
214-670-1581
Women's Ministries Presents:
Women’s Brunch
This event is an opportunity to develop friendships with fellow believers. A low-key time to eat and fellowship together. We would love to get to know you better!
Please plan to attend our first brunch scheduled December 4, 2022 at 10 am at Panera in Lewisville,
595 E Round Grove Rd
Lewisville, TX 75067
You can call or text Haley Olson for more information. 316-253-5593
NAD Pastoral & Church Member Survey
Dear Fellow Believer:
Between General Conference Sessions, the World Church undertakes a survey once every five years to help leadership understand what members believe and practice. Questions include religious and spiritual attitudes and behaviors, family life, and community involvement, and the Adventist health message, among other items.
This survey.
- will help us understand what our members believe and dc
- and is very valuable in strategic planning for our evangelistic, discipling, and nurturing efforts at the local church, conference, union, division, and global eves
The data from this survey will be very helpful as we assess the needs of Church membership and how your Church can best meet those needs
Please be so kind as to participate anonymously
- English version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JTJRVTJ
- Spanish version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JTBBRVX
Thank you for your partnership. Robust participation in this survey will enable us to get good data for our conference, union, and division leaders. We are always seeking for better ways to support our local churches. As we learn of their concerns, challenges, and reasons to celebrate, we will know better how to provide help and resources. We'd like the North American Division to be well represented. We value your input.
CALENDAR
November:
- Nov. 17 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 19 – 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Brunch this coming Saturday. Seating will be limited due to the sheer nature of the program. Plan on getting here early.
- Nov. 22 – Café Connections 10:30 am – Virtual Visit/Coffee Chat with Pr. Eugene - Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 803 122 3894)
- Nov. 22 - 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. 23 - 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. 28 - Karate with Pr. Eugene - Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 29 - 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. 30 - 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)
December (some of the dates outside of regular rotation - to help you save the dates)
- Dec. 04 – Women's Ministries: Women's Brunch – The first one will be December 4th at 10 am at the Lewisville Panera. It is a low-key (Come in sweats if you want) kind of developing friendships with our fellow believers brunch. See Post Above
- Dec. 11 – Growing Together Cohort – Final Summit for Year 1 – More Info Coming
- Dec. 11 – KSCS Holiday Market – See more info below under KSCS
- Dec 17 – All Church Bonfire (Vespers, singing, and maybe even some s’mores. More information coming soon.)
ANOTHER REMINDER...
Just a reminder of some items previously mentioned
2nd Annual Thanksgiving Brunch & Service
Plan NOW:
We will have a Thanksgiving Potluck Brunch this Saturday, November 19th, held during the regular church time (11:30 am), to celebrate the harvest of blessings as a Church family.
As the seasons are changing, may we count the many blessings we have: a warm home to go to, dinner to comfort us, and a church community to grow in life.
Let’s continue to reflect on these things as we make preparations for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to become busy with the list of tasks to be done, but let’s strive to do it all with a heart full of gratitude because of the love Christ has first shown us.
As a family-style potluck, we’d like your help with setting up Saturday morning before Sabbath School (as our Renters will use the fellowship hall on Friday evening). We’d also like your help with food setup, clean up, and restoring the fellowship hall. We look forward to this time we can partake in this very special Thanksgiving meal together as a church family! Come dressed comfortably for a family Thanksgiving meal, no church attire required - We want you to be comfortable.
Please consider bringing your favorite vegetable dish, casserole, bread, stuffing, fruit, dessert, beverage, etc. to share with at least 10 people, according to your last name (AND anything else “kosher” you’d like to bring additionally):
- A-K - Scrambled Eggs/Tofu, Tater tots, vegetable dish/casserole.
- L-N - Bagels and cream cheese, Pastries/Donuts, Bread, Rolls, or stuffing.
- O-T - Fruits, Nuts, Cheeses, Crackers also vegetable dish/casserole.
- U-Z - Beverage and a Dessert or Pie & toppings.
“But don’t feel limited by the above list! If you have a favorite family dish, feel free to bring it, regardless of your last name!”
Examples of Suggested Foods to Bring:
- Tofurky/Casseroles –
- Cranberries – sauce, chutney
- Yams – baked, mashed, casserole
- Potatoes – mashed, casserole
- Salad – lettuce, spinach, veggie, fruit
- Fruit – sliced, cut up in jello etc
- Rolls and Butter – nice bread, dinner rolls
- Dressing or Stuffing – baked separately to go with tofurky or other main dishes
- Cooked Vegetables – green beans, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, veggie casserole
- Pie and Topping – apple, pumpkin, pecan, or cherry with whipped cream or ice-cream
- Pastries / Donuts
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.
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.
These and other resources will be made available on our Church website under the RESOURCES tab, then choose the FORMS & DOCUMENTS option.
PDF Documents:
- Church Officers List 2022-2024 - https://tinyurl.com/5659zyvt (PDF on our church website)
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.
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.
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
The next one will be Nov. 22, 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.
Potluck will be DURING our SERVICE TIME
See notice above regarding our Thanksgiving Brunch & Service above. - Hope to see you there.
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.
KSCS
(KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY)
2022 Holiday Market!
December 11, 2022
3:00pm - 7:30pm
Supports local artisans and small businesses
One stop shopping for Christmas gifts!
Low booth fee!
Complimentary snacks & wifi for vendors!
Electrical hookup - $5
VENDOR REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please complete the registration form on this page. REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER DECEMBER 6, 7:00PM!
You will receive an invoice for your registration payment within 24 hours of your registration at the email you provided in your registration. Please call/text Mrs. Huffin at 972-358-8451 if you do not receive your invoice within 24 hours.
Registration fees must be paid within 48 hours of receiving the invoice or the registration will be canceled.
We are a Christian school, therefore alcohol, tobacco, or drug-centered products are prohibited from being sold. In addition, pork or shellfish products are also prohibited.
GOT QUESTIONS?? Please call/text Mrs. Huffin at 972-358-8451 or email ebony.huffin@kscs.info
Holiday Market Vendor Registration
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.