Pine Acres Church
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus
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THE ENCOURAGER - PAC newsletterThe Encourager
September 2010
Pine Acres Church
1321 Lark Street
Pastor's Report
Many of you are aware that in the next few weeks (September 10-11) I am going to be visiting with leaders from our denomination and seminary. We will be discussing the gospel. What is the gospel? This fundamental and basic truth has come upon hard times in our denomination. What I thought could never happen in a conservative, Bible teaching group, is happening: the gospel is being redefined.
I have been writing a response to the attack on the gospel and in this short article, I want to give you the Reader’s Digest version. For those interested in the full response, I will provide it to you (free of charge)!
Concern #1 Can we be forgiven without the cross? Baker and Green say, “Is this the only way of conceiving the gracious gift of forgiveness? Hardly! Note, for example, how Jesus pronounces the forgiveness of sins in the case of the paralytic, without reference to the sacrifice of any animal, and without reference to his own, still future death (Mark 2:1-12).” In other words, since Jesus offered forgiveness before the cross, the cross is not a necessity for forgiveness of sins. Jesus offered forgiveness before the cross only because He knew He would provide the payment shortly thereafter. The Old Testament sacrifices serve in a similar fashion. The animals were a way of putting sins on a spiritual credit card until Jesus paid the price in full. To reject the cross as the only means of forgiveness is to change and distort the gospel.
Concern #2 Is hell a rehabilitation center? I have always taught that hell is eternal and it is awful. It is punishment and it is irreversible. Jon Isaak does not accept this view since “a punitive hell does not deal satisfactorily with God’s goodness. If evil continues to be punished in hell, then evil still exists and will never be eradicated. Can God be happy with a scenario where most of the world burns in eternal punishment? This is not a very successful rescue plan”. Hell was never designed as a rescue plan, and yet we have people saying that there will still be opportunities for those who reject Christ in this life to receive eternal life after they die. To tell lost people that they have an opportunity after death is damnable teaching, for if the teachers are wrong, they have led many to a false hope.
Concern #3 Did Billy Graham really teach a false gospel? Mark Baker says, “…the core piece of truth in the package (the gospel tract) was how one could obtain salvation- forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This very often was literally a formularized and packaged version that would fit in a small tract such as “The Four Spiritual Laws” or “Steps to Peace with God”… the problem is not just the content, but the attitude that one could carry this package to any place or any culture”.
These two booklets, one produced by Billy Graham and the other by Bill Bright, (both godly and helpful evangelists and leaders in the 20th century) have “content problems” according to Baker. He also thinks that the gospel message cannot be communicated the same all over the world. I believe that the gospel is the same in any place. It is universally true!
If Billy Graham was wrong on the central message (the gospel) then he is preaching the wrong gospel (a false gospel) and so am I. I would like to address these and other issues on September 10-11. I have given you a page or two that is condensed from a thirty plus page position paper that I will present at these meetings. Please pray for these meetings, and attend if possible.
Pastor Brian
Pastor Tony's Report
Recently I had to go to the eye doctor for my annual exam. You know the routine. They sit you down in the exam room and the doctor performs what seems to be a hundred different tests. After looking at multiple things concerning my eyes he makes a recommendation concerning the welfare of my health and eyes.
A few days later I had to go to my medical doctor for some similar tests. Again you know the routine by having to have blood tests and then see the doctor himself as he listens to the heart and checks multiple other areas of the body. Oh the joys! Anyway, after seeing me and checking me out he finds that everything seems to be just fine. Thank you Lord for a great report!
That’s when it hit me though. God wants our passion to be toward Him and Him alone. Should we be concerned about our spiritual well being as we are our physical well being? I think so. That’s why we encourage accountability partners and also encourage the teaming up with others in Bible studies such as ABFs. The scripture says it well – “train yourselves to be Godly”.
Just as we are interested in keeping our physical health may I encourage you to lookout after your spiritual health? After almost two years in teaming up with others I want to share with you that I am sorry I had never done this prior. The men I meet with on a weekly basis help me stay true to my calling as a Christian. They help me check motives and cause me to have a “heart check” weekly. They help me remain pure and challenge me in my walk with the Lord.
If you don’t have a partner – you’re missing out on a great privilege. I encourage you to overcome your fear of starting something new that will take some additional time. But trust me – IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL! Should you need help in finding a partner please let us know. We will be happy to assist you in your search.
SWITCHING GEARS…
I am excited to report to you that we are making great strides in ministering to our local schools. Recently we have developed a Task Force made up of Charles Burr, Scott Fite, Lanita Nikkel and Jan Noble. They are working hard in helping us get organized. Be watching for many details coming.
Their first agenda is to let our faculty know that Pine Acres Church is praying for them. On September 13th each ABF class is providing goodies to them with a card that says “we are praying for you as you care for our children”. Now, if we are going to include a card that makes that statement we need to be praying for them. So, please pause right now and ask God to guide each faculty member in their work throughout this year. Ask God to bless them and to give them strength as they serve. Yes, they are paid and it’s their job but trust me, it is tiring and difficult. With God’s help and our encouragement our faculty can make a difference. Will you help us bless them with a generous amount of goodies on September 13th? Great! Please volunteer today as we work toward this initial goal.
I thank you for all you do in making God real to our community. Keep up the good work!
Pastor Tony
THE PACT PAGE
The Brown Bag Bible Study
Each summer Pastor Hal organizes the Brown Bag Bible Study. High School students are invited to bring their lunches, bibles and notes to the church on Wednesday afternoons – this is done instead of our weekly Sunday Night Service. We spend the first part of Brown Bag talking and munching on our food, then read the chapter together. Rather than a lesson that tells us what the passage is about, Hal asks us what we believe the meaning of the text is and encourages us to dig deeper. This past summer we did a study over the book of Ephesians. Each week we covered one of the six chapters in Ephesians. The final week we focused on the Armor of God and what each piece meant. Hal uses the summer sessions to better equip us with this armor and lets us better understand how to use the bible as our sword. -Mercedes Martin / Senior
Deep-Fried-Slip-N-Slide
To kick off the school year, the PACT had our annual "deep fried slip'n slide." Lyndon and Kathy Harms graciously allowed us to turn their yard into a slip'n slide wonderland (complete with tons of soap) We had several people there ranging from grades 6-12 as well as some college students. Hal and Lyndon made home-made corn dogs, fried pickles, fried Oreo's, and a new edition fried Twix. Extremely tasty, but not for the health conscious! All in all, we had a wonderful time together. Our sunburns will fade, but our memories will last forever. It’s going to be a great year! -Jordan Fite / Junior
2010-11 Theme
Each year, we get the Senior Class together for a dinner and time of reflection and planning as they are about to embark on their last year of high school. So one evening we gathered at Hal’s house to eat burgers and talk. We once again are blessed with a great senior class (as we are every year!) and they had a good time talking with each other and focusing on this last year that lies ahead of them. Also, as a part of the night, they pick a theme for the upcoming year. It is one that they feel typifies what they think and a legacy they want to leave behind. This year, they chose: ROCK SOLID, Supported by Psalm 18:2 which says “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” From this we will develop a logo and make a banner that hangs in the Studio and then during the second semester, we will make t-shirts.
Upcoming Events
As always, we have a lot going on with back to school stuff and getting a new year of programs started, but I want to alert you right now of a few things to put on your calendars:
· sdJHyc – jr hi youth conference held by our district each year (we helped Corn church host this last year). Saturday, October 30 in Hays, KS – will cost around $25 – more info later when I get it.
· SDYC – sr hi youth conference held each year (we hosted this with Corn’s help 2 years ago). November 12, 13, 14 in Wichita KS – will be around $50 – more info when I get it.
· Mission Project 2011 – we will be going somewhere outside the U.S. –this will require a passport and a lot more fundraising. It might be over spring break. When I get more info and have our location nailed down (I am currently looking at three different places) I will get all that out to you.
Godliness ~ Devotion to God Godliness ~ Devotion to God
While recently reading through 1 and 2 Samuel during my quiet times, I am reminded of this word over and over. Sure, I’ve heard of many of the stories and people in these two books, but it is sinking in to me how we are called to be Godly people-completely devoted to Him.
The Israelites decided that they wanted a king to lead them so God chose Saul as the first one. He was tall and handsome and had some good leadership qualities in the beginning but then Saul disobeyed God on several encounters and became jealous. He often failed to call on God FIRST and would instead inquire of Him when his own plans failed. He often thought more of how the Israelites would see him rather than focusing on God and His opinion. All of this led to his kingship being taken away.
The fascinating part to me, however, is that David, a small and ruddy sheep-herder, would become the next king…and would be one of the greatest kings to lead Israel. He was fully devoted to God and truly was a man after God’s own heart. I’ve heard that phrase about David many times, but as I’ve read these passages, I’ve become aware of how David allowed God to take control of his life and how God continually placed David right where He wanted him. For example, Saul used David as his harpist to calm him and make him feel better when “the evil spirit was upon him.” During this time, David was learning the way of a king. He, as we know, fought and defeated the great giant, Goliath. God had him right where He wanted him. He was being taught lessons that would benefit him for a lifetime.
David’s faith never wavered during this time. Saul even tried to kill him on multiple occasions and caused David to live in hiding. That would be so discouraging and challenging…and hard to not have your faith shaken and wonder where God is. David, however, continued to seek and follow God. He remained devoted and inquired of God before taking action. He even remained loyal to Saul and mourned for him after his death. That is amazing to me! How hard would it be to not seek revenge or become cold-hearted toward a person who was trying to get rid of you?
David was blessed with numerous battle victories and became the king of Judah and later all of Israel. As we know, however, he was not exempt from the sins and temptations of life and made numerous mistakes himself. He lived with the consequences of his choices for the rest of his days. The hopeful part is that God didn’t toss him aside or get rid of him. By God’s grace, David repented, made peace with God, and was still used by God as a great leader.
As stated in 2 Peter, we are all called to live Holy and Godly lives. Godliness doesn’t guarantee an easy life. We are, however, called to continue pressing on toward the prize. My hope for myself and all of us at PAC is to allow God to use us for His glory. That we would allow Him to place us in situations that may not always be comfortable but that through it all we would grow in Him realizing this is His will for us. Small David who was an everyday shepherd became a mighty king and an outstanding example to us all. No matter who we are or where we are at in our lives, our God has a perfect plan for us ALL and will use us ALL to further His kingdom! How amazing! We, including myself, just need to allow Him to work through our lives and in the meantime strive to become the devoted followers that God has called us to be!
Miss Carrie
Heritage Notes
THIRTY YEARS AGO
Septmeber 1980
~ Adriel secret sisters were revealed
~Held after school rehearsals for the Children’s Christmas Musical
~ A verenika making day was held
~ Attendance - 128
TWENTY YEARS AGO
Septmeber 1990
~A farewell was held for Sharon, Hillary and Elizabeth Jones
~Attendance – 140
TEN YEARS AGO
September 2000
~ Held a Friendship Sunday. Each family was asked to bring someone with them that day.
~ OASIS went on a Mystery Trip
~ The AWANA Fund Fair was held on the front lawn
~ Attendance – 230
ONE YEAR AGO
September Attendance – 262
July 2010
Sunday School – 168
Worship – 235
August 2010
Thru 8-22-10
Sunday School – 175
Worship – 261
Eduardo and Christa Garcia
Some of you may have wondered if Pine Acres still has a Hispanic ministry, and some may have completely forgotten about it. Well it’s still here, and we want you to know what is going on and how you can be a part of it. We’re going to try something new and give monthly updates in the Encourager.
I then took our car to a third place that was able to help us out. (Now here’s where the fun part comes.) While I was at this third place, a Hispanic man came in needing his truck looked at. He didn’t have the best English so couldn’t communicate very well with the mechanic. Within seconds I had to stop and say, “OK God I get it! I’m sorry for being quick to frustration.” I was able to help translate for them and then have a really good spiritual conversation with this man. How many times are we in situations like this and are quick to react? The entire time God knew what He was doing! That’s the thing, we’re too small to see the big picture and our God is mighty and, lucky for us, is in control. Sometimes we just need to have some patience and wait for Him. I think pastor Brian painted this picture very well for us during the month of August as we learned about Joseph and how he was tested.
Another example of how God has been working was when one of our ladies from Pine Acres recently helped out with a new contact. She was at a local auto body shop and took a big step of faith out of her comfort zone. There was a Hispanic man there getting his car serviced and because of a t-shirt he was wearing, with a religious reference on it, she approached him and asked him about it. Now, the bad thing is the t-shirt didn’t mean anything to him other then it being a t-shirt, but the good thing is there’s now a continual relationship with this man and his wife. It just so happens that this man recently lost both of his parents and admitted to be struggling with who God is and why He would take both of them away at the same time. Before meeting our lady from Pine Acres he felt like he really didn’t have someone to talk with about this. We have visited with him three times now and he’s asking a lot of questions and there’s no telling what God may do with this. I really wanted to share this story because of what a great example it is to follow. I encourage others to take steps like this because you truly never know what might happen.
Thank you for your continued support of the Hispanic ministry!
Eduardo and Christa
Pre-School Highlight GRADY EDMONDSON
Meal Deals are served from 5:30-6:15 pm every Wednesday. All Pine Acres Church families and AWANA families are invited. Take a break from cooking every Wednesday and join us for Meal Deals. Meals are $3 a person. The planned meals are as follows:
September 1 – Hoagie Sandwiches September 22 – Beef Soft Tacos
Chips and Pickles Spanish Rice
Brownies and Ice Cream Refried Beans
September 8 – Taco Salad Banana Pudding
Chips and Salsa
German Chocolate Cake September 29 – Hoagie Sandwiches
September 15 – Sloppy Joes Chips and Pickles
Chips and Pickles Chocolate Pudding
Cobbler and Ice Cream
September Worship Schedule
September 5 am – Pastor Hal Preaching
Noon – Sunday Funday
pm –Family Night
September 12 am – The Gospel of John
pm – Potluck and Fall Business Meeting
September 19 am – The Gospel of John
pm – Leadership Development
pm – Overseer, Deacon, Trustee Meetings
September 26 am – Accepting New Members
pm – Digging Deeper
BIRTHDAYS
1 – Loyd Felder
1 – Scott Fite
2 – Luke Jett
2 – Sara Juarez
2 – Buster Simmons
5 – Jordan Hoffman
6 – Lindee Hendriex
7 – Tristan Fite
7 – Jackie Reagan
11 – Robert Bolinger
12 – Tina Barnes
12 – Nancy Fast
12 – Reonna Gossen
15 – Richard Marshall
16 – Monica Jantzen
17 – Kelsey Chipman
17 – William Hawkins
17 – Harrison Penner
19 – Braden Russell
20 – Denisa Engelman
20 – Samantha Haas
21 – Tami Martyn
21 – Chris Parkhurst
23 – Rick Miller
26 – Geneva Penner
26 – Tally Reagan
27 – Lyndon Harms
27 – Joe Johns
27 – Cara Williams
28 – Gloria Martyn
28 – Kenny Meget
ANNIVERSARIES
1 – Tim and Terry Rickel
1 – Phil and Melva Snider
5 – Dirk and Shabnum Bouma
9 – Bryan and Debbie Flaming
13 – Olly and Norma Anderson
17 – Charles and Kris Burr
21 – Monte and Debra Gray
24 – Terry and Sherry Ratterree
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