Article from Fr. Alex
Dear Servants of Christ,
By now, most of you have seen our improved worship space. The most common response has been, “Wow! It looks like a church”. If you haven’t yet seen the space, you are in for a real treat. It is interesting how God’s timing works. After being at the Vineyard for four years (as of January 8, 2010), we now have this renovated worship space and at almost the exact same time, we will now have intercessory prayer teams for our two Sunday services. This is something I have hoped could be restored to our services since my arrival seven years ago. I can’t tell you how many times we tried to identify a leader and plan training, and something would happen and plans would be dashed. All in God’s time, right?
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we will commission the first group of prayer intercessors for our Sunday worship. This group, under the leadership of Mary Langeland, has been undergoing training through both the Prayer Workshop by Arty Hart (Vineyard Pastor) this fall and ongoing sessions at the Thursday night Healing Workshop sponsored by our Vineyard Mission partners. Some of you will remember that our mission statement from years ago was these five words: Invite-Proclaim-Heal-Grow-Send. I have always felt that intercessory prayer teams would facilitate the healing part of that mission.
Our prayer teams will be stationed near the back of the worship space in the opening of room A-3 for those who wish to receive prayer during the worship services. Often times it is during our corporate worship that God will bring to our recognition things in our lives which need to be dealt with. This might be during the musical worship, sermon or during communion. When the Spirit begins to identify areas of our lives where we need healing, or other spiritual action, it is helpful to have readily available prayer intercessors. At other times, we may feel a heavy burden during worship and need to seek prayer support. Too often, people leave the service without acknowledging these nudges of the Spirit. The intercessory teams can be a very helpful tool for those times.
Let me say just a bit more for those reluctant to seek someone to pray with them. First, all intercessors are trained to keep any prayer request confidential. Neither I or any of the other prayer team members will know what you ask for prayer. In addition, a prayer intercessor will not approach you after the service or at a later time to discuss your prayer issue, unless of course you bring it up with them. Lastly, the intent is to pray for your request, to seek God’s wisdom to intercede effectively for you. This can be done in a very concise manner. The intercessors will keep this prayer time short, as God does not need us to use many words or pleading on our behalf. I urge each of you to consider taking advantage of our prayer teams; you will be blessed, I’m sure.
See you at the Christmas Dinner, December 16th, 6 pm.
Onward and Upward,
Alex
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Inside this issue:
Christmas Eve Services
Thursday, Dec.24th
@ 6pm & 11pm
Candlelight Services
(Childcare will be provided @ 6pm only)
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JOYs
Just Older YoungsterS
First Thursdays: Communion, Healing Prayers, and Sack Lunch (beverage provided). Meet in A-3.
Third Thursdays: Lunch Outing. Contact Ralph for location and details. (352) 317-2306
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Men's Fellowship Supper
Thursday, December 3rd & 17th
6-8:30pm
at Ralph Coryell's home 4222 NW 51 Drive
Meet in small groups after supper.
Contact Fred Schert 386-462-0040 or Ralph Coryell at 352-377-4222.
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High School Youth Christmas Dinner
December 14 @ 6pm
at Gram’s House
White elephant gift exchange, good food and great fun!
Contact Gram @ 222-3784
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Youth Movie Night
December 21 5-9 PM
Room: B1
Middle and High School are invited to come
*Please bring $1-2 for Pizza!
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Servin’ it up! Cookbook
This cookbook will make a great gift for anyone! If you would like to purchase a Servants of Christ cookbook please stop by our greeters table after both services or in the church office M-F. All cookbooks are now for the new low price of $10. Profits will help benefit the youth on their future mission trips.
Contact Gram @222-3784.
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Confirmation 2010
Tuesdays beginning January 12 @ 6pm
Dinner will be provided.
For info contact Gram @ 222-3784
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How to Study the Bible
Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm
Beginning January 6th
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