Experiencing God Bible Study

As the New Year approaches, it is usually a good time for some self evaluation, especially in our Christan walk. Where are we headed?  Are we growing in the Lord?  Are there areas in our life we want to see God do a mighty work in? 

New Year Resolutions often involve change.  We may want to lose weight, eat better, be more committed, faithful etc.  It all boils down to dedication?  Do we want it enough to commit, be faithful and dedicated.

How about a 13 week study on Sunday nights at our church in our quest to "Experience God".  God has already equipped every believer with the necessary tools to know and do His will - the Holy Spirit and His Word. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God is an amazing study that has been organized around biblical principles which will teach us to: know when He is speaking to us, recognize His activity and work around us, adjust our lives to Him and His ways, identify what He wants to do through us, and respond to His activity and work in our lives. When we recognize where God is working, we can join Him in what He is already doing. Then we will experience God doing through us what only He can do.

This study has challenged and blessed many Christians in their walk with the Lord.  Pray about taking part in this study to get the New Year started off on the right foot - walking with the Lord!

Christmas Banquet

The church Christmas banquet was fantastic this year!  There was food:
f
And presents:

Sweet fellowship:

And lots of fun!

Yes!! We'll Have Church On Christmas!

There will be a special Christmas worship Sunday morning beginning at 10:00 AM.  There is no Sunday School,but we will meet in the church for a time of singing, reading Scripture and partaking of the Lord's Supper.  Service will end by 11:00 AM and there will be no evening service.

Let's plan to make time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas!

Prayer Requests & Activities This Week

Please be in prayer this week for Wayne E.  (Holly Mc.'s father).  Wayne has been in ICU much of last week with some health problems.  We are praising the Lord he is doing better, but still has a ways to go as he recovers.

Also Don S. has been in the hospital undergoing some testing.  The tests came out well, but he continues to need our prayers.

Don't forget about our Christmas caroling on Wednesday.  Children are encouraged to meet at the church at 4:30 PM (with a treat to share)  to prepare treat bags to give out as we carol.  At 5:30 PM, we will leave to go to several houses to spread Christmas cheer with a carol or two.  All are welcome to join us!  Following the caroling, we will meet at the home of Dave and Kathy B. for refreshments and fellowship.  This promises to be a great night!  Hope to see you and yours there.

Church Signs

Spreading Some Cheer

Are you enjoying the Christmas season?  The lights, cheer & festivities?  It is so easy to get caught up in the many activities of the season that we forget there are those who are home bound or cannot get out of the home. The only Christmas cheer they receive is what is brought to them.

Next Wednesday night (December 21), our church will be spreading some cheer to several of our shut ins.  You are welcome to participate and bring some joy as we will meet at the church at 5:30 PM and go to several  homes to sing a Christmas carol or two.  It doesn't matter if you 'cannot sing'!  Your presence shows that you care.

As an added treat, our children will be making treat bags to share.  Please have children at the church at 4:30 PM with a donated snack (cookies, candy etc.) to assemble the bags to pass out.

Following the caroling, we will gather at the home of Dave & Kathy B. for fellowship and refreshments.  You won't want to miss this time of giving and receiving the gift of Christmas cheer.

Children's Christmas Play

Our children have been practicing hard to present a play to the church, complete with sharing the true meaning of Christmas and lots of Christmas songs and cheer!  The play will be December 18 at 6:00 PM.  Spread the word and come hear what comes out of the mouths of our little angels!

**There will be a dress rehearsal/practice Saturday December 17 at 2:00 PM. 

The Digital Story of the Nativity

Homegoing of Mr. Roy

We have been in prayer for Mr. Roy L. for several weeks as he has been battling illness.  Mr. Roy passed away early Wednesday morning.  We are comforted that Mr. Roy is no longer suffering in his body, but are mindful of his family's grief in losing his presence in their lives and home.  Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are as follows:

Viewing - Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Daniels

Funeral - Saturday at 11:00 AM at Antioch

The church family will be providing a meal for the family following the service.  Your donations of food and help serving the lunch would be greatly appreciated.  This is a beautiful area of service that is a blessing to the family. 

Surgeries Today

There are two from  our church family who are undergoing surgery today.  Please be in prayer for Helen S. as she has some cancerous spots removed from her leg today and also for Cody M. who is having all 4 wisdom teeth removed today.  Please pray for successful surgeries and smooth recoveries.

Prayer Need

Please be in prayer for Ida D. and family.  Ida's sister in law who lived up north passed away.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and we will keep them lifted up in our prayers.  Please also pray for traveling mercies as Bill and Ida will be traveling for the services.

Prayer Needs This Week

You are encouraged to keep Roy L. and family in your prayers.  Roy continues to be in ICU in grave condition.  Please keep Roy and his family in your prayers.

Cody M. will have oral surgery this week.  Please pray for Cody to have a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

As always, there is a list of names on the back of the bulletin.  This long list represents many individual needs in the lives of our church family and friends.  Be encouraged to read this list and be in prayer for those on it.

This week is also the Lottie Moon week of prayer.  A prayer guide was inserted in the church bulletin yesterday with daily prayer needs listed for the week.  If you missed it, follow the link HERE for the guide.  What a great way at Christmas time, for families to pray for missionaries all over the world who are reaching the lost.

The ABCs of Christmas

A is for Animals who adored Jesus in the stable.
B is for Baby Jesus -- a true story -- not a fable.
C is for the Christ Child about whom we love to sing.
D is for December when we hear the joyful bells ring.
E is for the Evening when the proclamation came.
F is for the Flocks and shepherds to whom the angels sang.
G is for the Glory to God, deserved for this blessed birthday.
H is for the stolen Hoop-a-la of "Happy Holiday."
I is for the Inn where there was found no room.
J is for Jesus, born beneath the stars and moon.
K is for the newborn King, the greatest among the least.
L is for the bright Light shining on Him in the East.
M is for the Manger where the Baby lies wrapped in white.
N is for the Noels that we sing on December nights.
O is for the Open heart, I pray you have for Him.
P is for the Presents that we give in honor of Him.
Q is for the Quiet peace around this Babe, so wee.
R is for the Redeemer who came for you and me.
S is for Salvation at no cost to us. It's free.
T is for where He gave His life -- upon that cruel Tree.
U is for Us, the chosen recipients of His love.
V is for His Virgin birth, conceived by God above.
W is for "God so loved the World that He gave His only Son.
X is for the X-tra special, wonderful gift that Jesus has become.
Y is for You to whom He was especially given.
Z is for the Zeal I have to see you headed for Heaven.

Deacon's Christmas Dinner

The deacon's Christmas dinner will be Friday (tomorrow) night at the Farmhouse Restaurant in Lake Park.  All deacons and wives are encouraged to come and enjoy a special time of Christmas fellowship.  Please plan to be at the restaurant between 6:30 - 7:00 PM (ready to order at 7:00 PM).

If you are interested in riding together in the church van, please let Bro. Dave know as soon as possible.

Printable Christmas Devotions

Are you looking for a Christmas devotion to do with your family this Christmas season?  Here are a few free printable devotions which are a valuable resource to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in our hearts and homes this year.

Reasons For the Season begins December 1st with a verse, discussion starter, short lesson, activity, prayer and then an optional extra activity that you can do with your children.

The Advent Guide is a devotion covering the weeks of Advent beginning this week. (Started Sunday, but you can catch up!).  This devotion has great information along with thought provoking discussion questions to search the heart and build the faith.

The Jesse Tree Advent Family Devotional is a 25 day devotional which includes full Bible text, a devotion for the family, a short, simple action point for the day along with a Jesse tree craft.

May your family be blessed this Christmas season as you seek and share the birth of our Lord - the true meaning of Christmas.

Coming In December

December is on it's way!  There are several activities going on through the month to share festive fellowship with one another.  Please note the following dates:

• December 2 - Deacon's Dinner
• December 7 - No Family Meal
• December 9 - Church Christmas Party
• December 16 - Youth Christmas Party
• December 17 - Children's Play Practice & Party
• December 18 - Children's Christmas Play
• December 21 - Church wide Christmas Caroling
• December 25 - Christmas Worship Service

Prayer Requests This Week

This week there are several prayer needs around the church family.

• Roy L. is in ICU with many health problems
• Helen S. is facing some leg surgery this week
• Caleb G. will be facing some facial surgery soon
• Gene B. has an aunt who has been diagnosed with cancer and will get some test results this week
• Janet W.'s mother is at home recovering
• Mike O. is recovering from knee surgery
• Flowie R. has a granddaughter facing serious oral surgery soon
• Lavon M. had a step sister pass away this week
• Norine B. is undergoing some heart issues

Please continue to keep each of these and others in your thoughts and prayers.

Prayer Meeting Tonight!

Remember this week's prayer meeting is on Tuesday!!  Hope you'll plan to come out this Thanksgiving week and give God thanks for all His blessings!

Prayer Requests

There are some prayer requests to share this week:

• Norine B. had a heart attack and will be undergoing tests on Thursday to determine her treatment.
• Liz H.'s mother had knee surgery and is recovering at home.
• Janet W.'s mother had surgery which was successful, but will be in the hospital several days recovering.

Please continue to keep these and those listed on the back of the bulletin each week lifted up.

Thanksgiving Lunch This Sunday

Remember the Church wide Thanksgiving Lunch this Sunday!!  Ham and Turkey will be provided by the church and you are asked to bring a complimentary dish - vegetable, salad or dessert. 

Lunch will follow the morning worship service.  Please plan to bring a food dish and stay to enjoy the fellowship with the church family.  God has been so gracious to Antioch through the years and we are thankful people!!

Operation Christmas Child Week

This is the week to prepare you shoebox for Operation Christmas Child!  Bring your shoebox to church Sunday where there will be a special time of prayer for those who will receive them and they will be delivered to our local collection site on Monday.

Read about the Impact of OCC

See How To Pack A Shoebox

See Frequently Asked Questions

In our lives today where even in hard economic times, we are blessed with plenty, this is a way to give generously into the lives of others.

Captive vs Casual

What are the primary differences between the Casual and Captive Christians?

The lives of Captive Christians are defined by their faith; their worldview is built around their core spiritual beliefs and resultant values.

Casual Christians are defined by the desire to please God, family, and other people while extracting as much enjoyment and comfort from the world as possible.

The big difference between these two tribes is how they define a successful life.

For Captives, success is obedience to God, as demonstrated by consistently serving Christ and carrying out His commands and principles.

For Casuals, success is balancing everything just right so that they are able to maximize their opportunities and joys in life without undermining their perceived relationship with God and others. Stated differently,

Casuals are about moderation in all things.

Captives are about extreme devotion to their God regardless of the worldly consequences.

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer today for Janet W.'s mother.  She is undergoing serious surgery today to correct an internal blockage.  Please pray for the doctors to have the wisdom and guidance they need and for her to be strengthened by the Lord in her body to endure the surgery.  Please also remember the family as they minister to her.

3 Things About Being Lukewarm

Revelation 3:14-16 speaks clearly of how God sees the 'lukewarm or casual Christian". 

 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

Here are 3 Facts About Casual Christians:

1.  They Present A Mixed Worship:  Two meanings of the word worship include - bow down in adoration and to serve.  Worship is an inner reverence for God which is demonstrated in obedience, adoration and praise.  Worship is all about God, not what He can do for us.  God is the audience, we are the worshippers.  Do we come to church to worship?

Casual worship can be irreverent or indifferent.  If worship is focused on our needs or desires or what we can get out of it...it is not true worship.

True worship is focused on God and is whole hearted.  Our every act - singing, prayer etc. should be done with our whole heart.  We should bring our best to God - not our leftovers.  Best attention, effort and gifts.   When we reflect on His gifts to us - grace, forgiveness, abundant life etc., our worship should express our gratitude.

2.  Casual Christians live a mixed lifestyle:  They want the best of both worlds. They want a faith but are not willing to invest their all.  They want to be called a Christian, but are not willing to sacrifice or stand up for their faith.

3.  Casual Christians present a mixed message:  Living a casual Christian life gives a weak, compromising message to the world.  People watch Christians and are looking for something genuine.  Will we offer them something different from the world?  Will we follow Joshua 24:24  “The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!” and be wholehearted, dedicated, immovable and unshakable in our faith? 

We can move out of the casual, lukewarm mode and become a "Captive Christian". The lives of Captive Christians are defined by their faith; their worldview is built around their core spiritual beliefs and resultant values.  May God turn our hearts towards Him and ignite us to true worship and a lifestyle unwavering, steadfast and committed. 

Operation Christmas Child Lunch

Our church has been asked to provide lunch for the workers at the Operation Christmas Child collection site on Monday, November 14.  We will be preparing a simple meal of spaghetti, salad, green beans and desserts.  If you would be interested in making one of these dishes, please let Pam G. know. 

We also need volunteers to help deliver the meal on that day.  This offers the opportunity to eat lunch there and observe the collection procedures.  Thousands of shoe boxes from our county go through this site!

Casual Christians

Sunday's sermon brought to light the term "Casual Christians".  What is a Casual Christian?   It can be difficult to spot a casual Christian. He or she may attend church regularly. He or she may tithe. He or she may be involved in Bible study, church fundraising and teaching Sunday School. But he or she may be busy doing things for God without actually having a relationship with Him.

George Barna’s studies indicate that Casual Christians represent 66% of the adult population of the U.S.

You describe the Casual Christian as:

•  spiritually middle-of-the-road
• faith in moderation
•  those who feel religious without placing faith as a priority.

Casual Christians are defined by the desire to please God, family, and other people while extracting as much enjoyment and comfort from the world as possible.

Come back to visit the blog this week.  More will be shared from the powerful message from church on Sunday!

The Call To Commitment

From our sermon last Sunday we learned that there is no such thing as a partial commitment to God.  From Romans 12 we learned about the important words:

Conform - do not conform to the world - or let the world around you squeeze you into its mold.

Transform - the inner change the Lord does in the heart that is noticeable by outward action.  Transformation is not what we do but what God does through us.

Here are 3 Calls To Commitment Every Believer Should Make

1.  Commit to personal growth.  Commit to be a disciple or learner of the things of the Lord.  We should never stop learning as Christians.

2.  We need commitment to our local church.  The local church is the believers first commitment after salvation.  The church is the main avenue where the Lord fills believers and enables them to pour out.  Where does church attendance fall on our priority list?  Does it fall below recreation, sports etc.?  Commitment to church is deeper than church attendance.  Be involved - you'll never feel a part of church by simply attending the morning worship service.

3.  Commit to ministry.  Seek to actively use gifts and talents given from God.  Put these gifts to work!

The greatest ability is availability.

Prayer Requests

This week has found us with many of our church friends and family standing in the need of prayer. Please be faithful to lift these up and offer your love and support to one another.

• Kathy C. has bronchial pneumonia
• Flowie R. (Joe R's mom) is in the hospital with some intestinal issues.
• Lori H. (Felton and Mary Lou's daughter) is still in the hospital recovering from surgery.
• Mike O. is at home recovering from knee surgery.
• Liz H. is still recovering from surgery and battling some infection.
• Buddy H. had some medical testing done this week.
• Janet W.'s mom will undergo serious surgery soon.

May we allow the grace and blessing of the Lord flow through us into the lives of those around us.

Fall Festival

A great time was had at our Fall Festival.  There were lots of kids, fun, games, food and laughter. Special thanks to all who helped out to make this a special time for our church and guests.

Family Meal

Remember this Wednesday night is Family Meal at 6:00 PM!  The theme is soup, sandwich or salad and the fellowship will be sweet!!  Plan to bring the family and practice some of the commitment to the church pastor talked about on Sunday!   

Some Scary Words For the Week

Commitment and Transformation

Some words that put a little bit of fear in Christians!!!  We heard a powerful message Sunday morning from Romans 12:1-2.

Whatever happened to commitment in our churches?  

• You will find more empty pews than filled ones on a typical Sunday. 
• Out of the church membership roll - only 50% of members attend.
• A decision and a commitment are different.  Many church decisions are made, but not all end up in commitment.
• There is no such thing as partial commitment to God.
• True commitment cannot be taken back.

Transformation:

Speaks of an inner change that is seen by outward actions. 

Not something that we can do ourselves, but what God alone can do through us.

Instead of being conformed to the world around us and squeezed into it's mold, may we be transformed by the Lord and renewing our minds in Him.

Verse For the Day

Need Some Fun Workers!!

We still need some volunteers for the Family Fall Festival!  This is a great time to come out and enjoy a great time of fun and fellowship with the church family.  Can you help:

• Use your vehicle for Trunk or Treat
• Help with the game booths
• Make a cake for the Cake Walk
• Bring Candy???  We need ALOT and need it to the church by Wednesday please!
• Bring a dessert for the meal

It takes lots of help to put on a great fall festival and there is something for everyone!!

New Week - Blessings and Prayer Requests

Sunday's Bible text was taken from Psalms 1:

 

Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

 He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.  

The ungodly are not so,

But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 

We were reminded about our choices, blessings, judgement, diligence, obedience and prayer.  The sermon was filled with encouragement to live a life pleasing to the Lord and to enjoy His blessings. 

May we ponder on these verses this week and seek to be all God has called us to be.  May we spend time and lift one another up in prayer and minister with love to each other.  Here are some requests that have been shared:

 

• Latains S's sister - Virginia has a granddaughter who will undergo her 2nd brain surgery tomorrow.
• Felton and Mary Lou's daughter Lori is in the hospital and granddaughter Bridget is facing some serious oral surgery.
• Jimmy S. spent a few days in the hospital last week and is undergoing some testing.
• Bill D.' brother will have surgery this week and we have been asked to pray for his salvation.
• Janet W.'s mother will have serious surgery in November.  She is still struggling with weakness and health issues.  Please pray for her to gain the needed strength for surgery and  for this surgery to correct the issues she has been struggling with for a long time.
• Margaret T. is at home recovering from knee surgery.
• Fall Festival- may this go well and be an opportunity for outreach for our church.

There Is A Purpose In This All...

What looks a bit like a meaningless mess right now, may

— if you wait surrendered

— give a glimpse into who He is

and how He’s making even this mess to shape you into the image of Christ.

The Power of Prayer and Praise

Many of you noticed and/or heard the announcement that Sis. Dianne Mc. is no longer our church music director.  Dianne has been music director for 5 years, living out the verse laid upon her heart "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."  Our music program and choir has grown and has been a great blessing to many through Dianne's leadership and using her gift for the service of the Lord.  Well done, Dianne, we love and appreciate you!

Joe R. has been filling in to direct the music, but shared Sunday that our church needs to be in prayer for the right person to fill this ministry position.  Will you pray as a church for the Lord to bring someone to this position?  That a heart filled with praise will step up and overflow with God's grace and love to our Lord and the church?   Will you be sensitive to the Lord's call for service in all areas?  Our church needs YOU!

How To Kill Your Church

Some drastic humor!! 

HOW TO KILL YOUR CHURCH

Don't come.

If you do come, come late.

When you come, come with a grouch.

At every service ask yourself,"What do I get out of this?"

Visit other churches about half of the time to show your pastor that you are not tied down to him. There is nothing like independence.

Sit pretty well back and never sing. If you have to sing, sing out of tune and behind everybody else.

Never pay in advance, especially for religion. Wait until you get your money's worth, and then wait a bit longer.

Never encourage the preacher; if you like a sermon, keep mum about it. Many a preacher has been ruined by flattery. Don't let his blood be on your head.

It is good to tell your preacher's failings to any stranger that may happen in; they might be a long time finding them out.

Of course, you can't be expected to get new members for the church with such a Pastor as he is.

If there happens to be a few zealous workers in the church, make a tremendous protest against the church's being run by a clique.

If your church unfortunately happens to be harmonious, call it apathy or indefference or lack of zeal, or anything under the sun except what it is.

Of course to bring LIFE to your church...do the opposite!

Iron Sharpens Iron

For a couple of years our men have attended the annual Iron Sharpens Iron conference.  Men and boys have been challenged, encouraged and equipped through this event.  Saturday, October 23, this conference will be in Ocala and a group of our men will be attending. 

The conference features a time of gathering the men together for a time of worship, followed by an exhortative keynote message.  Men will have the opportunity to choose from several workshops to attend.  Some include:

• 5 Hidden Dangers Facing You and Your Family Right Now
• Finishing Strong!
• Knights of the 21st Century
• Raising Masculine Sons and Feminine Daughters
• Man Up: The Tools You Need For After The Conference
• Unlimited Partnership: An Abundant Marriage
• What Will Your Legacy Be?
• And many others designed for every stage and season of a man's life.

For a complete conference line up - see Iron Sharpens Iron.

Men, be encouraged to take this time to dedicate a day to drawing closer to the Lord and being equipped to be God's man in the home, church and community.  

  

Prayer Requests

Here are a few prayer needs around the church family:

 

• Liz H. is recovering well from surgery.
• Roy L. is still undergoing cancer treatments.
• Margaret T. is at home recovering from knee surgery.
• Robert S. is struggling with some back pain.
• Hazel H. had a procedure done this week and is at home recovering.
• Caroline's father is undergoing testing, please pray for wisdom for the doctors to be able to find and treat his health issues.
• Bessie P's grandson Mitchell, was kicked by a horse and needs healing for a back injury.

Please keep these in prayer and be mindful of how to show love and support to them!

Family Fall Festival

We will celebrate the Autumn season with a Family Fall Festival on October 29 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.  Mark the date and plan to bring the family for a great time of fall fun!!

Some activities will include:

• Games
• Prizes
• Bounce House
• Popcorn
• Hay Ride
• Chili & Hot Dog Supper
• Cake Walk
• Trunk or Treat
• Fun and more Fun

Plan to bring the family out for a great time!   We will also need lots of help from the church family.  We are looking for volunteers to use your vehicle for Trunk or Treat, to bake cakes, to assist with the game booths and of course to bring CANDY!!!  We hope you and your family will be a part of this fun activity!

 

The Thanksgiving Chair

How often do we sit in the "Thanksgiving Chair"?

Homecoming Is All About…

Faith, Fellowship and Family!   Here are some scenes from Antioch’s 160th Homecoming.

Lighthouse Children’s Choir

Our Fantastic Kitchen Helpers:

Our Lively Teenagers!

Family and Friends:

Fellowship and Food:

Happy Birthday Wayne!