Connecting man to man to God!

Week of October 1, 2006

Stay with GOD!  Take heart.  Don't quit.  I'll say it again: Stay with GOD."  Psalm 17:14 (Msg)

     CONSIDER

"Only look to Jesus. He died for you, died in your place, died under the frowns of heaven, that we might die under its smile.  Regard neither unbelief nor doubt.  Fear neither sin nor hell.  Choose neither life nor death.  All these are swallowed up in the immensity of Christ and are triumphed over in His cross."  John Fletcher

     MEET THE NEW EVANGELICALS

"In a subtle yet tectonic shift, a slightly younger, considerably less pugnacious and less reflexively Republican generation of conservative leaders is bidding to dislodge familiar faces such as Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Focus on the Family's James Dobson, and the Southern Baptist Convention's Richard Land, who have held a virtual monopoly on the role of movement spokesmen for more than a decade.  Some of the new guard, such as Rick Warren, author of the megaseller "The Purpose-Driven Life," already have made their presence known on the national scene.  Others, such as Richard Cizik and Ted Haggard, lobbyist and president, respectively, of the National Assn. of Evangelicals, have started making the rounds as talking heads"....  Read this article in full at

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-pinsky16sep16,1,3205881.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

     EVANGELICALISM IS MISUNDERSTOOD

"Evangelicalism has become a synonym, in popular understanding, for moralizing bigotry, fundamentalism, and reactivity," according to the Rev. Joel Edwards, general director of the Evangelical Alliance (EA).  He made the comments in a hard-hitting piece for the Alliance's Idea magazine, where he appealed for internal evangelical unity and urged a rethinking of how evangelicalism presents itself to the wider world.  He's critical about how evangelicals are perceived generally, saying, "We come across as judgmental and obnoxious.  There are plenty of caricatures and misrepresentations out there, but too often we perpetuate them by our actions"  Read this in full at

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060914ea.shtml

     GOLF'S BYRON NELSON, DEAD AT 94, WAS 'GREAT FOLLOWER' OF JESUS

Byron Nelson, one of golf's greatest champions and a champion for his faith in Jesus Christ, died Sept. 26 at his ranch in Roanoke, Texas, near Dallas.  He was 94.  "Byron was a great role model for all of us for his faith and the way he treated people," said CBS-TV executive producer for golf Lance Barrow, who attended Richland Hills Church of Christ with Nelson.  "We are all a little bit better because of Byron Nelson," Barrow said, "because we didn't ever want to disappoint him or let him down."

Nelson forever will be remembered for winning 11 straight PGA Tour events in 1945, a record which has never been approached, and 18 tournament victories in that one magical season....  Read this in full at

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=24055

     POTENTIAL

"Jesus had an uncanny ability to look past the obvious flaws in people's lives and envision who they could become if the power of God were released in their lives.  Intrinsically, he just wondered about people.  Wondered what they could become.  Wondered how they might look in a transformed state.  Wondered what impact they could have if their lives were invested in things of eternal value.  He somehow saw the godly worshiper clothed as a worn, wearied prostitute.  The faithful disciple hiding inside a fisherman named Simon.  The hidden philanthropist in the life of a crooked tax collector named Zacchaeus.  The risk-taker in a cowardly Jewish ruler named Nicodemus.  What a fantastic gift he had for seeing what nobody else could see!  "All things are possible" was Jesus' mantra.  All things.  And countless lives were transformed because he chose to look past surface stuff to see what was ultimately possible."  Bill Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith

     DO YOU GO TO CHURCH?

Gallup's numbers, showing steady U.S. church attendance over 5 decades, may be artificially high, new research shows.  The Gallup Poll has asked the question, "Did you go to church or synagogue in the past 7 days?" and received a 40% affirmative response since 1939.  But researchers noticed that did not translate into 118 million Americans filling the pews each week.  According to The Barna Group, 76 million adults regularly do NOT go to church.  In fact, about 1/3 of the population surveyed has not attended any type of church gathering, outside of weddings and funerals, in the past 6 months.

To answer the discrepancy, researchers Kirk Hadaway and Penny Marler developed a "count-based" estimate of church attendance, using the number of churches in the United States and determining the average attendance at these churches.  They arrived at an attendance figure of about 20% of U.S. adults....  Read this article in full at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2006/003/4.9.html

     WEAKNESS

"We are all in darkness, at one time or another.  Most of us have known, at various points in our lives, what it's like to be weak, needy, helpless, voiceless. And the Bible tells us we can experience the strength of God in that very weakness.  That is, if we don't fight it -- and instead, allow it to turn us toward the face of God."  John Wessells, Conversations with the Voiceless: Finding God's Love in Life's Hardest Questions

     OCTOBER IS CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH

It's important to be encouragers of our pastors year-round, but October is a month that's been specially designated for many years as Clergy Appreciation Month.  Here's a .pdf card for kids to help focus their prayers.  For example, Help my pastor...

...study and pray

Heavenly Father, I pray that everyone in my church would protect my pastor's time so that he can spend it in prayer and Bible study. Help him to use Your Word in the right way (Acts 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:15).

...use his gifts

Holy Spirit, keep reminding my pastor to use the gifts you have given him. Let his gifts grow just like a small flame grows into a fire (2 Timothy 1:6).

See more at

http://www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Product/Sample/253.pdf

Also see

http://www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Product/Sample/1576839060.pdf

and

http://www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Product/Sample/1576839117.pdf

     CONSERVATIVE POLITICS & MODERATE RELIGION

Politics driven by a religious agenda, John Danforth says, is true neither to his understanding of Christian faith nor to the traditional values of the Republican party.  This veteran politician speaks about the values that have helped him navigate the line between private faith and public life and his current concerns about religion in his own party and in the world.  Hear this report at

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/danforth/index.shtml

Or read this article at

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0920/p20s01-lire.html

     THE PEACE OF GOD

  They cast their nets in Galilee, just off the hills of brown;

  Such happy, simple fisherfolk, before the Lord came down.

  Contented, peaceful fishermen, before they ever knew

  The peace of God that filled their hearts brimful, and broke them too.

  Young John who trimmed the flapping sail, homeless in Patmos died.

  Peter, who hauled the teeming net, head-down was crucified.

  The peace of God, it is no peace, but strife closed in the sod;

  Yet, brothers, pray for but one thing-the marvelous peace of God.

  ... William Alexander Percy (1885-1943)

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

"Character can be defined as a leader's sense of moral fortitude, an inner compass that determines how a person acts when no one else is looking.  Other definitions use terms like "reputation," "integrity," "virtue," and "core ethical values."  At its root, the word "character" reflects the idea of etching, something that is so deep, it not only identifies a person but also defines them"....  Read this article in full at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2006/cln60918.html

     FOX LAUNCHES MOVIE UNIT AIMED AT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Twentieth Century Fox has launched a movie distribution label targeting the Christian community, with the goal of releasing at least six "faith-based" and "inspiration" theatrical films a year -- including two this fall.

The label, "Fox Faith," will house both DVD and theatrical "faith-based" films that have a "clear Christian message" or are based on "material by a Christian author," according to a news release.  Fox Faith also will market the movies to churches and ministry organizations.

The first theatrical release, "Love's Abiding Joy" -- based on the books by Janette Oke -- will be released Oct. 6 in partnership with The Bigger Picture on a limited basis, in more than 75 cities and 250 screens.  The second movie in theaters, "One Night with the King" -- based on the story of the biblical Esther -- will hit theaters Oct. 13.  Both are rated PG.

"We simply recognized that there was a hugely underserved audience and seized the opportunity to provide them with high-quality entertainment that reflects their values," says Jeff Yordy, vice president for marketing at Fox Faith.  "And, as a result, we've seen explosive growth in this marketplace over the past few years, which only proves to us that we're successfully tapping into our core constituency."

Fox Faith movies on DVD will include such titles as "The Passion of The Christ," "Woman Thou Art Loosed," and "Beyond the Gates of Splendor."

The theatrical releases will have small budgets of approximately $5 million each, as well as marketing campaigns of approximately $5 million each, according to the Los Angeles Times.  Movies typically cost tens of millions of dollars to make. "Superman Returns" cost approximately $270 million.

Still, $5 million could be a significant budget for some films.  The football-themed inspirational "Facing the Giants," for instance, released Sept. 29, had a budget of approximately $100,000.

Simon Swart, general manager of Fox's U.S. home entertainment line, told the Times that Fox Faith wants to "push the production value," although they don't want to "videotape sermons."

The theatrical releases will cover approximately 40% of the country in such chains as Carmike and AMC, according to the news release. Fox Faith already has three films slated for next year: "Three" (January), "The Last Sin Eater" (February), and "Mama, I Want to Sing" (March).

"We work very closely with the Christian retail community as well as a variety of church and thought leaders across the country and they have fully embraced what we're doing with Fox Faith and the banner has truly come to represent relevant and compelling programming that our consumers and retailers know they can trust," Yordy says.

http://www.foxfaithmovies.com

http://www.foxfaith.com

     VERSE TO PONDER

"For justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.  Who rises up for me against the wicked?  Who stands up for me against evildoers?  If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.  When I thought, "My foot is slipping," your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.  When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."  Psalms 94:15-19

     CONSIDER

"Whence comes this idea that if what we are doing is fun, it can't be God's will?  The God who made giraffes, a baby's fingernails, a puppy's tail, a crooknecked squash, the bobwhite's call, and a young girl's giggle, has a sense of humor.  Make no mistake about that."  Catherine Marshall (1914-1983)

     HA!

A guy walks into a doctor's office and says, "Doc, I can't stop singing the 'Green, Green Grass of Home.'"  "Sounds like you have Tom Jones syndrome."  "Is it common?"  "It's not unusual."

A guy walks into a doctor's office with a lettuce leaf sticking out of his ear.  Doctor says, "Hmmmm, that's strange."  The guy replies, "That's just the tip of the iceberg."

A guy walks into a doctor's office with a strawberry growing out of his head.  Doc says, "I'll give you some cream to put on it."

"I think that all right-thinking people in this country are sick and tired of being told that ordinary, decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired.  I'm certainly not!  But I'm sick and tired of being told that I am!"  Monty Python

     NEW LAW CHANGES CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

We're going to have to keep better records of their charitable contributions if they want to claim them as tax deductions in coming years.  Older Americans, meanwhile, will get a break on taxes when they make donations from their Individual Retirement Accounts.  Read this article at

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060920/ap_on_bi_co_ne/on_the_money

     A PASTOR'S 'GIVING KIOSKS' SPREAD

Congregations at some American churches are now donating money by using a debit card.  The move away from tithing envelopes has led a pastor in Augusta, Ga., to start a new business.  NPR's Michele Norris talks with Marty Baker of Stevens Creek Community Church about his "Giving Kiosks," which are now taking in money at seven churches -- with plans to expand....

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6161839

     GET FISCALLY FIT

With today's seniors enjoying a longer retirement, it's important that you have a plan to make your savings last.  That's why the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have compiled a new, free package of informative publications including Fiscal Fitness for Older Americans.  This FDIC publication is loaded with practical tips on how seniors can stretch their savings and shape up their financial strategies.

Begin your workout with a warm-up that involves reviewing the different financial resources that you can use as your retirement income.  They include Social Security and pension benefits, retirement accounts, and investments such as annuities and mutual funds.  Adjust your retirement money depending on your needs and factors such as healthcare costs or whether you plan to earn a part-time income.

Next, follow these easy steps to tone up your financial affairs.  Help make your life easier and safer by having your retirement income directly deposited in your bank account each month.  You can also arrange to have your monthly bills paid automatically from your bank account.  Update your will and other legal documents so they reflect your wishes regarding your funds, property, personal effects, and medical treatment.  And make sure these documents are organized and easy to locate in a safe place.

Finally, cool down with the SEC's Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments.  Find out what questions you should ask about your investment products, your broker's history, and your investment's performance.  You'll also get helpful hints for how to handle problems that may arise.

http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall05/index.html

and

http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/askquestions.htm

     LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

Ye have enemies; for who can live on this earth without them?  Take heed to yourselves: love them.  In no way can thy enemy so hurt thee by his violence, as thou dost hurt thyself if thou love him not. And let it not seem to you impossible to love him.  Believe first that it can be done, and pray that the will of God may be done in you.  For what good can thy neighbor's ill do to thee? If he had no ill, he would not even be thine enemy.  Wish him well, then, that he may end his ill, and he will be thine enemy no longer.  For it is not the human nature in him that is at enmity with thee, but his sin."  St. Augustine (354-430)

     CONSIDER

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."  C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), "Is Theology Poetry?"

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."  Philippians 2:3-4

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: THE RADIANT MORN HATH PASSED AWAY

Words: Godfrey Thring, 1864

Music: Charles F. Gounod, 1872

The radiant morn hath passed away,

And spent too soon her golden store;

The shadows of departing day

Creep on once more.

Our life is but an autumn sun,

Its glorious noon how quickly past!

Lead us, O Christ, our life work done,

Safe home at last.

O by Thy soul inspiring grace

Uplift our hearts to realms on high;

Help us to look to that bright place

Beyond the sky.

Where light, and life, and joy, and peace

In undivided empire reign,

And thronging angels never cease

Their deathless strain.

Where saints are clothed in spotless white,

And evening shadows never fall;

Where Thou, eternal Light of light,

Art Lord of all.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/r/a/radiantm.htm

     THE GRACE OF GOD

"I have heard it said, 'God didn't die for frogs.  So he was responding to our value as humans.'  This turns grace on its head.  We are worse off than frogs.  They have not sinned.  They have not rebelled and treated God with the contempt of being inconsequential in their lives.  God did not have to die for frogs. They aren't bad enough. We are. Our debt is so great, only a divine sacrifice could pay for it."  John Piper, The Passion of Jesus Christ

     DISABILITY

Almost 50 million people in the United States have some form of disability.  They represent 19.7% of the country's population over the age of 5.  (Source: 2000 U.S. Census)

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."  Helen Keller

     GOD FAQ

Question 92: What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience?

Answer: The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     SPIRITUAL WINGS

Receive daily meditational ponderments capsulized as simple one-liners in your e-mailbox as yet another path to spark the soul in thought. Includes a daily spiritual acronym; a weekly spiritual affirmation, a weekly spiritually oriented artwork, a weekly spiritual sharing, a weekly spiritual prayer, a weekly spiritual poem, a weekly spiritually oriented joke, and a weekly spiritually oriented cartoon. Ecumenical, nondenominational.

-"May the road always lead, where you need to be."

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpiritualWings/

     ON PRAYER

"Nobody finds time for prayer.  You either take time for it or you don't get it."  Joan Chittister

     PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS TODAY
http://christiansincrisis.net/

     PRAY FOR A COUNTRY TODAY
http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html

     DAILY BLESSING PACT
Use the following list as your daily prayer guide. Think of a brother or situation that applies and lift them up in prayer.

I am agreeing in prayer with you for God’s blessings to overtake you!

PERSONAL
Marital harmony
Family unity
Children saved
Faithful pastor
Spirit-filled church
Real friendships
Relatives redeemed
Educational benefits
Recreational time
Fulfilling career
Favor with God and man
Be in God’s will

FINANCIAL
Better Jobs
Raises or bonuses
Benefits
Sales & commissions
Business Growth

Settlements
Estates & inheritances
Investment increase
Rebates & returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts & surprises
Money to be found
Bills decrease while blessings increase

"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God" (Deut. 28:2).

[As you travel on business or vacation, let me know if you'd like the church guys to pray for your safety and spiritual effectiveness. I'll add your name to the list for the time you'll be away.]

     CLASSIFIEDS

Are you looking for something or do you have something to sell?  Let me know and I'll put it in this newsletter.

My friend Mathias “Spider” Schergen’s art will be showing on display at several venues during the month October.  Hope to see you there.

HOTHOUSE
31 EAST BALBO
OCTOBER 14TH – OCTOBER 28TH
RECEPTION:  SATURDAY, OCT 14TH, 3:00 – 5:00
Parking available across the street at a discounted
weekend rate.  All ages welcome.  Elevator accessible.
Visit  www.hothouse.net
click on calendar, then October 14th for more info

SOUTH SHORE CULTURAL CENTER
7059 South Shore Drive
Sept. 8 – October 30th
Opening reception:  Wednesday, October 4th   6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

CASA MICHOACAN
1638 South Blue Island
October 6th – October 30th
Opening Reception:  Friday, October 6th,  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

CAFÉ MESTIZO / CULTURAL URBAN COFFEE HOUSE
1646 West 18th Street
October 3rd – October 30th
Reception:  Friday, October 20th,  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(Live Latin music by Gonzalo Cordova from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm)

Stop in & let Matt know that you read about it in the CONNECTIONS newsletter!

     SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES

Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

Joni & Friends International Disability Center

http://www.joniandfriends.org/

Orange County Register articles on Rick Warren

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sections/news/local/warren/

All links to websites are provided as a service, and do not imply endorsement by our church.

(BTW: whenever the URLs in this newsletter are too long to turn into links on your e-mail program, just copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into a temporary email message.  Then delete the return in the middle of it and copy it again.  Then paste it into your web browser and hit enter.)

Hope is hearing the music of the future; faith is dancing to it today.

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

[email protected]

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