The Vineyard- July 29, 2012

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Matthew 26:17-30

- Why do you think Jesus allowed Judas, the one who would betray him, to share the meal with him and the other disciples? 

- Judas wasn’t the only failure present for the meal that night.  The other disciples may not have betrayed Jesus, but they did abandon him.  What does it mean to you to know that Jesus’ welcomes us to his table despite our failures, and our shortcomings?

- Judas sees Jesus’ as a good teacher, a rabbi, the others see him as Lord.  Why is it important for us to see Jesus’ not only as a good teacher, but also as the Lord of our life, and indeed all of creation?

- Jesus takes the meal that began as a memorial to Israel’s liberation from Egypt, and turns it into a memorial to our liberation from sin and death.  How does partaking of this meal remind you of that liberation?

Psalm 113:

- This psalm confirms that God is both transcendent (living in the heavens), as well as immanent (dwelling among us).  How is that possible?

- The psalm begins and ends in praise to God (“Hallelujah!”).  What can we learn from this about when to praise God?

- Why would God be especially attentive to the concerns of the poor and the barren?  What does this tell us?

Prayer Requests- July 29, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Bob Melder, Claudiea & Matt Troll, Richard Simmons, Scarlet Shockley, Bobby Joe Peterson, Clark O’Banion, Daycee Johnson, Ashleigh Parker, Doug Johnson, Ruby Smith, Helen Sonnier, Stacey Reaves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Candy Gordy, Alton Johnson, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Deborah Fuller, victims of the shootings in Colorado

The upcoming elections

Be praying for the Torch Hill Road Church of Christ and their rebuilding efforts after their church was destroyed by arson. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Haylee Cornett, Gage Fuller, Michael Fuller, Bill Goree, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Rita & George Lemley, Jerianne McPherson & Jon Louis Schneider, Dot Melder, Billy Joe Monroe, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Benny Richard, Myrtle Strother, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Allan Babb, Sylvia Bollock, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Allie Harvey, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Christine Midkiff, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Matt Troll, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Travelling: Josh Dauzat; Erica Johnson and Honduras Mission team

Deaths: The families of Ed Pebbles, Donald Joplin, Baron MacArthur, Alton Peters, Tyler Guillory, Claudia Pinkston, Charles Sibert, Darrell Guillory, John Lovas

Unspoken Requests

Praise: The three weeks of camp at CYE were a success.  Ralph McCluggage’s heart is doing fine after his by-pass a few months ago.  VBS was a success, and we pray that the effort there will bear fruit in the future.  Charles Thigpen and Clyde Dunn are both doing better.  Justin Simmons and Melissa Reynolds were married last week in New Orleans.  Sylvia Johnson has returned home safely after visiting family.    

The Vineyard- July 22, 2012

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

John 21:15-19

- This was one of the stories the children learned at VBS.  The question we asked them was, how do you think Peter felt when he realized he had Jesus’ forgiveness, even after denying him three times?

- Do you think it’s a coincidence that Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to say “I love you”?  What do you think it meant to Peter, to be able to say “I love you” three times, to the one whom he had denied three times just a few days before?

- What does this tell you about our ability to change, and Jesus ability to forgive?

- What does Jesus’ say will be required of Peter?  Will following Jesus be easy?

John 15:1-11:

- This is another passage that our kids looked at during VBS.  What do you think it means for Jesus to be the vine, and for us to be the branches?

- What does it mean to abide in Jesus?  If a branch becomes separated from the vine, does it survive?  Why does it need the vine to live and to thrive?

-  Why do we need Jesus spiritually?  What does Jesus provide so that our spirits can thrive? 

-          What does Jesus’ tell us to abide in?  (verse 9) How does the joy of Jesus reside in us?  How does that make our joy full, or complete?

Prayer Requests- July 22, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Scarlet Shockley, Bobby Joe Peterson, Ed Pebbles, Clark O’Banion, Daycee Johnson, Ashleigh Parker, Doug Johnson, Ruby Smith, Helen Sonnier, Stacey Reaves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Candy Gordy, Alton Johnson, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Deborah Fuller, victims of the shootings in Colorado

The upcoming elections

Be praying for the Torch Hill Road Church of Christ and their rebuilding efforts after their church was destroyed by arson. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Haylee Cornett, Gage Fuller, Michael Fuller, Bill Goree, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Rita & George Lemley, Jerianne McPherson & Jon Louis Schneider, Dot Melder, Billy Joe Monroe, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Benny Richard, Myrtle Strother, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Allan Babb, Sylvia Bollock, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Allie Harvey, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Christine Midkiff, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Matt Troll, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Ed Pebbles, Doris Polk

Travelling: Josh Dauzat; Erica Johnson and Honduras Mission team

Deaths: The families of Donald Joplin, Baron MacArthur, Alton Peters, Tyler Guillory, Claudia Pinkston, Charles Sibert, Darrell Guillory, John Lovas

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Ralph McCluggage’s heart is doing fine after his by-pass a few months ago.  VBS was a success, and we pray that the effort there will bear fruit in the future.  Charles Thigpen and Clyde Dunn are both doing better.  Justin Simmons and Melissa Reynolds were married last week in New Orleans.  Sylvia Johnson has returned home safely after visiting family.    

The Vineyard- July 15, 2012

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 2:40-52

-  Jesus was part of a family that made their relationship with God a priority.  Attending the religious festivals was part of their routine.  How have you made God a part of your family’s routine?  What spiritual routines do you have that will help your children grow in their relationship with God?

- Those around Jesus recognized his wisdom in the answers he provided while speaking with the teachers in the Temple.  How can we recognize and develop the talents and gifts of our young people? 

- As we read this story about Jesus’ as a boy, we see him growing so that he takes on an increasingly active role in making decisions for himself.  How can we prepare our children for the time when they have to make decisions for themselves?

Seaside with the Savior

- This week our children will be spending four nights learning about Jesus.  Pray that their minds will grow in understanding, and that their hearts will grow to love Jesus more. 

- Just because we are adults, doesn’t mean we stop learning about Jesus.  What things do you still need to learn about Jesus?  How will learning those things help you follow him more closely?  

Prayer Requests- July 15, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Ed Pebbles, Byron MacArthur, Tyler Guillory, Clark O’Banion, Daycee Johnson, Ashleigh Parker, Doug Johnson, Ruby Smith, Charles Thigpen, Allan Babb, Helen Sonnier, Stacey Reaves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Clyde Dunn, Candy Gordy, Alton Johnson, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Deborah Fuller, Presidential election

Be praying for church camp and VBS this summer!

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Haylee Cornett, Gage Fuller, Michael Fuller, Bill Goree, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Rita & George Lemley, Ralph McCluggage, Jerianne McPherson & Jon Louis Schneider, Dot Melder, Billy Joe Monroe, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Alton Peters, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Benny Richard, Myrtle Strother, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Allan Babb, Sylvia Bollock, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Allie Harvey, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Christine Midkiff, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Matt Troll, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Ed Pebbles, Doris Polk

Travelling: Pat Dauzat and family, Josh Dauzat; Sylvia Johnson

Deaths: The families of Claudia Pinkston, Charles Sibert, Darrell Guillory, John Lovas, Arlene Holloway, and Mary Ellen Mason

Unspoken Requests

Praise: J.W. Lott’s foot is healing, and he hopes to be out of his soft cast in a month.  Bill Verzwyvelt is doing better.  Also, Mamie Grantham had two stints put in successfully.    

Who is my neighbor?

Mack e-mailed me this article that he read when he got home from church on Sunday.  It's an interesting follow-up to the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Remember, the question isn't "who is my neighbor?", but "how can I be a neighbor to those around me?"

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/07/08/what-bible-says-about-kids/?intcmp=features

Mamie Grantham

Mamie Grantham did well during her heart cath this morning. The doctor put in two stints, so she'll be staying in Cabrini overnight. We're thankful that things went smoothly, and pray this leads to improved health in the days ahead!

The Vineyard- July 8, 2012

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 10:25-37

- The lawyer wants to do what’s right, but he doesn’t want to do more than he has to.  Are you ever tempted to think that way, to want to skate by with doing the minimum required?

-  Of the three men who passed by the robbery victim, which one would you expect to stop and help the man?  Which one actually does?  What does that tell you about outward appearances, and how we should judge others?

- The lawyer starts out by asking “who is my neighbor?”  However, Jesus replies by asking “which of these was a neighbor to the man?”  What does that tell you about our job as Christians?  Who are we required to be neighbors to?

II Peter 3:

-  According to this passage, why does God delay the return of Christ?  What does the reason for the delay tell you about God?

- What type of people does Peter imply that they should be?  How does Peter want them to be found in the end when Christ returns?

- Where will the righteous live when Christ returns?  What do you think is meant by a new heaven and a new earth?  What are some of the things you look forward to experiencing in the new heaven and new earth?

Prayer Requests- July 8, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Maime Grantham, Clark O’Banion, Daycee Johnson, Ashleigh Parker, Doug Johnson, Ruby Smith, Charles Thigpen, Allan Babb, Bill Verzwyvelt, Helen Sonnier, Stacey Reaves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Clyde Dunn, Candy Gordy, Alton Johnson, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Deborah Fuller, Presidential election

Be praying for church camp and VBS this summer!

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Haylee Cornett, Gage Fuller, Michael Fuller, Bill Goree, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Rita & George Lemley, Ralph McCluggage, Jerianne McPherson & Jon Louis Schneider, Dot Melder, Billy Joe Monroe, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Alton Peters, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Benny Richard, Myrtle Strother, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Allan Babb, Sylvia Bollock, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Allie Harvey, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Christine Midkiff, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug and Claudia Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Matt Troll, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Ed Pebbles, Doris Polk

Travelling: Pat Dauzat and family, Josh Dauzat; Sylvia Johnson

Deaths: The families of Darrell Guillory, John Lovas, Arlene Holloway, and Mary Ellen Mason

Unspoken Requests

Praise: J.W. Lott’s foot is healing, and he hopes to be out of his soft cast in a month.    

The Vineyard- July 1, 2012

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Philippians 2:1-11

- Humility was seen as a distinctly Christian virtue, in that the Roman world saw it as a short-coming.  How is humility a positive thing? 

- What does it mean that the very Son of God poured himself out in service to others?  If Jesus was willing to give of himself so fully, what reason do we have to not give of ourselves?

-  What does it mean to confess Jesus as Christ?  How does doing so identify us with his life?

Prayer

- Pray for those who struggle to clothe and feed themselves.  Pray that our gifts will be a blessing to them, and that the love of God will be shown through our care and concern for them. 

-  Pray for the older members of our church who have served the Lord, and by extension us, so faithfully.  Pray that they will be blessed with continued health and happiness.

- Pray for those who live in nursing homes or care facilities, often feeling forgotten by the rest of the world.  Pray that our cards and visits will brighten their day.  Also pray for those caring for them. 

-       

Prayer Requests- July 1, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Daycee Johnson, Ashleigh Parker, Doug Johnson, Charles Thigpen, Allan Babb, Bill Verzwyvelt, Julia Glass, Helen Sonnier, Stacey Reaves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Clyde Dunn, Candy Gordy, J. W. Lott, Alton Johnson, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Jerianne McPherson, Jon Louis Schneider, Deborah Fuller, Presidential election

Be praying for church camp and VBS this summer!

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Haylee Cornett, Gage Fuller, Michael Fuller, Bill Goree, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Rita & George Lemley, Ralph McCluggage, Dot Melder, Billy Joe Monroe, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Alton Peters, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Benny Richard, Myrtle Strother, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Allan Babb, Sylvia Bollock, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Darrell Guillory, Allie Harvey, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Christine Midkiff, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug and Claudia Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Matt Troll, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Ed Pebbles, Doris Polk

Travelling: Josh Dauzat; Vernon & Elaine Atkinson; Sylvia Johnson

Deaths: The families of Arlene Holloway and Mary Ellen Mason

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Andy Starns is home.  Jody Clark, Tommy McNichols, and Karen Melder are all doing better.