Reverend Summers' Blog

2010-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Although it still feels like summer outside, school is back in session and fall is just around the corner. Regular activities in the church are getting ready to start back as well. But, first we have our annual Ice Cream Social. This is one of my favorite highlights of the summer. Church members bring homemade (or store bought) ice cream, desserts and sandwiches to share as we celebrate the end of the summer and start of the new Christian education year. We also take the time to get to know all of our new members by honoring them and sharing some fun facts about each of them during the ice cream social. Why don't you join us this Sunday, August 22 at 5 pm in the church fellowship hall for some tasty treats and fellowship with the church family?

Don't forget youth groups for 6th - 12th grades resumes next Wednesday, August 25 after school. Youth at MCMS are picked up by the church bus and given a ride to church. Snacks, homework time, Bible lessons, games and supper are all part of the fun.

A new group is forming on Sunday evenings for Post-High young adults. (That means people in their late teens or in their 20's) The first gathering is Sunday, August 29 at 7 pm with a pizza party and discussion of our faith in real life situations. Please call the church office at (618) 262-7331 or e-mail us at fccmc@frontier.com to make sure we have enough pizza. Come with a friend.

Christian Children's Fellowship for K-5th grades starts back on Wednesday, September 8. We pick up children at South, North and St. Mary's Schools and take them to the church. Pick up by parents is at 5 pm. We have snacks, games, Bible lessons, music and lots of fun. Registration forms must be filled out and are available in the church office.

Its not too late to sign up for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University starting on Sunday, September 12 from 5-7 pm. Whether you have no money in savings or money to invest, this is the class for you! Everyone can learn about being a better steward of their resources and growing in their faith at the same time. Call the church office, (618) 262-7331 to sign up.

Mid-Week Growth opportunities for adults start on Wednesday, September 22 from 7-8 pm. Watch this site for information about these interesting Christian growth events.

2010-08-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

How can two lives end up so differently? The two had been raised in the same house with the same parents. Growing up they attended the same schools and church. When they were old enough to leave their parents house, they both took similar paths through college. One went out into the world and took care of himself. It was all about getting the right job and meeting the right people to climb the ladder of success. No one would get in the way of obtaining money and power. Near the end of his life, he was filled with bitterness, resentment and depression. Everything just seemed so meaningless. What was the point? Alone and hurting everything appeared bleak.
The other one also worked hard but always kept God and Jesus Christ at the center of his everyday life. For this one, it was all about building a life of meaning and purpose. There were successes and failures to be experienced along the way. Money and power were never the main objects only the means to an end. God was placed first in every area of life. Near the end of his life, he was filled with joy, purpose, love, peace and a generous spirit.
The big question is how will you live your life?

Real Friends in Jesus

2010-06-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

According to David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons book UnChristian What a New Generation really thinks about Christianity and Why It Matters (Baker Books copyright 2007 ) Research from the Barna Group has revealed that many people outside the walls of the church view Christians as hypocritical, sheltered, too political, judgemental and many other things that are not very flattering to those of us in the faith of Jesus Christ. For the most part I would find it hard to argue many of these points in defense of we Christians. Many evangelism techniques involve a bait and switch approach. We will get a group from the church to invite people to a ball game, concert or other event just to deliver our Christian punch line when we feel the time is right. It sounds like one of those "free" vacation week ends where you have to listen to an aggressive sales pitch to buy a condo or a piece of land. Far too often we have used people as our evangelism projects only to turn our backs on them when they have failed to live up to our standards.
In almost 20 years of ministry I have the discovered the best method for introducing people to Jesus Christ is by really caring deeply for others in Christian love. In other words being a friend in Jesus Christ. Being involved in the community God has called you to serve by doing the everyday things we Christians overlook or believe we are too busy to do can have a great impact in a person's life. God made it simple. "You shall the love the Lord our God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There are no greater commandments than these." (Mark 12: 30 - 31 New Revised Standard Version) It is really that simple. Love God and love others in Christs name. Yes invite people to church and yet do so with love and conern. Don't threaten or get in their face with your views of God or your interpretation of the Bible. Don't be the office nag or brag about how great you think your church is compared to other churches. Show true Christian love for those in need. Care about others in Christ name especially when there is nothing in it for you. If others see that you are following Christ believe it or not people will want to follow Christ as well. Friendships don't happen all at once. Take time to care and watch others and yourself grow in Christ's love. Be brave enough to care. Be a real friend in Jesus.