Nebraska's New "Safe Haven" Law

Nebraska has recently instituted a "safe-haven" law which allows parents who have unwanted children to leave them at hospitals with no questions asked. This law can be applied to any child under 19 years of age. This would allow parents who have an unwanted baby, a disabled child, an unruly teenager, hormonal teenager, etc., to leave the child/ren at a hospital. [from christianpost.com]

New Chronological Study Bible Released by Thomas Nelson

Here is a quote from Pastor's Weekly Briefing about this Bible:

"While chronological Bibles, such as the NIV One Year Chronological Bible (1995) have been published in the past, The Chronological Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson is the first study Bible to present the text of the New King James Version in the order of events as they occurred with notes, articles, timelines, maps, charts and full-color illustrations. As an example of some of the changes in the format, whole sections of Isaiah and Nehemiah are reordered to better reflect the historical timeline; the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are merged into one, based on Mark's chronology; and some of Paul's letters are woven into the book of Acts."

While many Christians find a Bible arranged according to historical events very helpful for understanding the context, some scholars have expressed concern about the new format. "I do think you do lose something when you start demolishing any book of the Bible," said Richard Hess, professor of Old Testament at Denver Seminary. "You lose the literary and theological context." (quoted from Pastor's Weekly Briefing, August 29, 2008)

Sometimes reading passages in chronological order can be helpful in understanding the flow of Biblical history. This might be a helpful Bible to use to read through the Bible in a year.

Ryston & Anna Williamson

We ask that you might remember Ryston Williamson as Anna has been promoted into her Savior's presence on August 27, 2008. Anna & Ryston had been married for 64 years. You can read more of her background and leave a note of encouragement here.

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Fike

Congratulations to Brian and Jessica who were married on July 4th. They both attend the First Service because of Brian's work schedule and live in Waynesboro, PA. Brian works for Ryan Homes and Jessica is working at First Data. We wish them God's best in their journey together!

Ministry Teams - Introduction

One of the necessary prerequisites for Christian growth and maturity is the exercise of spiritual gifts and abilities for the Lord (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12). In an effort to do a better job of providing opportunities for using your gifts, we are developing Ministry Teams. These teams include: Missions Team, Worship & Music Team, Property Team, Finance Team, Welcome & Hospitality Team, Christian Education Team, Care Team, Communications Team.

All of these teams obviously, cannot be developed at the same time and some are already functioning. The Missions Team has recently had an organizational meeting to think through opportunities and strategy. The Worship & Music team is planning a meeting to begin to begin its development. The other teams will be organized as we feel that we have been able to get these two functioning well.

A few of these teams are already functioning such as the Care Team (overseen by the Deacons & Deaconesses), the Finance Team, (overseen by the finance officers), the Property Team (overseen by the Trustees).

The purpose of these Ministry Teams is to provide opportunities for each person to use the gifts that God has given. Our current emphasis is to get the structure in place to make these teams effective. Your prayer are appreciated! You will be kept informed so that you can participate in an area where you feel God is directing. (More specific information about each team will be shared in future entries).

Church Security Update

Beginning next week (8/25/08), church keys will no longer provide access to the church building. If you need access and have not obtained an access card from the office, please do so and turn in your old key. This is not to prohibit access to those needing to enter the building, but is part of a larger initiative to provide for better safety and security for those who fellowship with us. We certainly live in a different day than when church doors were open 24/7. We thank the Security Team for their continuing work on this project.

Transcript to Civil Forum at Saddleback

If you do not have a high speed internet connection (or want to be able to read through the answers to the forum) here is a link to the transcript: here

It is interesting that a number of secular pundits are having problems with the venue - DeWayne Wickham of USA Today for example: here

Interview Links for Barack Obama & John McCain from Saddleback Civil Forum

It is important to be an informed voter as we consider the election of 2008. Obviously, most campaign adds are not very helpful. Pastor Rick Warren (of Saddleback Community Church) held a Civil Forum in which both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain were asked serious questions about issues that matter and these candidates were able to respond. This was not a debate forum, but an opportunity to for each candidate to respond individually the questions. Each candidate was interviewed for about one hour. I would encourage you to listen to both candidates, regardless of your political preference. You will undoubtedly learn some things about each of them that you were not aware. The links to the four parts are listed below. (Note: you will need a fast internet connection for this to work)

Forum - Obama Part 1

Forum - Obama Part 2

Forum - McCain Part 3

Forum - McCain Part 4

Son of Hamas Leader Turns Back on Islam and Embraces Christianity

An interesting article on Foxnews about a young man who was raised Muslim and has embraced Christianity. He understands the concept of leaving family and taking up his cross. You can read the short interview or watch the video of the interview here.

What is a Grace Brethren Church?

. . . A Grace Brethren Church is a local assembly of believers in Jesus Christ who are affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, or its counterpart Fellowship in other nations, and are committed to:

1. One another as a spiritual family;
2. The Statement of Faith as a summary of our biblical beliefs and practice.
3. The practice of triune-immersion baptism and three-fold communion (because we believe the Bible teaches these - grammatically and theologically and Church history supports this, not because we have "always done it this way").
4. Oversight by an elder (or elders) who fulfill(s) scriptural qualifications.
5. The observance of regular worship services.

The purpose of a local church is the worship of God, the edification and fellowship of believers, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

A Grace Brethren Church is not part of a denomination, but it is part of a Fellowship of Churches. This means that each local church is autonomous and self-governing. There is no outside hierarchy that controls it, though the local church voluntarily works with other churches in the Fellowship to accomplish things which would be difficult to do on its own such as missions, youth events, Ministerium support, and other events. We also work with other churches which are committed to following Christ.

(adapted from an article by Jerry R. Young – AGBM, Summer 2008)

Is 99% of the Truth Good Enough?

A certain Senator has affirmed that he told 99% of the truth regarding his infidelity, though even that assertion seems to be unraveling quickly (Note: please stop and pray for his wife and for his family in this crisis). The point seems to be that 99% of the truth is more than good enough -- that it is honorable. That thought process is probably true for many Americans and even many Christians. Yet Scripture instructs us that our "Yes" is to be "Yes" and our "No" is to be "No" (Matt 5:37 & James 5:12). God instructs us to be 100% truth tellers because He always tells the truth and we are to show the family trait of truth telling. That also includes attempting to give deceptive responses.

Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, {10} and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. (Col 3:9-10 NASB)

This sad event is a reminder to all of us to make sure that we are people of integrity. Let's make sure that as followers of Jesus Christ that our "Yes" is 100% "Yes" and our "No" is 100% "No". Of course, this doesn't even begin to address the importance of marital fidelity.

New Stage in Ryan Martin's Life

You are encouraged to remember Ryan Martin in prayer as he leaves this weekend for the FBI Academy

Importance of Fathers @ Church

A statement made from a study in Switzerland is, "If a father does not go to church, no matter how regular the mother is in her religious practices, only one child in 50 becomes a regular church attendee." You know the condition of the church in that country. (from David T. Olson's book entitled, The American Church in Crisis)