How to Maintain Christian Faith in College (or High School)

If you have a young person in college, or preparing for college, here is a resource for you (this could be recommended for any parent). J. Budziszewski (pronounced Boojee-shef-skee - hereafter referred to as JB) is a professor at the University of Texas. He has written a hot seller entitled, How to Stay Christian in College and just recently published a second in the series, Ask Me Anything 2 (Navpress, 2008).

He is concerned about many Christian students who head to secular (or sometimes even "religious") colleges and aren't prepared to answer professors who attack their faith. For example, a professor might declare in class: "All of you students are too intelligent to be pro-life, right?" A threat seems to be implied that your grade will go down if you challenge the statement. JB states that in most of those situations, students are silent. Rule #1 is to "Speak Up."

He goes on to state that even the most bigoted professors often change their tone when they are challenged. He also states that other rules are "be logical," "be respectful," "keep it brief" and that you don't "have to win." He suggests a student might respond, "Sir, I understand the insult, but what is the argument?" JB also challenges students to respond to the "intolerance" diatribe by declaring, "Sir, if we had to tolerate everything, wouldn't we even have to tolerate intolerance? Don't we have to use standards to decide what is tolerable and what isn't? What are yours?" (World, September 6/13, 2008, p. 26)

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.