The Vine

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

2009-08-18T10:43:00.000-04:00

Important Prayer Requests

- Please continue to pray for Sarah Hernandez and her family as her mom's cancer seems to be in its final stages. The latest prognosis is weeks not months. Please give Sarah a call or just spend some time in prayer for her this week.

- Please pray for the Bennetts as they continue seeing physicians and seeking guidance on a possible MS diagnosis.

- Pray for the Miles as they are at Erlanger (Tuesday 8/18) for Carson's inducement. We expect a birth announcement soon!

iMarriage, Week 2

Join us this week for our second installment of iMarriage!

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

2009-08-11T07:59:00.000-04:00

New Series: iMarriage

If you haven't been with us in a few weeks, we have officially completed the book of John. Starting this Sunday, August 16th, we will be going through a 4 week series called "iMarriage". The format will be a video (Andy Stanley) with discussion to follow. If there are friends at Woodland Park or outside of the church that could benefit from this, please let them know. We are looking forward to some great discussion!

Campus Crusade for Christ Project

Ben and Andrea Lamb, who are on staff with Campus Crusade at UTC, have invited us to join them this Thursday for a service project to incoming freshmen. A note from Ben:

The first 72 hours are the most critical for students as they are making connections and friends that most likely will determine the direction of their lives. As a result, we put a lot of resources and energy in meeting student and making our presence known that first week.

The very first interaction we have with them is move-in day! We basically swarm the campus and help students carry their things to their rooms. In the process, we get to know them a little and invite them to come to other events we will be having the first week. Meeting students right as they step foot on campus for the first time is so important and we could use your help! The more people we have, the more students we are able to meet.

So..here's the skinny. We are looking for volunteers to join us on campus at UTC Thursday, August 13th from 7:30am-noon. We need folks who can carry things as well as people who could hand out water. We will provide you with a "Move in CRU" shirt and a free lunch!

If you have the morning available and would like more info, please email Ben at bennett.lamb@uscm.org.

Sunday, June 14th, 2009

2009-06-17T20:42:00.000-04:00

Announcements

Pool Party: The Amicks will be hosting a pool party for the Vine on July 11th at 4pm. Look for the Evite to come!

Girl's Tea: Angela Duval is hosting a Tea for the ladies on Tuesday, July 21st at 6:30pm. More details to come.

The Vine Serving In Nursery! June the 28th is our nursery day at church. No class that morning. Please email Ginny if you can be there (this really helps!). She'll set you up with a specific room assignment.

Join us this Sunday morning as we continue the discussion on Christ's suffering from John.

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

2009-05-20T21:50:00.000-04:00

Spontaneous Camper?

From the Patricks:

A few families from The Vine are going camping at Harrison Bay State Park on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, 6th (you may camp for one or both nights). This is an informal invitation because Harrison Bay is a first come/first serve campground. (campsites: $20/ night) The intent is to camp together but without having the ability to make reservations, it will take some logistics.

The Patricks live close to Harrison Bay and plan to go early and get a campsite with a small picnic shelter included. Then others can join as their schedule allows. Be aware, summer is a busy time for camping and the early bird gets the better campsites.

If you are not a camper and just want to come on Saturday, June 6th, that is OK too. We plan to be camping across from the playground, a large field, and walking distance to the swimming pool (there is a small fee to swim, even if you are camping). We plan to eat dinner together -bring your own hot dogs or hamburgers w/ fixin's, drinks, and a side dish or dessert to share.

Let Tim Patrick (tim@cornerstonefreight.com or 309-1543) know if you're interested in either camping or the Saturday dinner and we can organize a little further once we get a number interested.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

2009-05-06T08:47:00.000-04:00

The Truth About the Cross

This Sunday, we'll pick up in John 19.

Thanks for your input over the last few weeks as we discovered some powerful truths about the cross.

As a "final thought", here are some great questions from a recent sermon by Joe Mulroney:

1. Does your life evidence turning toward God's truth, or turning away from it ?

2. What role does God's truth play in your life?

3. When truth is revealed, what do you do with it?

4. What is your relationship to the body of Christ?

5. How are you fulfilling your role as a Minister of Reconciliation? (II Cor 5)

Announcements

- Contact Sonya Scott to coordinate meals for the Mynatts beginning Monday, May 11th. She can be reached at 298-4913 for more details.

- Baby Shower for Aston Miles and Katie Klepper on Sunday, June 7th, 2-4pm at the Breneman's. Contact Ginny with questions. Linked Registries: Kleppers: BabiesRus and Target. Miles: BabiesRus.

- Celebration of Hope RE-scheduled for May 30, 2009 (see earlier post).

2009-04-24T08:02:00.000-04:00

Celebration of Hope Ministry Event

• Date: Saturday, May 9th
• Time: 1-6 pm.
• Location: Oglethorpe Ridge Apartments (Fort Oglethorpe, GA)
• Serving: Precious Single Parent families. There may also be couples.
• Focus: Sharing Jesus Christ that the hurting, lost and dying would be saved. Also, planting seed for the Hope Sessions.
• Activities: Children Activities, Speakers, Music
• Needs: Come and spend time with single mothers and children, donate money and/or food to help provide a meal (menu TBD).

Face Painting at Riverbend

• Date: Sunday, June 7
• Time(s): WPBC will be working two shifts, 5-7:45 pm and 7:45-10:30 pm
• Needs: Come share Jesus while painting faces. The colors tell the Gospel story! If interested, there's a quick training conducted by Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Be Praying This Week!

Lots of prayer requests - Lisa Voss teaching women in Nicaragua , Paul's dad's bladder cancer and recovery, Sonya Scott's friend Deborah and daughter Ellison, Lora Miller's co-worker, James Bundrick long work days. Amicks offering huge praises for Benjamin's upcoming 1st Birthday and the blessings of the last year.

Men's Prayer Time at Brenemans: Thursday April 30th, 7-8:00 pm. (E-mail prayer requests if you cannot be there.)

All girls are invited to come celebrate with Angela Brooks before her new baby girl arrives. Come to Carrabas, Monday April 27th at 6:30. Let Ginny know if you will be joining and if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing everyone.

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

2009-04-08T07:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

The Vine will not meet on Easter morning, April 12th. But a few things to remember:

- Both James Bundrick and the Bennetts have now received their care package. See the Bennett's comments by clicking here, and James' comment by clicking here. Thanks Vine!

- Remember the upcoming prayer times - info in last week's post. (scroll down).

- Sunday, April 19th, more of "The Truth about the Cross".

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

2009-03-31T21:36:00.000-04:00

Need to Know

- The week The Vine serves in the nursery together (April 5th). Please email Ginny B if you plan to be there.

- Baby Shower for Andrea Mynatt on Sunday, April 5th, from 3 to 5pm at the Bundrick's. See Evite for directions or contact Ginny (click name above).

- Women's Prayer time: Breneman's. April 16th. 7 to 8pm. Directions in last week's post.

- Men's Prayer time: Breneman's. April 30th. 7 to 8pm. Directions in last week's post.

- No class on Easter! See you April 19th for "The Truth about the Cross".

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

2009-03-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

Announcements

Baby Shower for Andrea Mynatt on Sunday, April 5th, from 3 to 5 at Christina Bundrick's house. See Evite for directions. If you didn't get the Evite or accidentally deleted it, contact Ginny Breneman.

Thursday Night Prayer Times: We are getting together to pray once a month and decided the best way to work out childcare would be to have separate times for men and women. Please join the women at the Breneman's house on April 16th from 7 to 8pm. The men will be meeting on April 30th at the Breneman's from 7 to 8pm. (Click here for directions).

Upcoming Series

Funny how after over a year in the book of John we arrive at the crucifixion just before Easter.

Over the next few weeks we'll be doing a series called "The Truth About the Cross". We'll be borrowing thoughts from Henry Blackaby's book Experiencing the Cross.

It certainly isn't a prerequisite to purchase the book - you'll be able to follow along without it. But if you are at a point where you are looking for a great book, feel free to purchase it to go even deeper.

2009-03-10T17:07:00.000-04:00

No Greater Job

If the enormous task of parenting seems overwhelming, (re)imagine what it was like to be a child...learning, growing, and making mistakes. Sometimes what you needed most was an ally, an encourager, someone who you could trust, a defender.

Yet how difficult it can be as parents to balance discipline with encouragement.

You might remember Derek Redmond from the 1992 Olympics. His father was by his side his entire life as he trained to win gold. A perfect picture of coming alongside your child...

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

2009-03-05T17:17:00.000-05:00

Care Package Update:

Thanks so much for the great response for the care packages for the Bennetts and James Bundrick. We are planning to mail the care packages next week so if you signed up for something, please bring next Sunday, March 8.

Also, we will be taking up money for postage next Sunday. We are looking at between $40-$60 for the Bennett's package to go the Czek Republic and $12-$24 for James' package to Kuwait. Please contact the Skinners if you are unable to bring your item next Sunday so we can connect with you to get it. Also, if you would like to send cards in the packages, please bring next Sunday. We'd love to have hand-made cards from some of the kids! We know these packages will be a huge blessing to them as they are serving others in these countries.

Continuing in "Case for Kids" on Sunday morning.

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

2009-02-26T20:58:00.000-05:00

Service Update

We are collecting items for a care-package for James Bundrick and the Bennetts who are both serving overseas. Please bring items to class over the next two weeks. If you can't bring items and want to donate money for postage or gifts, please contact the Skinners.

Meals still going on for Christina Bundrick! Contact Ginny to coordinate.

Case for Kids

This week we'll start back on "The Case for Kids". We are at the half-way mark and looking forward to some tough subjects ahead. Bring your workbook!

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

2009-01-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

Important Service Update

The Hope Unlimited Celebration for single mothers at West side Housing Project (1201 Poplar Street) will begin two hours earlier than originally planned this Saturday. It now starts at 2:30 pm and goes until 7 pm. Rita still needs help with food; if you feel led to bring a meal or donate money to help purchase food, please let Jason know by noon on Tuesday.

Prayer!

Many new babies to pray for this week. The Scotts, the Bundricks (Feb 6th), the Wolfersbergers (anytime now!). Also for others in the class expecting. Pray for James Bundrick as he transitions to Kuwait. And for the Blackistons as they continue to fight Lyme's. Please also pray for direction for The Vine as we prayerfully consider what God has in store for us in 2009.

The Case

Please join us Sunday for week 3 of The Case for Kids study.

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

2009-01-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

God Awareness

Do you get a lot of this?

The emotions that come from having children is everything from elated to beleaguered. How do you stay focused on the goal? Last Sunday's message can be summed up with this quote:

"God is everywhere, and the most powerful thing that you can do for your child is to build in him very early this inescapable God-Awareness".

Join us Sunday AM as we tackle week two together of "The Case for Kids"!

Service Update

As mentioned in class on Sunday, Rita Carr is hosting a Hope Unlimited Celebration at various housing projects in Chattanooga this year. The first will take place in a couple weeks, and she is seeking volunteers to bring food and/or minister to the families.

Please see details below, and contact Jason Skinner (443.8703 or skinner1@hotmail.com) if you have any questions or can commit to participating.

Celebration of Hope Event• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2008• Time: 4:00- 7:30 pm• Location: Westside Housing Project • Address: 1200 Grove Street (activities will be within the gym, which is located in the Westside Housing Project) • Ministry activities: Music (including Dale Crawford and the quartet) testimonies, speaker, and the sharing of gospel). Also, food will be served.

• How we can help? Bring/serve food; participate in children’s activities; interact with families and show them the love of Christ. Rita is hoping for enough to feed at least 150 individuals. If you can’t bring food, you can prepare it beforehand and ask someone else to deliver.• Is there a specific type of food? The recommendation was spaghetti, salad, corn and rolls—but if the class has a warm meal idea that they would like to prepare that would be great!• Would it be OK if class members brought children? Yes! This would be a wonderful missions opportunity for our children to serve. If possible, we need commitments to bring food by this Sunday (1/25). She said anything we can bring is a HUGE help. Also, Rita asked us to keep her ministry in our prayers, as they’ve submitted a grant to provide housing for single mothers through Hope Unlimited.

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

2009-01-14T06:39:00.000-05:00

Special Series

On January 18th, we begin a series on parenting called The Case for Kids by Tedd and Paul David Tripp. This series will take us to the "heart issues" of being a family. We will learn about biblical parenting from infancy to teenagers. It will challenge us as parents to not focus on behavior, but to place our focus on the heart of our children as well as our own heart issues. The study will be profitable for those with children, those who desire to have children or for those who will have grandchildren one day. We look forward to growing together with you.

- Paul & Lisa Voss

Sunday, January 4th, 2008

2009-01-06T21:15:00.000-05:00

Resources

Here are the resources discussed on Sunday morning:

Develop A Plan for 09! Visioneering - Andy Stanley

Prayer ! The Power of a Praying ...Stormie Omartian

More Intimate Prayer Time ! The Valley of Vision

Explaining the Gospel to Children ! The Lamb

Serving Others As a Family ! 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference (Focus)

First Things First Family Class Schedule for 2009 !

What is the Tim Patrick challenge? The Vine reads through the Bible together in 09 to make Heb 10 time incredibly rich! Here are the resources mentioned for this on Sunday morning:
Chronological Bible and the McArthur Daily Bible. There are also many links online for Bible reading plans, many which actually email you the daily reading.

Parenting! What Daughters Need From Their Dad and Raising a Modern Day Knight.

But Wait, There's More !

Remember that this Sunday, January 11th, is Vine Nursery Week. We'll be back together on the 18th to begin the Parenting Study (a short break from John).

Finally, the Skinners are developing a few ideas for 09 and would really appreciate your feedback! Please take a minute and email them (click here) to share your thoughts on the three items below! Everyone who provides feedback will be entered into a drawing for an incredible prize to be given out on January 18th, in class !

VINE Missions Team: Prayerfully consider being part of a class missions team to Eleuthera this summer. A couple people have expressed interest in a short-term missions opportunity, and this Bahamas-based mission center would be the perfect fit. Ministry activities would include light construction, leading school assemblies or backyard Bible clubs, building relationships with locals, and other fun and challenging tasks. Cost would be around $1,000 per person (which includes everything except breakfast each day). Don’t let the cost scare you away. We will provide resources to assist you in raising the financial support to pay for the trip. Tentative timeline is a week-long trip in June or July.

VINE Guys: Would you be interested in a bi-weekly Bible Study that meets on Saturday morning from 7:30-9 am? Topic to be determined; could coincide with what we're studying in class or be completely different (wide open to ideas). We'd probably start the first week of February and go for 10-12 weeks.

VINE Retreat: We're considering a VINE getaway in 2009; perhaps as early as spring. Interested?

2009 Review

2009-01-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

A New Year!

"What I really lack is to be clear in my mind what I am to do, not what I am to know... to see what God really wishes me to do...to find the idea for which I can live and die.

Soren Kierkegaard

Have you had a chance to consider spiritual, family, or personal goals for 2009? Sunday morning we'll have a discussion format built around reflecting on 2008, and encouraging each other for the upcoming year.

Announcements

- The Vine Nursery duty is Sunday, January 11th at our regularly scheduled class time.

- Pray for the Bundricks this weekend as James is headed toward the Middle East.

- This Saturday (1/03) at 3:00pm, the Bennetts are hosting a gathering (Woodland Park - Room 157) to catch up with friends and family who they might not get to see before leaving for the CR. Feel free to drop by and pick up a prayer card!

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

2008-12-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2.0

The Vine engaged in a big way over these last few weeks. Maybe at times a little overwhelming, but a privilege to chase down the opportunities that God was handing us.

You sang, partied, raffled, cooked, shopped, volunteered, and gave your way to a more meaningful Christmas in 08. Here is a quick update from the Skinners!

The Lord provided more than we ever imagined. We have already bought for 3 families and we are waiting to get info to help a 4th family through Hope Unlimited (if you have time to shop or wrap, let me know because we still need help getting everything ready for this additional family by Sunday).

We also donated money to go towards the kitchen table that Deborah Burroughs is getting for her student and his single mom. After speaking with Larry Frick (missions/outreach pastor) on other ways to use the money, he suggested we give the leftover money back to the church and mark it for Chattanooga Outreach, which is what we will be doing on Sunday.

We were also able to raise $520 for AAA Women's Services at our Christmas Party (click here party pics).

Thank you for your prayers and support! Jason and Selena Skinner

There will be class this Sunday, the 21st.

2008-12-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

Service Updates!

Inner City Christmas Store:
We need your help to run the Christmas store. If you and your family are interested in volunteering some of your time this year, we could definitely use you. Here is the schedule of events for the next few weeks. Please prayerfully consider volunteering your time—which could be two hours or all day, every day—for one of the events.

December 12 ~ Set up for Christmas Store from 9 am to 1 pm
December 15-17 ~ Christmas store hours 10 am to 6 pm
December 18 ~ 10 am to 4 pm
December 18 ~ Christmas dinner for the East Chattanooga residents ~ 6 pm
December 19 ~ 9 am to 12 pm
December 20 ~ Clearance day of Christmas Store ~ 9 am to 1 pm
Breakdown of Christmas store 1 pm to when it is all done!

Caroling!

We'll be meeting at Morning Point at 3:50pm this Saturday! Click here for Directions. Firehouse subs on Gunbarrel after we sing!

Hope Unlimited!

Plenty of opportunity remaining to give! Contact Selena if you can help! Sooner the better.

Ham or Dessert?
Volunteers needed to purchase and cook turkeys, hams, or desserts for Hope Unlimited dinner (5:00pm, Dec 21st, Room 127). Contact Louise Edwards at 423-622-8830 if you can help.

The Vine Christmas Party!

Looking forward to this week's Christmas Party. Get Directions to the Blackistons by clicking on the name, or see email!

Finally, enjoy this video to prime you for the party...

Christmas Party

2008-12-11T21:03:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

2008-11-25T07:57:00.000-05:00

Changing Times

Just one short generation ago, you would have been almost completely insulated from persecution as an American believer. Few would disagree that this is changing...fast. Take a look at this recent interview from CNN.com. The content of the interview (this is not an endorsement of his argument!) isn't as important as the way he is treated for his belief.

Join us Sunday morning as we look at John 15:17-25. And as we pray for the persecuted church abroad.

Keep In Mind

- See last week's post for full info on upcoming service projects. One clarification: We will be caroling on Saturday, December 13th at 4:30 pm at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Ooltewah. Bring your kids! We'll also have dinner afterward together.

- Christmas Party: December 12th, 6:30pm. Tim "Clark" Blackiston is already putting up the Christmas lights to prepare. Come enjoy catered Macaroni Grill for $20.00 per couple. Pay Scott B sometime on or before the 7th.

- Here is the information on the WPBC Christmas Special and Coffee Shoppe.

- Remember the baby shower for Tiffany and Christina on December 2nd!

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

2008-11-21T20:33:00.000-05:00

A New Christmas Tradition

How is it that every holiday season seems to get by without our changing the hectic pace and mountains of gifts to something more...significant? Take a look at this video for some "pre-Christmas perspective". Feel free to share ideas on what your family might be doing to make this Christmas different in the comments section. And see service opportunities below.

Outreach

- Service Project for Operation Christmas Child: Michelle Patrick has made a reservation for 10 people to volunteer in Atlanta on Saturday, November 29 from 5-9 pm. It would involve sorting all the various items that have been donated and packing them up for delivery. She needs to know soon if anyone is interested so she can either confirm or cancel the reservation. Click here to email Michelle.

- Service Project for Shepherd's Arms: There is a need for groups to provide monthly meals for this ministry that assists abused women and their children. We would need to provide enough food for 60 people and deliver already cooked/prepared. Could be as simple as lasagna or hot dogs. Email Jason to discuss.

- Caroling anyone? We have an opportunity to take our kids to do a little caroling at Morning Point on either Saturday, December 6th or 13th. If you are interested, email Jason to sign up. We hope to go caroling and then to dinner.

Other Events

- New Women's Bible Study by Beth Moore: Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. At Julie Gee's mom's house in Mountain Shadows. We are meeting Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 and then we will continue on Tuesday nights after the new year. This is an awesome time to get with other believers. We normally even come in our warm up suits or flannel pj's. Please contact Selena at 855.0201 if you would like more info.

- Christmas Party: Friday, December 12th at 6:30 at the Blackistons. Adults only so line up your babysitter now! The menu will be catered Macaroni Grill for $20 a couple - please pay Scott Bergthold on or before Sunday, December 7th. (PS: If times are tight, RSVP to Scott and come anyway!)

- Baby Shower: for Christina Bundrick and Tiffany Wolfersberger, December 2nd, 6:30 at the Breneman's.

2008-11-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

Bearing Fruit

The Father's job in John 15 is clear: to secure fruitfulness. His priority is to see spiritual fruit in the branches of the Vine. After all, a vine left unpruned might produce fruit, but along with that comes a portion of unproductive growth.
Pruning ensures maximum fruitfulness.

These aren't just simple words of encouragement offered by Christ, but a very clear imperative:

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing." John 15:4-5 NIV

Upcoming...
- Men's Prayer time: November 20th, 7-8pm at the Breneman's.
- The Vine Christmas Party: Friday, December 12th @ 6:30pm.
- Baby shower for Tiffany Wolfersberger and Christina Bundrick will be Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:30 at the Breneman's house.
- On Saturday, November 15th, from 2-5pm, our own Lora Miller will be part of an open house to introduce a mural that she designed and directed for the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. The mural is based on the wise man/foolish man parable from Luke 6:47-49. The reception will be held at 6623 Lee Hwy, in the main office building in the center of the campus.

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

2008-10-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

Announcements

- Men's Prayer night is this Thursday, October 16th from 7-8pm at the Miles.

- Sunday morning, The Vine will be serving together in the nursery. Salsaritas following church.

- Cards & Gift cards are being collected for Pastors Appreciation Month. Cards can be delivered to Donna Wilson's office or brought to class on Sunday, October 26th.

- Baby shower for Sonya Scott on Nov 8th, 10:30 am. Directions:

HWY 27 up Signal Mtn to stop light
go about 3.3 miles, (look for water tower)
turn LEFT on Anderson Pike (at Nazarene Church)
turn LEFT on Laurel Springs Way
turn RIGHT on Laurel Cove Lane
first driveway on LEFT - #3030

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

2008-10-09T21:38:00.000-04:00

The Amicks

Please continue to pray for Benjamin Amick as he works through recovery. Still much to pray about -get the full details on how to pray by clicking here.

How to Serve This Week?

- Meals for the Amicks will be handled by Kristy B.

- Congrats to the Hammels as they welcomed Emme into the world. Please click here to email Lynn Miller about providing a meal.

- Next week, October 19th will be the Vine's nursery week. Bring Duct tape (joke). War story lunch following church at Salsarita's. (no joke)

- Upcoming Prayer Times: Men's: October 16th, 7-8pm, Miles. & November 20th, 7-8pm, Brenemans. Women's: November 6th, Skinner's. Click names for directions.

Doubt

Ever struggled with doubt? Join us this week for John 14:1-14. Read over it if you can!

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

2008-09-29T21:16:00.000-04:00

Czech Out the Bennetts!

An update from Phillip Bennett:

If you were not in class Sunday, be aware! The Bennetts are back (temporarily). Yes, this family of four: Ella, Grace, Lisa, and Philip still count themselves a part of the Vine, though seemingly always outside the Chattanooga area. We just returned from a mission to Libby, MT where Philip was employed by the EPA by day but worked with Libby Baptist Church following the heart of the church to reach the lost. The newest member of the family made her debut at class on Sunday after visiting the nursery at Woodland Park for the first time. Grace has only recently celebrated her second birthday so she was proud to attend services as well. Make plans for dinner and fellowship soon because the visit can not last. God has called the Bennetts to serve with the International Mission Board in the Czech Republic beginning January 2009. Departure comes quicker than that however. Training begins October 20th 2008 for the family in Rockville, VA.

PRAY FOR THE AMICKS!

Pray this week for the Amicks as they prepare for baby Benjamin's open-heart surgery on Thursday. The most current info is found on their blog by clicking here. We'll also start meals for them when they return. Contact Kristy B.

Also pray this week for Dillon & Deborah Burroughs as they welcome Audrey Grace into the world! Contact Ginny to sign up for a meal for them.

Finally!

Remember that this Thursday, October 2nd, is the women's prayer night at the Miles' from 7-8:00pm. (See Directions on email blast). Other important upcoming dates:

Men's Prayer: Thursday, October 16th 7-8:00pm (Miles)
Women's Prayer: Thursday, November 6th 7-8:00pm (Breneman)
Men's Prayer: Thursday, November 20th 7-8:00pm (Breneman)

Class-Wide Nursery Duty! Sunday morning, October 19th: 10:45-12:00. "War Stories Lunch" at Salsarita's directly after service.

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

2008-09-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

The Servant

What a paradox from John 13 - the creator of the world now cleaning the feet of His creation.

Col 1:15-17
In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

John 13:4-5
So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him.

Women's Bible Study

We will begin our night fall bible study on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 (at Julie Gee's mom's house). We will be studying the Precept study-The Covenant. Since this is a very in-depth study we will only meet every other week. Please let Selena know this week if you would like to join so we can get a study guide for you.

Sunday, August 16th, 2008

2008-08-21T21:28:00.000-04:00

Service Project with Habitat

A word from Skinner: Don't forget this Saturday's WPBC-wide Habitat for Humanity service project. We'll be working alongside college students and other members of the Chattanooga community who might not know Christ, so along with providing shelter for someone in need there will be opportunities to share the Gospel. Shifts are 9-11 am and 1:30-3:30 pm (or all day from 9 am-3:30 pm). Contact me at 443-8703 or skinner1@hotmail.com for more information.

A Few Things

Join us this Sunday to meet a couple raising support for Campus Crusade for Christ at UTC. They'll be giving a brief update of the ministry. Then join us at Qdoba on Brainerd Rd. after class to get to know them in person. We'll also be discussing future service projects - so bring any great ideas!

Sunday, August 3rd, 2008

2008-08-05T20:26:00.000-04:00

Prayer Requests & Announcements

- We are currently gathering a team for Habitat for Humanity project on August 23rd. Men and women are welcomed for either the morning or afternoon shift. Please contact Skinner at skinner1@hotmail.com for details.

- Click here for information about ProMaCC's Long haul road trip to Charlotte this weekend.

- The Blackistons are inviting anyone from the Vine to join them for Prayer on the Porch, held the first Monday of every month from 7:30 to 9:30. Click here for details.

- Huge congrats to the Williams who have welcomed baby Mary Etta Williams into the world!! Please contact Selena to provide meals.

- Please lift up your H10 partner and continue to pray for the Hutchings family this week as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Also for little Levi Bergthold as he struggles through acute cerebellar ataxia - that recovery would be quick!

Praying with Your Children
Remember your homework assignment this week was to pray scripture with your children! Use the provided list that we came up with in class to pray - and please use the comment section (click on "comments" above) to report how it is going.

You might also check out this resource on praying scripture with your child.

This week will again be interactive as we meet and pray with a few parents who have experience on this topic! Come ready to share your successes, failures, questions, or comments.

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

2008-07-23T22:20:00.000-04:00

Praying

Starting this Sunday we'll take a three week break from the gospel of John.

Sunday we'll have an extended Hebrew's 10 time - a chance to pray and discuss God's work in all of our lives. Make sure to bring your favorite Psalm.

On August 3rd and 10th we'll have a series called "How to Pray for Your Children". This will be a interactive look at ways to pray for your children in areas like safety, salvation, growth, etc. There will even be a "panel of experts" from parents who have years of wisdom to share. Join us!

Service Update

Please make sure to bring gift cards for the Hutchings family this week to class - Sunday is the deadline. They are most interested in Target for clothes and Wal-Mart for supplies! Thanks for your faithfulness - let's overwhelm them with God's grace! Contact Skinner with questions!

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

2008-07-16T20:44:00.000-04:00

John In Real Life

How would you feel if this guy showed up at the front door of Woodland Park this week? What if you found out he was the pastor?

He was recently discovered at the doorstep of Trinity Methodist Church in the UK, surrounded by beer cans and syringes. Church members avoided him, some asking him to stay away from their cars. They literally stepped by him to get into the church building.

You can also imagine their surprise when the Reverend Derek Rigby stood up from the mess and revealed his disguise to his congregants.

As it turns out, he was trying to "communicate a serious message of acceptance in an emotive way", leaving the rest of us to wonder, how would the gospel of John play out in our church community?

Beware, Scott might show up like this one day... (click here for BBC story)

Join us this Sunday for John 11.

Service Update & Prayer!

On July 20th and 27th, we will be collecting gift cards to help the Hutching's family outfit all 7 kids for back to school! Mrs. Hutchings (the grandmother) prefers Target and Wal-Mart, but could also use Kohl's and Belk. They are encouraged by your prayers and send sincere thanks. Please bring the gift cards to class over the next two weeks. We'll be delivering them the week of the 27th.

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

2008-06-27T10:28:00.001-04:00

Service Update

The Hutchings family forwarded these pictures along with this quick note of thanks:

Sorry I took so long getting these pictures to you, I almost forgot. Little fingers got into the cake before I was able to get the picture. I also sent a picture we took at Dollywood last month showing a picture of Crystal. Tell everyone in the Vine Class that we truly appreciate all they have done for us. Please continue to keep us in prayer. As we get closer to the end things have gotten very difficult for the children and me. It's only through the Grace of God that I'm able to keep my sanity.

Please continue to lift them up daily! Thanks also for everyone who has contacted us about additional opportunities to help. We'll continue to work together on this - so stay tuned.

Believe

A popular radio program in the 1950's called "This I Believe" chronicled every-day American's core beliefs and motivations in essay form. Audiences were fascinated by the chance to glance into the heart of famous and ordinary people, dissecting the attitudes and beliefs that made that person unique.

Host Edward R. Murrow drew this conclusion, "After all, the only way of discovering what people believe is to ask them".

What is more important about a person than what they believe? Join us Sunday for a three week series called "Believe" - starting with Jesus' question in John 9:35: "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

Sunday, June 16th, 2008

2008-06-19T07:09:00.000-04:00

Announcements

- Not too late to join the women's summer Bible study! See previous posts for details.

- All ladies welcome to a baby shower for "Mary Etta Belle Williams" this Sunday, June 22nd, from 2 to 4 pm at the home of Mary Anna Coleman. Click here to email Selena for directions.

- Join the Good News Carnival over the next few weeks by contacting Jason or David Dodson!

- This Sunday we'll take a short break from John 10 to hear from David Shepherd, one of the WPBC missionaries.

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

2008-06-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

Announcements:

- Meals are due for the Hutchings family this Sunday morning. Please bring everything (frozen and in a disposable dish) to class.

- Women's Bible study at the Skinners this summer. Starts at 7:00pm every other Tuesday until August 12th. If you have questions, contact her at 855-0201. You can purchase the book online at http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=797560 or at a local Lifeway.

- Join us this week for John 10!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

2008-06-03T20:49:00.000-04:00

Service Project!

Please be in prayer for the Hutchings family we discussed Sunday morning. The mom, Crystal, has an aggressive type of cancer with a very dim prognosis. They have 7 kids, (starting at age 6 months), who are staying with their grandparents right now. We are calling on THE VINE to cook meals (freezable, no returned dishes, please) over the next two weeks and bring them to class on Sunday morning, June 15th. We will deliver the meals to the grandparents in Soddy Daisy, who are feeding up to 11 people every meal. Call the Brenemans with questions.

Prayer Request & Announcements

- Meals still going on for the Amicks, please let us know if you can help!

- Summer women's bible study at the Skinner's (see email).

- Pray this week for Sarah's brother as he prepares to go to Iraq and as she prepares to start a new job. Also for Angela's mom as she looks for a job (while praising God over a sold house!). Pray for the Mulroney's niece Jasmine and family after the tragic accident last week. And continue to pray for Aston's parents! Finally, congrats to the Albees for 6 years of marriage!

Homework: Active Redemption

The blind man's conversion from John 9 allows us to see need through kingdom eyes. Your homework this week (yep, that's right) is to have at least one conversation with a stranger or acquaintance where you deliberately try to seek out need in their life. (The great opportunity & beginning). Come Sunday morning ready to discuss!

Kingdom Living

2008-05-30T11:22:00.001-04:00

Sunday, May 25th, 2008

2008-05-30T11:03:00.001-04:00

Mat 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Service Update from Skinner!

Do you love kids? Enjoy spending time in the great outdoors? Would you like to serve alongside your family and Bible Fellowship classmates this summer? Then do we have an opportunity for you! Woodland Park is sponsoring several Good News Carnival sites at Chattanooga-area parks this summer—and our class has been asked to coordinate the Heritage Park location. Specifically, we need about five couples who can commit two hours each Sunday night from June 29 to July 27 to painting faces or playing games with children at the park. This is a great way to share the Gospel with families in a casual, comfortable environment. To learn more, plan to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, June 4 under the big tent on the church property from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If interested or for more details, please contact Jason at skinner1@hotmail.com or 443.8703.

Prayer Request

Much to pray about this week, including PJ & Tiffany's great news about a new little one! They also need continuing prayer about the house situation as it looks like the house deal has fallen through. Pray that they are able to find a new home soon!

Also for John & Rebecca as they travel this week (maybe the Patricks, too). Great report from Matthew on baby Benjamin - but continue to pray for upcoming surgeries in the next few months.

Continue to pray for Aston's family & lift up the Martins as Slade sorts through a job change.

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

2008-04-22T20:56:00.000-04:00

For Prayer...

- It is a difficult thing to know what to write to "summarize" the prayer needs for Robert & Aston as they shared the devastating news on Sunday morning about her parents pending divorce. Please be sure to pray & encourage them through the next few months with the same diligence and shared emotion we felt Sunday morning. Aston asked that I send along this update:

I want to thank you all for your prayers! Sunday I felt such an immediate peace. I cannot express how much our class means to Robert and me. Continue to pray for my parents. They are currently living together until their house sells.
My dad is still struggling with an array of emotions. I did get the opportunity to ask him if he knew Jesus Christ as his Savior and he responded yes. But his understanding of the Christ-life and having faith in difficult times are lacking. My mom seems to be handling it okay. She is keeping herself engaged in work. She worries most about me, as any mother would. I continue to struggle with my emotions as well. I want to fix it and am slowly learning that I can’t. I’m trying to be there equally for them and it can take control of you emotionally.
Robert and I will be going home this weekend to start cleaning out the attic. It’s going to be interesting. Please pray that we can show them love and forgiveness. Continue to pray that my dad’s relationship with God will grow into something deeper and more satisfying. Pray for my mom as she deals with years of unhappiness and insecurities.
We love you all and are so thankful for you!

Click here to send Aston or Robert an email.

We also prayed about Sarah's mom Julie who is in the hospital with pneumonia. She hopes to head home on Thursday. Pray for Jeremy Luca as he travels this week, and Mick as he begins another season as Chaplin for the Lookouts.

Angela Amick is due Thursday - please continue to pray for them. Pray for James as he travels back and gets resettled.

Service Project!

A word from Skinner...Gary Petty of Helping Make a Difference referred us to an elderly woman named Mary Baer who desperately needs help with yard work, ideally as early as this week/weekend. She lives in East Chattanooga (exact location to follow from JS), and indicated that there are branches that need to be moved and grass that needs to be cut. She said that she has all the necessary equipment (but couldn't hurt to bring ours). With 3-4 guys, we could probably knock it out in a couple hours either one evening or on Saturday morning. Please contact Jason at 443.8703 (cell) or skinner1@hotmail.com if you're available.

Let's target Saturday morning...please contact Jason if you want to join us (women or men!).

Sunday, April 13th, 2008

2008-04-17T15:21:00.000-04:00

A Few Quick Announcements:

Want to learn more about Blueletterbible.com? Click here to take the quick tutorial.

The Skinners will be stepping up to serve as encouragers/coordinators for service projects in our class. They want to find opportunities that we can all engage in & help put "feet" to what we are learning on Sunday mornings. Communicate ideas with the Skinners or join their team by clicking here.

Finally, join us this week for a very special guest speaker! Our own Eddie Rasnake will be joining us for John 8:31.

Sunday, April 6th, 2008

2008-04-10T09:47:00.001-04:00

Announcements & Prayer Requests

- Angela Amick's baby shower is this Sunday. (See last week's post for full details.)
- Pray this weekend for J-Lu (Jeremy Lucarelli), as he takes a group of students to Passion 08 in Atlanta. He is investing this time in hopes that he will see eyes opened and hearts awakened - please encourage him in prayer.
- Don't forget to lift up your Heb 10 partner!

Light of the World

If you have a few minutes, check out this "Light of the World" message series by Dr. Micheal Easley. (It is in ~ 10 minute intervals and can be streamed while you read other email!) See you Sunday for John 8:13-20.

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

2008-04-04T07:22:00.000-04:00

Light of the World

Jesus called Himself the light of the world. This claim would change everything. Join us Sunday morning as we explore John 8.

Announcements

Angela Amick's baby shower is Sunday, April 13th. It will be at the Breneman's from 3 to 4:30pm. Angela is registered at Baby's-R-Us.

Sunday, March16, 2008

2008-03-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

UnChristian

Interested in reading more on our topic Sunday morning?

Click here to find out more about the book & research.

So what can we do to "surprise people and challenge their assumptions about Christianity"? Be known by our love.

Announcements

Angela Amick's baby shower is at the Breneman's house on Sunday, April 13 from 3 to 4:30. All ladies are welcome!

NO VINE CLASS ON EASTER SUNDAY!

See you March 30th as Reverend Bergthold tackles John 7.

Sunday, March 9th, 2008

2008-03-10T08:16:00.000-04:00

The Miles shared a story this week about overhearing two Blockbuster employees arguing about God. One of them, the Christian, was "preaching at her", which prompted the other to say, "I've even had Christians tell me that I'm going to hell because I wear all black."

Shocked and a little lost for words, the Miles couldn't think of anything to say to reverse the effects of the argument. It bothered them all week.

What could they have said? Is this how she now perceives Christianity? Did this lady have an encounter with Christ, or "cultural Christianity"?

Resigned to the fact that they had missed an opportunity, the Miles were wandering around Best Buy a week later when Aston spotted the victim of this "Pharisaical drive-by." They approached her and explained that the situation had bothered them all week and they apologized for what she had seen and heard from other Christians. They explained Christ's love & tried to build a bridge for decent communication.

Robert describes her as "very appreciative and thankful to us for saying something - and very surprised that we had been thinking of her all week..."

SO...to the average "outsider", is this how we are known? More for what we are against than what we are for? Join us Sunday morning for this discussion, centered around John 8:1-11. Post any comments about the video here too.

Sunday, Feb 24th, 2008

2008-02-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

Washing Feet

Did you notice how well David Hawkins' 4 principles of servanthood could apply to our Care-Group "culture"? In John 13, Jesus teaches the disciples about servanthood by washing their feet.

4 ways we wash one another's feet:

- When we speak words of grace.
- When we overlook issues that are irritants, but not sin. Col 3:13
- When we confront sin God's way. Gal 6
- When we are expended by meeting the needs of others.

Prayer Requests & Announcements

- Skinner/Mynatt Care-Group meeting is Saturday night (3/1) at the Breneman's house.
- Sunday morning we focused on outreach that is happening within the relationships of vine-class members. The great news is that there are too many to list! Pray this week that God would enrich those relationships & give grace as we reach out.

Finally, Sunday morning we'll be collecting "get-well" cards for Mrs. Inge & Chuck Weaver. Bring your cards to class and we'll send them together.

Sunday, February 17th, 2008

2008-02-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

Score International

Thanks to Tim Swaney from Score International for catching us up with their ministry Sunday morning. A few prayer requests offered by Tim:

- 5,000 Short-Term missionaries they plan to send in 2008.

- Facilities in the Dominican Republic & Costa Rica.

- Cosmos - Missions Conference in June.

Announcements & Prayer Requests

- AAA Ministry bottles were due this week - continue to bring them in and leave them at the children's ministry info desk - even empty bottles save the ministry money!

- Tim's son Lex fighting a double ear infection this week.

- Ginny's dad: short-term medical mission trip to Senegal.

- Slade's friend, Vince - spiritual curiosity & seeking God.

- The Patricks as they adjust to diabetes.

- Melissa's friend's Erica & Rick as they fight Rick's cancer - all while adjusting to a brand new baby.

- Chuck & Inge Weaver who are recovering from a serious car accident.

- Pray for our elders and staff as they seek God's direction for Woodland Park.

Sunday, February 3rd, 2008

2008-02-06T22:02:00.000-05:00

Worth Considering

Who is like the Lord our God

Who is enthroned on high,

Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth?

Psalm 113:5-6 (NASB)

Praying Through the Week

This week Melissa C. caught us up on a friend she was able to share her testimony with - continue to pray for this friend that God will draw her to Himself. Also, pray for the Millers as they build a relationship with their neighbors, Josh & Lynn.

Continue to pray for the Blackistons - sick kids & their relationship with Susan, the friend she met who seems so close to a decision to follow Christ. Also for Rick, the man that Ryan met recently who is facing some potentially serious health issues & seems to be spiritually sensitive.

Finally, pray for Scott this week as he travels, and as he prepares to lead us Sunday again in John 7.

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

2008-02-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

Resources

This week the Reverend Scott D. Bergthold will be back to engage us in John 7:1-25. Join us!

Thanks to Andre for some practical help on studying God's word. Here are a few more tools to help in your pursuit of uncovering truth:

How to Study Your Bible

This is an instructional book that gives you tools to help study the

Bible for yourself. It will help you to become more intentional as

you approach the Bible.

God, Are You There?
This is a Bible study on the Gospel of John - but every chapter of the book teaches you a new study tool. An excellent book to start with because it covers all the basics, allowing you to practice studying the Gospel of John at the same time.

Sunday, January 20th, 2008

2008-01-23T21:46:00.000-05:00

Approved?

“The Christian body in America is immersed in a crisis of biblical illiteracy,” George Barna.

The truth is, many of us don't know where to start when it comes to studying the Bible. This Sunday morning will be designed to give you a handful of tools to get started.

Andre Duval will be leading us through a Psalm while introducing these tools. A word from Dre:

Do you know who God is? And if you really know who God is, how should that knowledge impact your daily life? In other words, how should we respond to the knowledge of who God is, His character and attributes.

This Sunday we are going to see how Psalms 33 answers these important questions. We’re going to experience a way of approaching scripture that I believe will help you find the answers to these questions for yourself. This approach will also give you what you need to read any scripture so that you can discover the truths of the Bible for yourself.

Praying Through The Week

Please contact Kristy B. to arrange a meal for Joy & Billy (and 4 daughters!) Also continue to pray for the Patricks as they adjust to juvenile diabetes. Pray for Sarah and Sergio Hernandez who have wrecked their only car - could be difficult over the next few weeks.

Pray for Robert as he reaches out to a friend and his wife struggling with pain med addiction. And the Lucarellis as they spend time with unbelieving neighbors.

Sunday, January 13th, 2008

2008-01-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

The Bread of Life

Join us this week as we examine Jesus, the Bread of Life.

Praying Through The Week

Please be praying for the Patricks - they received a surprise diagnosis of juvenile diabetes last week for their youngest daughter. Many adjustments and much to learn over the coming months - please support them in prayer.

We are also praising God for the Lutrell's new addition - Katie Rose! (Click here to email Kristy about providing a meal). Also praising God for Andre's opportunity to share his testimony with a family member. Pray for the Millers as they reach out to neighbors - and pray for Julie in her move to Miami.

Finally, pray for Susan, the lady Stephanie told us about Sunday morning who seems to be having her eye's opened to God's love & efforts toward saving her.

Sunday, January 6th, 2008

2008-01-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Resources

Announcements

- Woodland Park men's ministry, BridgeBuilders, meets January 15th at 6:30 a.m. in the meeting room of Country Place restaurant.

- AAA Women's Service bottles are available through class. Collect change at home using it as an opportunity to discuss the sanctity of life with the family. Bring bottles back on February 24th.

- The Truth Project, Sunday nights from 6 to 7:45pm at church.

- Join us this Sunday as we tackle Discipleship, Part II, with Kelly O'Rear.

Spiritual Opportunities

Sunday we discussed seeing and seizing spiritual opportunities. From Stephanie Blackiston...

July 6, 2005, I got a chronic illness that turned my life upside down. No answers, no understanding, no healing, and no medicine that was helping. Daily battles, chronic pain and little hope. It has been a true nightmare.

On a recent trip to New Jersey (to see doctors) , I met a lady named Susan. She is my mom's age and going through the exact same thing as me. We bonded through our similar circumstances and started emailing and talking on the phone.

On my last trip to NJ, she picked me up at the airport and drove me to the doctor's office. As we were talking, she said... "I know one reason you are going through this, Stephanie, it is because my husband is saved and I am not." She knew I was a Christian.

As we talked and I shared my testimony with her, she listened and asked questions. I told her how much God loves her and sent His Son to forgive her and to have a relationship with her. She told me an incredible story that I will share with the class on Sunday. This conversation was one of the most powerful things that I have ever experienced as a believer. It's like God peeling the curtain back and letting me see his sovereign work in my life and what is happening in the spiritual realm. That ALL THINGS REALLY DO WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD for those who love God.

Be praying for Susan as God is pursuing her that she will not neglect such a great salvation. She actually said to me, "I know why you are in my life, I am just sorry you have had to suffer to get to me." I wish I could say she prayed to receive Christ then and there but I had to get on the plane to come back home. We have been in contact since.

God is at work in her life and in YOURS. Be hopeful in all things that one day you will see the goodness of God through suffering and trials... and that there will be opportunities to share Christ with more people and more powerfully because of it.
"May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.

Stephanie

Sunday, December 16th, 2007

2007-12-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas & See You on January 6th!

"This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."

- Jesus Speaking of Himself John 6:50-51 NASB

Sunday, December 9th, 2007

2007-12-13T16:02:00.000-05:00

Discipleship

Is how we "do" ministry working? Join the conversation this Sunday morning on discipleship & ministry.

Kelly O'rear will be joining us along with a couple of special guests for a very practical examination of how we make disciples.

Announcements
- Christmas Party. December 20th. 6:30-9ish. No Childcare. Click for food list.
- Hope Unlimited Outreach is this Sunday. Bring wrapped presents to class or contact Melissa.

Prayer Requests
Much to pray about this week! Both the Williams and Bennetts are praising God for pregnancy! Pray for them in the coming months. Heather is awaiting lab results on the possibility of a tumor or Graves' Disease - pray for their family.

On outreach, our class is praying for a friend of Aston's who was to come to the Sunday night service last Sunday. Also for the Miller's neighbors and the 2 foreign exchange students living with Kristy's parents. You guys provide any updates in the comments section, and we'll keep praying.

Finally, pray for Spiros, one of our church elders, who had a bad fall last week. And for Ginny's brother and sister-in-law as they adopt their first child. The baby was born Monday and has had some complication this week - please pray for them. More info is listed here.

Sunday, December 2nd, 2007

2007-12-04T07:22:00.000-05:00

Hope Unlimited Outreach!

This year we have the privilege of sponsoring two families - don't let this opportunity pass! How can you help?

1. Call Melissa C. or email us to donate money. The money will purchase gifts for the remaining 3 children we "adopted".

Join Melissa & others for shopping & wrapping by clicking here. John even promised to bake his famous butternut cookies for the wrapping party.

WE ARE PAST DEADLINE FOR THIS! PLEASE CALL MELISSA ASAP IF YOU WANT TO DONATE or SHOP!!!

2. If your family would like to "adopt" a child/mother ($50-$75) please contact Melissa immediately as well. Deadline is yesterday.

Bring your wrapped gifts (with child's name and mother's name visible) to class this Sunday or next. Must be there by December 16th.

Vine Party

Click here for Angela's Vine Party Invite! Details Included!

Relationships

Sunday morning we discussed some of the most difficult relationships in life: family members and close friends who aren't believers. Thom Ranier's gives this encouragement from his book Surprising Insights from the Unchurched: (paraphrased)

" Marion W of Indianapolis was SEVENTY years old when she became a Christian. When we asked her why she went to church in the first place, her answer was simple, "My niece invited me." Then she followed with a simple and profound question: "No one ever invited me to church before. Why is that?"

Charles Arn has researched the unchurched for years. Note his results on why people come to church:

Special Need 1-2%

Walk-in 2-3%

Visitation 1-2%

Program 2-3%

Friend or

Relative 75-90% "

Sunday, November 25th, 2007

2007-11-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

2 Quick Announcements:
- Christmas Party is December 20th, 6:30 to 9:00 at the Duvals. Contact the Mynatts about food. (No Childcare Provided).

- A Hope Unlimited Single Parent Family Christmas Outreach announcement from Melissa Cate:

This year we have signed up for two families (listed below) & there are two ways for you to help:

First, you can elect to purchase all of the gifts on the wish-list for a particular child. Wish-list cards will be available in class this week that have details including needs, sizes, etc.

Family #1: Nicole McAfee: 5 children (sons age 6, 7, 9 and 11 still available)
Family #2: Gwendolin Thurman: 4 children (all members have been taken)

The second option is to simply give money toward the purchase of gifts. Melissa (and anyone who wants to join in) will be shopping for the remainder of the families using the money that we collect in class. Maybe even a gift wrapping night ... stay tuned.

*** All gifts are due wrapped (with child and parent's name on the gift) in class by Dec 9th. ***

*** All money is due this Sunday, December 2nd ***

Breaking Down
Thanks to Robert for filling us in last week on some of what he shared in India. Here is a final thought from him on John 4...

As we go throughout the week, let’s continue to apply the truths of God’s Word to our daily walk. We saw this past Sunday how Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman brought her to the saving knowledge that Jesus truly is the Son of God.

But more than that, it broke 750+ years of strife and tension by leading many more in the Samaritan village to know Jesus. Continue to pray that we all are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading throughout the day to reach out to those around us, break the barriers that are between us, and simply just share the joy that God has given us. Imagine the possibilities!

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

2007-11-19T22:13:00.000-05:00

Believe

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only son of God."

- Jesus to Nicodemus (John 3:18 ESV)

Weekly Announcements
- The Christmas party will be held at the Duval's house on Thursday, December 20th from 6:30 to 9:00pm. Contact Andrea Mynatt for food sign-up. [Click here to send Andrea an email]. No childcare provided. Directions & details to come.

- Our class will be adopting one or more of the families for Hope Unlimited's Single Parents Christmas Outreach on December 16th. On December 2nd, the church will provide a list of what items to purchase. Gifts can be brought to the church between December 9th and 16th. More details to come.

- Finally, you know you aren't busy as work this week! Read ahead - this week we'll pick up in John 4 - The Woman of Samaria.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 11th, 2007

2007-11-14T07:22:00.000-05:00

Feeling Stagnant?
Could there be a relationship between our focus on "personal growth" as a believer and spiritual stagnation?

Ever catch yourself saying things like, "I'm just not being fed", or, "Maybe a new book/study would get me going"?

Jesus' method for infusing spiritual growth into His followers was as much about living as it was about learning. Just days after calling His disciples, Christ throws them "into the deep end" of ministry at Cana.

The rest of their lives together would be out teaching others to know the Messiah. They learned on the run. It wasn't introspective, self-centered faith, but one of giving as soon as you received.

Jesus knew that the best spiritual growth for his disciples would come through a focus on others (making disciples) and the resulting dependence on Him.

Announcements & Prayer
- Class Christmas Party will be Thursday, December 20th. We will not have babysitting or kids at the party. More details to come...

- This Sunday bring your "Pack-A-Sack & Pray" grocery bag filled with food items. Look for ministry trailer or bring to class.

This week we are praising God for the delivery of Lily Kate & continuing to pray for the Bergtholds (Selena Skinner for meals). Also praising God that baby Luke has come home from the hospital. Luther mentioned a girl who injured her foot badly at his daughter's gymnastics meet, and asked that we pray for their family.

Finally, the Bundricks have requested prayer for their family. See her attached email in the comments section.

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

2007-11-08T07:29:00.000-05:00

Prayer Request
This week we are praying for Kristy & Scott as they anticipate baby Lily's arrival on Friday. Contact Selena for meals. Also posted in the comments section is a special prayer request from the Lucarellis. And remember to do exactly what Becky did - post your prayer needs on the blog so we can stay connected in prayer throughout the week.

Wine on Sunday Morning?
From the first word of John's gospel, he is clear about one thing: Christ is God, and there is no one like Him. John then explains how Christ calls - and how he began His ministry to us.

This week, we'll begin to look at His "attesting miracles", starting with the Wedding at Cana. As we approach these verses, our greatest enemy might be our familiarity with the stories. But the miracles are why John wrote the book - to give us an understanding of the power, the authority, and the absolute "otherness" of Jesus Christ.

John 20:30-31: Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

Sunday, October 28th, 2007

2007-11-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

Branch-Out!

Thanks to all who joined us for Branch-Out! Andre at 1-Up productions posted this i-video report:

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

If you have photos that you would like to share, post them on your favorite photo sharing site and put the link in the comments section. Here is an example by Robert.

Special thanks to Amy, Christian, and Laura for childcare. If you are interested in babysitting by either of them, email us and we'll connect you: vrc97@yahoo.com.

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

2007-10-25T14:50:00.000-04:00

Following Him
" The original call of Jesus was so simple, so clean, so clear: "Follow Me". Is it possible that the transforming power of the church has been lost because we keep inviting people to step into the comfort, safety, and security of Jesus Christ?

We've created a religious culture in which - even though we're the most blessed society in the history of the planet - our best selling literature still focuses on how we can be more blessed.

Have we become so refined and so civilized that the benefits of our faith have become more precious and more valuable to us than the Benefactor of our faith?

I wonder how many of us are in that place of John the Baptist, at that crucible where God is asking, "Are you willing to loose everything on My behalf to gain everything I desire for you? Rather than living a long life, are you willing to live a life worth living?"

From The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus

Weekly Announcements & Prayer
- Tickets still available for the Weekend to Remember Conference - See Scott B.
- Woodland Park's Fall Festival is Halloween Night. Lora Miller is looking for volunteers to work a 30 minute shift at the obstacle course.
- Got an iPod? The church (well, Robert) posts each week's sermon online.

This week we want to shine the prayer spotlight on members of our class who are serving outside of the class right now. Take a minute and pray for the Hammels, the Lutrells, and the Scotts. Also, the Blackistons report that Stephanie seems to be getting better. Continue to pray for them & the other requests you picked up in Heb 10 time!

Sunday, October 14th, 2007

2007-10-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

On Brokenness
"The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself though us until the proud self within us is broken. This simply means that the hard unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its own way, stands up for its rights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its head to God's will...that the Lord Jesus might have all and be all.

-From The Calvary Road by Roy Hession

Announcements
- The Bergy's have 6 seats available for this years AAA Women's Services Banquet . Contact Scott about this or the Weekend to Remember tickets!
- Branch-Out! is Saturday, the 27th of October from 9:30 to 11:30.

Prayer
Pray this week for John C's mom , who is having biopsy for a lump on her neck. Also, for Baby Luke. Heather reports that he is doing better (Praise the Lord) and has come off of one of his heart meds. Pray that he would be have a steady heart rate off of the medicine and for his parents to be strengthened in their marriage during this trying time.

Bryan & Dara Dykes are with baby Carys is in the NICU at Erlanger, probably for about the next month. She is doing well, but pray for her continued growth and development and for grace for a mom & dad who are sad that their baby is not at home with them.

Becky Lucarelli had good conversation with her neighbor Lori, whose husband is in Iraq; pray for wisdom and courage and Becky ministers/witnesses to Lori, and for God to protect/prepare her husband in Iraq.

Laura Miller has given More Than A Carpenter to a co-worker and his brother. Pray for fruit. Also pray for Burla, a widow in India that the Millers are helping to support. Finally, a praise that Sarah Hernandez's 12-yr. old cousin Connor had a brain tumor successfully removed.

Sunday, October 7th, 2007

2007-10-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

Weekly Announcements!

- Weekend To Remember tickets still available from Scott & Kristy.
- Interested in helping with the Greeter Ministry?
- Branch-Out is the morning of October 27th, from 9:30 to 11:30. Please click here for food list and Email us to sign up!

Prayer Requests & Praises:

- Praise that Davis McBryer was in SS last week. Continue to pray for their family.
- Praise that Scott had three victories in court last week - huge encouragement!
- Pray for David & Lora as they continue to seek opportunities to share Christ with Steve, a co-worker. Also for their son Steve who is starting a new job.
- Praise - Brenemans are better. Pray for the Skinners who have been sick.
- Pray for John C's friend Rich, who was paralyzed in a water accident last week. Also for Melissa's cousins Laura & Brett who are making some bad choices.
- Pray for Luther & Stephanie as they seek God's best for their life - Luther senses that God is "up to something". Also for Stephanie's father - their prayer is that he would find a closer walk with Christ.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

2007-09-30T20:57:00.000-04:00

A New Addition!

Congrats to the Mercers on the birth of 8lb 6oz, Andrew Thomas at 9:45 Sunday night (Sept. 30th)!! Contact Kary D. to arrange meals for them.

You Need To Know
- This Thursday, October 4th: Baby Shower for Kristy Bergthold & baby Lily at the Breneman's from 6:30 to 8:00pm. See E-vite for details.
- Final week for Angela Amick to collect money for the McLemore's gift.
- Fundraiser for the family of baby Luke (Heather W's cousin). See comments.
- The church has identified the need to have younger faces in the greeter ministry for Sunday mornings. This is a great opportunity for us to reach out and connect people seeking to find a Bible Fellowship home. If you are interested, drop us a line. The time commitment would be 15 minutes between services, or before our church service.

- Pray for Joy and Bill's sister-in-law as they adjust to preemie twins that were born last week.

Branch-Out

- Branch-Out is October 27th from 9:30 to 11:30am. Click here to see the current food list. Please decide what you want to bring and email us so we can put it on the list!

Praying for Discipleship

- Pray for Becky L as she reaches out to a couple of neighbors, Lori & Rob. Rob is in Iraq so Becky is being intentional about spending time with Lori. She also has a neighbor who is a believer whose daughter is going through a divorce. The neighbor is wanting to introduce Jeremy and Becky to them.

- Jeremy has asked 55 of his Bible students to write a personal testimony. He expects this week to be an opportunity for great discussions with his students.

- Melissa has been building a relationship with another mom from Jacob's school. Pray that trust could be built in their relationship & Melissa could show her the love of Christ.

- This week Lora plans to give some of her co-workers a tract (Josh & Steve). Pray that the Lord opens the door for a sincere discussion.

- Pray for Kary as she disciples two of the youth through teaching Greek.

- Finally, for the Blackistons as they reach out to their neighbors next door.

The Gospel of John
If someone asked your child to describe you, would they offer "facts and figures" about you, like he is 6'2, brown hair, etc.? Or would they describe experiences with you - how you interacted - that tells them who you are?

What if you were asked about Christ, would you be quick to offer the "facts and figures" of doctrine, or would you describe him personally - like someone you know?

The Gospel of John will give us a unique look into the life of Christ: who he was (and is), how he spent his days on earth, and how he approached relationships with average people. We'll start with John the Baptist - join us!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

2007-09-26T08:24:00.000-04:00

Our Week
Pray this week for the Blackistons as the complete the antibiotic therapy and move forward. Also continue to pray for the McBryar family. Scott asked that you be in prayer for our upcoming series on John - his teaching & our hearing. Finally, remember your Heb 10 partner from this week or last?

The Vine Card
By now, most everyone has a copy of the new class card. Has anyone had a chance to give one out? There will be an unbelievable prize given in class (this week or next) to the first couple to hand out our card...

Discipleship...
If God's plan is to equip you to build, what is the goal? What are we building toward?

It isn't building churches, or programs, or methods, or numbers - it's building men!

Ephesians 4:13 is a picture of discipleship for every man - from non-believer to a mature follower. It offers our final destination - when "we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

That is discipleship - training men to surrender to truth (unity of the faith), or to know Christ by experience, not just know about Him (knowledge of the Son of God). It is gently urging someone toward growth (a mature man), and how to undergo the transforming work of Christ in their lives to become more like Him (the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ).

Discipleship is not just pumping someone full of information (i.e. - you've got to go through this new study, or listen to these Ravi tapes, or ...), but it is intentionally moving all men toward knowing Christ.

So how would this look on the people you identified in week 1 and 2? Anyone have any practical examples? This is an area we all could use some encouragement - so comment with any ideas.

To read more about discipleship, check out Robert Coleman's Master Plan of Evangelism. ($5.99) It has been highly commended by Christian leaders like Billy Graham, Stuart Brisco, Bill Bright and Chuck Swindoll. Incredible Book!

Sunday, September 17th, 2007

2007-09-20T09:09:00.000-04:00

Weekly Announcements & Prayer Request

- Baby Shower for Kristy B. on Thursday, October 4th, from 6:30 to 8:00pm. It will be at the Breneman's house. More details to come.
- Angela Amick is still taking money for the McLemore's baby gift. More info.
- This Saturday, September 22nd is the Truth Project training in Chattanooga.
- Pray for Heather W's cousin, baby Luke as he awaits a heart transplant at Children's in Atlanta.
- Continue to pray for the McBryar family.

Family Life Conference

Family Life Today will be hosting their annual Weekend to Remember in Chattanooga on November 9-11th and the 16th -18th. This weekend will change your marriage! Everyone from those who are struggling to the very strongest marriage can benefit. The Bergy's are offering a set of free tickets (a $240 value) to the first "takers". Check out these video testimonies about the conference.

Finally...

This will be our final week in Ephesians 4. Thanks for the chance to evaluate how we do things in light of Paul's challenges to the Ephesian church. Join us Sunday morning for the final discussion.

Next week we'll begin a series on the gospel of John. A word from our own Scotty B...

"Do you want to learn how to treat people the way that Jesus treats them? Join us for a series in John that examines Christ's interactions with people -- then go, and do thou likewise."

Sunday, September 9th, 2007

2007-09-13T12:52:00.000-04:00

Welcome To The New Vine Class Blog!!!

Weekly Announcements
- Remember that class now meets in room 171.
- Thanks to Dewayne for having "The Vine" ministry cards printed. We'll have them at class over the next few weeks - please grab a stack. Take a minute and write in the comments section your creative idea of how to use the cards. Hint: there might be a prize in store for the most creative (and reasonable) idea...

Stop and Pray
- Aston's father as he recovers from a fall with broken ribs and a bruised face.
- Praise: Kary's neighbor was told his cancer is benign. Pray for Kary & Todd as they continue to minister grace.
- Steph & Tim continue to struggle with Lyme's. Her white count is fluctuating which can affect meds. Also pray for their encouragement through the endless "ups & downs".
- Continue to pray for the McBryer family.
- Iva Catron receiving treatment for fluid around her heart.

Ministering In The Middle East

Great update Sunday on what God is doing in the Middle East - a difficult frontier for the work of Christ. If you'd like more information or would like to be involved in the ministry, drop us a line. Opportunities from partnering in prayer, to adopting the Shi'a people group, to a short-term trip are all available.

Also remember Tuesdays at 2:00pm, for 2 minutes. A time for dedicated prayer for God to build a small group ministry in the region.