Saturday, October 25, 2008

Saturday October 25 John 21

The final reading of this six week study of I Peter is appropriately Jesus restoration of Peter after Peter’s three denials of knowing the Lord. This face to face dialogue occurs shortly after the resurrection, with Jesus asking Peter three times if he loves Him, corresponding to the three denials. Shortly thereafter, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and preaches the great Pentecost sermon, resulting in over 3000 coming to faith in Christ (Acts 1 – 2). Peter then becomes one of the central figures of the early church along with the Apostle Paul, and the rest is history.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Friday's Update October 24th

Dear Pilgrims,

This Sunday we welcome a number of our Joyful Noise families to our services. The children will be singing, and there will be a brief video presentation from Joyful Noise. My message is titled, "The Future is Now', with Deuteronomy 6: 1- 7 as our Scripture reading.

We have a BIG Saturday in store with our annual Pumpkin Fest, 10:00 - 1:00. All children are welcome and we anticipate a number of kids from the community. We are still in need of water and small cupcakes.

The blood mobile will be at Pilgrim this Sunday, 9:30 - 1:00.

Our monthly prayer time is this Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m in the choir room. Prayer request sheets will be in Sunday's bulletin.



Don’t forget to join us November 1, Saturday for spaghetti dinner.

November 2, Sunday afternoon 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. is our annual church picnic. We'll have lots of free food, bingo, games, etc. Last year's outing was a major hit; everyone is welcome.

This Sunday is Mary Dorsey's last week as our nursery attendant. Mary has a new job in Cape Coral and will be relocating. We have been very blessed to have Mary with us and wish her Godspeed.

May the peace and joy of Christ abide in your heart and home today.

In His Grace,

Pastor Matthew Neumann

Friday October 24 2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians I touches on the wonderful truth that God comforts us when we encounter trials and hardships. He strengthens and supports us in the valleys (see I Peter 5: 10) and puts a firm foundation of faith under our feet. Jesus encountered some very dark periods in His life, and He knows how we think and feel.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Thursday October 23 Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3:24 is quoted in I Peter 5: 5, admonishing the proud, affirming the humble. Proverbs is filled with wisdom that guides and shapes our actions as Christians. Think about and meditate upon the gold nuggets of truth written by King Solomon.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Wednesday October 22 Philippians 2: 1 - 17

Some leaders rule with an iron hand and seek to intimidate those under their leadership. I Peter 5: 2 - 6 instructs all believers, particularly leaders, to adopt a humble, servant’s heart when leading and influencing. The Philippians passage, penned by the Apostle Paul, exalts Jesus as the model servant – leader who humbled His heart before God and ministered out of love and kindness. Do you possess a servant’s heart, or do you find yourself serving out of a desire to gain recognition and power?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Pastor's Update

Dear Pilgrims,

This Saturday is our BIG annual Pumpkin Fest for the kids, 10:00 - 1:00. All children are welcome for a great time; bring your friends.

ATTENTION MEN: This Thursday at 6:30 a.m. is our Men's Breakfast in the Youth Room. This is a good opportunity to meet other Pilgrim men and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Bob Forst. I'll be sharing a brief devotional.

Our Fall Yard Sale is November 7 - 8. We are receiving your donations Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9:00 - 12:00.

You are invited to attend the marriage of Michele Picht and Jimmy Forgit this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. We look forward to celebrating the beginning of their lives together as husband and wife.

The Blood Mobile will be at Pilgrim this Sunday, 9:30 - 1:00.

Please remember Jerry Barker who is hospitalized today.

Put Sunday, November 2 on your calendar! Pilgrim's second Annual Picnic will take place at the Harbor Heights site where we met last year. Directions will be in Sunday's bulletin.

May the love of God strengthen and uphold you this day.

In His Grace,

Pastor Matthew Neumann

Tuesday October 21 John 9: 35 - 10: 21

We pick up John’s account of Jesus healing a blind man and a subsequent discussion between the two at the conclusion of chapter 9. The Pharisees (religious leaders) are poor examples of spiritual leaders or shepherds of the people. Jesus is the good shepherd in chapter 10 who takes care of His sheep, protecting them from deceivers, and laying down His life for the sheep.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Pumpkin Festival

What is Needed?
1. Individually wrapped candy for prizes.
2. Cakes and/or baked goods for Cake Walk

3. Volunteers for the following:
A. Supervision
B. Face Painting
C. Games
D. Set-up/clean-up
E. Mini-Cupcakes
F. Kitchen Help
G. Baked Goods
H. Bottled Water

If you would like to help or if you have questions. Please email pilgrimchurch2008@yahoo.com or fill out the sign up sheet in the church bulletin and return it on Sunday at Church.

Thanks,
The Christian Education Committee

Habitat for Humanity

Pilgrim Church Supports the efforts of Habitat For Humanity of Charlotte County. To show our support please consider donating your time becoming a Construction Volunteer any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday to assist in the construction of a home on Faith Street.

If interested contact: Tom Flynn @ 941-624-6243 or Daria Erdmann @ 941-639-3162

Joyful Noise

Joyful Noise needs help on Thursday, October 23rd at 5:00pm to breakdown classrooms to prepare for the Saturday Pumpkin Festival. On Sunday, October 26th at 1:30pm we will also need help to set-up the classrooms. Please see or call Debi Forst if you are able to assist.

Newsletter Articles Due

November Newsletter Articles are due by Tuesday October 21st. Please submit by email or in the church office.

Newsletter Assembly Team

Newsletter Assembly Team will be needed on Tuesday, October 28th at 9:30am

Monday October 20 Ezekiel 34

Ezekiel begins this chapter with harsh words to unfaithful, self-centered shepherds (leaders) who are concerned about self before others. They have neglected God’s people and allowed them to wander spiritually from God. As he moves forward in his writing, Ezekiel portrays God as the Good Shepherd (see I Peter 5: 4) who loves His people (even wayward folks) and reveals His care for them. All of us influence at least one other person; are we a good example of God’s grace, love and guidance? How are you leading (influencing) those God has placed in your life?

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive at Pilgrim Church on Sunday, October 26th from 9:30am to 1:00pm

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Sunday October 19 I Peter 5: 1 - 14

In this, our final reading from 1st Peter, the Apostle stresses the importance of leadership in the church, drawing on the image of Christ being the Shepherd of the sheep (the church). Three of this week’s reading draw on the metaphor of the leader as shepherd (Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday). The oft-quoted verse “Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you” is found in today’s reading. Peter encourages the faithful to stand strong through life’s storms, and in the midst of the turbulence God will refresh and strengthen them.

I Peter Study - Week 6

We are moving into our sixth and final week of the I Peter study. Below are the scheduled daily readings beginning Sunday, October 19 with brief commentary that links each reading with the central Scripture of I Peter 5: 1 - 14. If you have any questions about our study or the daily readings, please phone me at the church office, 629-2633.