Bulletin

October 25, 2009

Opening Songs

I will sing of the mercies

We bring the sacrifice of praise

Welcome and Announcements

Call To Worship

(Romans 5:1-2)

Leader:

Let us enter through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us.

People:

Christ sets us right with God, makes us fit for God, and brings us to God.

Leader:

We throw open our doors to God...

People:

and discover that God has already thrown open the door to us.

Leader:

We find ourselves where we always hoped we might stand,

People:

out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory.

Leader:

Because of Christ,

People:

we can stand tall before God.

Leader:

Because of God's gift,

People:

we sing God's praises.

Hymn

WB # 150

Wonderful grace of Jesus

Scripture

Ephesians 2:1-10

Tithes and Offerings

(younger children are dismissed to the nursery)

Worship in Song

Troyer Family

Prayer

Hymn

WB # 145

There's a wideness in God's mercy

Benediction

Call to worship adapted from Romans 5:1-2, The Message, by Eugene Peterson.

Assisted listening devices and large print hymnals are available at the audiovisual desk.

Worship Leaders:  Junior Youth Group

Music Leaders:  Jeanette Harder & Kevin Troyer

Greeters:  Rick & Wanda Stauffer

Children's Story Next Sunday:  Marvin Gerritse & Marty Roth

Snacks Next Sunday:  Becky Waegli

Drivers Next Sunday:  David & Kendra Wiebe

Nursery Today:  Glen & Tammy Riedel

Nursery Next Sunday:  Tisha & Tonya Roth

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Friday, October 30 - Kevin Haake

Record for October 18

Attendance:  95

Calendar

Today, 2:00-4:00 pm

Farm Social - Common Good Farm

Tues. Oct. 27, 9:00 pm

Third Way Fellowship - UNL

Wed. Oct. 28, 7:00 pm

Movie & Popcorn - Church

Sat. Oct. 31, 6:30 am

Women's Saturday Study

Announcements

WELCOME TROYERS! - The Troyer Family will present a worship service in song for us this morning.  Steve and Katie and their children, Katelyn 13, Stanley 11, Rachelle 9, and JD 5, have been singing southern gospel music since 2004.  They have traveled to Lincoln from Fort St. John, British Columbia, as part of a month-long 5000-mile tour.

The Troyer Family has recorded two CDs.  Together features the Troyer children.  I Believe is a collection of Steve and Katie's heartfelt songs for the Lord.  Both are available for purchase in the fellowship hall.

The church is providing Troyers with a small honorarium.  Additional donations may be placed in the basket in the fellowship hall.  

GIFT OF MOVIE & POPCORN - The Sr. High Youth Group thanks First Mennonite Church for your constant care and support.  Let us treat you to a movie.  It will be shown on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at FMC.  Complimentary popcorn and sodas will be served by the Sr. High Youth Group.

CIRCLE OF GRACE - We will be using the Circle of Grace curriculum for children K-12 in January 2010.  The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate children and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. The training for this curriculum will be on Sunday, November 8, from 12-4, lunch included. Teachers are urged to attend; parents are welcome.  Please RSVP to Jeanette Harder.

ANNOUNCEMENTS TO DAVID ORR - Please have any bulletin announcements to David Orr this week (by Friday at noon) rather than to Mary Cooney.  Thanks.

CAN YOU SMELL THE COFFEE?  - Watch for sales of delicious, fair trade coffee.  Coming soon, to a fellowship hall near you!

BRING THOSE FOOD DONATIONS!! - Help us help others.  The Junior Youth Group reminds you to bring donations of food to church until Halloween night.  A big thank you from all the Junior Youth.

DIRECTORIES ARE HERE! - New church directories are in your mailboxes.  (We can start inviting each other over for pie!).  If you find an error, please let Mary Cooney know and she can publish a correction in the bulletin. 

FARM SOCIAL & PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST - Today from 2-4 p.m. please stop by Common Good Farm (Evrett, Ruth, Eli, Mischa & Nettie's farm) to enjoy light refreshments & good company.  Bring your own pumpkin and carving utensils.  Details on the church bulletin board.  Please dress for the weather!  Common Good Farm is a certified organic & Biodynamic farm growing produce, eggs, pork & beef.  Directions at www.commongoodfarm.com. 17201 NW 40^th St., Raymond, NE.  Questions: 402.783.9005

WHICH TOPIC? - Are you into wellness (exercise, eating healthy, emotional and mental health, etc.) issues?  How about "going green" (reducing our carbon footprint)? Maybe economic justice (fair trade, living wage, advocacy for the poor) or financial stewardship (accountability to God for our finances)? Would you like to focus more on the scriptures (in-depth studies, how scriptures can and have made a difference in our lives, etc)? Now is your opportunity to VOTE on the topic you are most passionate about or would like to learn more about.  In 2010 our congregation will focus on the issue most voted for.  Please vote on the ballots provided, either today or by next Sunday, on the top two issues you are most interested in.  Place your ballot in the box in the fellowship hall.

DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the following facts may surprise you:  One in three women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.  49% of Nebraska teens surveyed report being physically or emotionally abused by a dating partner.  And domestic violence affects all cultures, religions, ethnic groups, and socio-economic sectors.  The following website has great information for youth and parents about healthy respectful relationships: http://www.chooserespect.org/scripts/index.asp.