FriedensNotes
Week of January 18, 2004
What's the Good Word?
Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in America, while many other people continue to live under an ever-present shadow of depression, sadness and anxiety, often with physical consequences. In addition, billions of dollars are spent each year on anti-depressants and other prescribed medications and billions more on drugs and alcohol as people attempt to “self-medicate.” Christians are not immune from these conditions. We are commanded to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today" (Heb. 3:13). Perhaps there is someone whose spirits you can lift today with a kind word, an act of mercy or an expression of appreciation. "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up" (Proverbs 12:25). And pray for those who fight through sadness, depression and anxiety on a daily basis.
Keep Praying
Also pray for those who are out of work. If you know someone who needs a job or if you know of available jobs, please contact the church office at (262) 284-2471. While you're at it, pray for our pastors, those who are ill, homebound and in nursing homes and those with family difficulties. Call the Hearts Prayer Line at (262) 284-7007 to find out what you can pray for. It's updated daily. If you'd like your need put on the Hearts Line, call the church office.
Winter Jam
A group from Friedens is planning to attend the "Winter Jam 2004" concert at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Milwaukee Theatre. Christian groups slated to perform include Audio Adrenaline, NewSong, Relient K, Todd Agnew and Brock Gill. Tickets are $10 at the door. Talk to Pastor Mark Kato for more information.
Sesquicentennial Sensations
Events marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of Friedens get under way this month beginning at 5 p.m. on Jan. 25th with a potluck supper at church, followed by the church's annual meeting. The time will be used to set our hearts and minds on the church's mission and ministry that was - and is! Plan on being there. You can find a tentative schedule of the year's events at the church website – http://www.friedenschurch.org/. Click on the "150th Anniversary" link on the right side of the page.
Good Girls of the Bible
The Women's Bible Study group schedule has changed. It will meet at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. You are welcome to bring your children. For more information, call Marci Ferrell at (262) 375-1009.
Make a 2004 Bible Reading Plan
Have you read through the entire Bible? Many Christians haven't, but would like to do so. If you've made a New Year's resolution to read through the Bible in 2004, check out the Friedens website and click on the "Resources" tab on the left side to find links to devotionals, Bible reading plans and study tools.
The Good News of DaVinci, Tolkien
.Want to talk to friends and family about spiritual things but don't know how? One way is to use pop culture as a catalyst for discussion. For instance, "The Da Vinci Code" has been at the top of bestseller's list for months now. Even though it calls into question the very premise of the Christian faith it provides fertile soil for spiritual . The article, "The Good News of Da Vinci," can help you use the book for such a purpose. Go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/001/23.62.html for the article. Another site is http://www.leaderu.com/focus/davincicode.html. In addition, the movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" is one of the most popular film events in history. Go to http://ifc.gospelcom.net/entertainment/387/ for links to articles that discuss many of the story's Christian themes.
Find a New Beginning
Online Christian recovery sites provide help for victims of abuse, addiction and trauma. Here are two resources. One is Christian Recovery International at http://www.christianrecovery.com/. There are forums, a library, referral center, a clergy recovery network, Spiritual Abuse recovery, an extensive humor area, a "Confident Kids" program and more. Another is Christian Recovery Connection, also known as Alcoholics Victorious, at http://crc.iugm.org/main.html. It provides helpful recovery articles for alcoholics and other addicted persons. There also is a Recovery Group that meets at Friedens each Tuesday at 8 p.m. It is led by Lee and Dyane Sloane. Call them at 387-1526 for more information.
Be a Good Financial Steward
Are you wondering how you can be a better steward of your money and possessions in the coming year? Discipleship Journal magazine, published by NavPress, offers free PDF samples from "Your Money and Your Life," a Bible study series on the topic of finances that includes topics such as:
- "Beating Busyness"
- "Becoming More Like Jesus"
- "Building Better Relationships"
- "Following God in Tough Times"
Go to: http://www.navpress.com/Magazines/DJ and http://www.navpress.com/detail.asp?1576831663.
FriedensNote is the weekly e-mail newsletter of Friedens Evangelical Church, 454 N. Milwaukee St., Port Washington, WI 53074. For more information on the church, call (262) 284-2471 or visit our website, www.friedenschurch.org. If you'd like to subscribe, unsubscribe, or have questions, e-mail us at friedens@sbcglobal.net, with "FriedensNote" in the subject field.
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454 N. Milwaukee Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
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