SONNY SIDE UP

Being a Friend
How do you define "friend?"  I suppose that there are various definitions that could be suggested.  However you define it, we know what it looks like.  We have experienced it.  What a good feeling it is to have a good friend.

Which is easier, to give or receive friendship?  The answer to that question depends on our willingness to receive or give what is required of friendship.  Jesus once told a story about being a friend or neighbor.  It was surprising that God's people did not know how to be a friend (neighbor) while a Samaritan took on the role of friendship (neighbor) quite naturally.

Is Jesus saying that being religious sometimes builds barriers and creates pride which can become obstacles to engaging our world?  Being religious can cause us to restrict who we will and will not relate to.  Perhaps we should stop being "religious" in that sense and concentrate on being "Jesus" in the world, being a friend.  Look for opportunities where Jesus wants you to demonstrate friendship.

Sonny Guild

Volunteers are needed to take Communion to shut-ins and others on Sunday's.  If you can help please let Shane Copher know.  We hope to have a rotation of members helping with this.  Also, if you know of anyone who need's communion brought to them please let Shane know.

There are two more Christian Homes Change Cans out there somewhere.  If you have one please see that it is returned to the church office.

Please note that communion will be served for those who were unable to take it in the morning in room 19 from now on, not in the small auditorium.

Friends Sunday is only one week away, so please continue to pray for God's blessing as we seek to share Christ with our many visitors and friends.  Here are just a few reminders:  Please invite as many people as you can (expenses will be met with a special collection the following week).  To help with food preparation, please be ready to give a count this morning of the guests you'll be bringing (including yourself).  In order to allow you to put your full energy into Friends Sunday, there will be no evening worship on Sept. 28.

Congratulations!!
Charles and Barbara Stelding are proud new grandparents and Wylene Norman is a proud new great-grandmother.  Alessandro Michael Rodolpho Baccaerini was born on Wednesday morning weighing 7 lbs. 3 1/2 oz. and was 19 in. long.

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The following is part of what Sept. 28 (Friends Sunday) reads in the daily devotional book titled A Gentle Spirit: (submitted by Joanna Martin)

September 28
Joy MacKenzie
Loving and being loved--being connected, valued, befriended, cherished by another--is a compelling need that permeates the life of every human being on God's earth.  Yet how are such relationships to come about?

The model, of course, is Jesus. When Jesus talked to His disciples, He didn't give long discourses on friendship.  He demonstrated friendship by being available, compassionate, self-sacrificing, and tender.  His chosen friends responded!  Yes, He called them to accountability; He rebuked them when they were wrong.  But when He was finished, they still felt cherished by Him.  What a picture--another of His gifts to us--to be treasured, to be emulated.

We need not set out in search for a friend...rather, we must simply set out to be the friend Christ modeled--anticipating the needs of others, wearing ourselves out at giving.  Jesus died doing it.  The rewards are infinite and joyous!

STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2003