Fasting?

Something we don't often consider in our modern society. Is there a role for fasting in your spiritual walk? I think the scripture would say that there is. But remember, fasting is not only about food. The most important thing is that a fast is between you and the Lord. It is never something done out of ritual, a sense of duty, or for the benefit of others seeing you. Sort of like Fight Club: "The first rule of fasting is that you don't talk about fasting..."

Good discussions on fasting here and here.

Evil?

A common objection to God’s existence is the existence of evil.

How could there be a God if so much evil in the world?

Tagline to a good article by Greg Kokul at Stand to Reason.

Classroom Needs

Calling All New Light Class Members!

We have been working on our classroom for, well, a couple of years now. We have taken care of many of the major needs (carpet, paint, wall removal, cabinet, etc), but we still have many items we need to finish it off and make it more comfortable and user-friendly.

Here is a list I started for what we need. We'll note the items that are provided so that we don't get multiples. Many of the items would be fine to contribute in Used Condition.

• Bookcase (for bibles, Books, Past class notes, etc)
• Christian related books (fiction, non-fiction, bibles, etc) - Mark your name on them and add "New Light Class" to ensure they stay with us.
• 2 Curtains Rods (width: ## )
• 4 Curtain Panels to coordinate with Room (height: ##)
• 2 Single Switch Light Plates
• TV Stand (nothing fancy)
• DVD Player
• Framed pictures of Jesus for Jesus Wall - 2 Provided…Need more!
• Other Religious/Inspirational art for other walls
• Ficus Trees or other plants/items to fill blank space
• Tablecloth for large rectangle table
• Sponges for cleaning coffee mugs
• Dish Towels to dry coffee mugs
• Masonry Drill Bit (to keep in the room)

These items have recently been provided:

• Large Bulletin Board
• 8x10 frame for that can be hung up for class picture
• Blue Masonry Screws (a pack to keep in the room)

BPUMC Food Pantry

We had a visitor Sunday Morning explaining the needs and changes going on with the BPUMC Food Pantry. This previously small ministry has grown substantially over the past few months (averaging 1 new family a week). Each Sunday School Class is being asked to supply items for a particular group of items in the pantry.

Our class is being asked to provide Baby Supplies. We will have a basket in our classroom that we can have items dropped in and we can then give those to the pantry.

(I found all of the above at CVS for $1 each.)

Items to need to bring in (on a regular basis, whenever you can):
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Creams
- Lotions
- Shampoos
- Combs, Brushes, Children Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
- Baby Powder
- Pacis or Teething Rings
- Animal Crackers or other snacks a small child could eat
- Any other items needed in the caring of a baby

DO NOT BRING:
- Baby Food
- Formula

Mission Basket

Emails have been going around, but I wanted to add to the blog as well. The New Light Class will be putting together a basket for the auction they will be having at the Church of the Reconciler in April. This is a Methodist church is downtown Birmingham that serves many homeless people and this is their once a year fundraiser. It also happens to be the church that Lawton Higgs brother and father work with. They need help and we are in such a better place than they are.

So we will be providing a Family Night basket. If everyone can contribute something, it should be pretty full and get them some good money! Ideas: Board Games, DVD's, Cards, Movie Tickets, McWane Center Passes, Popcorn cups or Candy to fill it out...just anything that a family could do together.

We will be collecting the items for the next 3 weeks (End it on April 11). So try to get your items in by then.

This is an easy way for our class to provide help to those who need it. I look forward to seeing what we create!

Their Church Website: http://www.churchofthereconciler.org/

Thanks everyone,
Jenny

Can't Get to Heaven on Roller Skates: UPDATE

New survey results...

Jesus Wears Combat Boots

Last week, during our snow day, we discussed Hebrews 2:5-18 and 4:14-16, specifically the parts where Jesus experienced every form of temptation when he was on earth. In doing so, he has experienced every kind of temptation that we are facing. When we call out to him in our darkest moments, he answers us with experience and authority--not just because he is omniscient and omnipotent, but because he knows exactly what it feels like to be us...

In this respect, Jesus is sort like a "mustang" military officer who is more effective and better able to relate to his enlisted troops by drawing on his own experiences as an enlisted man. Just as a platoon of Marines have faith following their commander into battle when they know that he has already been there and vanquished the same enemy before, we have faith and trust in Christ to see us through our trial because he has already won these battles himself.

Here's the picture I was going to use:

Anna made me change it...