December 5, 2014
Dear Eastridge Family,
Am I just a fan of Jesus or a committed follower? A
couple years ago pastor Kyle Idleman wrote a book entitled “Not a Fan;” where
he made a distinction between a Biblical Follower and Disciple of Jesus and
simply being a non-committed fan of Jesus.
The call of Jesus of history is far more radical and all
life-consuming than the institutionalized-domesticated version portrayed
through the centuries of Christendom. I mean what does it cost to be a follower of a
man who said such things as, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father
and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such
a person cannot be my disciple. And
whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple (Luke
14: 26-27).”
I find myself being very comfortable my lifestyle of a
middleclass American. We are pretty much
able to do whatever we really want to do. We are blessed with excellent health care,
much more than adequate shelter, and I spend more than I should on food, clothes
and stuff. So what did Jesus mean when
he said, “Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my
disciples” (Luke 14:33)?
This past month I have been reflecting on the passage in
Philippians 2 trying to prepare myself for Christmas. In this Scripture Paul describes imitating
Christ’s humility. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above
yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of
others. In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind
Christ Jesus had.”
·
Church Board Meeting
Sunday afternoon we will have our monthly board meeting at
4:30 pm.
·
Children’s Christmas Program and Practice and
Church dinner
Next Saturday morning at 10am the Children will have a
Christmas Program rehearsal that will end at noon. We need all the children to attend this
important rehearsal so we are ready for the program on Sunday morning December
14th. After the morning
service and program we will have our Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner in the
Fellowship Hall.
·
9 Days of Christmas
Pastor Daniel and Gloria are leading a 9 Days of Christmas beginning
on December 16th and run through Christmas Eve. They will be meeting
in different homes for a time of Bible reflection, carols, and prayer and Latin
food.
Dec. 16 – Jesus and Carmelita
Dec. 17 – Carlos and Lucila
Dec. 18 – Fernando and Aurea
Dec. 19 – Carmen
Dec. 20 – Frank and Janeth
Dec. 21 – Alejandro and Angelica
Dec. 22 – Juan Carlos and Blanca
Dec. 23 – Daniel and Gloria
Dec. 24 - Church
·
Favorite quote of the week
"We pursue the thought of being thankful that we can be
thankful for the worst that can happen." - E. Stanley Jones
I’m looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday
Pastor Andy
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