E-Note From Pastor Andy 2-13-16

February 13, 2016

According to Flurry, "Time spent on a mobile device by the average US consumer has risen to 2 hrs and 42 minutes per day."  If you watch less than five hours of television each day, then consider yourself below average.  The typical American spent 4 hours and 51 minutes in front of a TV screen per day, according to a report from ratings company Nielsen.

It's no secret that people spend a lot of time with electronic gadgets these days.  How much time that actually is, is astonishing nonetheless: according to Nielsen's Total Audience Report, Americans aged 18 and older spend more than 11 hours a day watching TV, listening to the radio or using smartphones and other electronic devices.

Considering that most people are awake 16 to 18 hours a day, 11 hours of electronic media usage seems like a lot, but, to be fair, much of that probably happens while doing other things at the same time.  It's a good thing people were given the ability to multitask; otherwise we wouldn't get a whole lot done these days.

Tomorrow I will continue my sermon series “Life is Too Short…”  I want to consider how we spend our time.  Do we get distracted with things of little eternal value?

·         Church Dinner

On Sunday February 14th we will have a church dinner following the morning worship service.  We are asking everyone to bring a main dish along with a side or dessert to share with your family and any guest we may have.

·         Nursery Shower

Our nursery has been repainted and new carpet has been installed.  We removed the broken toys and now it is time to get some new ones age appropriate for our nursery.  We need toys for children ages 0-3 years.  If you would like to donate toys or money for the purchase of new toys please contact Dalia Vargas or Jill Heer.

On Sunday February 21st after the morning worship service we will allow our children to open the toys and have  a short time of fellowship and refreshments.

·         Alabaster

On Sunday February 28^th we will receive our Alabaster Offering.  This offering provides funds for property and buildings around the world.  While we understand the church consists of the people of God, buildings erected for the purpose of ministry help provide a sense of permanence, functionally enhance ministry efforts, and convey an attitude that the Church of the Nazarene intends to "put down roots."  Alabaster funds help provide for many Work & Witness projects, and the entire Alabaster Offering goes toward the purchase of land and construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes for missionaries and national workers.

·         Favorite Quotes of the Week

“Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good but to make dead people live!” - Ravi Zacharias

"Christ was buried in a garden because He delivers us from the death we incur through Adam's sin in the garden of paradise." – Thomas Aquinas

“Lord, make me a person I couldn't be without your gracious intervention into my life.” - Will Willimon

"The whole preaching of Jesus Christ and His apostles is concerned with the kingdom of God." - Herman Ridderbos

“Do you spend more time telling God how big your problems are, or telling your problems how big your God is?”  - Jason Meyer

I am looking forward to worshiping with you tomorrow,

Pastor Andy