Week 2, Day 4

Day Four:

Read Acts 4:23-37

Reflect:

1)      What do verses 23-31 say about prayer?

a.       Prayer is powerful

b.      Prayer is community oriented

c.       Prayer recognizes that God is sovereign over all

d.      Prayer doesn’t do anything?

2)      Why is it important to pray for boldness in sharing the Gospel?  How would this boldness from God look in your life?

3)      Compare the vision of the early church presented in verses 32-37 with Orange Friends.  What is similar and what needs to change in how we interact and care for each other?

To Memorize:

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Acts 4:32 (ESV)

So, What is the Vision Fund

Did you know that Orange Friends Church is debt-free?   This is a wonderful blessing.  But, we still have electricity, heat, water, salaries, insurance, and ministry expenses.  And we must maintain our building and grounds – all as good stewards of what we are using  for God to carry out Orange Friends’ Vision:  “that all would know love, wholeness, and hope through Jesus Christ. “

Our trustees identify areas in our building and grounds that need attention and get estimates for the related work, and then get the work done.  Current needs are major repair to our parking lot, carpet replacement, furnace replacement and repairs, and decorating/improvements in the Children’s area.   Estimates for this work totals about $75,000.  The trustees have done a great job of using our financial resources wisely.   But, our financial reserve is getting low, and we have not been replenishing it.  

So, the Stewardship Team has created and introduced the Vision Fund that will exist to fund our church facilities needs, so that Orange Friends can carry out our Vision.   We are asking you to consider giving above your regular tithe so that we can fund these current needs.  We’ve already heard from people who are finding ways to sacrifice in order to have something to give … did you hear about the two couples who will not be heating OR cooling their homes in June?   Look for an update of what has been given in the next few weeks.

Any of us on the Stewardship Team welcome your questions.

Kay Cermak, Ron Clark, Cody DeWeerd, Don Sampson

What is my Story.... Connie Kimmins Testimony

I went to church when I was a teenager, but in my twenties I strayed back out into sin.  God worked on my heart and brought me back.  I was a prodigal daughter brought back into the family of God.  God had been working on my heart.  

 When my second granddaughter was a newborn, she was at Children’s Hospital.  I was coming home from the hospital and hit the back of another car.  The man whose car I hit got out of his car and asked me if I was alright.  After I told him that I had just visited Children’s Hospital where my granddaughter was he asked me if I believed in God.  I said yes.  He prayed for her right there on Cleveland Ave.  The police officer did not give me a citation either. 

I first went to Orange Friends Church on Easter 2011, then I did not go anywhere until February 19 of 2012.  It was my birthday and I wanted to go to church but did not know where I wanted to go.  I ended up going again to Orange Friends Church.  That day I met Lois Jones.  She told me it was her birthday that day; and I told her it was mine also.  She showed me where all the classes were and especially the class for new people.  Everyone was so friendly   -  that did impress me.

I not only finished the class but joined the church and was baptized July 2012.  I went through the discipleship class with Amy Clark from church.  I became closer to God.  I joined a small group and benefited greatly from the teaching and fellowship with the group.

God has been with me every day through trials and sorrow and has not let me down.  I could not have made it through the death of my husband if Jesus was not in my heart.  The church has meant so much to me.

I thank God for the church, Pastor David Mabry and all who attend church here.