Bulletin - March 7, 2010 - Grandview Church of Christ


03/07/2010	Volume 33 Number 10

Living Life on the Edge

Even though the Olympic competitions are now over and the medals have been awarded, I still have some vivid memories of some of the events. I just can’t seem to get curling out of my mind! (Go ahead and laugh. It was kinda funny, wasn’t it?!) Actually, it’s the downhill skiing that I’m thinking about. One particular image is that of a slalom skier making a sharp turn. Traveling at a tremendous speed, her body is leaning almost parallel to the ground as she maneuvers around a marker. The only things that are keeping her from sliding out of control and are keeping her from serious injury, or even death, are the edges of her skis as they bite into the snow and ice. Talk about living life on the edge!! And for what? Olympic competitors push their bodies and equipment to the limit for a moment’s glory and perhaps a medal to display. Is it worth it to them? Absolutely!

It is exciting, and we love to watch it. Perhaps it’s the element of danger that keeps us glued to the TV. Or, perhaps it’s appreciation for their skills and effort. Whatever our reasons for watching are, there is something that we can learn from watching, if we will. There are a lot of things that go into the making of an Olympic skier – training, physical ability, practice, conditioning, courage, money, etc. But one thing an Olympic champion must have is faith in his skis. A skier cannot do what he does without believing that his skis will do what they are supposed to do. He is willing to put his life on the line because he believes that the edges of his skis will grip the snow.

Christians are called to live life on the edge. Anyone can slide down a bunny slope. Anyone can stay with the crowd on the broad, easy road. But God is looking for people who will stand apart from the rest of the world, people who will have the courage to allow their faith in God to do what no ordinary person can do, people who have the faith to throw mountains into the sea, people who expect the impossible. Read Hebrews 11 and learn what it means to live life on the edge. Christians should never become spectators. We have not yet seen the limits of what people with faith in God can do! And if that were not incentive enough, our reward is eternal life with God!

If Olympic champions can trust their skis, surely God’s people can trust him to equip them to live life on the edge! Is it worth it to you?

Joe Chesser, Fruitland Church of Christ, Jackson, MO

News & Notes

CONGRATULATIONS on the birth of Ethan Mongon! He was born last Sunday and was in class Wednesday night!

BABY SHOWER for Sarah Mongan and baby Ethan Sunday, March 14, 2-4 pm at the building. Anyone who would like to contribute to a group gift may give their money to Carrie Johnson or Tammy Sparks. The Mongans are registered at Babies ’R Us and Target.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS: We are continuing in our study of the book of John. Thus far we have made it through 18:27. This week we will be discussing our homework: “Why did Pilate have Jesus scourged if he found no guilt in Him?” All students are encouraged to continue reading through the 20th chapter this week and answer the question: “What did Jesus mean in verse 22 of the 20th chapter?”

Mission Mexico 2010: The mission trip to Cuidad Victoria is coming quickly. The team will leave from Des Moines on Friday, March 12, and return on Saturday, March 20th. The cost this year is $550 per person. The Ankeny congregation has offered to share space ON their bus to Texas. If you are unable to go but would like to help, we will be in need of the following items: shovels, rakes, concrete tools, post hole diggers, hammers, wire cutters and pliers. In addition to these items and the $550 per person, we will need to have approximately $3200 for building and travel costs. If anyone would like to go but cannot afford the full cost per person, please see Darin and he will help with other options.

“PRACTICAL MINISTRIES CLASS” In a few more weeks Art will be teaching the “Practical Ministries Class” on Sunday morning during the Bible class hour in the “fireside room” in our new addition area. This class will cover such topics as Weddings, Funerals, Church Camps, Christian Writing, and more. This class is part of the Central Iowa Missions preaching class program and is open to any of the men who are members of the congregation. Be listening and watching for more details.

Bible Reading is FUNdamental (BRIF): We are keeping track of Bible chapters read by Grandview members each week. Here are the results so far:

Date   Chapters
Jan 9   538
Jan 16   732
Jan 23   693.5
Jan 30   537.5
Feb 7   658
Feb 14   562
Feb 21   529
Feb 28   638

Jenna Mort is not doing well in her therapy and the family has requested prayers for wisdom and guidance for the future.

Mitzi Wood’s son Blake, is 14 years old and has been diagnosed with cancer.

We want to thank everyone so much for all the outpouring of love during my illness! Knowing that there were prayers for us all during the time of surgery was just wonderful-what a blessing! —Joe & Sandy Longfellow

Jared Van Egdom’s dad concerning the tumor or growth. They are still waiting on results from tests. Thanks again for all your concern and thoughts and prayers.

Paul Powers is in room 668 at Mercy hospital. He continues to improve on a daily basis and he is also doing well in physical therapy.

Glen Stevens’ health continues to decline. He is having chest pains on a more regular basis. He has an appointment to have an echocardiogram later in March.

Mike Mazak is now a civilian, and has found a part-time job at Dahl’s grocery store in Ankeny. Many thanks for God’s provision!!

Rosco Imhoff’s sister-in-law Mildred, passed away. Please keep that family in your prayers.

Amy Penick has seen marked improvement with a change in diet. Please keep her in your prayers.

Prayer request from Diane George: Please include my former mother-in-law, Jessie George, on our prayer list. She has suffered a stroke and is now experiencing TSI’s. Thank you.

Kelly Potter’s roommate committed suicide. Please pray for her family as well Kelly during this time.

Cindy Melvin’s father, Jerry, had a spot removed from his skin and is awaiting the test results. He is doing well but needs our prayers.

Dora Bailey’s mother, Carol Crocker saw the specialist and found out that she has a bulging disk instead of a herniated disc, which will not require surgery, but physical therapy instead.

Andrew Graves (Harriett’s grandson) is requesting prayers from the church for his 10-month-old daughter Kayleigha Graves. She’s been diagnosed with severe Acid Reflux, anemia and weight loss. He would like us to remember himself in prayer, as well.

Jake Ferrell’s mom, Vicki Bennett, is still in Lutheran hospital, and she is doing better.

Lyndsay Gordon asks you to pray for her high school friend, Katie Ford, who had a stroke. She is only 31 years old.

Looking for a job: Tom Collier, David and Frank Colton, Floyd West, (Susie Easter’s brother) Deborah Wallis, Robert Housby.

Anne Ogle’s mother Arlene is in danger of losing her job.

Shane Siegle’s sister, Cherrie Hubbard’s cancer has spread to her bones.

Please pray for Deb Kuper and the children as well as Chad.

Pray for our nation and all it’s challenges.

Expectant mothers: Dawn White, Dora Bailey, Anne Ogle, Melissa Ludwig

Marnie Walker and the girls in Des Moines with the house for sale while Philip is in Alabama.

Missions: Mike & Diane Richardson; Bob & Marla Housby

Prayer Requests