We ? Kings

Not much is known about the Magi, traditionally called wise men. We don’t know where in the “East” they came from. Tradition says they were men of high position from Parthia, near the site of ancient Babylon. How did they know that the star represented the Messiah? They could have been Jews who remained in Babylon after the exile and knew the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah’s coming. They may have been eastern astrologers who studied ancient manuscripts from around the world. Because of the Jewish exile centuries earlier, they would have had copies of the Old Testament in their land. They may have had a special message from God directing them to the King of Kings. 

 Interesting note: there is no mention of these travelers being kings as in the song “We Three Kings” or are we told how many of them are there? We imagine three because of the three gifts mentioned. What we do know is that these wise men sought out the Christ child. Tomorrow night, Christmas Eve at 6pm we will look at what the wise ones of today will find if they seek Christ.

700 years before Jesus was born…the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) 

Jesus born of a virgin…conceived by the Holy Spirit…called Immanuel

Jesus disciple Matthew reaffirms Isaiah’s prophecy and adds clarity when he writes.

  “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NIV) 

Jesus was God in the flesh; God literally among us, “with us.”

Of all the names given to Jesus in the scriptures and the are dozens….this is my favorite. Immanuel.

Tempting

Temptation is the world’s oldest problem.  It’s been around since Adam and Eve.  We all have areas that we are vulnerable, weak, with appetites we don’t have under control. It might be temper, eating, spending, lying, drinking, or gossip. The good news is that God tells us that He wants to help us to get control of our lives. He wants to help us overcome temptation.

 

The Apostle Paul gives us great insight into temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (Good News) “Every temptation that comes your way is the kind that normally comes to people.  But God keeps His promises and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist.  At the time you are tempted he will give you the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out.” What a great promise! 

 

Temptation is normal. If there are common temptations, there are common solutions.

God says He’ll promise to help us out.  He won’t allow any more than we can handle.  

This Sunday in our Celebration services at 9 & 10:45am I will be sharing five ways God

promises He’ll deliver us from evil.

 

Scripture Verse of the Week:

“Two are better than one, because together . . . if one falls down, the other can help him

up.  But if someone is alone and falls . . . there’s no one to help him.”  Eccl. 4:9-10 (GN)

 

 Happy Birthday: 12/12:  Reg Rowe, Ajoni Smolarkiewicz, Wayne Voss

12/13:  Erin Hernandez

12/14:  Christie Mennenga

Send your birthday info to ericka@celebratejesus.org

 

Prayer Requests

·         Spiritual protection for our pastors, staff & families

·         All who are in need of healing

·         After working on Thursday Ericka Pfeifer at home with pneumonia

·         Rick Sturdy back surgery in K.C. today

·         Shawna Nehls is having surgery on her nasal passages to try and cure headaches

·         Kael Bloom’s Dad Jamie, at Mayo Clinic for testing

·         Jayden Wellbrock seizures

·         Rob Williams’ brother, diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor

·         Jane Geist’s son Matthew, starts a year long work in Lusaka Zambia Africa

·         Judy Schonthaler upcoming kidney surgery

·         Families contemplating adoption

·         Healthy pregnancies. 

·         Our soldiers serving abroad

·         Christians persecuted throughout the world

·         Our nations economy

·         Those searching for jobs

·         Homes that need to be sold

 

This Week:  

Our Children will provide the music for our Celebration Services This Sunday at 9am & 10;45am REHEARSAL IS THIS SATURDAY 11am-12noon

 

A high energy worship experience

for the next generation.

Sunday 10:45am

 

NEWCOMERS come to Pizza with the Pastors This Sunday 12:15pm

 

 

          C³ will collect shoe boxes   

THIS SUNDAY —- December 22^nd

Pick up your brochure at church this Sunday

 

CINNAMON ROLLS NEEDED

Encounter (C3’s College-Age Ministry) will be putting on a free chili feed for the students of Fort Hays on December 17th.  If any of you would be willing to donate cinnamon rolls, it would be greatly appreciated.  Cinnamon rolls can be dropped off at the church during the day on the 15th and 16th, or on the 17th before 3:00.  If you have any questions, please contact Jan Blurton @ janb@celebratejesus.org. 

 

Be sure to worship with your church family this Sunday!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Unforgiveness

Yesterday Patrick McGinnis shared with our Celebration services about the need, especially at this time of year for forgiveness. Holding on to grudges makes us miserable.    While you’re stewing and being upset, the person you’re resentful of is probably oblivious to how you feel.  Resentment never hurts the other person, it only hurts you. 

 

Research has shown that holding on to a hurt takes a tremendous toll on us.  Physical consequences, emotional consequences, spiritual consequences.  Unforgiveness negatively effects our whole person. As for our physical health it is not as important what you eat but rather eliminating what is eating at you. There are physical effects to resentment.

 

There are also emotional effects to resentment.  Depression is the depletion of emotional energy.  Nothing wears you out emotionally faster than resentment and bitterness.

 

And there are certainly spiritual consequences to holding on to a hurt. Unforgiveness separates us not only from the other person, it separates us from God.

 

In the Lord’s prayer we read. “Forgive us our sins AS we forgive those who have sinned against us”

 

Do something physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy for yourself today. Go to God and in your heart ask forgiveness for being resentful and release that hurt to Him.

 

Job 18:4 “You are only hurting yourself with your anger.”

 

Scripture Verse of the Week:

“Two are better than one, because together . . . if one falls down, the other can help him up.  But if someone is alone and falls . . . there’s no one to help him.”  Eccl. 4:9-10 (GN)

 

 Happy Birthday:  Send your birthday info to ericka@celebratejesus.org

 

Prayer Requests

·         Spiritual protection for our pastors, staff & families

·         All who are in need of healing

·         Tim Lang recovery from leg injuries

·         Kael Bloom’s Dad Jamie, will travel to Mayo Clinic for testing

·         Derek Mayfield’s sister Lauryn testing

·         Jayden Wellbrock

·         Rob Williams’ brother, diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor

·         Those involved in a job search

·         Families contemplating adoption

·         Healthy pregnancies. 

·         Our soldiers serving abroad

·         Christians persecuted throughout the world

·         Our nations economy

·         Homes that need to be sold

This Week:  

 

Monday:

Men’s Group 7pm

Celebrate Recovery (Christian 12 Step group) 7pm

Financial Peace University, 7pm

 

Wednesday:

Singles Small Group: 6:30pm  contact jdixon@ruraltel.com

Middle School 5:30 -7:30 pm

High School 7:30 -9pm

brant@celebratejesus.org

 

College Age 7:30 -9pm  janb@celebratejesus.org

 

CINNAMON ROLLS NEEDED

Encounter (College-Age Ministry) will be putting on a free chili feed for the students of Fort Hays on December 17th.  If any of you would be willing to donate cinnamon rolls, it would be greatly appreciated.  Cinnamon rolls can be dropped off at the church during the day on the 15th and 16th, or on the 17th before 3:00.  If you have any questions, please contact Jan Blurton @ janb@celebratejesus.org. 

 

 

Christmas shopping /date night for parents THIS FRIDAY December 12^th 6-9pm for kids up to 5^th grade.  Parents  RSVP to penny@celebratejesus.org

 

 Our Children will provide the music for our Celebration Services This Sunday at 9am & 10;45am

 

A high energy worship experience

for the next generation.

Sunday 10:45am

 

NEWCOMERS come to Pizza with the Pastors This Sunday 12:15pm

 

 

          C³ will collect shoe boxes   

THIS SUNDAY —- December 22^nd

Pick up your brochure at church this Sunday

 

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Renew your vows

My wife Debbie and I are preparing to travel to Texas this weekend to be a part of my brother and sister in laws 25^th wedding anniversary. We will participate in a renewal of vows ceremony in which Terry and Valetha will publicly recommit themselves to God and to each other.

This is a good time for us all to think about the commitments that we have made to our spouses, our God, and our church.

 Remember the promises that you have made to your spouse, to unselfishly love, to honor and cherish?  Are you living up to your commitments?  

Remember the promises that you made to God to surrender your will to His and to take time each day to grow in your relationship with Him. Are you living up to your commitments?    

Remember the promises that you made to your church to attend faithfully, to give generously, to serve in ministry, to pray for your unchurched friends and to invite them to services. Are you living up to your commitments?   

As we get ready for the coming of Christmas, there is no better time than right now to renew our vows  recommit ourselves to God’s purposes for our lives.

 Scripture Verse of the Week:
 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 (NIV)

 Happy Birthday: 12/4:  Tim Lang, Nick Overbey, Cassie Robinson

Send your birthday info to ericka@celebratejesus.org

Prayer Requests

·         Spiritual protection for our pastors, staff & families

·         All who are in need of healing

·         Phil Hartsfield & family at the loss of his son Garrett.  Send sympathy cards to 526^th W. 27^th, Hays

·         Doug Folland’s funeral service is today in Spokane Washington

·         Tim Lang recovery from leg injuries

·         Kael Bloom’s Dad Jamie, will travel to Mayo Clinic for testing

·         Derek Mayfield’s sister Lauryn testing

·         Jayden Wellbrock answers for memory loss

·         Phyllis Hartfield’s mom in New York is ailing with diabetes

·         Those involved in a job search

·         Families contemplating adoption

·         Healthy pregnancies. 

·         Our soldiers serving abroad

·         Christians persecuted throughout the world

·         Our nations economy

·         Homes that need to be sold

 

This Week:

 

 Get $60 worth of Food for $30

Final day to order is TODAY by 2:00 PM contact Kathy Wagner 628-2887/ kwagoner@media-net.net. 

 

 

We need you to help decorate the church for Christmas THIS SATURDAY Dec. 6^th at 9am Contact Amy Brungardt at volunteers@celebratejesus.org to let her know you are coming.

 C³ will collect shoe boxes   

THIS SUNDAY —- December 22^nd

Pick up your brochure at church this Sunday

 

Coming Soon:

Christmas shopping /date night for parents Friday December 12^th 6-9pm for kids up to 5^th grade.  Parents  RSVP to penny@celebratejesus.org

 

 

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Your Greatest Need

Luke 2:11 “Today your Savior was born.  He is Christ, the Lord!“

What is your greatest need? Good health, a peaceful family, more money at the end of the month? God thought our greatest need was for forgiveness. The Bible says that heaven is a perfect place.  There are no mistakes, no inconsistencies, no needs. Because of that only perfect people get to go there. If God let imperfect people into heaven, it wouldn’t be perfect any more.  That means I don’t stand a chance in a million of getting into heaven on my own effort.  And neither did you. 

Because of God’s love for us He had to come up with a plan to live with us forever, so He sent us a Savior – somebody who could through His perfection, make a way for us to live in relationship with God in heaven forever.  That’s the Good News we look forward to each Christmas.

Today think about what you need the most and thank God that those needs can be met because God has already met your greatest need, forgiveness.

 

Scripture Verse of the Week:
 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 (NIV)

 Happy Birthday: 12/3:  Jerold Brungardt, Brooke Hobbs

Send your birthday info to ericka@celebratejesus.org

Prayer Requests

·         Spiritual protection for our pastors, staff & families

·         All who are in need of healing

·         Phil Hartsfield & family at the loss of his son Garrett.  Send sympathy cards to 526^th W. 27^th, Hays

·         Doug Folland’s funeral service is Thursday December 4^thin Spokane Washington

·         Tim Lang recovery from leg injuries

·         Kael Bloom’s Dad Jamie, will travel to Mayo Clinic for testing

·         Derek Mayfield’s sister Lauryn testing

·         Jayden Wellbrock answers for memory loss

·         Phyllis Hartfield’s mom in New York is ailing with diabetes

·         Those involved in a job search

·         Families contemplating adoption

·         Healthy pregnancies. 

·         Our soldiers serving abroad

·         Christians persecuted throughout the world

·         Our nations economy

·         Homes that need to be sold

 

This Week:

 

Wednesday:

Singles Small Group: 6:30pm  contact jdixon@ruraltel.com

 

 

Middle School 5:30 -7:30 pm

High School 7:30 -9pm

brant@celebratejesus.org

 

College Age 7:30 -9pm  janb@celebratejesus.org

 

 

 

          C³ will collect shoe boxes   

THIS SUNDAY —- December 22^nd

Pick up your brochure at church this Sunday

 

 

 Get $60 worth of Food for $30

Final day to order is THURSDAY, DEC.4th by 2:00 PM contact Kathy Wagner 628-2887/ kwagoner@media-net.net. 

We need you to help decorate the church for Christmas THIS SATURDAY Dec. 6^th at 9am Contact Amy Brungardt at volunteers@celebratejesus.org to let her know you are coming.

 

Coming Soon:

Christmas shopping /date night for parents Friday December 12^th 6-9pm for kids up to 5^th grade.  Parents  RSVP to penny@celebratejesus.org

 

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

People a priority over things

 

Last Friday an out-of-control mob of frenzied shoppers trampled a Wal-Mart worker to death as the doors to the store in Long Island New York were opened to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Known as Black Friday, the day in which retail stores have enough sales to put them “in the black” is the ceremonial kick off of the holiday shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I learned a new expression yesterday, Cyber-Monday. which refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday, where shoppers can make discounted purchases online that they were not able to make in stores.

In the midst of all of this shopping hyperactivity, a recent survey showed that 84 percent of people in the United States want a less materialistic holiday season. But when push comes to shove, (pardon the black humor in that pun) all holiday paths seem to lead to the stores and internet shopping carts rather than a more spiritual and meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth?

As we begin the month of December let me suggest that we put more attention on the observance of Advent, the 4-week period before Christmas. Instead of filling those days with activity and ending up physically and spiritually depleted, we need to recall that “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Even with a busy calendar of school and church programs, and family obligations, we can still carve out time to “wait on the Lord” and to concentrate on the true meaning of this season. We can determine to make the most of our times of daily Bible reading and prayer, and to give people priority over things instead of the opposite. Only in that way can we be a light in the real darkness that crushed the worker at Wal-Mart on Black Friday.  

Scripture Verse of the Week:  
 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 (NIV)

 Happy Birthday: 12/2:  Chris Norris

Send your birthday info to ericka@celebratejesus.org

Prayer Requests

·         Spiritual protection for our pastors, staff & families

·         Safe travel over the holidays

·         All who are in need of healing

·         Phil Hartsfield & family at the loss of his son Garrett.  Send sympathy cards to 526^th W. 27^th, Hays

·         Doug Folland’s mom Shirley Keefer. passed away the funeral service is Thursday December 4^thin Spokane Washington

·         Tim Lang being released today from in HMC. MRI revealsed torn ACL & MCL

·         Kael Bloom’s Dad Jamie, will travel to Mayo Clinic for testing

·         Derek Mayfield’s sister Lauryn testing

·         Phyllis Hartfield’s mom in New York is ailing with diabetes

·         Those involved in a job search

·         Families contemplating adoption

·         Healthy pregnancies. 

·         Our soldiers serving abroad

·         Christians persecuted throughout the world

·         Our nations economy

·         Homes that need to be sold

 

This Week:

 

Wednesday:

Singles Small Group: 6:30pm  contact jdixon@ruraltel.com

 

 

Middle School 5:30 -7:30 pm

High School 7:30 -9pm

brant@celebratejesus.org

 

College Age 7:30 -9pm  janb@celebratejesus.org

 

 

 

          C³ will collect shoe boxes   

THIS SUNDAY —- December 22^nd

Pick up your brochure at church this Sunday

 

Get $60 worth of Food for $30

Final day to order is THURSDAY, DEC.4th by 2:00 PM contact Kathy Wagner 628-2887/ kwagoner@media-net.net. 

We need you to help decorate the church for Christmas THIS SATURDAY Dec. 6^th at 9am Contact Amy Brungardt at volunteers@celebratejesus.org to let her know you are coming.

 

Coming Soon:

Christmas shopping /date night for parents Friday December 12^th 6-9pm for kids up to 5^th grade.  Parents  RSVP to penny@celebratejesus.org

 

 

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

The true measure of Christian maturity

Have you ever thought about how to measure a Christian’s spiritual maturity? We cannot judge it by the length or even the content of one’s prayers. Many pray only to be heard by others. Even the generosity of one’s giving is not a reliable test of spirituality, for someone may give for personal recognition or easing of a guilty conscience.

Perhaps the surest test of one’s spirituality is their ability to forgive. I find that forgiveness is about the hardest thing one can do. If our goal in life is to become more like Jesus, the real test will be how well we forgive others. When we think of how much God has forgiven us, we are challenged to forgive others as God has forgiven us through Christ. This Sunday Patrick McGinnis will be looking at the most difficult verse in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.   

Scripture Verse of the Week:  
 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 (NIV)