Welcome to Verdunville Church of God

Pastor: Bishop Michael Hartwell Email: vcog2007@aol.com Date: January 13, 2008

Pastor’s Corner - In the mystery of the interaction between divine sovereignty and human freedom, there are some things God won't do until we ask. The mystery goes deeper. One writer says that not only may persistent prayer change what God will do, but it may, in a sense, take the form of actually resisting what his will is in a particular instance. To resist his will can actually be to do his will. What that means is that in prayer we may sometimes resist what God desires to be only temporary and intermediary—and therefore to be transcended. Sometimes we may beg and beg and hear him refuse, as he did with Paul, and say, "My grace is enough. It's all you need" (2 Cor. 12:9, paraphrase). But other times we may come away, as did the blind man Bartimaeus, who would not take no for an answer and finally got a yes from Jesus (see Mark 10:46-52). It may be for us as it was with a Gentile woman from Syrophoenicia. She came to seek her daughter's deliverance from a demon. What she initially got from Jesus was a stiff retort. Using a figure that Jews commonly used of Gentiles, and insult, he called both her and her people dogs: "First let the children eat all they want … for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord, … but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Jesus loved it. He answered, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter" (Mark 7:24-30, NIV). We may obey God as much when we push our case and plead our cause as we do when we accept his decision and say, "Yet not what I will, but what you will." Pastor and Darlene

Announcements

Monday – January 14^th (tomorrow night) - There will a Ladies Ministries Meeting from 7 pm until 8:00. pm. Please be on time as we will start promptly at 7 pm and end @ 8 pm sharp.

Tuesday – January 15^th – There will be a meeting of all men starting promptly @ 7 pm and ending @ 8 pm. No refreshements will be served - only coffee.

Wednesday Night – January 16^th - Pastor will be teaching a message on "The significance of the Prayer Cloth and Praying for the Sick."

Thursday Night – Jan. 17^th - Any man wishing to go on visitation should be here at the Church by 7 pm unless prior arrangements have been made.

Sunday Mornings - Pastor will be having a devotion from 9:30 am until 9:45 am. This is for the Staff and everyone that wishes to attend.

Wednesday Nights - Becky is teaching a new convert/new membership class. If you are interested in the class please see Becky.

This Week - We will be working on the Youth Sanctuary to sound proof it. If you wish to help please let Pastor Know.

January 26^th – Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Dinner for the Staff at the church. No children please. Please let Pastor know if you are attending.

February 10 – 14 – Youth Revival @ 7:00 p.m. Singers, speakers, etc. to be announced.

February 15^th – Friday Evening – 6:00 p.m. We will be having a valentines dinner here @ the Church the cost is $15.00 per person or $30.00 per couple. The menu will be steak, baked potato, salad, dessert and drinks. Please See Stephanie and give her your money so we will know how many are attending.

vcog2007@aol.com is now the Pastor’s church email address. If you have email, please send Pastor an email so he can set up his address book.

Video or electronic games are not to be played during our church services. Ipods, mp3 players, CD players, etc. should also be left at home unless they are being used in the worship service.

Read the Bible Through In One Year! It’s not too late to start! Check out the link on the homepage of our website, www.verdunville.com, for a guide to read the Bible in one year. There are four versions to choose from. There are also many websites that will give you Bible reading plans to help you read the Bible. Suggested links: Studythebible.com, mannacabana.com, Verseoftheday.com, and Oneyearbible.net - just to name a few!