Newsletter Jan 2008 Volume 11 Issue 1
MEADOWBROOK FAMILY FOCUS
Volume 11 Issue 1 January 2008
MICS & YICS Beginning January 13
Perhaps you've seen the fliers, heard the announcements or simply caught the "buzz" on the street. Maybe you've been one of those asking for an additional opportunity to learn about God's Word or are simply curious. Perhaps you've made a new year's commitment to work on your own discipleship! With the new year here, the time is right!
Please join us for the kick-off of Meadowbrook Church's new Meadowbrook Institute of Christian Studies (MICS) and Youth Institute of Christian Studies (YICS) starting on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at the Einstein Elementary Library!
Our kickoff series will be a 7 week topical video driven experience. It will stimulate and challenge both those new to the Christian faith and those who are more seasoned to go deeper into God's Word.
The series title, "NOOMA" is Greek for "breath of God". NOOMA is a new format of learning. It is short films with communicators that really speak to us, addressing topics like discipleship, worship, hearing God, grief, the Holy Spirit, identity and life purpose. These 10-14 minute DVD's will spark meaningful discussion and bring sharp insights.
A nursery will be provided for 4 year olds and younger. Special programming for K-5th grade will be provided by PromiseLand (see below).
Registration is encouraged. To register or get more information contact MICS Director, Jason Menia at 425.830.5794 or .
PromiseLand Adds a 2nd Hour of Discipleship
All kids, K-5th grade, have a special new opportunity beginning Sunday, January 13, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Kids will begin an investigative journey through the Bible learning to memorize Scripture and apply it, how to have a quiet time and even learn how to journal!
Each week will have exciting new challenges and will be an hour that you won't want to miss.
Jessica Bontempo and Donna Zimmerman will be our leaders.
Parents, help your children get in on all of the life-changing fun.
What Will 2008 Be Like For You?
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"If money were no object, what would you do for the rest of your life?" Many of you have been asked that question before as a facilitator or life coach sought to get you to think "outside of the box" and dream a dream or see a vision. Craig Groeschel recently posed the question to about 50 Christians. He expected that some would respond with: "I'd volunteer my time at the Crisis Pregnancy Center." "I'd adopt children from a third world country." "I'd mentor young inner city kids." |
| Sadly, the most common answers orbited around personal comfort. Instead of Spirit-led, selfless responses, virtually everyone gave answers like:
"I'd quit working, buy a nice car, a new house, a boat." "I'd travel.""I'd hire people to help me around the house." Then Craig asked these same 50 Christians, "Besides ministering to your family, what do you believe is the number one, most important thing that God wants to accomplish through you?" The most common answer was, "I don't know." Craig was dismayed and commented, "Do we really think God sent His Son so our greatest life's goal would be a new boat? Do we think He created you and me uniquely and wonderfully, with all our gifts and passions, so we wouldn't have to work another day in our life? Or even worse, just so we would stumble around for years, ignorant of our reason for existence?" Craig's survey and comments have stirred my own reflections about my life and about the lives of those that I love. There's nothing magical about the turning of a page of a calendar. But, it does serve as a worthy time to determine--"Why am I here? What needs to happen this year to successfully address my life purpose?" Blessings on you and yours as you embark on the next part of life's journey. |
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Youth Stuff
Hey Youth,
The top 5 signs that the new year is here-
You've finally stopped singing "Silent Night".
The Space Needle fireworks are finally finished. Hold on, there they go again. Ok they finished. Wait...no, they're done now.
It doesn't get dark at 4:30 pm any more. Now it's at least 4:35.
You no longer accidentally put 2006 for the date on the top of your papers.
Monday becomes your favorite night of the week.
That's right! Youth Group starts up again-
January 14
Grades 6-8
January 21
Grades 9-12
Bergauer house. Be there, or be so last year.
Ryan & Aubrey
CURRENT SUNDAY SERIES
Doing the Work of The Gospel
December 25 is the beginning of Christmas. For centuries the church celebrated Advent for four weeks preceding Christmas. This was/is a celebration of anticipating the birth of Christ. December 25 then marked the beginning of the 12 Days of Christmas (remember the song?) that would conclude on January 6, Epiphany.
Traditionally Protestant churches focus on the mission of making Christ known from Epiphany until Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent and the celebration of Easter.
This year Meadowbrook Church will be experiencing this ancient path of celebration, worship and mission.
The "work of the gospel" is a proclaiming of the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is much more than sermons. It is a way of life.
December 30
"The Word of God Comes to Us"
January 6
"The Hand of God Begets Us"
January 13
"The Enemy of God Tempts Us"
January 27
"The People of God Reject Us"
February 3
"The Authority of God Empowers Us"
LIFE BUILDING Update
What's the latest with Meadowbrook's new facility? Here's a few answers to your questions-
Q: I hear that we've finished de-construction and have now begun construction. What's the latest?
A: The main dividing wall has been moved 6 feet out to accommodate a larger lobby, framing and insulation studs are in, as well as part of the electrical upgrades from warehouse use to worship needs. Many of the city code requirements are completed, such as fire sprinkler and earthquake seismic retrofits for the entire building, re-sizing the bathrooms for wheelchair access, plumbing for drinking fountains, and installing adequate heating and air-conditioning.
Q: What kind of projects are Meadowbrook volunteers doing? Do you still need more volunteers?
A: At last count, we're saving approximately $20,000 by doing some work ourselves, such as painting, Audio, Video & Lighting design & installation, building the Stage and Tech Booth, and installing the carpet and trim. We send out an e-mail just days before a need for a specific project. So we'll certainly use whatever volunteers respond to the most current e-mail!
Q: When do we think we'll get to move in?
A: Right now our contractor is telling us March 1. Easter is the 23rd!
Q: What are the current challenges and/or holdups that we're facing?
A: Timing, and Cost Increases to meet the fluctuating demands of city code and the various inspections
Q: Did we definitely get the additional space next door? When will we get to occupy it?
A: The landlord has signed our letter of intent with the provision that we occupy February 1 and terminate March 2015 which is the same time we terminate the other space.
Please pray that we'll be good stewards of what God has given us and for our sacrificial giving.
LIFE BUILDING
Total
Commitments:
$564,750
Contributed
To Date:
$273,141
