Highway Tabernacle's E-Bulletin: E-Bulletin 1/28/15

HIGHWAY TABERNACLE ~ RESURRECTION LIFE

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

“Following Jesus and Loving People”

Many times the Bible refers to believers as sheep. Psalm 100:3b says, “we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Pastor Robert Rhoden in his book, “The Four Faces of a Leader” says, “If you want to go somewhere fast, you go alone. But if you want to go far, you go together. The church is called to go far. It takes longer-but that’s all right.” Rhoden added, “Sheep, after all, are not cheetahs.” We sometimes think the most important things in life are all about speed and bursts of energy. In reality, change is all about process. We believe in God’s process of change and growth, and are connected to the church because we believe Jesus calls us to grow together as a local flock. Good results come from perseverance, faithfulness, and consistency. Today, as we experience our annual business/vision casting meeting, we need to see ourselves on a journey with Jesus and our brothers and sisters. Our mission of “Growing a church family to reach a community” comes true as we dedicate ourselves to godly living every day. Most people, before becoming followers of Jesus, need to encounter positive experiences with other Christians. Our faithfulness in word and lifestyle are great tools which God uses to draw people to himself. Even a few strong believers in a community can make a great difference! We live in a day when most people don’t take the time to open up a Bible. So, as a Christian, we may be the only “Bible” they read. Do they read of patience, love, and kindness when they “read” you, or do they come to the conclusion that Christians are no different than anyone else…just living for themselves and having the same addictions? We may have smaller groups of people in our churches right now, but there is no limit to what God can do through those who dedicate this short span we call “life” to obeying and becoming just like Jesus. As we faithfully follow our Shepherd, others will join us! May your life (and mine) be about “His Mission” becoming our mission. Jesus told us, “As the Father sent me into the world, so I am sending you” (John 20:21).

Pastor Mark Boucher

THURSDAY, 7-8:15PM, FAMILY NIGHT @ Highway Tabernacle. Call 215-563-9192 for more information.

FRIDAY, 7-8:30PM, FAMILY NIGHT @ Resurrection Life. Call 215-226-1000 for more information.

Thank you to all who attended the “Leading the Next Generation” Information Meeting!

We had a wonderful night sharing dinner, laughs, and vision together. Please know that the leadership team will be contacting individuals to discuss next steps. If you started the clearance process, please finish since we have a 30 day window or call 215-226-1000 and ask for Nicole if you need more help.

If you missed the meeting, it’s not too late to get involved. Please contact Candace Wegner (candace@nextgenministries.us) or Fatima Fulks (ffulks@springgardenacademy.org)

YOUTH FINE ARTS

Youth, grades 6^th-12^th, should sign up now to participate in the Teen Fine Arts completion. There are many ways to participate (vocals, instrumental, dance, human video, writing, video, visual arts, drama, and more). Call 215-226-1000 or email ffulks@springgardenacademy.org to participate. Registration paperwork is due soon.

Spring Garden Academy celebrates

SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK (Extended)

This is the time of year that we let families in our community know about affordable and accessible private Christian school options, particularly at Spring Garden Academy. We take time to walk families through actual SCHOLARSHIP applications (which are due soon!). Feel free to invite friends and families to ONE of these events. GIFTS FOR ALL WHO COME!

PARENT MEETING, 6-7 pm, Thursday, January 29, 18^th and Spring Garden RSVP 215-563-9192 or adelacruz@springgardenacademy.org

OPEN HOUSE (all day), Friday, January 30^th, 17^th and Tioga (Elementary School location) -- TOUR the building, MEET the teachers, TALK to other parents

PARENT DINNER (6-7 pm during Family Night). RSVP 215-226-1000 or nboucher@springgardenacademy.org.

RESCHEDULED: PARENT BREAKFAST, 8-9 am, Wednesday, February 4, 17^th and Tioga (Elementary School location) followed by an all-day OPEN HOUSE. TOUR the building, MEET the teachers, TALK to other parents. RSVP 215-226-1000 or nboucher@springgardenacademy.org.

RESCHEDULED: PARENT BREAKFAST, 8-9 am, Thursday, February 5, 18^th and Spring Garden RSVP 215-563-9192 or adelacruz@springgardenacademy.org

APARTMENT NEEDED:

Although Next Generation Ministries (NGM) submitted an offer to the Russian Brotherhood Organization (RBO), RBO has decided to sell their building to another buyer. They have not yet settled but have asked us to vacate the Carriage House apartments by March 1^st when our lease ends. While this is discouraging news on the surface, the NGM board and leadership team believe that we should continue to pray that God will open the door to the RBO building or another property for NGM’s expansion and growth. We are committed to the vision God has given us and the new ministries (young adult residential program, family counseling services, urban Bible school training, and more) he has put on our hearts. A building is just the tool to help us better prepare our children and youth to be godly leaders in their homes, our church, our city, and the mission field of this world. God will provide what we need at just the right time if we remain in Him and have confidence in his plan. We know we cannot do this in our own power or timing. The dreams he has given us are so big that only He can make them happen! So please keep praying with expecation us about RBO and other opportunities.

But this news has practical implications too as we have rented the Carriage House from RBO for over 13 years. If you know of a good apartment or sublet opportunity for Becky Robbins, please contact her directly at brobbins@springgardenacademy.org or 215-563-9192. Please pray that the Lord provides for her need at this time. Becky is a vital member of the NGM team and our churches.

We will also be working to clear out the Carriage House garage during the month of February. If you can help, please let Bob Monreal (bmonreal@springgardenacademy.org) or Amy dela Cruz (adelacruz@springgardenacademy.org) know your availability. You may also call the school office at 215-226-1000 or 215-563-9192.