Highway Tabernacle's E-Bulletin: E-bulletin 3/17/15

HIGHWAY TABERNACLE ~ RESURRECTION LIFE

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

"Following Jesus and Loving People"

There's an old expression which goes, "I was so busy fighting alligators that I forgot my main job was to drain the swamp." As we begin our 2015 Missions Convention, I encourage you to "keep the main thing, the main thing." Life's daily issues and difficulties have a way of captivating our time and attention, pulling us off our main work. We find ourselves in the midst of the "swamp" of work, school, money challenges, etc. and wonder, "what is life about in the first place"? For me, a missions convention is like adjusting the knob on the camera…my focus becomes more clear and sharp. Looking at missions ignites my heart again to feel the way God feels about people. Missions helps me understand that my purpose is more than just to do a lot of stuff...and die. Work, school, and life's responsibilities are not to be ignored, or grudgingly accepted, but rather, accomplished with the sweet presence of Jesus. Missions becomes the light bulb turning on in my spirit, enabling me to see that my purpose is to live in relationship with Jesus (abiding in the vine, John 15) and sharing the fruit of this life with believers and non-believers. This morning I read the Book of Hosea, which gives a sad account of God's people forgetting all about mission, and living for their own evil desires. God challenged them to repent and reminded them, "your fruitfulness comes from me" (Hosea 14:8). Let's ask Jesus to sharpen the focus of his mission in us and in our church. No matter how busy your life is, what counts in the end is finishing the work he gave you. So, when you hear the challenge from missionaries this week, be reminded that your life is unique (there's only one of you) and that God has a fruitful work that only you can do!

Pastor Mark Boucher

WEDNESDAY, 6:30 PM, LOVE IN ACTION OUTREACH will meet for prayer at Highway Tabernacle before convening at Café Cret on Franklin Parkway. God is giving us answers to prayer and fruitfulness. The power is God's, the step is ours.

THURSDAY, 6:45-8:15PM, FAMILY NIGHT @ Highway Tabernacle. Missionaries Doug and Brittany Favuzza will be sharing with the kids in the afternoon and with the whole congregation at 7 pm. Call 215-563-9192 for more information.

FRIDAY, 6-9PM, FAMILY NIGHT @ Resurrection Life. Missionaries Bob and Michele Perez will be sharing with the kids in the afternoon and with the youth and adults at 7:15 pm. Call 215-226-1000 for more information.

FRIDAY, 6PM, Missions dinner @ Mike and Maria Wulin's house. If you are planning to attend, please contact Maria as soon as possible.

NEXT SUNDAY, we will be receiving Faith Promise pledges for missions.

NEXT SUNDAY, 6PM, Worship Night @ Highway Tabernacle.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 11 from 3-5PM–-FAMILY FUN DAY at RLC

Save the afternoon as we kick off our season of outdoor ministry to the community: games, food, music, and more! Let Candace Wegner or Nicole Boucher know soon if you would like to volunteer (from 1-6PM) by calling 215-226-1000. We are happy to have other churches, including Lighthouse Assembly, committed to helping us launch our Spring/Summer ministry to the community.

**A special thanks to Chi Alpha missions team from Pittsburgh coming to work with our churches, SGA, and NGM this week! They are led by Pastor Dave York, our friend and NGM board member.

K-12^th Grade Scholarships

This is the time of year many organizations award scholarships for private school students. Spring Garden Academy is committed to working with families to help them access these opportunities and learn more about the possibilities. But time is running out! If you know a family who may need funds for K-12^th grades, please contact Amy dela Cruz at adelacruz@springgardenacademy.org or 215-563-9192. We're here to help.

We are also experiencing growth at Spring Garden Academy's Elementary School (K-8^th). Please pray that God will send the families he desires for the school. Pray that the children he sends will embrace their call to become leaders in this city. Pray that we will help families find the funding that they need to make this hope a reality. God has blessed tremendously this year – even opening up doors for complete funding for some families. Let's keep praying! He is good.

Car Needed

Becky Robbins, Next Generation Ministries (NGM) Missionary Associate, is in need of a car for ministry in the city. If you have an affordable car or a car to donate to NGM, please contact Becky at becky@nextgenministries.us or 215-563-9192. You can receive a tax credit if you are donating to the ministry.

Message for Business Owners

(and those who know them)

Do you know about the state tax credit program? Did you know that you, the business owner, can give money to a scholarship organization AND save money for your business? This credit works for small business owners and even those in small private practice. The scholarship money makes it possible for Philadelphia children to attend Christian and private schools. It's a win-win for you, the business owner, and our community!

To learn more, please attend an upcoming brunch meeting sponsored by Spring Garden Academy. Contact Amy dela Cruz at adelacruz@springgardenacademy.org

or 215-563-9192 for dates and details. We will even come to you and your business to tell you more.

Love In Action

Compassion Ministries

We are working with Trinity Assembly in West Chester to increase our weekly food distribution and family dinners

at both churches and our monthly clothing distribution.

It's time to form a team on our end to help with this critical need in our community. Please contact Mandi Spears

to join the team. Please call 215-226-1000 or e-mail info@SpringGardenAcademy.org.

Here are some specific events individuals can join:

 Weekly Food Distribution – Thursday

 Weekly Food Distribution – Friday

 Driver to pick up food in Westchester

(one evening or day between Mon-Thurs)

 Weekly Dinner Preparation – Thursday

 Weekly Dinner Preparation – Friday

 Monthly Clothing Distribution – Friday

 Homeless Outreach in Center City—

first Tuesday and third Wednesday of each month

Bus Team

We have many opportunities to travel with our children, youth, and church members each week but need qualified bus drivers. Please see Amy dela Cruz to find out what it will take to join the team. If 5-6 drivers can each volunteer once a month, we can meet the need. Thanks to Zach Webster and Pastor Mark for already joining and ministering by driving.