Lunch Bunch Bible Study – 12 pm Wednesdays
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, a story recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther. The Lunch Bunch Bible Study group is planning on attending Purim on Wednesday, March 7th at 5:45 pm at Congregation B’nai Emunah. In order to prepare for the celebration, we will study the Book of Esther during the month of February. The book of Esther shows us how God cares for God’s people and the importance of trust and acting in faith, even when we don’t understand the reason. Having all the ingredients of a romance and adventure novel, this book records an important part of Jewish history. Now 2500 years later, it still contains valuable lessons concerning God’s sovereignty, trust in God’s direction, and even gives a lesson in the danger of pride. Join us on Wednesdays as we delve into the Book of Esther and how it relates to us Christians today.
The Image of a Loving Life
As we enjoy Valentine’s Day, and healthy heart month, as we begin new journeys, and as we think anew about what it means to have a life that is beautiful and full of grace and responsible to God’s purpose, perhaps this little story from Peter Gomes, pastor and professor, may inspire us to imagine a life better than the one we had yesterday.
At a special dinner, Gomes found himself sitting next to “a very large football player.” Trying to make light conversation, Gomes asked him what he did. The young man answered that he worked in sports theory. Intrigued, Gomes asked him what sports theory was all about, and Gomes said that he explained it in simple enough terms that even he understood. Gomes learned “that is was the process of imaging, of getting the brain to play through all the right plays over and over and over again, to anticipate and to respond in the brain so that the plays and the actions are patterned, and that by the time you actually do a play, on that one time the brain doesn’t know that you haven’t done it dozens and dozens of times before, and so has perfected your ability to perform. It isn’t practice, this kid said to me, it’s imaging.”
Football players do this. Musicians do this. Public speakers do this. Why can’t Christians do this? What would it be like for you and me to image a life that is Christ-like, to invite our brains to play through a day that is courageous, a spirit that is repentant, a compassionate heart, and loving words. Over and over again we can imagine such a life and as the pattern settles itself not only in our brains but in our hearts, then perfection of love becomes something to be grasped, if even for a moment.
Imaging a life of love is more than practicing in our minds what it might look like. It is making real in our hearts a life that God calls us to perfect now. May God engender in us the desire to do so, not only so that may experience a quality of life that is beautiful, but so that others may feel our love and believe and know a quality of life they have not known before. Peace, Tracy
Computer Class
Do you have questions about your computer programs, iPhone, iPad, or Facebook? Tracy is offering her amateur expertise to help those who have questions about their electronic device or a program on Wednesday, Feb. 8th at 10 am at the church.
Visioning /Planning Workshop
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” John Wesley
“I will pour out my Spirit upon all peoples. Your son’s and your daughter’s shall prophesy.
Your Elders shall dream dreams and your youth shall have visions.” (The Prophet Joel)
The new year of 2012 is a time for dreaming and visioning here at Southern Hills. The visions planted in our hearts and minds are from the heart and mind of God. Visioning is applied, practical creativity, which frees the movement of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.
Let us come together as the church to vision on Sunday
afternoon February 12th from 12-3 pm, led by Rev. Anne Clement.
With prayer, music and simple art exercises we will engage in a creative process of Visioning.
This will be a time, with a great deal of fun, that we call forth the deep desire of our Heart Spirit which we share here at Southern Hills.
We will use these visions and dreams as our strategic plans for 2012.
Everyone is invited to share in this time of Dreaming God’s Dream for 2012 so save the time now
Re-Ignite Workshop (Local Church Leader’s Workshop)
Saturday, January 21st at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church (1301 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa, OK).
Browse Class Descriptions & Registration Online: http://www.okumcministries.org/Local_Church/Tulsa_District.htm
Join us in January!
The Games People Play Sermon Series
Legos and Bones
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Trivial Pursuit: What Really Matters?
Luke 10:38-42
Mad Gab: It’s Not What You Say or Do, It’s What You Hear
Romans 10:12-17
Tug of War: What’s Pulling You?
Romans 7:14-25
Life: Play to Win
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:12-16
Join us on January 29th for a special contemporary worship experience!
Come as you are, and be a part of this 5th Sunday event.
We will be filling the sanctuary with visions of grace and songs of praise as we lift our hands and voices to the Lord!
Enjoy a buffet with us in the fellowship hall after connecting with God in a whole new way.
You won’t want to miss this unique and uplifting service!
Also, games will be available to play!
