Brent Eichler

Brent has had to have several surgeries on that cyst at the tip of his spine referred to as "Jeep Seat". He has had two surgeries already in Afghanistan and then was flown to Germany for more surgery, then back to Maryland for even more surgery. He is still in extreme pain and the wound is not closing up properly. Dennis and Susan have brought him home, but he is unable to have visitors at this time. However, prayer is always appreciated. Susan will be taking him back to Ft. Campbell in a couple of weeks.

Please remember this family in your prayers and let's ask for Brent's healing.

Instructions for The Place Service Opportunity

We are on their website calendar: http://www.theplaceofforsyth.com/calendar.html


Whoever would like to participate please be at the Place no later than 11:00 if you'd like to serve and 12:30 if you'd like to help clean up. We have plenty of chicken, rolls, and salad. I know that someone is bringing a couple of gallons of sweet tea and someone else will be bringing a couple of vegetable dishes. Please bring whatever you would like to share with the folks that come for a noon time meal. We are going to pick up some deserts from BJ's unless someone calls me and says they'd like to bring desert. We raised enough money to purchase deserts so no worries! See you there.

Tricia

Dec 26 Weather

Hey everyone,

It's been a pretty white Christmas evening! Of course, that means that the roads might be fairly slick in the morning. Here's the current plan:

We're planning on HAVING SERVICE on December 26. If you feel the roads are not safe where you live, please don't try to trek out. However, if you can make it to church, we are still going to have church!

Thanks!

Jason

Death of Eddie Taylor

Kathy Umberger sent me this. Many of us know Eddie Taylor and his family.

McDonald Funeral home will receive friends and family on Saturday from 5-9pm
The funeral will be at Mountain Lake Community Church on Hwy 9 at Coal Mountain on Sunday at 3:00

Please keep the Family especially his daughters, Kendra Rich and Seneca Taylor.

Christmas Meal Help

Trish is requesting help for the Christmas meal at the Place on 12/29. If you can help, please contact her.

Thanks!

Jason

Upcoming Stuff!

Hey gang,

With the holidays in full swing, there are a few items we need to keep everyone updated on.

1. The New Life Church is having a New Year's party that we are invited to attend. It will last well through the night--until 4:30 AM! Of course, you can stay as long as you like. They've invited us and it sounds like it would be a great time.
2. We are still needing volunteers to help clean the building. The worship area needs vacuuming. Even if you can only volunteer once a month, we still need the help. Please contact Sherry Lizotte if you can help.
3. We are planning on having a church meeting in January, on the 16th to discuss a new budget, focus for the church, this year's Cross Walk event, and some new items. Please plan on being there for that.

Thanks everyone for a great Sunday!

Jason

New Christmas Series

Hey everyone,

Just a note that we're doing a different series for Christmas during December. I've got a message planned for tomorrow that I'm really excited about.

Hope to see you there!

Jason

Update on Dick Richardson

From Doris Richardson:

"Dear Ones,

Just wanted to give you an update. Dick is finally getting back on his feet, just couldn't stand and could just walk a few feet. Don't know why his legs took on so much weakness. He seems to be over the pneumonia, but we are being very cautious. He has been taking limited exercise but runs out of breath so fast, but he gets his breath and goes right back to it. We can sure see improvement as he doesn't have to use the shower bench anymore and can do more walking and climbs the stairs a couple of times a day. Of course, he has to sit down then and get his breath. Anyway, we feel better about him. We miss all of you and hope to be back next Sunday if the weather isn't awful. Hope all is well with everyone there."

Let's don't forget Dick and Doris in our daily prayers.

Updates

DICK RICHARDSON:

Dick came home yesterday and is doing much better.

LAURA YOUNG (OMA):

Oma, too, is doing much better and they are looking for her to be released from the hospital today.

Please continue to pray for these families as our loved ones continue to heal.

This Sunday

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder that we have a special Sunday coming up. Two of my students are going to come and share with us news of their ministry and work in Haiti. Laura Clancy and Glenn Wise will be sharing pictures and testimony about their work there.

Please plan on coming for this special message!

Thanks,

Jason

Oma - Laura Young and update on Dick

FROM KATHY UMBERGER:

Talked to Betsy and she said Oma is in the hospital. She was admitted last night for test, possible heart, and they will keep her for one more night in Northside Forsyth. At this point, Betsy did not need anything. Please keep Oma, Betsy and Bud in your prayers. Please put this on the Blog

Let’s all be praying for Oma. Such a sweet Christian woman and everybody needs their Oma hug at least once a week.

DICK RICHARDSON:

He is doing much better and may even come home tomorrow. Please continue to lift him and Doris in prayer.

Dick Richardson

Just got word from Doris that Dick began running a very high temperature over the weekend and yesterday he was taken by ambulance to Northside - main campus. He has pneumonia. He has been give a heavy duty shot and is feeling somewhat better, but needs lots and lots of rest. They ask for prayer on Dick's behalf and please hold off on any visits for the time being. Thanks to Todd for driving Doris down and taking her back today. Their son is coming in today to help out.

We'll give you updates as we receive them. Pray for this beautiful Christian couple that we all love so much.

Pray for the Fosters' Family

I just got word that Cathi, Anne Foster's sister, passed away this morning. Please be in prayer for their family.

The funeral is Wednesday Nov 10th at 1 o'clock. Anne said her mother has been in the hospital for pneumonia and a blood clot in her lung. She was released today and has come home. She wanted to say thank-you to everyone for your prayers.

Jason

Final Reminder

Don't forget to turn your clocks BACK tomorow night. If you forget and come early, go ahead and warm up the building for the rest of us and start the coffee.

Prayer request

Anne Foster's mother is in the hospital with pneumonia and was also diagnosed with diabetes. They have started her on some medications, but they don't know how long she will have to be in the hospital.

Also, Anne's sister's condition is getting worse each day. She began have trouble swallowing today so they feel the end is very near now. The family asks that you keep these requests in your prayers.

Update on Jason

Well, the doctors decided it was Type II Diabetes instead of Type I. For those who may not know, that is a much better diagnosis for Jason. His sugar came down relatively fast so the doctor let him go home with a promise that he will follow up with a doctor tomorrow.

Please continue your prayers for him as there are adjustments ahead in his life.

Ben and Jan

IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEED

We've just hung up talking with Jason and he has asked for prayer. He has been diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and will most likely be admitted into the hospital until they can get control of his sugar levels.

Please don't bombard the hospital by rushing down there. He is still in the emergency room right now and does not yet have a room. Ben is on his way down to be with Jason and we will give updates as quickly as we get them.

Please pray for our minister and brother in Christ.

Thanks,

Ben and Jan

Update on Judy Ware's brother

From Judy:

My brother was able to go home last night and is resting comfortably. Thanks to everyone for their inquiries and prayers. He personally asked me to thank each of you who lifted him up in prayer.

Special Sunday

Hey everyone,

On Nov. 14 we're going to have a special guest. Laura Clancy, who has talked to us before, is going to share an update on her ministry in Haiti, and her plans. She will share her testimony, and also an update on what is happening with her ministry there, and current issues in Haiti.

Please plan on coming to listen to Laura! I'm looking forward to hearing her again.

Jason

Prayer Request

Got this prayer request from Suzanne Campbell.

Please ask everyone in our church family to be praying for Larry and his family, his Mom (Allie Beasley) passed away today! She was 93! Larry is the baby of seven.

Let's be praying for Larry and his family.

Jason

New baby Titus

Shaun and Kate Titus have welcomed their new baby girl into the world this morning (10/24/2010) at approximately 12:30. We don't have any more information as to weight and name yet, but she is an adorable little girl with a head full of black curly hair. Mom and baby are doing well here at the Northside Forsyth Hospital campus.

Update on Judy Ware's brother

From Judy:

Jim is being moved to ICU due to acute renal failure. All of the drugs they are giving him to combat the infection, congestive heart failure, gout, etc. , have weakened his kidneys further. Blood has been found in Baton Rouge and being transported to Covington now. His is scheduled for a transfusion today. We are praying all will go well and he will not have any further complications from that transfusion as has happened before with the antibodies he tends to build up.

I have not hear a prediction on the outcome of all of this, but I know just enough to know this is not a good situation for him and don't know that he is strong enough to undergo dialysis for very long. I appreciate your concerns and prayers.

Prayer request

Please lift Judy Ware's brother, Jim Carter in prayer. He is back in the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure. Judy also asks that we remember her cousin, Lanell Hart, who is undergoing Open Heart Surgery tomorrow, October 13, 2010.

Romans 12: 12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Parking This Sunday AND Greeter Sign-Up

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to remind everyone that because there is still a church meeting in the school behind our new church location, parking will be a little crammed for a few more weeks. The good news is we are able to park in the grass next to the building. So, assuming it's not rainy on Sunday, we should be good to park there.

Also, one of the New Hope folks mentioned that if we park straight instead of diagonal (even though the lines are diagonal), we can fit more cars in.

A great idea from this past week was to have a "Greeter" ministry. We had VERY good numbers this Sunday and already had some new folks visit the church! I will have a sign-up sheet this week for official greeters--people who can stand in our vestibule and welcome folks every Sunday.

Thanks, everyone, and we'll see you this Sunday!

Jason

It's Friday, but SUNDAY'S COMING!

Maybe you've heard this classic sermon from Tony Campolo about Jesus' resurrection and what it means to us. He says this over and over in that sermon. Well, it's a bit out of context, but it's Friday and our first Sunday worship service in our new location is coming this Sunday. So many from our church have worked tirelessly to set up the seats, set up the sound, paint, clean, fix things up, move stuff and so much more! I can't help but feel it's going to be really, really great.

SO, I want to encourage you...especially if you haven't been to church with us for a while, to expect great things and to come experience this exciting step with us!

Work Day

We will have a last minute touch up day on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 10:00 to 12:00. We need help with a few things before Sunday's service. If you have a couple of hours to spare please come to the new church location.

Move in Lunch Special

Lunch will be served immediately following our inaugural worship service in our new church building. Barbara requested help with either bread or beverages (enough to serve the fellowship). Please coordinate with Barbara at 770-889-1568. The menu will be:

BBQ Ribs
Mac& Cheese
Potato Salad
Baked Beans
Banana Pudding (without the Bananas)

Yummm. See you Sunday

Move Updates and Name Change Update

Greetings everyone,

We've nearly got everything out of the old building and moved into the new location. We will be working a lot this week to finish setting up for the first worship service in our new location. Please stay tuned, check your email inbox for updates about needs this week.

Also, we took a vote today in worship service. Several name possibilities were listed and a vote was taken. The majority voted to keep the name Castle Christian Church.

Thanks!

Jason

Job Opportunity and Work Reminder

Got this message from the Eichlers:

The Restoration Hardware store at the Outlet in Dawsonville is looking for a FULL TIME stock person.


Also, remember that we're having another work day on Saturday. This one will start at around 10:30. We'll need trucks and trailers!

Thanks!

Jason

MOVE Updates

Hey everyone,

We announced today that we'll be having another work-day on Saturday at 10 am. We'll need folks with trucks and trailers to move a lot of stuff over. We will also need another move day for Sunday afternoon, starting around 2:00 pm.

There are several specific areas people have been put in charge of. This means these people are in charge of making sure these things happen, not necessarily doing them all themselves. Here they are:

REAGAN BLDG
Trish Earhart: Infant room, toddler room, back area, changing table

Earharts: scrap metal

William: Chairs

Jason, Jim, Bud: sound equipment

Susan Eichler: Bathrooms

Sherry and Judy: Cabinets

Eichler and Wes Turner: Food service area

Foster family: Sitting area

Sharon and Lori: furniture, main area

Trish: baptistery

Larry: Garbage cans

Earhart: curtains

Jason: inside cross, projector

Sherry: facilities, alarm, garbage, toys, misc.

Ben: Cross outside and sign outside

Work Day Tomorrow

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder that our next workday is tomorrow at 9:00. Unfortunately, we weren't given the paint color the landlord wants to be able to paint tomorrow, so we will be preparing to paint and getting as much cleaning done as possible. We will also need to get a lot of decorations and cloth taken down.

We will be attempting to procure paint tomorrow to paint on Sunday after church. If you can paint after church, please bring paint supplies to church on Sunday.

Jason

Work Day at New Location This Saturday

Hey everyone,

We'll need your help this Saturday. We're going to be working at our new location to clear out rooms and get ready to start moving our stuff in. If you can, please plan on meeting at 9:00 on Saturday at the New Life church.

Please contact Jason or Ben Abernathy for more details.

Thanks!

Jason

Chris Whigham Update

Those of you in service today know about Alan and Debbie Whigham's loss today. Alan's son, Chris, was killed in a car accident. Here is the updated info I just got from the Abernathy's:

His name is Chris Whigham and he was 20 years old. Visitation is Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at
Tim Stewart’s in Loganville. The service will be at the same location on Wednesday at 11:00 with the internment in Clayton, GA. Debbie says Chris’ mother, Melinda needs a lot of prayer as well as Alan. This was Alan’s only son and he’s not sure his health will allow him to make the services. He plans on being at the visitation.

Debbie said they don’t need any meals or anything along those lines as all of the family and out of town people will be over in Loganville. She just asked that we be in prayer during the service for Melinda and Alan and the entire family. Debbie asks for strength and clear thinking during this stressful time.

Moving page

Hey folks!

Click here to see a new page on our website devoted to our move!

Jason

New Building Update

Hey everyone,

Ben and I met with two of the leaders at New Hope this morning. We picked out the rooms we will be using. They want to begin clearing them out for us ASAP.

We told them we would like to have a work-day NEXT Saturday. So, Saturday, September 11, 2010 we will be meeting folks from New Hope to begin helping them clear out the rooms we will be using. Please mark your calendars for that day. We will announce a time soon.

After that day, the following weeks we will schedule more work days to begin moving the items we need over as we can. The LAST Sunday before October 3 (September 26), we want to have a "work-day Sunday." We can all wear work-clothes to church, worship together, and spend the afternoon moving the last of our church stuff over.

We can talk more about it this Sunday!

Thanks!

Jason

New Location Update

Hey everyone,

We've contacted New Hope church about our desire to be in by October 3. Pastor Vicily is out of town, but Ben Abernathy has been in contact with two associate pastors. They have asked that our leaders meet with them tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. in our new sanctuary in order to walk through and make decisions about which rooms we want to use.

Exciting news!

Jason

Update on Prayer Request

I just received this from Susan Eichler regarding Tina Vanderhoff:

Tina has past away she is in the hands of our Lord.

Let's pray for this family.

Jason

Prayer Request from Susan Eichler

Susan writes:

"I just got a call from Bill Conway (use to go to our, church you might remember him) that Tina Vanderhoff ( she was with us at 1st Christian Church) is in Northside hospital Forsyth with two weeks to live. Today they called the family in because they are afraid she will not live that long. Her body is riddled with cancer. It started with an isolated area of skin cancer, melanoma. Of course they are hoping for a miracle. He is asking for everyone to put her and her family in ther prayers. Her daughter Elizabeth is now fourteen. Also anyone who feels close enough, stop by the hospital."

Let's pray hard for this family,

Jason

New Website

Hey everyone,

We just went live with our new website. It's at the same address. Just go to http://www.castlechristian.com.

Thanks!

Church Meeting Today

Hey everyone! I just want to update all those who couldn't be at church today.

Today after church we had a congregational meeting and discussed the possible move to the Sharon location. After our discussion we had a vote and the overwhelming majority voted YES to our move!

We have set a date for the first Sunday in October (Oct 3) to be IN the new location. I'll be contacting the New Hope folks in the next day or so to let them know and to begin scheduling a work day to get that location ready.

We will contact the church to begin scheduling days to work.

Also discussed is the revamp of our website. This was under-whelming for everyone but me!

Also discussed was a possible name-change for the church. The conclusion was to take some time, begin praying and thinking of new name possibilities. And we will revisit this soon!

Keep checking back for updates and we will keep them coming!

Jason

Pics of Sharon Location

If you were at our service on Sunday, you'll remember our discussion about the new opportunity to work with New Hope Church and our opportunity for a better facility for our church!

If you weren't there, check out the podcast this week or go to www.castlechristian.com to listen to the sermon widget there. These are some pics of the building we're talking about.

Special Message and Information This Sunday

Hey everyone,

I know we've already announced the upcoming church meeting next week. In preparation for that meeting, I've got special information I'm going to give you IN THE MESSAGE tomorrow.

I hope we have a good crowd, because I think there are some exciting things coming for us soon. VERY EXCITING THINGS, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Thanks!

Jason

Church Meeting Coming Up

Hello Castlers,

Today at during service we announced a church meeting. This meeting will take place after service on August 29. We will be discussing the future of the church.

Please plan on attending!

Blood Drive

I sent this out a few weeks ago, but I'm not sure it got out:

Trish mentioned that she and Mike had lost track of time and didn't know the upcoming blood drive was so soon.

It is scheduled Wednesday, 8/4 from 2:30 to 7:30. People can email mike@earhartbunch.com if they want to donate.

Thanks!

Jason

Prayer request

Please remember Sid Fleming in prayer this week as he undergoes prostate surgery on Thursday.

Blood Drive

Got this message from Trish about the upcoming blood drive:

Jason, We lost track of time and didn't realize the blood drive was so soon. They scheduled us for Wednesday, 8/4 from 2:30 to 7:30. Mike and I are on vacation up in Ohio with the family for the next two Sundays. People can email mike@earhartbunch.com if they want to donate. Thanks and God Bless, Tricia

HELP!!!

I just got a call from Betsy Hightower. A neighbor of theirs lost their house to a fire on July 4. They lost everything and are struggling.

Betsy has asked if we could have a "pound party" for them. They need staple food and supplies. If you can bring something extra for them (a pound of sugar, flour, etc.) this Sunday, Bud and Betsy will take it to them. Really, any food or items to stock up on may be helpful for them.

Gift cards to Kroger/Wal-Mart may be helpful as well.

Five people called this house their home--one grandmother, two adults (male and female), one middle-school boy, and one teenage boy. They've lost everything and need our help!

Thanks!
Jason

Urgent Prayer Request

I just got this tonight from Anne Foster:

Hi Jason,
My sister, Cathi has been fighting Peritoneal Cancer and has just started her third series of chemo. Last night she was admitted into the hospital where they found a tumor that is obstructing the bowels. She will be having surgery to correct this problem. It is a very serious surgery.
I know how wonderful the folks at Castle Christian are and the power of their prayers. I will keep you updated on Cathi's progress. Thank you so much. Anne Foster

Then later:

Hi Jason,
Since I have written to you, my sister Cathi's Dr had been in to see her and said the tumor was inoperable. She will be in Northside Hospital, Atlanta, until Friday and send home with a home health nurse.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Anne Foster

Let's pray!

Great Book

Hey everyone,

I haven't done this kind of thing for a while, but I want to share a great book I just finished. I'm really excited about it because it's one of the best books on Christianity I've ever read.

The book is N.T. Wright's Simply Chrisitian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. If you click on the picture you can go to the book on Amazon.com.

Thanks!

Jason Rodenbeck

This Coming Sunday

Hey everyone,

I've already received a couple of questions to go over this Sunday. So far it looks like the line-up is this:

One question regarded violence in the O.T. and harmonizing it with our reading of the non-violence of Jesus. We went over that in our LAST Q & A after the Beatitudes sermons, but it would be good to review.

The second regards the passage that was brought up last week, specifically Luke 22:36. In this passage, Jesus does tell his disciples to buy a sword. We're going to talk about why this Sunday.

I am interested in talking about how Christians must love and serve and honor those who have served in the military. I want to address that this Sunday.

I am also considering a brief look at the notion of "just war" reasoning. We may not get to all of these, but we should get started.

As we did last Sunday, it may occur to us to have an open-forum kind of discussion.

Hope to see you this Sunday!

Jason

Doris Richardson

Got this update about Doris:

Doris is doing okay. They feel like they got all of the cancer, but it was quite deep so she is still finding it hard to sit for long. Here are pictures of their new great grandbaby, Lucien Abraham Morris.

Q & A

This Sunday (the 30th) we began a discussion about the non-violent teaching of Jesus. The message ended with some lively discussion. It was GREAT! And we are going to continue that discussion next week. I already have a couple of questions to formulate answers on and we will most likely have some open-ended discussion again as well.

If you missed on Sunday, you NEED to check out the message on our podcast. Be sure to download the podcast on iTunes OR go HERE to listen from our website. That message was titled "What is the Atonement?"

If you would like to submit a question, please just respond to this emailed post. Or send a message to jason@castlechristian.com!

Thanks, and we'll see you next Sunday!

Jason

Q&A!

Hey everyone,

A few weeks ago the topic of a Q&A was brought up. I've been planning on making that happen, but was going to wait another week or so.

However, a particularly candid and sincere conversation I had after church on Sunday revealed that it may be more prudent to address some key issues and concerns sooner than later. Here's what I'd like to do:

This Sunday, I'm going to take a break from Matthew to do a special message on the atonement. This message will be very special and I think will answer a lot of questions about why the messages have taken the direction they have. During that message, I will have Q&A forms that you can write your questions on. After that message, we'll collect those and, over the following week, I'll do my best to develop answers for those questions and bring them back the next Sunday.

A teaser: most of us saw the benefit of saying that Jesus' Kingdom is not a "religion." I was glad for that, because a lot of Christians never come that far. However, we need to explore the implications of that. What is "religion?" What is the purpose of "religion?" Where does it come from? How does Christianity become "religion?" What is the difference between Christianity the "religion" and the kingdom Jesus and John have talked about? Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? How is that a "sacrifice?" What did that accomplish? What does any of that have to do with "violence?"

Please, if you haven't been to church for a while, consider coming back for these two messages. I think they are very important and will answer a lot of questions.

Thanks!

Jason

Abby Holmes Update

Just got a text from Nathan: Abby Holmes' surgery is over and went exactly according to plan. She is a little groggy, but is expected to return home tomorrow.

Nathan said to thank you all for the prayers!

Jason

Doris Richardson

Just got this note from Ben:

Just a note to say I talked to Doris last night around 9:00pm and she reports she is doing better every day. She will find out this week if they got all of the problem area and must keep her stitches until next week.

Let's keep praying for Doris AND Dick.

Jason

Abby Holmes

Please keep little Abby Holmes in prayer this Tuesday as she goes in for surgery.

Also, please don't forget to answer the questionnaires on the blog regarding our upcoming Q & A sessions.

Urgent Prayer Request

I just got this email from the Abernathys...

Ben just talked to Beverly White (Bob’s wife) and found out he is not doing too well. The surgery he had yesterday that he thought was no big deal was a big deal. According to Bev they cut through his neck into his spinal cord. He is at North Fulton Hospital in the Neurology Trauma Center.

Also, I got an email from Doris this week and she told me that she had a “very aggressive” cancer removed from her back this week. They felt that they caught it early, but she is sore with a lot of stitches. Also their great grandson was born this week. All went good with that.

Update on Bob. He is in room 212 of the ICU at North Fulton Hospital.

Let's pray hard for both!

Jason

Prayer Request

Got this prayer request from Judy,

Please pray for my brother, Jim, as he is facing another amputation on his foot tomorrow due to complications from diabetes.

CD Release Party

This is the daughter of Jim Galpin who came and sang with the men’s trio last year. Could we put this on the blog as many of us have known this girl since she was a tot.

Thanks, Jan



Don't Forget!!!!

Jaymi Renae's Album Debut!
"Carousel"

The Release Party will be held at:
The CooCoo's Nest:
2100 Freedom Pkwy
(400 St., off of Exit 16) Cumming, GA 30041
7pm-11pm on MAY 18

Limited Cd's will be sold at party so make sure

and come before they're all gone!



Jaymi Renae will also be performing

live throughout the evening,

so come check out the music before

anyone else can!

Service Opportunity

Trish just told me about a great opportunity for us to serve our community:

This is a reminder that you are registered to participate in Family Mobile Trash Unit on May 16, 2010 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM.

Location:
875 Lanier 400 Pkwy
Cumming, GA 30040

We are going to be meeting at the parking lot next to the gas station at the entrance.

Information:
Keep Forsyth County Beautiful and Hands On Forsyth are proud to announce a wonderful new program that will help eliminate litter all over Forsyth County. We will be hosting monthly clean-ups, so come join families from all over Forsyth County and help us eradicate litter in our community.

Locations will be determined based on litter removal needs. Sites will be selected 3-4 weeks prior to the event, so be sure to check back periodically.

Minimum age for volunteers is 10, volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.



Please consider coming with us on Saturday!

Jason

BOWLING NEED

Patti...........could please broadcast to our congregation that we need a permenat bowler for Tuesday evenings starting 5/18 until July 27. The cost each week is $15 but you also get 9 free games during the week.

Also we need 1 sub for 5/25...6/1 and 6/18. They also have the same fees and free games for the weeks they would bowl.

Thanks, Dennis Eichler

Last Regular Season Softball Game

Our last game is tonight at 8:45 at Central Park, field 4. We'll have the end of season tournament soon, but this is the last regular game.

Q and A

Hello Castlers,

You may remember that after Sunday's message there was a request for an opportunity to ask direct questions about the topics we've spent a lot of time on in our study of Matthew. I think it would be a great idea to spend more time asking and discussing issues about the Kingdom.

There are a couple of options. One is to find an evening during the week that we could schedule a couple of weeks for a Q and A. The other is to set aside a couple of Sunday mornings.

I've put two polls on the blog. One is about whether you'd be interested in a Q and A session. the other is about availability. Please take a few moments and check both of them.

As far as topics go, we can touch on anything we've talked about which you have questions about. I do recommend going back through the podcasts and listening to old messages, if there are specific items you want to talk about.

Thanks!

Jason

Prayer Request

Just got this request from Karen. She asks for friends who are being taken to court under questionable circumstances. Let's agree in prayer for God to give them peace and take care of them through this terrible situation and throughout the week.

New Women's Bible Study

From Lindsey Holmes...it's looking like either Monday or Tuesday evenings...

Ok, so I just finished up an amazing weekly Bible Study/Video Series from Beth Moore. I was so in love with the way she taught the Book of Daniel and how she made it so incredibly applicable to today that I am about to start another one of her studies in a couple wks. This one is Esther "It's Tough Being a Woman". I have heard numerous people rave about this study. It is an 11 wk study and I am beyond excited about it! Which leads me to my question-I am planning on doing this study either way-so you will not hurt my feelings-but I wanted to post this because I thought that you may be interested in coming to my house to watch the awesome DVD and listen to Beth teach. There is a small amt of homework that you do during the week to reinforce the video we will watch. You are more than welcome to also open up the invitation to attend to anyone else you think may be interested as well.Let me know if you are remotely interested and if so the best day of the week to meet. We will do it from 7 to 9 on the evening that we choose and I promise to have you out as close to 9 as possible. It will be my goal to keep us on track. :)Again, I know all of us have very busy lives, which this study talks about as well, so again, no hurt feelings if this doesn't sound like something you want to be a part of or if the timing isn't right. I ask that you simply pray about it and follow whatever it is that God lays on your heart to do.Look forward to hearing from you!Lindsey

Softball Game

Got this from Lorie earlier:

The game tonight is scheduled for 6:45 at Central Park, field 7. I just called the rainout line, and it has not been cancelled yet. Everyone please check it before you head out tonight. The number is 770-886-2851.

Thanks,
Jason

Michael Foster's Graduation

For all of you who were at church and those who weren't. Michael Foster Jr is graduating on Saturday from North Georgia. Anne and Mike are having a get-together to celebrate.

Here is the info for Michael`s graduation:

He will gratuate Saturday morning May 1,2010 at 11:00am

We will have a drop in party for him at our house also on May 1 at 3:00pm.
Our address is:

4220 Ridgebrook Bend
(678)965-6743

Softball Game Tonight

Hey everyone,

The softball game is at 8:45pm tonight at Central Park, field 6.

Thanks!

From Adam and Heather Deckard

"I am so excited to know how you all want to be kept informed about our up-coming trip to Ethiopia and Uganda. We will be loving on children who have been cast-aside by the world, and who simply want someone to know they matter. If you would like to contribute to this cause, I would be sincerely grateful. There are two ways that you can do that. You can either send a check, made out to Visiting Orphans, to my home address (3840 Larchview Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45236). Or, you can go to www.visitingorphans.org. Once you are there, click on the 'Donate' button in the top, right-hand corner of the page. There, you can input an amount, and then click on the drop-down arrow and select the June Ethiopia/Uganda trip. After that, you can select my name as the designated recipient. Thank you so much for your desire to be involved. And, of course, your prayers are more important than money. God is my boss, and He's not broke."

City of Refuge

Hey everyone,

Trish asked me to forward this on to you all.

Anybody that is interested in going to Atlanta this Saturday, 4/17 with me and Danielle from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to play, sing, eat lunch with Atlanta children living in poverty at the City of Refuge please call me 678-794-8760 and we will meet at the church at 7:00 a.m.

Thanks, Tricia

Softball Game

Hey everyone,

Tonight's softball game is at 8:45 on field 5.

See you there!

Cross Walk Article

Hey everyone, check here to see the article about our event in the Forsyth County News.

- Churches bear cross

Cross Walk UPDATE

Hey everyone,

Just heard from the Forsyth County Paper and they will be covering our event this year. Hopefully we have a big turnout!

Jason

Cross Walk THIS FRIDAY!

Hello everyone,

Don't forget this Friday is our Good Friday Cross walk, benefiting the First Christian Church Food Pantry.

Our goal is to bear a burden for the community by carrying a cross in witness of the sacrifice of Jesus, but also to bear a burden for those in need in our community by partnering with a sister church to care for those who need food.

We're leaving from the Tyson parking lot, across from Goodson's drug-store around 4:00 pm, so you might want to be there by 3:30 if you can come. See the map on the left for last year's route, which we'll be following again this year.

ALSO, if you have your cross-walk T-shirt from last year, you should bring that--we do have a couple of extras as well.

I'm looking forward to this event again, perhaps even more so this year as I've learned so much more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. What I'm really looking forward to though, is bearing our cross together as a community of believers, sharing in fellowship and worship, taking communion together--I'm looking forward to our time together this Good Friday as we commemorate the death of Christ and prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Sunday!

See you Friday!

Jason

Softball Game

Hey everyone,

Don't forget about tonight's softball game at 7:45 at Central Park, field 7.

Thanks!

Jason

Prayer Request

Just received this from Suzanne Campbell. It is a prayer request for a special little boy and his family.

As I understand, you can click here to find out more.

Thanks!

Jason

Softball and Crosswalk

Don't forget the softball game Monday night at 8:45pm at Central Park field 6.

Also, don't forget the crosswalk coming up Good Friday at 4:00 pm. Please remember to keep bringing canned food and non-perishable food items.

Jason

Cross Walk

Hey everyone,

Just a reminder about the cross walk. We're planning on walking our cross on Good Friday, April 2, at 4:00 pm. I hope several people will be able to find time to do that with us.

Please let me know by responding to this message whether you'll be able to attend.

Don't forget to continue bringing canned food and non-perishable food items for the food pantry at First Christian.

Also, if you missed church this weekend, the message was especially relevant to our cross walk. Please go back and check that out on our podcast.

Thanks,

Jason

Softball!

Jason,

Hey everyone, I've been asked to remind you about our softball game Monday night at 6:45pm at Central Park, field 4. We'd love for people to come out and either play with us or cheer us on!! We've had 2 games so far.

Time Change

Hey everyone,

It's Spring time and daylight savings time as well! We spring forward in the spring, so don't forget to set your clocks forward an hour on Saturday night.

Thanks!

Jason

Prayer Request

Karen Turner made this prayer request:

A dear friend of ours that used to go to First Christian Church, Tina Vanderhoff, has melanoma. It began in 2006 and was gone in 2008, but they just found 2 more spots so would you please ask our church family to pray?

REAL Kingdom Work

This Sunday we were blessed to hear about Gary and Aaron Poisson's trip to St. Louis to commemorate Roger Kreutz, the man involved in a tragic accident with Aaron two years ago. The story and event are amazing, but what is even more amazing is how God has worked to bring about reconciliation, hope, and peace to such a tragic event.

Thank you to Aaron and your family, as well as the Kreutz's for being open God's leading and for taking the risk of forgiving and loving and healing. This is what the Kingdom of God looks like! And thank you Gary, for sharing with us on Sunday.

Click HERE to read the story from the St. Louis Post Dispatch on the St. Louis Today website.

Jason

Heather Deckard Mission Trip

Got this from Larry Deckard the other day. Heather is going on another missions trip. Here are her thoughts and needs:

As I got up and was getting ready for church this morning I was overwhelmed with a feeling of stress. I started thinking about my Africa trip and the stress came from wondering how I'm going to pay for it. I started thinking about fund raisers that I could do, garage sales that I could have, how much I could take out of every check to put away for it...and the stress increased. So, to take care of it like I usually do, I burried it knowing that there would be another day for me to worry about it. I do have until June

I walked into church and warmed up with the choir, well, I was late so I only practiced some of the songs with the choir and went about my business. Our worship service started and, true to Mt Paran form, was great. Then...the song that would change the whole service, and I felt like it was just for me. "Jehovah Jireh my provider, you are more than enough for me." Ok God. I think I get it. Stop worrying and trying to figure it out myself. Apparently I didn't because the hits kept coming. Special music "I AM hope, I AM peace, I AM joy, I AM rest...I AM your comfort and relief from your stress"...Ok God...got it. Apparently not because the hits kept coming. As I sat through the service with tears running down my face (I know that suprises most of you), the pastor stood up and conveyed to us that as we were singing, he felt that there was someone who needed to hear the words "GOD WILL PROVIDE". He didn't preach the sermon he prepared. He spent the next 30 minutes talking about how God is always providing for people. We keep stressing...and He keeps providing. I know this. I have seen His hand pour out provision on me time and time again.

This will be my 5th trip to Africa. All five times I have stressed about "HOW". Many of you have been the "how" that He has used. For that I am eternally greatful. I'm sure that you are all waiting for the sales pitch because most of you have heard it all five times! Well, of course, if you want to give toward my trip I would be blessed, but that isn't what I wanted this letter to be about. God will provide. He told me this morning. Whether it is through ya'll or some other miraculous way, He will provide. Maybe some of you are going through some kind of financial crisis or some other situation where you need some kind of provision. The last song we sang today said this..."He's already provided, He's already provided. Anything that you need, He's already provided. Every promise you can claim, just ask it in His name. Anything you need He's already provided.

If you are interested in helping financially, you can make checks out to Visiting Orphans and send them to me at 4842 Liberty Plaza
&a mp;n bsp; Acworth Ga. 30101

Thank you for being willing vessels. Whether you have given money toward this in the past, will in the future, or are people who pray for our me, God has provided through you. My heart is full, and my life changed because of it.

An unworthy servant,

Heather

Help Wanted

Luc asked me to send a message. He is looking for people interested in doing some regional sales for his company. If you are looking for work, contact him at nuluctoo@aol.com.

Kylie Freeman

Rachel and Jason are the proud parents of Kylie born yesterday morning @ 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 19.3 inches long.

Congrats!

Kentucky Mission Trip

This from Tricia Earhart -

We spoke again to the people at Crossroads Ministry and they didn't have a list of anything specific they needed. All I know is we are going to be doing repairs on 3 homes and a library including painting and sheet rock. There are 7 of us driving up there in our van.
Please ask for prayer while we are there that we demonstrate Christ's love to others.
If anyone would like to donate gift cards for gas money or maybe Subway for our trip up there and back, they would be IMMENSELY appreciated.
I'm thinking that when we go up there we will get a better idea of the needs of the people and maybe we can provide support to them once we better know their needs.
We originally thought we were leaving Sunday after church, we just found out that we are leaving at 6:00 a.m. on Monday. We are supposed to be there Monday at 4:00 p.m. We work all day Tues. Wed. and Thurs. Then we have some activity on Friday morning and we'll be heading back.
Tricia

Prayer Request

Just got this prayer request from Judy Ware.

"Please put my brother, Jim Carter, on the prayer list. I just learned he is in congestive heart failure and facing possible heart surgery in the very near future."

A Note from Vangie

Just got this via email from Vangie. She's reading some books I loaned her and had some thoughts she shared with me. As usual, she's very eloquent...

So reading these books has sparked a memory that I've been meaning to share. It's about Noah...

For about 3 weeks last summer my sister kept Noah during the day so that I could get my office hours done. For some reason, all of my sister's kids go through a mean stage around 4 years of age. (Seriously, it must be some genetic thing! I can hardly stand to be around them but they usually end up at "Camp GiGi" to get some Jesus and have it exorcized from their little hearts at some point during this year). My nephew turned 4 last March, so he was in the throes of his meanness last summer. Each day when I would pick Noah up he would be quiet but nothing really concerned me until the end of the first week.

I got out of the car and could hear my sister screaming at the top of her lungs from the pool in the backyard. "Do it Noah! I said do it!" I ran to the back wondering what on earth Noah had done to make my sister go over the edge and found her holding her son down and Noah cowering 5 feet away. When he saw me he immediately ran and threw himself into my legs and began hysterically weeping. Because language is hard for him, I just got him over the dry heaves and sent him into the house to get a cool drink of water. I asked my sister what happened and here is what she said:

"Grady (her little boy) has been mean as a snake all week long. He has been merciless to Noah. He has hit him and bit him and kicked him and yelled at him and made fun of him and I've had enough of it! So when he tried to drown Noah in the pool and was beating him up I wrestled Grady to the ground and told Noah to hit him back! Enough is enough! I must've confused Noah because he didn't know what to do. Explain to him that I am not mad at him, but that I am trying to help him take care of himself."

So I went into the house and it took me 10 minutes to find Noah. He was under my sister's bed weeping into the carpet. I couldn't get him out so I just laid there beside him until I could get him to the point where he could talk. I finally asked, "Grady has been pretty mean hasn't he?" Noah answered, "yes ma'am."

I reasoned, "Aunt Stephanie was trying to teach Grady a lesson. She was trying to help you defend yourself. She isn't mad at you. She just wanted to give you a chance to hit Grady back."

At this, Noah became completely hysterical again. Finally, I asked, "Noah what is wrong?" He said, "I can't."

I said, "Can't what baby? What can't you do?"

Noah cried, "I can't hit Grady. Please don't make me. I can't hit Grady!"

"Why baby? It's okay. Why can't you? You are 8 and he is only 4. You are so much bigger than he is? Why can't you hit him? Why do you let him beat you up?"

The next words would stop me in my tracks and become a matter of serious debate in my family for weeks.

"Because I love him," and Noah began to weep even harder.

The idea of striking Grady cut him to the core not because he was afraid of doing it, but because he loved him too much to retaliate. The debate that ensued is something that grieves me now. Had I read these books last summer, I could've stopped it. But instead, I just let the family carry on their debate which went something like this: "This is why Noah will always need someone to take care of him. Aren't you afraid of what kind of person he'll become when he grows up? He'll never make it. Poor Noah. Poor you. You'll be caring for Noah for the rest of your life. Autism has done this to him."

Autism has done this to him. Huh?

Autism cleared his neurologically deformed brain of pride long enough not to think of himself but of someone else. Autism convinced Noah not to consider his own injuries but to see the person who was injuring him as one in need of patience and compassion. Autism stopped him from perpetuating the cycle of violence. Autism caused him to love someone else more than himself. Autism made him more like Jesus. Maybe we need more autistic people in this world.

Strangely enough, Grady stopped being mean to Noah that day.

After all of this reading (I'm almost done and will get your books back to you soon:), I remembered this horrible day. When I picked Noah up on Friday of last week I asked him if he remembered that day. Tears sprang to his eyes and he said "Yes ma'am. I still love Grady but I want to be a good boy but please don't make me hit him." I pulled the car over and climbed into back seat. I held that neuro-diverse little person in my arms and told him that he was right and everyone else was wrong and that he had soon what Jesus would have wanted him to do.

I guess Jesus was neuro-diverse too.

Celebrate neuro-diversity...Vangie

YES!