Script #183

O.K., mes amis, 182 wasn't the last one of 2013.

Because of our Lord's humor today, two reschedulings:

1. The awesome cantata - Psst!  I was at the last rehearsal! - will be on 1/5/14 during the second service commencing at 10:00 a.m.

2. New officer orientation will be on 1/5/14 after the second service; and, remember, ordination/installation is during the second service.

3. Yes, the service on 1/5/14 will feature the cantata, ordination/installation, and sacrament!  The children's moment will be extended as they sit with parents during the cantata and head off to nursery, uh, whenever, uh,...

Blessings and Love!

P.S. What a great opportunity comes with the rescheduling of the cantata; especially if you, uh, forgot to invite...

Script #182

Friends,

O.K., script 181 wasn't the last one of 2013; though this could be...

Important updates:

1. We've been receiving calls about weather reports for Sunday.  If the weather is awful, we will still have both services; though there will be adjustments.  For example, with so much time and effort expended by so many, we will adjust the presentation of our annual chancel choir cantata which is scheduled for the second service this Sunday.  Stay tuned to www.belvpresbyterian.org, www.bnnsradio.com, and the plethora of memos from moi!  As of this moment, everything is a go as planned for Sunday!

2. Since "Not Trying to Make You Feel Guilty" (a look at redemption juxtaposed to our incarcerated family of faith member) was posted on www.churchandworld.com and www.koppdisclosure.com, many folks have been asking how to help.  Donations for incidentals for Frank can be made by checks designated for Frank and made out to First Presbyterian Church.  You can write to Frank at the Boone County Adult Detention Facility (Belvidere, Illinois 61008) and visit him on Wednesdays (7:00 - 9:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. - Noon).  Brochures about "Jail Visiting Rules" from our Boone County Sheriff's Office are available on the literature rack outside of Karen and Brenda's office area.

3. Hey!  Today is "Add a Little PEP" with Joe Pallikaythayil live on www.bnnsradio.com from 11:15 - 11:30 a.m.  While folks like me have scheduled stuff at that time today, you can always go to the archived version by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com, clicking on "Add a Little PEP" in white letters on the black board, and being blessed.  I will!  Don't cheat yourself of a little, uh, PEP!  Don't cheat others!  Forward!

4. Augmenting the above, perhaps this script was also necessary to disseminate the word below. 

Blessings and Love!

Thought for the Day...Ministers of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:17,18“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Beloved:
      You've been given a great ministry - the ministry of reconciliation!  There is no greater honor given to us than to be called into the greatness of reconciliation - pointing hurting, lonely, broken people to the Savior!
       This is what Jesus did. What Jesus does. He brings together people who otherwise wouldn’t be together. Fisherman and tax collectors. Pharisees and prostitutes. Jews and Gentiles. Men and women. People from every tribe and tongue and nation. He brings us together so that, together, we may bow down before God as a beautiful testimony to the diversity of the image of God in humanity.
    Our ministry is to go out and tell this story to people, to paint the right picture of God on the canvas of people’s soul. God is not the one that left man; it was man that left God. God did not break up His relationship with man; it was man that broke his relationship with God. This ‘enmity’ between man and God is one-sided. Man chose to become the enemy of God but God remained faithful and found a way to reconnect with man. People need the Lord!  How they need to hear the Good News of eternal life in Christ Jesus. We need to let His love and His light overflow in us so much that it will spill over to the sinners, the needy, the hurt, the lost, the abandoned and the rejected.  We need to step up to the plate, forsake our ways of darkness and repent of our hidden sins...and be Light to this dark world!  What good is our faith or our religion if we keep it to ourselves?  There is nothing any more beautiful in this world than the preaching of the Gospel. The world needs to hear about God's gift of eternal life, made possible only by way of the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
His Ambassador,

Pastor Ella Jane Coley

PO Box 507

Bixby, OK 74008

918-366-4415

Script #181

Friends,

Some announcements/opportunities:

1. All Midweek activities tonight; and then two weeks off before resuming on January 8.

2. This Sunday's second service (10:00 a.m.), featuring our annual chancel choir Christmas cantata, is a wonderful opportunity to invite, welcome, include, and agape.

3. Christmas Eve services (12/24) at 4:00 p.m. (sanctuary) and 11:00 p.m. (chapel).

4. Don't miss Fridays with Joe Pallikaythayil live on www.bnnsradio.com; and while the show that includes moi is extraordinarily lowly-rated which is why I never recommend or cite or reveal its name, you don't want to miss Confessing Moments, Crazy Love, and shows featuring Alex Starr and Scott Zimber.  Go to the black board with white letters for a complete listing by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com.

5. Belvidere Brewers will not meet on Christmas Eve; resuming 12/31 at Belvidere's Starbucks (8:00 - 10:00 a.m.).

6. New Officer Orientation will be held in the undershepherd's study immediately after the second service this Sunday (12/22) with ordination/installation scheduled for the second service on 1/5/14. 

7. Mountaintop Cell(ular) Ministry continues every Wednesday usually from noon - 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise alerted except for 12/25/13 and 1/1/14.  Moving from the sanctuary to chapel beginning 1/8/14, confidential prayer requests are received via kmac@belpresbyterian.org or by calling our confidential shared prayer line with Presbyterian Elders in Prayer (815-544-3535).  If you have prayer requests that can't wait until Wednesdays, just use the aforementioned contact information and we will include you in our MCM Moments commencing in 2014 - hour-long mini-versions of Wednesdays in the chapel on a daily basis as announced via www.belvpresbyterian.org, www.bnnsradio.com, or by calling 815-544-6402.

This may be the last script of 2013!

I will be praying a blessed Christmas 2013 for you and a 2014 filled with the love, peace, and joy of Jesus.

He came, remains, and will come again!

Blessings and Love!

Script #180

Friends,

Some announcement/opportunities for this week:

1. If you missed the wondrous children's program on 12/15, you can still experience some of it by going to www.bnnsradio.com and listening to the archived version.  We praise the Lord for Becca, Lydia, Presbyterian Women, Jessica, Victoria, Syrienna, our sound crew, everybody who made this possible, and, of course, our wonderful children who epitomize our Lord's call for us to recapture their trust and joy in maturing discipleship.

2. Surely, not Shirley, you don't want to miss this coming Sunday's (12/22) annual chancel choir Christmas cantata at 10:00 a.m.

3. Again, while we have had requests for the broadcast of our first service at 7:20 a.m. when we have special seasonal programs during our second service, you can always go to www.bnnsradio.com for many wonderful messages via Confessing Moments, Crazy Love, Add a Little PEP, Alex Starr's show, and much more by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com and looking at the white letters on the black board for many interesting opportunities to increase intimacy with Him.

4. Speaking of www.bnnsradio.com, you don't want to miss Joe Pallikaythayil, President of Presbyterian Elders in Prayer, on Fridays from 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. as He through him adds a little PEP into...

5. Mountaintop Cell(ular) Ministry continues this Wednesday from noon - 3:00 p.m. and you are invited to get those prayer requests in by early Wednesday morning via kmac@belvpresbyterian.org or by leaving a message on our shared confidential prayer line (815-544-3535).

6. Speaking of MCM, the requests and opportunities of the ministry are causing moi to consider expanding the wineskin.  Sooooooo beginning real soon, whatever that means, we will also schedule MCM moments or hour-long mini-versions in a rather spontaneous way.  Translating, that means you can always call 815-544-6402, 815-544-3535, or write kmac@belvpresbyterian.org to "drop off" those requests on a daily basis.

7. New Officer Orientation will be held in the undershepherd's study immediately after the second worship service on Sunday (12/22) with ordination/installation scheduled for the second service on 1/5/14.  Yes, even if you are an experienced/inquiring deacon, elder, or member just interested in..., please feel encouraged to attend.

Blessings and Love!

P.S. Please note what's below from our good friend the OGD!  Remember First Presbyterian Church in your will; and, before then, remember our family of faith's ministries in your regular tithes, offerings, and gifts!  With our expanding local compassionate missionary opportunities and responsibilities, we're counting on your help!

Helping others is a God-given mandate.  But as in all things, a Christian's first responsibility is to think!  Do the most good by giving wisely.  OGD

[from Snopes.com]

Subject: BEFORE YOU DONATE

How many ways can you spell GREED?    SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS:   As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself feel good, please keep the following facts in mind: The American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans' salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses MARCH OF DIMES It is called the March of Dimes because only a dime for                            every 1 dollar is given to the needy. The United Way President Brian Gallagher receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits. UNICEF CEO Caryl M. Stern receives $1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE. Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause. GOODWILL CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year. Goodwill is a very catchy name for his business. You donate to his business and then he sells the items for PROFIT. He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage! Nice Guy. $0.00 goes to help anyone!  Stop giving to this man. Instead, give it to ANY OF THE FOLLOWING GO "GREEN" AND PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT WILL DO SOME GOOD: The Salvation Army Commissioner, Todd Bassett receives a small salary of                            only $13,000 per year(plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization. 96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause. The American Legion National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Disabled American Veterans National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Military Order of Purple Hearts National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Vietnam Veterans Association National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! Make a Wish: For children's last wishes. 100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child. St. Jude Research Hospital 100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Ronald McDonald Houses All monies go to running the houses for parents who have critical Children in                            the hospital. 100% goes to housing, and feeding the families. Lions Club International 100% OF DONATIONS GO TO HELP THE BLIND,BUY HEARING AIDES, SUPPORT MEDICAL MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD. THEIR LATEST UNDERTAKING IS MEASLES VACCINATIONS (ONLY $1.00 PER SHOT).

Script #179

Beloved,

Updates and Opportunities for this week:

1. Don't miss today's "Add a Little PEP" with Joe Pallikaythayil, President of Presbyterian Elders in Prayer, live at 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. on www.bnnsradio.com.  Just click on www.bnnsradio.com and be blessed!

2. Our annual Children's Christmas Program followed by a "Birthday Cake for Jesus" is this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  What a wonderful opportunity to invite, welcome, include, and agape!

3. Our "Compassion Closet" partnership with St. James RCC is blessing Him by blessing His in a Matthew 25 kinda way.  This is an expanding opportunity requiring our constant attention; depending upon your generosity to feed the hungry.  Just call Murph at 815-544-6402, go to www.belvpresbyterian.org for more information, or talk to any of our Mission Committee friends about the needs and opportunities.  Remember, our Lord has a very, very, very big heart for the poor; and the saints who love Him do too (e.g., read Psalm 41:1).

4. I've been asked if the early services (7:20 a.m.) on 12/15 and 12/22 will be broadcast over www.bnnsradio.com.  While there are no plans to broadcast those services this year, we may explore the possibilities in the future.  Of course, there are many opportunities on www.bnnsradio.com to be blessed by the many messages occurring weekly on broadcasts like Confessing Moments, Crazy Love, Alex Starr's show, Add a Little PEP, and many others that you can see by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com and checking out the listings in white letters on the black board. 

5. Within the context of #4, Bill, station founder and manager of www.bnnsradio.com, is always looking for help!  If you feel called or know someone who may feel called to help Bill as www.bnnsradio.com reaches more and more and more people for Jesus, just call him at 815-544-6402 or write him at bnnsradio@gmail.com.

6. Here's another opportunity!  Pat Goymerac will become our Sound Engineer effective February 1.  While the mantle is being passed to him by an extraordinarily faithful crew for many, many,  many years that has pledged back-up support and training, now is the time for you to contact Pat if you're interested in learning about sound and volunteering to help on Sundays and during special programs.  Just call Karen at 815-544-6402 or send your contact information to her at kmac@belvpresbyterian.org and Pat will be getting in touch with you.

7. For more highlights, updates, announcements, and opportunities that you will not want to miss, go to www.belvpresbyterian.org and stay tuned to www.bnnsradio.com.

Blessings and Love!

Script #178

Friends,

This week:

1. Our annual joint meeting of deacons and elders avec potluck commences at 6:00 p.m. tonight in Fellowship Hall with a devotional by Elder Fred.  After asking if there are any joint concerns for conversation, the elders will remain in Fellowship Hall for their meeting and the deacons will go to their meeting room for, uh, their meeting. 

2. Our annual children's Christmas program will be on Sunday during the second service at 10:00 a.m.

3. Mountaintop Cell(ular) Ministry continues in our sanctuary on Wednesday from noon - 3:00 p.m.  Prayer requests are received through Wednesday morning via kmac@belvpresbyterian.org or leaving a message on our shared prayer line (815-544-3535).

4. Yes, all Midweek (Wednesday) activities/ministries/opportunities as usual.  Go to www.belvpresbyterian.org for the particulars.

5. If you need to "Add a Little PEP" to your seasonal adventures, listen live  to Joe Pallikathayil by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com at 11:15 a.m. or go to www.bnnsradio.com, click on the archived version by clicking on the tab for "Add a Little PEP" in white letters on the black board, and be blessed!

Blessings and Love!

Script #177

Friends,

Uh, don't forget to read everything!  Uh, some real exciting news in #4!

1. Expecting to be surprised by joy again during Sunday's worship services as our intimacy with and freedom through Jesus accelerates on the corner of Lincoln and Main, there will be two very special opportunities after the second service: (A) our annual congregational meeting to elect deacons and elders; and (B) our parish nurse Vicki will be bringing an expert on President Obamacare to provide a briefing on how it affects everyone while allowing for Q&A.

2. If you missed Friday's inaugural live broadcast of "Add a Little PEP" with Joe Pallikaythayil on www.bnnsradio.com, I've got good news for you!  Just click on www.bnnsradio.com, click on the tab for "Add a Little PEP" in white letters on the black board, and be blessed!  Really, it's the best 15 minutes on radio!  Totally awesome!  Please forward this opportunity to friends needing PEP in their lives in a Matthew 5:14-16 kinda way!

3. Do you know the opposite of love?  Quickly, love is praying and laboring for the highest good for others regardless of who, what, where, when, or why without the need or expectation for response, regard, or reward.  Now back to the question.  The opposite of love is selfishness.  Sooooooo invite, welcome, include, and agape!  Now read #2 again and keep using this miracle of modern technology to forward opportunities to...

4. Speaking of the opposite of love, did you know our Lord really, really, really doesn't like gossip, rumor, and slander?  Uh, methinks some folks have cut those texts out of their Bibles; forgetting His Word is bigger than our favorite parts.  Anyway, there is some gossip/rumor/slander going around that I will address directly after the Bible lesson and at the beginning of the message in both worship services on Sunday.  Fasten your pewbelts!  If you're going to be away or know someone who likes juicy gossip/rumor/slander, you/they can hear it live on Sunday by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com at 10:00 a.m.  Actually, the juicy tidbit, again, will be exposed just after the Bible lesson and at the beginning of the message!  I'm sooooooo excited!  Our gossipers and rumormongers and slanderers are going to have a field day with this one! 

Blessings and Love!

Script #176

Friends,

Tis the season with lots of great opportunities to honor, experience, and celebrate the reason for the season:

1. Hey, locals!  Check out Ric's kind posting below!

2. Dan Holmes Production Band, featuring, uh, Dan and our own Karry Wenger, is providing a Toys for Tots Benefit Concert at the Belvidere Community Building on Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m.  Fun, fellowship, entertainment, and an opportunity to honor the reason for the season by bringing an unwrapped new toy for a child.

3. People keep asking me, "What is Presbyterian Elders in Prayer all about?"  Quick answer: "More than I can ever explain!"  Short answer: "PEP knows we have exhausted all of the wrong answers in addressing our world's problems, America's increasing decline, and the spiritual confusion(s) in sooooooo many of today's churches bringing out the worst of Matthew 15 and 23.  PEP knows the answers begin on our knees!"  For more background information, go to www.presbypray.org and make sure you're signed up for PEP Talks  by e-mail and the quarterly newsletter by snail mail.  If you wanna sign up, just click on kmac@belvpresbyterian.org and, uh, sign up!

4. Speaking of PEP, don't miss the inaugural "Add a Little PEP" featuring Joe Pallikkathayil commencing live on Friday, December 6 from 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. on www.bnnsradio.com.  Just click on www.bnnsradio.com at 11:14!!!

5. Speaking of PEP, Mountaintop Cell(ular) Ministry continues this Wednesday, December 4 from noon to 3:00 p.m.  Sooooooo send in those praises, petitions, and supplications to kmac@belvpresbyterian.org or call 'em in via the shared prayer line (815-544-3535) by Tuesday.

6. Back to the locals, all Midweek ministries resume this Wednesday, December 4!  Read your bulletin or go to www.belvpresbyterian.org for more exciting news and opportunities!

7. BTW, you don't want to miss the "Journey to Bethlehem" advertised below!  It's really great faithful fun; especially for children!  My brother Rus, who was mentioned big time during last Sunday's worship services, often hosted such journeys while a pastor in Pennsylvania.  BTW, always remember/share/forward His-not-our table of His Holy Communion is not fenced at First and no one who loves Jesus or wants to love Jesus is ever turned away or fenced/denied/rejected.  People are hungry and thirsty for the real deal by the book.  Sooooooo invite, welcome, include, and agape!

8. Speaking of Rus and last Sunday, I pray you were not among our family and friends who missed it/Him!  Awesome!!!  Awesome from the opening bell to closing benediction!  While incarnation is always better than report, you can catch the flow by going to www.bnnsradio.com and clicking on the archived version of the second worship service on December 1.  Totally, gloriously, pneumatically, awesome!!!  As prayed and proclaimed by several worship leaders on Sunday, we're not angry with folks who miss out/it/Him.  We're really, really, really sad in a closing verses of Matthew 23 kinda way when folks miss out/it/Him or aren't invited, welcomed, included, and agaped to...  Sooooooo sad when folks forfeit...or aren't invited...

9. If you did miss it/Him, the revival accelerates every Sunday on the corner of Lincoln and Main!  Rebirths!  Renewals!  Recruits!  Awesome!!!

Stay tuned to our bulletins, newsletters, www.belvpresbyterian.org, and www.bnnsradio.com so you don't miss it/Him and forward these opportunities to...

Blessings and Love!