Church of Christ Northwest Where Friends Learn

to Live Like Jesus

7722 North Allen Road Peoria, IL 61614

Phone: (309) 693-2426

Our Vision…

is to glorify and honor our Lord

and God with our lives, by

bringing people to Christ and

membership in His family and by helping to

develop Christ-like maturity in each member,

equipping them for service in the

church and in the world.

February 24, 2019

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study

@ Kennedy’s WILL RESUME IN

APRIL 2019

Wednesday Morning

Galena Park Adult Bible Study

10-11:30 AM David Spillman

Revelation

Special Ministry

Food Pantry

Next Date: March 12th

12:30-1:30 PM

Email: cocnw@comcast.net

Website: www.cocnw.org

Fax: (309) 693-0266

Sunday 9:30 AM

Bible Study (all ages)

Worship Services

Sunday 10:30 AM

3:00 PM @ Galena Park

Wednesday Evening:

Small Group Bible Studies @ 6:30 PM

Campbell’s:

“Systematic Theology”

Kennedy’s: “The Rock,

The Road, and the Rabbi”

IN PART, GOD CREATED THE CHURCH

FOR OUR PROTECTION;

YOU DO NOT WANT TO DRIFT AWAY!

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of

the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 (NIV)

How far is too far, before you will never come back?

Page 2 Church of Christ Northwest

MISSION MILESTONES

LET US ALL PRAY FOR THIS COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Feb 24th—Chad Hirst & Marcie Gardner

Feb 27th— Jennifer Thompson Mar 1st—Connie Burton

Are You Devoted to Fellowship? by Joe Chesser

From the very beginning of the church one of the four areas to

which the early Christians were devoted was to fellowship (Acts 2.42). They didn’t just have fellowship, they were “devoted” to it. Does that seem a bit odd to you? We are not surprised that the early church committed itself to the apostles’ doctrine (apostles’ teaching); we would expect that. Prayer and the Lord’s Supper are also understandably a top priority. But fellowship may seem to be on a lower plain than the others. Yet, there it is. The church was “devoted” to these things, and God wanted us to know it.

Perhaps our view of fellowship may be somewhat misguided due to the way we often think of fellowship. My experience is that most people think of fellowship in terms of pot lucks and social gatherings. Nothing wrong with those, but if that’s mainly what we think of when we think of fellowship, then no wonder our “devotion” to fellowship may be lacking. They are a part of what fellowship is, but only a small part. Biblical fellowship goes much deeper than coffee and donuts and a good time.

Instead of food and activities, biblical fellowship is mostly about sharing together a common relationship with Jesus – “so that you too may have fellowship with us (apostles); and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ … if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1.3, 7). Fellowship is first and foremost a relationship rather than an activity. It is to a relationship with Jesus and his people that we are to be devoted. The resulting activities should flow from such a relationship. That’s why the first Christians had “all things in common” (Acts 2.44). That’s why they ate together and worshiped together (Acts 2.46). And that’s why there should be no fellowship with anything contrary to Jesus (2 Cor. 6.14ff). Biblical fellowship is about relationships.

Biblical fellowship also involves a partnership. I read that “whereas the word relationship describes the believers as a community, partnership describes them as the principals of an enterprise.” The Hebrews were described as those who “share in a heavenly calling” and those who “have come to share Christ” (Heb. 3.1, 14). As Paul partnered with many people to take the gospel to the world, so we also partner in our common mission of evangelism. Financial assistance is included in this (Rom. 10.15).

Another idea connected with biblical fellowship is companionship. We learn to communicate our joy and sorrows with each other; we listen to and bear each other’s burdens. This helps fulfill the goal of the law of Christ (Gal. 6.2). We sing to each other; commune with each other; encourage each other; comfort each other; talk with each other. Fellowship is not just being together (pot lucks); it’s communicating together.

Being devoted to fellowship is something God expects from us. Are you?

Don’t forget there is a VBS meeting coming up on March 3rd after worship. There will be a light lunch served. See the bulletin board to sign up. If you have questions, see Ryan.

FOODSHARE CAN-A-THON

Food pantries throughout the area are sponsoring a can-a-thon drive to bring in food items that are needed by the community. We have been asked to participate.

We need each family that can, to bring in a bag filled with canned fish or meats, peanut butter, soups, and various canned vegetables and fruits.

Brown bags will be made available no later than March 24th. You can use your own bags if you want. The bags are to be filled and brought in no later than March 31st. We will stack them in our PANTRY COLLECTION BOX located in the hallway. As it fills, items will be removed and placed in our pantry storage area. THANKS for helping feed those in need! If you have questions, see Rebecca Prichard.

Vol. 17, Issue 8 PRAYERS NEEDED EXTENDED PRAYER LISTING

Jerry & Deb Bane Members Health

Mark Buettner Friend of B. Meyers Pancreatic Cancer

Carrie’s 8-yr old son Friend of C. Schiele Terminal Illness

Rick Clark C. DeVore’s brother Liver/Colon Cancer

Linda Cotrell Member Lung/Breathing Issues

Tony Clark C DeVore’s brother 2nd leg amputated

Shirley Darnell Former Member Serious Eye

Problems

Scott Eisenbarth Kyle’s brother Liver & Lung

Cancer

Pat Haines Member Lupus

Mark Hall G Park Bible Study Severe Depression

Matthew Doty Horne Nephew-Grant & Burton Addiction/Depression

Carol Humes R. Humes’ Mother Recovering

Harold Clark Cindy DeVore’s brother COPD/Lung Cancer

LaDonna Clark Hunter Cindy DeVore’s sister Lymph & Lung

Cancer

Rick Clark Cindy DeVore’s brother Hospice

Walt Koch Member Parkinson’s

Betty Meyers Member Continued Healing

Gene Muehring Member Cancer — recovering

Ray Muehring Gene’s Brother Prostate & Bone Cancer

Lynn Molleck Friend of N. Goble Stage 4 Cancer

Lori Prichard T&R Prichard’s daughter Conversion disorder

Ronnie Polston Nephew of L. Cotrell Cancer Surgery

Judy Powell Cindy DeVore’s cousin Cancer

Rachel K. Juers’ Co-Worker Baby born w/tumor

Josh Retzer Grandson of B/C Sunkin Addiction

Becky Sharp Spillman Cousin-I-L Brain Tumor

Carol Sunkin Member Shoulder/Back

Margaret Thomas Galena Park Resident Signs of COPD

Wally Son of K. Routh’s friend Needs a heart

transplant

Brian West Father of Delayne Needs

Encouragement

Delayne West 12-year old Brain Cancer

Trish Veytia Member Depression

HEARTS ON FIRE Calendar

Feb 24th: LTC Practice (1-4 PM) Laser Tag (4-6 PM)

Trish Veytia has requested prayers from everyone as she continues to struggle/cope daily with her depression and anxiety. Kathryn Dalton (Kathy Trowbridge’s Daughter / Trish Veytia’s sister) her kidney is shrinking. Maggie Heaton in Methodist physical therapy area. Brothers and Sisters in China — persecution has significantly increased, through many forms of opposition from the Chinese government.

Shut-Ins: Texie Ray and Eleanor Richey.

Our military. Christian men & women suffering with PTSD. Our nation for unity. Our president, judges & elected officials—wisdom to make Godly decisions. Our police as they struggle to do their job. Unsaved souls (you supply the names). Those who have left the fold and need a helping hand to find their way home. Our college students. Our enemies. Those being persecuted for being Christians. Those who persecute others — may their hearts be changed! Our young! The families of the victims of the many school shooting throughout our nation. Those dealing with earthly disasters. Victims/Families of violence and terrorism. Our Bible study groups. Our volunteers who give of their time and talents providing much needed services. Those Traveling. Those being persecuted and killed because of their Christian faith.

Praises/Thanksgivings/Updates: Don Taylor is home. Jon Sager‘s test revealed no growth in the nodule. Continued watch with another test in 6 months.

"There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer."

- Beth Moore

This is a reminder that those going on the mission trip owe $324 per student. Adult chaperons are covered.

We will be doing some fundraising to help with this cost. The first fundraiser will be on March 17th at 5 PM in the fellowship hall, which will be a spaghetti dinner for the congregation. We may even do an

auction type thing where members will be able to buy the services of a teen for yard work and the like.

As always, a simple thing you can do to raise money is to write letters to family and friends asking for assistance.

We do not want anyone to be unable to go because of money. If you are having trouble with the amount even after the fundraising, please come and talk to me. The church will help out to ensure that every teen has a chance to go on these mission trips. Ryan

PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN UP ON THE BULLETIN BOARD, IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE SPAGHETTI/AUCTION FUNDRAISER ON MARCH 17TH.

Deacons

Tom Flanagan Terry Hargrove

Rick Meyers Alan Moreland

Treasurer

Douglas Staley

Elders

Rick Hipp

Dean Kennedy

Terry McWhirter Cell: 309-231-9362

Minister David W. Spillman Cell: 309-219-2860

HOF Director Ryan Martin

Cell: 281-253-6794

Ministry Assistants

Meta Kennedy (MWF)

Betty Meyers (TT)

PH: 309-693-2426

Date Feb 17

Bible Study Attendance 73

Worship Service Attendance 117

EEM — Funds Collected To Date (for the purchase of Bibles)

$ 20,778

Shults-Lewis Children’s Home

Coins in the weekly contribution + $10 of each Dining Tour Book!!!

$ 62.51

Last Wk. Year-to-Date

2019 Budget $ 4,800 $ 33,600

2019 Contribution $ 3,051 $ 27,186

Acknowledgement: Some clipart/photo images may have been taken from "Images (c) FaithClipart.com".

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

G

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N

G

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O

P

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Mar 12th—Pantry (12:30-1:30 PM) Mar 16th—PiP Mar 17th—HOF Spaghetti Supper/Auction

Betty out of the office — until 2/25

Meta out of office 3/3-3/24

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASSES ORDER OF WORSHIP

Challenge: Pray daily for our entire church family (by name)!

See something that needs to be fixed — Please report it to the office. Thank you to Tom Flanagan and others for taking such good care of the building!

Worship Leader: Aaron Campbell

Children Sing: Ryan Martin

Songs: Days of Elijah

Our God

Prayer

Scripture Reading: Tom Flanagan (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

Songs: How Great is Our God Above All

Communion: Terry Hargrove

Allen Neese, Elston Rasbury, Wendelle Haines, Rick Hipp

Offering

Song: T/B/A

Sermon: Ryan Martin JARS OF CLAY

Song: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

HOF Announcements: Ryan Martin

Shepherd’s Time: Dean Kennedy

Song: Someday

Greeter: Sandy Burch

Facilitator: Gary McWhirter

Nursery Attendant: Racheal Balteau

Communion Preparation: Barb Juers

ADULTS—AUDITORIUM Kyle Idleman: Not a Fan.

Terry Hargrove / Aaron Campbell, Facilitators

Giving Changes Everything!

Hearts on Fire Sunday School Classrooms

Glimmers Birth—3 Upstairs—Room 7

Sparks Ages 3-Pre-K Upstairs—Room 6

Embers Kindergarten-Grade 2 Upstairs—Room 10

Flames Grades 3-5 Upstairs—Room 9

Heat Grades 6-8 Downstairs—Room 13

Blaze Grades 9-12 Downstairs—Room 16/17

If each person (110 people) gave $1.13 more each week, we would have an additional $6,464 in 1 year; that is $ 1,664 more than 1 week’s budget and $ 50 more than our current shortfall! $1.13 per week for 52 weeks totals $ 58.76. Change adds up!

PANTRY NEWS

March 12, 2019 is our next service date. Please help out, if you possibly can. This is a loving act of service! See article about 2019 Foodshare Can-A-Thon and how you can help.

SHOUT OUT !

Just want you to know you are not forgotten Carol Sunkin! We love and miss you very much! Praying for you and Butch!