First Congregational Church of North Collins, Sunday, November 2, 2014

First Congregational Church of North Collins

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

10385 Main Street, North Collins, New York 14111

337-9811 Church Office / 337-4303 Parsonage

Pastor / Teacher Derek S. Yoder

http://fccnc.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 2, 2014    

Sunday School 9:30 am    ▪    Family Worship Service 10:45 am

Wait in Prayer                  Worship in Reverence             Depart to Serve

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit ………………………………………………………………………… We Rest on Thee

*Call to Worship …………………………………………………………  Psalter Reading 47, p. 803

*Hymn of Adoration & Praise #376 …................................…  Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty

*Invocation

Worship Through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Choral Anthem

*Hymn of the Month #452 …………………………………………………………  Macedonia

*Hymn #253 ……………………………………………  There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood

Scripture Lessons

Old Testament ………………………………………………… Esther 2:1-23 (Pew Bible p.777-778)

New Testament ……………………………………………  Mark 9:1-13 (Pew Bible p. 1567-1568)

Memory Verse………………………………...………… Lamentations 3:25-26, 31-33 (see insert)

Fellowship of Welcome

Message

Sermon Text ………………………………………………………………… Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Sermon ………………………………………………………………………………… Derek Yoder

TABLE OF THE LORD

Solomon’s call to eat and drink is (among other things) a call

to gather in God’s presence. In worship, true disciples are reminded how things really are.  And in that theyrejoice!

*Hymn of Faith #468 …………………………… My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

Prayer Requests and Testimonies

Pastoral Prayer

Collection of Offerings – On Communion Sundays, our 2^nd offering helps support the benevolent ministries of the Diaconate

Offertory

*Doxology ………………………………………… Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

*Closing Hymn #359 ……….....................……………………………… Blest Be the Tie That Binds

*Benediction

Postlude                                                                                *Congregation invited to stand

Announcements

Be praying with the Nominating Committee as it works (beginning November 1^1th to prepare a slate of candidates to be considered for office at the Annual Meeting in February.  To submit names, see Olive, Fred, or Derek.

Join us TONIGHT as we welcome Jim Raub and our friends from area churches for our annual fall Singspiration!  It’s our turn to host, so plan to gather here at 6:30 pm.  You may want to bring a favorite dessert to pass.

Calendar

Wednesday, November 5^th

Choir practice at 6:00 pm.

Join us for Bible study and prayer at the church at 7:00 pm.  We’ve begun a survey of the great themes of Genesis.  We’ll  be looking at God’s “walking” in the garden in Chapter 3.  You won’t want to miss it!

Tuesday, November 11^th

Full Board meets at 7:00 pm at the church, preceded by Elders’ meeting at 6:00.  Elders, come prepared to discuss Chapter 6 in Sweland (“Grief: Conquering the Last Enemy – Death”) and the review questions that follow.

Sunday, November 16^th

3DYouth Group meets here at 6:00 pm for life lessons from Mark followed by a game or two or three along with refreshments.

Get the most out of the service by asking about our special listening devices.

  Pick up one in the back or see an usher for help.  If yours isn’t working properly, don’t be bashful about raising your hand to ask for assistance.

Sermon, Sunday, October 26, 2014

Again (and again) I Say, Rejoice!

Solomon reminds us that that this world isn't all there is. But even so, it's still an

extravagant gift from our heavenly Father. And in that we can rejoice!

First Congregational Church of North Collins, Sunday, October 19, 2014

First Congregational Church of North Collins

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

10385 Main Street, North Collins, New York 14111

337-9811 Church Office / 337-4303 Parsonage

Pastor / Teacher Derek S. Yoder

http://fccnc.blogspot.com

Sunday, October 19, 2014    

Sunday School 9:30 am    ▪    Family Worship Service 10:45 am

   Wait in Prayer                  Worship in Reverence             Depart to Serve

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit ………………………………… God Moves in a Mysterious Way

*Call to Worship …………………………………………………  Psalm 45:1-9

*Hymn of Adoration & Praise #30 …......…  Our God, Our Help in Ages Past

*Invocation

Worship Through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Choral Anthem

*Hymn of the Month #103 …......……………  Holy God, We Praise Your Name

*Hymn #691 ……………………………………………  It Is Well With My Soul

Scripture Lessons

Old Testament ……………………… Nehemiah 13:15-31 (Pew Bible p. 773-774)

New Testament ……………………………  Mark 8:1-21 (Pew Bible p. 1565-1566)

Memory Verse…………………………………… Lamentations 3:21-24 (see insert)

Fellowship of Welcome

Message

Sermon Text ………………………………………………… Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Sermon ……………………………………………………………… Derek Yoder

TGIM!

Human labor can be frustrating and fleeting, but it’s still good.

  Image bearers are called to glorify God and rejoice in their work. 

What are we waiting for?

*Hymn of Faith #679 ………..………………………… ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Prayer Requests and Testimonies

Pastoral Prayer

Collection of Offerings

Offertory

*Doxology …………………………………… Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

*Benediction

Postlude                                                                

*Congregation invited to stand

Get the most out of the service by asking about our special listening devices.

  Pick up one in the back or see an usher for help.  If yours isn’t working properly, don’t be bashful about raising your hand to ask for assistance.

Announcements

IT’S GAME DAY!  3DYouth meets this afternoon at the First Church of Evans at 2:30 pm for warm-ups.  Kick-off for the 2014 Chili Bowl against MPB is at 3:00.  Life lessons from Mark and pizza to follow.

The church’s financial statement for September 2014 is posted for review

in the office over the copy machine.

Calendar

Wednesday, October 22^nd

Choir practice at 6:00 pm.

Join us for Bible study and prayer at the church at 7:00 pm.  We’re making our way through the great themes of Genesis.  We’re in Chapter 3 and studying the entrance of sin into the garden.  It’s a great time to join us!

Thursday, October 23^rd

It’s a  Sit’N’Sew day here at church.

Saturday, October 25^th

Join our WNY/Northwestern PA churches at Fluvanna for this year’s annual CCCC Regional Fall Banquet.  The program will feature “The Living Last Supper”, a reenactment of events in the upper room.  There will NOT be a separate program for the children.  There will be no charge for the meals.  The evening begins at 6:00 pm.  See the insert and sign-up sheet in the foyer for details.

Friday, October 31^st

“Light Up the Night”!  As children celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating, we want to be a light on the corner of School and Main Streets with a treat station.  Not only will trick-or-treaters receive candy, they will also be given a gospel tract.  Please take one of the sample packets on display in the Narthex to remind you to pray for God’s blessing on this evangelistic venture.  (Tracts are also on display for you to take for your own trick-or-treaters.)

Sunday, November 2^nd

Plan now to join Jim Raub and our friends from area churches at 6:30 pm as we host our annual fall Singspiration, a seasonal favorite for many.

Address Change! Bruce & Shirley Brown 1123 South State Highway 16, Apt. 322 Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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Sermon Outline

1.  That old Tennessee Ernie Ford song may have been so popular because it expressed many people's attitudes to their work.  What do most people think about their work anyway?

2.  Describe the significance of the judgment-curses in Gen 3 as they relate to our lives today.  How do we still bear the consequences of the Fall in our families?  In our work?  In our physical bodies?

3.  Don't miss how each of the four sections in Eccl ends on practically the same note!  What are some words and themes that keep coming up?  What is a godly response to the fleetingness of life?

4.  Lining up the texts side-by-side makes Solomon's conclusion about work unavoidable.  What is it?

5.  Okay, but why is work good?  What is it about our sweaty, frustrating labor that reflects God's image?

6.  When we talk about human work, what kinds of activities do we mean?  Are they limited to what we do from 9 to 5 at the office?  If not, what is biblical work?

7.  Paul says in 1 Thess 4:11-12 that a productive life is an honorable life.  Why?  What makes it so?

8.  According to Col 3:23, what's the secret of working heartily ("from the soul") in whatever we do?

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."  1 Corinthians 15:58

9.  How can Christians who don't punch a time clock still honor God with their ordinary activities every day?  What about stay-at-home mom?  What about children?  What about seniors?

First Congregational Church of North Collins, Sunday, October 12, 2014

First Congregational Church of North Collins

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

10385 Main Street, North Collins, New York 14111

337-9811 Church Office / 337-4303 Parsonage

Pastor / Teacher Derek S. Yoder

http://fccnc.blogspot.com

Sunday, October 12, 2014    

Sunday School 9:30 am    ▪    Family Worship Service 10:45 am

   Wait in Prayer                  Worship in Reverence             Depart to Serve

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

*Call to Worship ……………………………………………………  Psalm 44:1-8

*Hymn of Adoration & Praise #94 ……………………  How Firm A Foundation

*Invocation

Worship Through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Choral Anthem

*Hymn of the Month #103 ………………  Holy God, We Praise Your Name

*Hymn #448 ……………………………………………………  Jesus Saves

Scripture Lessons

Old Testament ………………………… Nehemiah 13:1-14 (Pew Bible p. 772-773)

New Testament …………………………  Mark 7:24-37 (Pew Bible p. 1564-1565)

Memory Verse…………………………………… Lamentations 3:21-24 (see insert)

Fellowship of Welcome

Message

Sermon Text ………………………………………………… Colossians 1:9-12

Sermon ……………………………………………………………… John Brown

EMBRACING THE LIGHT

*Hymn of Faith #616 ……………..………………… Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Prayer Requests and Testimonies

Pastoral Prayer

Collection of Offerings

Offertory

*Doxology ………………………………… Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

  

*Benediction

Postlude                                                                *Congregation invited to stand

Get the most out of the service by asking about our special listening devices.  Pick up one in the back or see an usher for help.  If yours isn't working properly, don’t be bashful about raising your hand to ask for assistance.

Announcements

The Yoders are away, visiting Katie at Geneva College.  In Derek’s absence, we are happy to welcome John Brown back to North Collins!

  John has been involved with the Seneca Gospel Mission in various ways for the last 15 years and currently serves as executive director.  John was recently ordained to the gospel ministry.  Let’s give him our full attention as he brings

a message from God’s word.

Join us this afternoon at the Doles’ for our 3^rd Sunday Night Out of the season.  Plan to gather around 4:00 pm.  Hot dogs will be provided.  Attention discussion group members:  If you've been reading Powlison’s Speaking Truth in Love, plan to meet at 3:00 to discuss Part 1 (pp.1-98).

Check out “Ask the Pastor” – provided the equipment is working properly! – on Friday, October 17^th at 2:00 pm (TCT Network and Dish Network channel 26, DirecTV does not carry the program).  “Ask the Pastor” is a live call-in program with a panel of five area pastors answering viewer questions about life and the Bible from the Bible.  It’s Derek’s turn to sit on the panel.  Pray for him as he tries to think fast and make the most of this unique opportunity.

Calendar

Tuesday, October 14^th

Full Church Board meets at 7:00 pm at the church, preceded by Elders’ meeting at 6:00.  Elders, come prepared to discuss Chapter 5 in Swetland (“AIDS: A Question of Who Should Know”) and the review questions that follow.

Wednesday, October 15^th

Choir practice at 6:00 pm.

Join us for Bible study and prayer at the church at 7:00 pm.  We’re making our way through the great themes of Genesis.  We’re in Chapter 2 and studying the significance of the God’s garden of delights (Eden).  It’s a great time to join us!

Thursday, October 16^th

Dewey Missionary Society meets here at church.  Sit’N’Sew dates are October 23^rd and October 30^th.

Sunday, October 19^th 

It’s game day!  3DYouth meets at the First Church of Evans at 2:30 pm for warm-ups.  Kick-off for the 2014 Chili Bowl against MPB is at 3:00.  Life lessons from Mark and pizza to follow.

Saturday, October 25^th

Join our WNY/Northwestern PA churches at Fluvanna for this year’s annual CCCC Regional Fall Banquet.  The program will feature “The Living Last Supper”, a reenactment of events in the upper room.  There will NOT be a separate program for the children.  There will be no charge for the meals.  The evening begins at 6:00 pm.  See the insert and sign-up sheet in the foyer for details.

Sunday, November 2^nd

Plan now to join Jim Raub and our friends from area churches at 6:30 pm as we host our annual fall Singspiration, a seasonal favorite for many.

First Congregational Church of North Collins, Sunday, October 5, 2014

First Congregational Church of North Collins

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

10385 Main Street, North Collins, New York 14111

337-9811 Church Office / 337-4303 Parsonage

Pastor / Teacher Derek S. Yoder

http://fccnc.blogspot.com

Sunday, October 5, 2014    

Sunday School 9:30 am    ▪    Family Worship Service 10:45 am

   Wait in Prayer                  Worship in Reverence             Depart to Serve

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit ……………………………………… God Moves in a Mysterious Way

*Call to Worship …………………………………………  Psalter Reading 42, p. 800

*Hymn of Adoration & Praise #235 ………………  All Glory, Laud, and Honor

*Invocation

Worship Through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Choral Anthem

*Hymn of the Month #103 …………………  Holy God, We Praise Your Name

*Hymn #242 ……………………………………………  Not All the Blood of Beasts

Scripture Lessons

Old Testament ……………………………… Nehemiah 12:1-47 (Pew Bible p. 770-772)

New Testament …………………………………  Mark 7:1-23 (Pew Bible p. 1563-1564)

Memory Verse…………………………………………… Lamentations 3:21-24 (see insert)

Fellowship of Welcome

Message

Sermon Text ……………………………………………………………… Ecclesiastes 2:12-23

Sermon ……………………………………………………………………………… Derek Yoder

Table of the Lord

Despite reminders that human life and labor and fleeting,

wisdom calls God’s people to eat and drink and rejoice.

Because of Jesus, things won’t be fleeting forever!

*Hymn of Faith #308 ………………………………………………………… Jesus Paid It All

Prayer Requests and Testimonies

Pastoral Prayer

Collection of Offerings – On Communion Sundays, our 2^nd offering helps support the benevolent ministries of the Diaconate

Offertory

*Doxology ………………………………………… Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

*Closing Hymn #430 …………………………………………………… I Hunger and I Thirst

*Benediction                                                                                       *Congregation invited to stand

Announcements

-       Be on time at 9:30 am This month is Onward in October in Sunday School.  Each Sunday, let’s remind ourselves to press forward in our Christian walk with the basics of an enthusiastic Sunday School time:

-       Bring your Bible

-       Do your homework before Sunday morning

-       Bring an offering

-       Memorize your verses, and say them to a friend

-       Bring a friend!

-       Remember to pray for your Prayer Pal!  We depend on each other as brothers & sisters in the Lord!

3DYouth meets TONIGHT at the First Church of Evans at 6:00 pm for life lessons from Mark followed by football camp and refreshments.  Don’t forget, the 2014 Chili Bowl with MPB is right around the corner on October 19^th!  (Good news!  The Balisteris are coming!)

The Yoders will be away next week, visiting Katie at Geneva College.

 In Derek’s absence, John Brown, director of Seneca Gospel Mission,

will be filling the pulpit.

Calendar

Wednesday, September 8^th

Choir practice at 6:00 pm.

Join us for Bible study and prayer at the church at 7:00 pm.  We’re making our way through the great themes of Genesis.  We’re in Chapter 2 and studying the significance of God’s garden of delights (Eden).  It’s a great time to join us!

Sunday, October 12^th

Join us at the Doles’ for our 3^rd Sunday Night Out of the season.  Plan to gather around 4:00 pm.  Hot dogs will be provided.  Attention discussion group members:  If you’ve been reading Powlison’s Speaking Truth in Love, plan to meet at 3:00 to discuss Part 1 (pp. 1-98).

Saturday, October 25^th

Sunday School Teacher meeting at the church beginning at 9:00 am.

Join our WNY/Northwestern PA churches at Fluvanna for this year’s annual CCCC Regional Fall Banquet.  The program will feature “The Living Last Supper”, a reenactment of events in the upper room.  There will NOT be a separate program for the children.  There will be no charge for the meals.  The evening begins at 6:00 pm.  See the insert and sign-up sheet in the foyer for details.

Friday, October 31^st

“Light Up the Night”!  As children celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating, we want to be a light on the corner of School and Main Streets with a treat station.  Not only will trick-or-treaters receive candy, they will also be given a gospel tract.  Please take one of the sample packets on display in the Narthex to remind you to pray for God’s blessing on this evangelistic venture.  (Tracts are also on display for you to take for your own trick-or-treaters.)

Sunday, November 2^nd

Plan now to join Jim Raub and our friends from area churches at 6:30 pm as we host our annual fall Singspiration, a seasonal favorite for many.

First Congregational Church of North Collins, Sunday, September 28, 2014

First Congregational Church of North Collins

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

337-9811 Church Office / 337-4303 Parsonage

Pastor / Teacher Derek S. Yoder

http://fccnc.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 28, 2014   

Sunday School 9:30 am           Family Worship Service 10:45 am

Wait in Prayer                  Worship in Reverence                  Depart to Serve

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit …………………………………… Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak

*Call to Worship ………………………………………………………… Psalm 41:1-13

*Hymn of Adoration & Praise #699 ……………………………… Like a River Glorious

*Invocation

 Worship Through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

*Hymn of the Month #506……………………… As When the Hebrew Prophet Raised

*Hymn #177 …………………………………… O Could I Speak the Matchless Worth

Scripture Lessons

Old Testament……………………………  Nehemiah 11:1-36 (Pew Bible pg 768-770)

New Testament ……………………………………  Mark 6:45-56 (Pew Bible pg 1563)

Memory Verse ………………………………..……  2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (see insert)

Fellowship of Welcome

Sermon Text …………………………………………………  Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Sermon ………………………………………………………………  Derek Yoder

Back to the Garden?

Wisdom doesn’t respond to real life by avoiding it,

nor by seeking to control it.

  It presses on with faith (and Jesus) into the future.

*Hymn of Faith #591 ………………..…………………..……………… Jesus Calls Us

Prayer Requests and Testimonies

Pastoral Prayer

Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

*Doxology …………………………………… Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow

*Benediction                                                           

*Congregation invited to stand

  

Get the most out of the service by asking about our special listening devices. Pick up one in the back or see an usher for help. If yours isn’t working properly, don’t be bashful about raising your hand to ask for assistance.

  

Announcements

Join us TONIGHT at the First Church of Evans for a special “Christ in the Feast of Tabernacles” presentation sponsored by Jews for Jesus.  The 6:30 pm program is meant to enrich our understanding of the gospel by exploring its Jewish roots.  There is no cost to attend, but a freewill offering will be taken up.

Next Sunday, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  If you would like to participate but are unable to be here, see Derek or one of the Elders to arrange another time.  Don’t be shy about taking full advantage of this important gesture of unity with Christ and his body.  We are NOT planning to have a fellowship meal following the service.

Evelyn Falk will celebrate her 103^rd birthday on Tuesday!  Don’t forget to sign the card in the back or offer her other gestures of our love.

This afternoon at 2:00 pm, Derek will offer a brief prayer of dedication for bricks along the memorial walkway at Schoolhouse #8.  All are welcome to attend.

Calendar

Wednesday, October 1^st

Choir practice at the church at 6:00 pm.

Join us at the church for Bible study and prayer at 7:00 pm.  We’re making our way through the great themes of Genesis.  We’re in Chapter 2 and studying the significance of God’s garden of delights (Eden).  It’s a great time to join us!

Sunday, October 5^th 

3DYouth Group meets at First Church of Evans at 6:00 pm for life lessons from Mark followed by football camp and refreshments.  Don’t forget, the 2014 Chili Bowl with MPB is right around the corner on October 19^th!

Sunday, October 12^th 

Join us at the Doles’ for our 3^rd Sunday Night Out of the season.  Plan to gather around 4:00 pm.  Hot dogs will be provided.  Attention discussion group members:  If yo’ve been reading Powlison’s Speaking Truth in Love, plan to meet at 3:00 to discuss Part 1 (pp.1-98).

Sunday, November 2^nd

Plan now to join Jim Raub and our friends from area churches at 6:30 pm as we host our annual fall Singspiration, a seasonal favorite for many.

Sermon Notes

BACK TO THE GARDEN?  Wisdom doesn’t respond to real life by avoidance, nor by seeking control.  It presses on with faith and Jesus to the future.

1.    Utopian dreamers have always been looking for a world that’s simpler and kinder than the one we’ve go.  Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock isn’t a “Christian” song, but it expresses this same longing in biblical language.  What does she mean by “going back to the garden”?

2.   DO YOU REMEMBER?  How would you summarize Solomon’s introductory poem in Eccl 1:3-11?

3.    DO YOU REMEMBER?  How would you summarize the next section (Eccl 1:12=18)?

4.    What does Solomon mean by the “pleasure test”?  When he mentions wine, is talking about drunkenness?  If not, what is he talking about?

5.    Derek suggests that the “pleasure test” isn’t so much an expression of fatalism (“Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”) as it is avoidance.  What does he mean?

6.    It’s true that we sometimes respond to the frustrations of life by avoiding them.  Can you think of some examples?

7.    Beginning in Eccl 2:4ff., Solomon describes his ambitious building project.  What’s he up to?

8.    In our passage this morning, Solomon lays out two prospective paths of wisdom.  What are they?  Why does he eventually reject both?

9.    So, what does wisdom look like in a world like ours?

First Congregational Church of North Collins, Sunday, September 21, 2014

First Congregational Church of North Collins

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

10385 Main Street, North Collins, New York 14111

337-9811 Church Office / 337-4303 Parsonage

Pastor / Teacher Derek S. Yoder

http://fccnc.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 21, 2014    

Sunday School 9:30 am    ▪    Family Worship Service 10:45 am

   Wait in Prayer                  Worship in Reverence             Depart to Serve

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit ……………………………………… Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak

*Call to Worship ………………………………………………………………………………  Psalm 40:1-17

*Hymn of Adoration & Praise #53 ………  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

*Invocation

Worship Through Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Choral Anthem

*Hymn of the Month #506 …...…  As When the Hebrew Prophet Raised

*Hymn #634 ……………………………………………………………………  Sweet Hour of Prayer

Scripture Lessons

Old Testament ……………………………………… Nehemiah 10:1-39 (Pew Bible p. 766-768)

New Testament ……………………………………………  Mark 6:30-44 (Pew Bible p. 1562-1563)

Memory Verse……………………………………………………… 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (see insert)

Fellowship of Welcome

Message

Sermon Text ………………………………………………………………………………… Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

Sermon …………………………………............……..……………………………………………………………… Derek Yoder

THE CROOKED TREE OF WISDOM

The pursuit of wisdom in a fallen world can be frustrating,but it’s the narrow path to the kingdom. Jesus traveled it, and he bids us follow.

*Hymn of Faith #705 ……………..……………………… I Know Whom I Have Believed

Prayer Requests and Testimonies

Pastoral Prayer

Collection of Offerings

Offertory

*Doxology ………………………………………… Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

*Benediction

Postlude                                                                *Congregation invited to stand

Calendar

Wednesday, September 24^th

Choir practice at 6:00 pm.

Join us for Bible study and prayer at the church at 7:00 pm.  We’re making our way through the great themes of Genesis.  We’re in Chapter 2 and studying the significance of the God’s garden of delights (Eden).  It’s a great time to join us!

Sunday, September 28^th

Join the First Church of Evans for a special “Christ in the Feast of Tabernacles” presentation sponsored by Jews for Jesus.  The 6:30 pm program is meant to enrich our understanding of the gospel by exploring its Jewish roots.  There is no cost to attend, but a freewill offering will be taken up.  See the insert and poster in the foyer for details.

Sunday, October 5^th

3DYouth Group meets at First Church at 6:00 pm for life lessons from Mark followed by football camp and refreshments.  Don’t forget – the 2014 Chili Bowl with MPB is coming up on October 19^th!

Sunday, November 2^nd

Plan now to join Jim Raub and our friends from area churches at 6:30 pm as we host our annual fall Singspiration, a seasonal favorite for many.

Get the most out of the service by asking about our special listening devices.  Pick up one in the back or see an usher for help.  If yours isn’t working properly, don’t be bashful about raising your hand to ask for assistance.

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Sermon Outline:
Eccl 1:12-18
The Crooked Tree of Wisdom - the pursuit of wisdom in a fallen world can be frustrating, but it's the narrow path Jesus traveled - and he bids us follow.

1.  The wonders of creation have much to tell about the Creator.  But Solomon observes in Eccl 1:2-11 that they also have a thing or two to say about us.  What are some?

2.  Solomon makes several important observations in Eccl 1:12-18.  What't the 1st?

3.  But isn't biblical wisdom a good thing?  How can it lead to grief and heartache?

4.  What does Solomon mean when he says that some things can't be straightened out?  What's he talking about?  What are some examples?

5.  Is it true that with enough money and information and time, there's nothing humans can't do?  Why or why not?

6.  The 3rd important point in our passage has to do with Solomon's method.  When he says in v 17 that he's applying himself to know wisdom and folly, what does he mean?  In what sense does he want to know folly?

7.  The crooked tree of wisdom is a place of discerning between good and evil, so as to obey God.  Adam was there (Gen 2:9).  So was David (2 Sam 14:17) and Solomon (1 Kings 3:9).  What was Jesus' crooked tree?

In a sense, we too stand before the tree of decision.  Eccl is meant to help us grow in wisdom so we can make godly choices and follow the only one who can make every crooked line straight again - our Lord Jesus!