Murray Presbyterian Church

Murray Presbyterian Messenger

February 2008

Message from Pastor Jeff……….

Dear Church Family,

One of the problems that many Christians have in the United States today is a weak spiritual life. The Christian church in our country seems to lack a robust piety that seeks to grow closer to God through the spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible reading, and other devotional reading. My guess is that this is something that we all struggle with. So what might be done about this issue? Are there any practical things that we could do to deal with this problem?

One of the things that recently came out is the The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible. This audio New Testament is a 20 CD set that is narrated by several leading actors—Louis Gossett, Jr. (John), Stacey Keach (Paul), etc. This is a good way to learn the Bible while traveling in your car. I have been listening to them and it really brings the scripture alive. As far as devotionals go I would recommend the updated version of Oswald Chambers’ classic My Utmost for My Highest.[1] So what else can be done?

In last months Messenger I discussed how important Christian camps and conferences can be to our growth as Christians. This month I want to emphasize how imperative it is to get involved in a small group or Sunday School. Small groups allow us to interact with other Christians and to ask questions and discuss important faith issues. It is also a good way to get to know other people and develop lasting friendships. Currently, our church offers a monthly women’s small group Bible study, but we need to offer more. If you are interested in being a part of a small group that I want to start please let me know.

Also, Mari Wordekemper has been our adult Sunday School teacher and she has been doing a wonderful job. Soon Marci is going to be going through a study called “Becoming a Contagious Christian.” This curriculum has been designed by some of America’s best Christian pastors and teachers—Mark Mittelberg, Lee Strobel, and Bill Hybels. If you have been unsure about how to share your faith or if you simply want to grow in your faith I highly recommend you get involved in this class.

In Christ,

Jeff McDonald

Prayer Concerns

Charlene Gochenour: Prayers for strength.

(414 N. Elm Street – Weeping Water, NE 68463)

Karen Waters: Prayers for strength.

(909 Beaver Lake Blvd. – Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Dave Clawson: Prayers for healing.

(9302 Milford Road-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Don Loftin: Prayers for healing & strength. (9500 Milford Rd.-Beaver Lake, NE 68048)

Cindy Rueth: (Julie Nickels cousin) Prayers for healing & strength. Starting Phase II of treatment

Nickey Johnson: Prayers for strength (Jim too). (922 N. 9^th Street-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Kris Johnson: (Joyce’s daughter) Prayers for strength and healing.

Julie Nickels: Prayers for strength & healing after neck surgery.

5312 12^th Avenue – Murray, NE 68409

Dee Lewis: (Judy Simpson’s mom). Is home from the hospital. (103 E. Deer Lane-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Shirley Riekemann: Prayers for strength.

% Marge Miller – 7931 Reno Rd – Lincoln, NE 68505

Shawn Kliegl: Prayers for healing

(917 Oak Court – Plattsmouth NE 68048)

Additional Prayer Concerns:

The Parents of Steve Burg.

Jean & Stan Poore: Healing & strength.

(108 Bonham Circle-Council Bluffs, IA 51503)

Rev. Keith Cook: Prayers for strength.

(17664 Jackson Plaza-Omaha, NE 68118)

Thoughts & Prayers for our shut ins:

Lottie Johnson: continual prayers.

(1750 S. 20^th Street-Lincoln, NE 68502)

Mildred Moritz: Prayers for adjustment.

(1300 Avenue D-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

*Remember the members of our Armed Forces, who are serving overseas and stateside. We especially pray for those stationed in the Middle East.

*Philmore Williams

Continued Prayers of Comfort for:

The Family of Charles Spangler

The Family of Ivan Craft

The Family of Haley Eldred

The Family of Barbara Wohlfarth

The Family of Rick Riekemann

PER CAPITA

Programs. Each year we support the national and regional programs of the Presbyterian Church through a per capita funds assessment. These funds support the seminaries, the Synod and Presbytery staffs and the General Assembly. This year the amount is $ 22.97, which we pay on each active member of the local church. To help defray the cost to our budget we ask each year for a contribution from those who are able to do so.

Mark your calendars for March 28^th & 29^th (Friday & Saturday) and plan to attend the “WOMEN of FAITH Infinite Conference 2008” at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Yes, that is the weekend that Pastor Jeff takes Krista to be his wife – the conference is only until 5:00 pm and I don’t think anybody would mind if you left early for such a special event. Their website is www.womenoffaith.com

Saturday - March 8^th @ 10:00 am – There will be a Wedding Shower and Brunch for Krista & Pastor Jeff. Everyone is invited! J

There will be a Sign Up sheet at the back of the church – I ask that you please R.S.V.P. by March 2^nd so we can plan the food. Watch the bulletin for more information.

If you are interested in Membership Class - Pastor Jeff McDonald will be glad to talk to you!

In case you are interested – Virginia Spangler has posted a poster containing a series of concerts that are presented at the Presbyterian Church of the Cross – Omaha. They have wonderful music and are FREE (unless you care to donate).

Please let Pastor Jeff know if you are interested in attending and invite a friend. This will be a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with many teens of faith and those wanting to become of faith. I hope all of the P.Y.F. students will attend.

FOOD PANTRY for FEBRUARY

Conestoga Elementary has a need for boys underwear in sizes from three (3) to seven (7). If you can help, please put them in the basket provided and we will make sure that they are delivered. Thank you!

If you have information that needs to be put in the Bulletin or Newsletter, please contact Karen Savage by calling her at 402-227-2031 or emailing her at tksavage@alltel.net. You can also leave a note in her mailbox in the storage room or send an email to the church address Thank you!

It Was Only a Quarter

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas...

Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that
the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it."
Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it... Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver, with a smile, replied; "Aren't you the new preacher in town?
I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change;
I'll see you at church on Sunday."
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said; "Oh Dear God, I almost sold your Son for a
quarter..."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test!
Always be on guard. Remember, you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian'.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

[1] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest-Updated ed. (Grand Rapids: Discovery House Publishers, 2006)