Weekly Update: 12/21/11

Upcoming Events:

2471 Winter Retreat Information
We will be going on a youth group retreat to Hoblitzelle Retreat Center on Thursday, December 29th, at 5:00 p.m. and return here to the building Saturday, December 31st, around 1:30 p.m. The cost for the retreat is $35. Friday evening we will be going as a group to a local fast food establishment so you will need money for that. This retreat is for 7th - 12th graders.

It is important that you let me know if you are going or not as soon as possible. I have 25 spots reserved at the retreat center. There are four adults going, so that drops the number to 21 teens. I look forward to spending time with all of you!

At A Glance…

Sunday, January 8th - Youth Devotional
Sunday, January 15th - Youth Activity
Sunday, January 22nd - Teen Prayer Time

Something To Think About…

One day at lunch a group of preachers was discussing sermon preparation. One minister explained that he devoted the month of July to writing a year’s worth of sermons. Another preacher said that he outlined his weekly sermon on Monday’s and wrote on the following days. Still another preacher said that he set aside Wednesday mornings for preparation. A fourth preacher confessed to hurrying to meet his deadline late Saturday nights.

A fifth preacher had the final say. “I usually schedule a long hymn before the sermon.”

I think I have heard a few of those sermons! :) In all honesty though, good sermons require time and thought. It’s important to think before we speak. That’s true not only from the pulpit, but also in our daily lives. How many problems that you are facing right now would never have arisen if you had only taken the time to think things through before opening your mouth?

Solomon’s advice is still as valuable as it was when he gave it:

“Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God…..Therefore let your words be few…..A fool’s voice is known by his many words.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3)

May your words this day be well thought out!