No doubt, many of us frequently find it difficult to slow down and take a breath from the whirlwind of life.  Schedules, jobs, paying bills, raising kids, running errands, trying to get a few hours sleep (did I mention “paying bills?”).  If we’re not careful, our busy world can disconnect us from meaningful relationships with others.  And one of the most important parts of life is that it’s meant to be shared with those around us.  Thus, we need a place of connection, a place of conversation, a place of trust.

Alabaster CoG would like to invite everybody 20-40 yrs young to one of the most tremendous, life-impacting hangouts in Alabaster – The Bridge.  The Bridge is a place where we brew some good ole’ java, kick back and talk about the real nitty-gritty issues of life.  God, love, shame, marriage, forgiveness, failure, salvation, and the list is wide open… We want to discuss what’s on your heart and mind.

The Bridge offers a safe atmosphere of love and acceptance, where you can connect with those around you on this journey of life.  Whether single or married*, Christian or non-Christian, ALL are welcome to join us at The Bridge.  (please see calendar for weekly meeting times)

Peace

*Childcare is usually provided during meetings.  If you have any questions please use the comments section.

Christian Greetings guys and gals!

I hope everyone is a having a blessed week thus far.  Just a heads up about a Wednesday night series that will begin next week… We’re starting a series on “The Clash of Two Kingdoms” and will begin to explore what the Bible says about Spiritual warfare.

For a while now, we have studied the importance of understanding God as a relational God.  We have explored quite a bit what the Bible says about who the Holy Spirit is, how He empowers us to follow Jesus, how that salvation is a Spirit-filled journey, how the Spirit brings us into the family of God, amongst other tremendous truths.

Since we have concluded that salvation is a relationship with God through Christ, I think it’s important to explore further the resistance that we all face in walking with God and living out His will.  So, I’m excited about the upcoming study and invite all 13-18 yr old Gospel gangsters to the ATIK sanctuary on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.  Bring your Bibles, some blazing faith, a good attitude and an extra pair of socks!  (Here lately, God’s been blessings our socks off at ACoG!)

Peace

The children’s department of ACoG will be selling DVDs of the children’s musical performed in our sanctuary. If you know of anyone needing to purchase a copy of this please direct them to Barbara Snyder or Brandy Tiller. We have included all parts of the program including the call of salvation. We believe this could be another tool used to advance the Kingdom. This will help support the children’s ministry as all monies will go directly to the children’s department.

Thanks,
Children Dept. Staff
ACoG

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1Th 5:16-18

Pray without ceasing.  How is this possible?

I don’t believe it is if prayer is only letting God know what we want or need.  This seems to be the attitude of prayer that most of us hold.  But prayer is so much more than that.  Prayer is not only asking and thanking God but is also about relating to Him.  Talking with Him, hearing from Him, sharing in this amazing story called creation with Him.

Prayer is vital because God has set this whole system up to rely on it.  Prayer is the oil in the machine called life and it grinds to a halt without it.  There are things that God will not do unless we ask and the bible shows us that we can move God, cause Him to even change His mind, through prayer.  We serve a God who wants a relationship with us.

We can pray without ceasing by understanding that it is not just the talk but is also the walk.  God walked with Adam in the garden and He walks with us even now.  Ready to listen and ready to teach, He is there if we will only realize it.

The Church of God has a forty day program starting January 1, 2009 that is designed to bring us back to the place in our relationship with God where we can recognize and actualize the vitality of prayer.  We must get back to living a life where we pray without ceasing.  Our families, our churches, our nation, our world needs this.

Join us in this and lets change the world.

Love you all