Thoughts From Our Pastors Written by Senior Pastor, Jeremy Peugh
How important is prayer, anyway?Joseph Benson was a bright young man, a younger contemporary of John Wesley, who became one of the first systematic theologians and Bible commentary writers among the early Wesleyans. John Wesley wrote to him on November 30, 1770. Benson was such a good scholar that Wesley wrote part of the letter in Greek, part in Latin, and part of it in English.
Wesley closed the letter with these words: “Let no study swallow up or intrude upon the hours of private prayer."
Ann Bolton was a woman whom John Wesley led to sanctifying grace and to remarkable Christian service— mostly by mail, writing her some 130 letters of spiritual guidance over a period of 29 years. Ann was a tireless worker organizing prayer meetings, small group ministries, and charities for the poor and the sick. In a letter dated August 25, 1771, Wesley advised Ann, “Let not your works of mercy rob you of time for private prayer.”
No advice could be more important to the Christian minister today. With the demands of counseling, sermonizing, administration, soul winning, and sick visitation pounding at his or her door constantly, time is at a premium. As the minister cuts corners to make time for the needs of others, he or she can borrow time from only three sources: the time for sleep and rest, the time that should go to family, and the most easily invaded time of all the “hours of private prayer.”
Spending oneself for others is no excuse for missing private prayer. So often we think that we need to be doing everything, when what we really need to be doing is being focused on what God is doing. Please do not misunderstand me and think that we should not work for Christ. I am saying that in that work, our foundation must be Christ and our communion with God. Prayer is how we achieve that. This week let’s spend more time praying and seeking what God wants us to do. Wake up in the morning with a prayer of service, "God, what do you want me to do for you today?" Then when God shows you, make sure you are not to busy to listen.
Wednesday Food Sign up:
So let's talk about food and Bible Study, we would love for you to join us on Wednesday for dinner and Bible study. If you enjoy our time together please also consider inviting your friends. The more we have the merrier it will be. To make sure we have everything we need, here is the link for this week Wednesday, September 19th. If you would like to sign up for next week here is the sign up sheet for that. Wednesday September 26th.
Wednesday Night Fellowship + Kids Program:
WEDNESDAY, 6-7:30pm. Come join us for an evening for every age! The children will be experiencing pirate themed lessons on treasures in heaven. Chelsea will be doing a study on, “What is a church member?” Bryant will be working through Judges. We want all of you to join us.
All Church Game Night:
THIS Friday, September 21 starting at 6pm. Come join us for a fun evening for all ages! We'll have board games and classic nintendo games to play. If you'd like, bring money to pitch in for pizza for dinner! See you there!
Fall Festival:
Saturday, October 27 from 2-6pm. Plan to join us for this fun outreach event that our church will be doing. We will be having a chili cook-off if you would like to participate in that (talk to Kari Riek). We will also need volunteers to sign up to make cupcakes for our cupcake walk. Other volunteer opportunities will be announced soon!
SoCal District Work & Witness Trip:
November 5-12, Puerto Rico, $1200. Check out the menifeechurch.org/missions for more information or talk to Chelsea if you have questions!
Offering:
To all those who give during out service or online, THANK YOU!!! The money you give goes to helping our community and the global church. If you missed giving this week, just visit our giving page here and give online.
We also are set up to receive Faith Promise through our online giving here just make sure that you select Faith Promise instead of general offering.
Tithing is a discipline that will strengthen your faith and the church cannot function properly without your support. If you consider Mount Carmel your church home, please pray about being obedient to the Lord in this way.
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Our mailing address is:
Mount Carmel Church of the Nazarene
10060 Carmel Mountain Road
San Diego, California 92129, United States
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