Sunday Announcements With 10 Commandments of Christmas

Advent Greetings Saints,

I love the entire Christmas season and look forward to our 4th Sunday Advent
celebration in the morning.

Please remember that we are continuing our commitment to the  "advent conspiracy"
which means intentionally undermining our secularized-encultured season of
narcissism, commercialism and consumerism by giving to those who are in need.
See the video below for the Advent Conspiracy challenge.

In order to assist in this endeavor, a special offering will be received in the morning to
bless third world under privledged Honduran Pastors by investing in their ministry
development training.

When preparing what to give, bear in mind that these third world shepherds function
with only a 5-6th grade education level. Our goal is to raise $ 1000.00 for this noble
endeavor. More to be be shared in the morning.

Also, we will finalize attendance in the morning to our festive "Christmas by Candlelight"
Friday December 23rd at Taste of Lemon. This celebratory event will be lieu of our
normal Sunday morning Gathering due to Christmas day being  on Sunday.

Since The Gathering is underwriting the evening, please take advantage of  the
opportunity to freely Gospelize "UNCHURCHED" co-workers, friends and relatives by
inviting them to join you in atending.

Finally, consider these  "10 Commandments of Christmas" so that our  priorities will
reflect a Christ Centered Season:

I. Thou shalt not leave “Christ” out of “Christmas” nor refuse to use the word Christmas
 during this season.

II. Thou shalt demonstrate joy to the world, for the Lord is come.

III. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus take the place of the reality of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

IV. Thou shalt remember that the value of gifts we give and receive is the love that's behind them.

V. Thou shalt consider the words of Jesus,”It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

VI. Thou shalt not neglect Christ and His church during the Christmas Season.

VII. Thy Christmas Cards shall bear the good news of the coming of Christ and His salvation.

VIII. Thou shalt be kind to those who serve; the cashier, the merchant, and the mail carrier.

IX. Thou shalt remember the greatest gift of all, when God gave His only begotten Son.

X. In all thy giving, thou shalt give a gift to the One whose birthday we celebrate. Appropriate recipients shall be missions, thy church, and those in need.


-David R. Brumbelow. Brumbelow is a pastor and writes at gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com.



 Click on http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Announcing Our "Christmas By Candlelight" Celebration

Greetings Saints,

Plans are underway for this years "Christmas by Candlelight" dinner and advent celebration.
I am delighted to share that we have reserved "Taste of Lemon" for this festive occasion.

This choice will make the evening more enjoyable for everyone since they provide complete
decorations for the building and tables setting along with  the dinner buffet of our choice.

In the days ahead, the ladies will be selecting our  menu and we will begin requesting
everyone to sign up to reserve seating. Since The Gathering  underwrites the expense of
of the entire evening, It is our hope that everyone will mark your calendar to participate.

As is our custom, this celebratory event will take place on Friday evening in lieu of our
normal Sunday morning Gathering. This means everyone will enjoy their family since Christmas
holiday lands on Sunday.

More details are forthcoming regarding the invitation of  "unchurched" guests and extended
family and friends.

What? .........Christmas by Candlelight
When?.........Friday December 23rd, 6;30pm
Where?........Taste of Lemon

My Sincere Apology!

Greetings Saints,

I am embarrassed to share that during  technical difficulties and impromptu change
 implemented this morning, I failed to mention some very important matters to everyone.

While the moment can never be recaptured and the venue less than honoring as
it should be, these announcements are still beneficial for me to share post haste:

>Congratulations!

 *Mark and Ginger Ward! Their daughter Kelly was married last night and it was one of the best celebrations I've seen yet!   Ole Mark rocked the house during the father/daughter dance.

*L.J. and Peggy Woods are out of town celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary this weekend. L.J. suspiciously  refused to tell anyone where he was taking Peggy.

>Happy Birthday 

 *To Regina Hanner celebrating her__?_ birthday today. I am not as bold as Bobby Patton so I will  just leave it at that.  lol

>Out of Town:

*The Cipolla family was in North Carolina enjoying their newest grandchild.

*Caysi Swol was in North Georgia just goofin off with her family.

>Prayer Petition:

* Ashley McWhorter is experiencing some difficulty and needs continued prayer for the baby. Ben could be a father as soon as Tuesday. Hopefully the baby get his looks from his mother. lol

Love In Christ!

richard
  

Sunday Love Feast Celebrating The 4th of July

Greetings Saints!

We are going to celebrate the 4th by centering upon the biblical paradigm of The Love Feast! Holman Bible Dictionary describes what Jude, Peter and Paul  allude to in their writings:

"A Common fellowship meal of the church preceding the Lord's Supper. The Love Feast or Agape (meal) was a significant dimension of the fellowship and worship of the early church. As a concrete manifestation of obedience to the Lord's command to love one another, it served as a practical expression of the koinonia or communion that characterized the church's life."

Our facility will be set up for table fellowship so we can enjoy fresh breakfast foods together with an abbreviated liturgy of sacrament,scripture, and song.

The ladies are requested to prepare ample portions so that all the "Hungry Jack" brothers can feast to the point of fullness. Here are some items that will git-r-done ladies: sausage balls, fresh homemade biscuits, white gravy, breakfast casserole,cheese grits,country ham, bacon, monkey muffins and a whole lotta eggs!

Stay tuned, Vicki Martin will be contacting everyone to coordinate the menu and the abundant food supply.

SHOUT!
rgh








http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T3930

Announcing: "Redeeming the Realities of Marriage"

Statistically speaking, the months of June, July and August are three of the busiest months of the year for weddings. Reception halls are booked, pastors are busy, and florists and bakers love the business.


This also means it is anniversary season for many. With that in mind, we desire to invest in your  "Marriage Covenant" by offering Paul Tripp's fabulous  "What did You Expect?' A class on Redeeming the Realities of Marriage led by John and Marianna Cipolla.

The sessions will be offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening beginning in July. I am currently reading the book and have watched video clips. I guarantee you will experience honest, real and forthright content unlike anything you may have participated in before.

So, Invite your friends and come join the journey as we celebrate our strengths and have an authentic discussion about the illusions and realities of marriage.
 
rgh
 
 

Last Sunday and This Sunday

Greeeeeetings Saints,

Absolutely excited to share with everyone that we were able make a $1200.00 donation to Samaritan Purse for Joplin, Missouri disaster relief today. We added a little from the general fund to round up the total giving amount. Shout!

Since summer has arrived, families are now embarking on well deserved vacations. Beginning this Sunday, folk will be going and coming for a season. Along with that, we have our missional team members heading to Honduras on Saturday. With all that in mind, we thought it best to forego this months  "Love Feast" and focus on a special outdoor event in July. We are talking serious Love Feast Celebration!

Also, I will wait to implement the announced Q&A message for this week since it involves some doctrinal issues that would best be served when we are all back together.

Soooooooo, if you are not on vacation, remember to prioritize celebrating The Lord's Day this Sunday with like minded Christ Followers at "The Gathering."

rgh

NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!

Greetings Saints,

Thought it might be helpful if we alerted everyone that we will be
 interrupting our"Study in Ephesians" series for the next couple of
 weeks.

>This Sunday we intend to address the outbreak of weather related
 catastrophe's in the form of hundreds of tornadoes and severe flooding
 occurring  across America.

  The subject matter directly involves the "Sovereignty of God" and his
   providential care of his creation. In other words, where is God in all
   of this pain,destruction,and loss of life?

> Next Sunday June 5th, appropriate to the occasion of our post assembly
  "Love Feast", we will minister from a "question and answer" format.

  Here are some of the questions and topics we intend to address.
  Please forward  questions you may have been wrestling with as well.

    * What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
   * Is Lust equal to adultery and therefore grounds for a divorce?
   * Is there a sin unto death and how does it happen?
   * Why do we use the term "father" when Jesus said call no man father?

As you already know, these plans are subordinate to Christ Ruling Lordship
 and are therefore qualified with a robust "TLW!"!

Enjoy your week!
rgh

Sunday Easter Gathering!

Kingdom Greetings,


I am sure we all are reflecting upon the significance of this
 holy week,and the coming celebration this Sunday of the
 Resurrection of Christ!

This is the most important event that the church as family celebrates
together. While I am sure we will all be in attendance, consider that
"Lifeway Research" reveals that 56% of Americans say they would
attend an Easter Church Service if invited by a friend.

So, I implore each one of you to invite a friend, family
 member, or co-worker to join with us this Sunday, as we"showcase"
 the Glorious Christ who redeemed from our sins!

Finally, Click on this brief clip and see why it is Good Friday!

http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/23512/Good-Friday



richard g.hanner

Update,Request and Announcements

 Greetings Saints,

>UPDATE:
We enjoyed our new time for Wednesday evening sessions and our first
 "simple dinner" together. Table fellowship begins at 6:00pm, teaching at
 6:30 and dismiss by 7:30pm. Loved it!

>REQUEST:
Parents are kindly asked to refrain from allowing children to "chew gum"
 in the facility.[Would be even better if  all the parents modeled this requests].
We now have two splotches on the carpet and really appreciate everyone
 assisting with stewardship of the home forThe Gathering.

>ANNOUNCEMENTS:
*The the ladies will be pleased to know that we are rescheduling the Love
 Feast for this Sunday. Since there is opportunity each Wednesday
 evening for relational "one anothering",we will now celebrate our Love
 Feast Celebration once a month-on the first Sunday of each month.
 The next feast  is scheduled for May 1st.Can anyone say,"Italian?"
 Can I get a witness!

*Also,  note that The Gathering financial information is being posted on the
 bulletin board in the kitchen along with missions and other correspondence.

Shout!

Update During Spring Break

Greetings Saints,

You will be pleased to know that after reviewing the response we
received concerning Wednesday evenings, the following
enhancements are being implemented in order to make
it much more feasible for everyone to participate.


Many who regularly attend Wednesday evenings live outside
LaGrange, drive in to work, then return home,only to drive back
to LaGrange for the evening teachings. This reality is even more
burdensome for those with school age children and the difficulty
is further compounded by increasing gas prices.

With sensitivity to these issues, the following features will be
implemented next Wednesday April 13th.


1."The Gathering" will provide a simple meal at 6 pm.
    The objective is to make it easy to leave work,bring the children
    and enjoy a fellowship meal together.

    > sign up will be necessary in order to ensure adequate food.
    > signing up means showing up.
    > so no"maybe or possibly" please.

2.The teaching session will begin "approximately" at 6:30 pm

    >we will conclude by 7:30 pm.
    >Remember, we are "organic body" rather than "static institution".
    >So come as you are, enjoy the "family" dynamic, share a meal
     and worshipfully engage the sacred scripture together.

For The Kings Honor!

rgh

Sunday Morning Abbreviation

We are modifying "The Gathering" this Sunday Morning
 with a hearty"love feast breakfast"as we enjoy table
 fellowship beginning at 10:30am. Coffee, juice,
 ham-sausage-egg biscuits, fruit and donuts
will be provided!


In order to provide ample time for "one anothering",we will
 abbreviate ourtime of active worship, biblical exhortation
 and conclude with the communion of Eucharistic Celebration.

Our objective is to provide a relational context for Christ centered
 joy, robust laughter, and wholesome bantering in the context of
 relational covenant with Christ and with each other.Casual dress
 will be most appropriate.  

In order to provide ample portions, may I kindly request that
 everyone promptly respond via text or email with the total number
 of how many in your family will be attending.

Men and Ladies are requested to please arrive sufficiently early to
 assist with set up and preparation.

For The Kings Honor!
rgh

rghanner@gmail.com

Love Feast and Honduras Outreach

Greeting Saints,

 As previously announced, our Love Feast celebration has been moved
 to Sunday the 27th and will be held in the LCS cafeteria to support the
 Honduras missional team which Angelina,Sharon and Regina are excited
 participants.

John and Marianna Cipolla will be preparing some fine Italian Cuisine for
everyone to enjoy! My! My! My!

Since The Gathering is underwriting the event for our congregants,a basket
will be provided provided for those desiring to personally contribute toward
 the outreach above our corporate investment. Please make checks payable
 to LCS.

Shout!
rgh











.

Love Based Etiquette For The Gathering

Kingdom Greetings!


After a Seafaring Conference with the Redeemed Family of Ministers, 
I am truly anticipating our time together this Sunday.

Now that we are purposefully endeavoring to invite family, friends
and other guests to experience Christ in our Gatherings, it is
essential that we consciously implement "love based hospitality
practices" that are biblically informed.

Kindly review and adhere to the following "etiquette" regarding cell
phone usage when we are assembled together for worship:

1. Please turn off or mute all cell phones in reverence of  The Gathering. For rare occasions that may warrant cell phone usage, discretely move outdoors before attempting to engage in conversation. Even then, modulate your voice and speak softly in order to keep the conversation private.

2. Be lovingly courteous and relationally considerate of others, by refraining from cellular "texting" during the sacred gathering. Not only is it deemed unloving, rude and ill mannered, but such activity is the cause for others to experience double minded distraction.

*James  2:7-8 
A Double minded person is unable to receive anything from  the Lord.

*1 Corinthians 13:5  
 Love has manners, isn't rude, nor does it insist on it's on rights

*Romans 12:10
Show  honor to others by preferring their welfare above your own


For the Kings Honor!
rgh

Wednesday Night Family Meeting

A kind reminder that we are coming together for a congregational
" family meeting" this Wednesday evening 7pm  at our new location.

I sincerely encourage all attendees to join us for this relational and
 informational gathering.

The objectives for this relational  time together:

>> communicate,communicate,communicate
>> provide transparency  in all area's of ministry
>> allow a format for questions and answers
>> express genuine care for the flock

Sampling of topics for discussion:

> Do we have a future?............ [question of mission]
> What are our objectives.........[question of vision]
> Who are the leaders?.............[question of government]
> How are we funded?..............[question of finances]