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 Being a Considerate and Respectful Worshipper (Part 1)
I
observe that there is less and less awareness of appropriate behavior in
public gatherings. This is true of all circumstances.
Recently, when I was at the movies, the crowd was reminded 5 times prior
to the show to turn off their cell phones and twice not to talk during
the film, and still there were constant interruptions.
This
problem is also seen in the worship service. The difference being
that here at church we are seeking to engage the Lord and if there is an
interruption due to improper behavior, it is not just a moment of
entertainment that is lost but it may be a distraction that Satan uses to
cause a person to miss an important element of teaching and guidance.
Therefore, in this month's and next month's article, I am going to set
down some behavioral basics that will help us all be considerate and
respectful worshippers.
1. Arrive
on time - Late entrances create a disturbance that distracts others and
causes the late comer to miss an aspect of the service. We plan the
service so that every element is valuable as a part of the worship
experience. I encourage you to plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to
the service that you will attend. That gives you time to visit with
some friends, use the restroom and settle in when the service starts.
2. Stay
until the end - Once the service begins, do not exit the Sanctuary
until after the benediction (closing prayer.) The service is planned
as a unit - do not develop the mentality that you only come for the
"good part" (whatever your definition of the "good
part" is.)
3. Turn
off cell phones or put them on silent - It is very rare that an emergency
will require your attention during the worship service and, in fact, it
is beneficial for you to explain to your family and friends that your
phone is off while you are in church. Cell phones going off in
church are a major distraction that takes people's attention away from
what the Lord is doing.
With
these basic reminders, we can improve the atmosphere of respect and
consideration for one another in worship.
To
be continued next month...
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 Love and Respect Marriage Enrichment Event
A
Marriage Enrichment Event to be held on Sat., Feb. 13, from 8:00
am - 3:00 pm in the QLBC sanctuary. If you register by
Tues., Feb. 9th the $25 cost per couple will include lunch. Read more
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Lay Counseling
Training
Feb. 25-27 &
Mar. 25-27 Room E-213
Learn
to encourage and walk alongside people going through a tough time.
This training is for men and women of all ages. Class fees vary.
Call for details (209) 951-7380 .Read more.
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ICE SKATING FUN AT
OAK PARK ICE ARENA
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
$3.00
per person. Sign up Feb. 7th in the foyer
More
details available on Children's page - click here
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SR. HIGH -
bemodified
Sat.,
Feb. 13, 8:00-10:30 pm
Oak
Park Arena. Cost: $1.00
Click here for more
information on these and other events.
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 Men's Conference
Sat.,
Feb. 27th - 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tickets:
$30 on-line; $35 at door.
Temple
Baptist Church - Lodi
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Divorce Recovery -
Feb. 17th - May 5th
An
11 week series beginning Wed., Feb. 17 at 6:00 pm in Room A-206.
The cost is $65. This workshop helps those going through divorce,
recently divorced or are dealing with unresolved hurts from divorce...Read more
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- Gifts of $2,449,740 = 92.8% of
Plan
- Expenses of $2,498,855 = 94.7% of
Plan
- Actual Deficit ($49,116) vs Plan
($0)
Operating
reserves cover the year-end deficit. A complete report
is
available in the office.
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TAX TIP
2009
Giving Statements have been mailed. Do not file your 2009
income tax return until you have received yours. Some of your
contributions may not be tax deductible if you file your return without
this document!
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The
IRS has expanded the rules for charitable contributions over the years:
- Donors
must maintain a bank record or a written receipt from the church
listing the date and amount of gift;
- Cash gifts
no longer qualify without a written receipt from the church as
above;
- All
donations of $250 or more require a qualifying receipt as in the
past.
As a result of these
provisions, we as a church are now required as a practical matter to
provide a written receipt of each donation and a date of
donation. The Giving Statements that we provide in late January
qualify as donation receipts.
The only donations not
requiring a receipt are those documents with a bank record (check/bank
statement) under $250. Any questions may be referred to your tax
consultant or Fred Hammond in the church office.
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