Sunday January 1, 2012

This Sunday we will be in a brand new year, 2012! How exciting!  I hope that you had a wonderful holiday and had time to celebrate with your friends or family.  I look forward with anticipation for what 2012 holds for Harvest Point.

This Sunday we will review 2011.  What has God done for you this year? What answers to prayer has God provided? What blessings have you received? In what ways have you seen God at work? Though there are bad things that happen, there are many good things we can focus on as well.

I pray that you will have a fun and safe New Year's Eve and I will see you soon!

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday December 25, 2011

This past Sunday I talked about Peace. The peace that Jesus brought with him when he came to earth, peace that is available in all our hearts. A peace that is not about our circumstances, but about serenity in our hearts. These are the scriptures: Luke 2:8-14, excerpts from Isiah 9 and 60, and most importantly John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

  

I also played this song, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day":

http://youtu.be/bK8xB1opuQ8

Pay close attention to this verse:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

  

This week is Christmas, Christmas Day is on a Sunday. We will have a time of celebration, we will sing Christmas carols and we will hear the Christmas story. God is with us - through Jesus Christ who came to us to bring hope, peace, joy and love.

  

Merry Christmas, dear ones. You are loved!

Sunday December 18, 2011

Hello! I hope that you are well on this beautiful sunny day. Last night many of you came to our home to celebrate with us and spend some time together. Thank you for coming, we loved having you all over.

This is the last Sunday before Christmas, how quickly December has gone by! As we prepare for Christmas we will more closely at the Prince of Peace - Jesus. Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and John 14:27 in preparation.

I am praying for you during this Christmas season, know that you are loved!

~Pastor Shannon

Sunday December 11, 2011

Greetings! Christmas is fast approaching, it's just such a great time of year isn't it?

This Sunday I will be preaching about joy. Do you know that joy and happiness are very different things? There may be many bad things happening in our lives and we may not be happy but we can still have joy. This week I will preach about letting joy into your life. The scripture is Luke 2:8-20.

Sunday evening Brett and I will be hosting our annual Christmas party. Come and be with us, see our home and have some delightful snacks. You are welcome, please just bring yourself from 6-9pm.

Blessings~
Pastor Shannon

Sunday December 4, 2011

Greetings! This past week was a good one, I spent time with my family for Thanksgiving and we watched our pianist, Stephanie, get married. There is much to be thankful for. We are now into the Advent season, it is a time of celebration and anticipation for the nativity of Jesus.

This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent and I will be preaching about letting love in. Last week we talked about making room for Jesus in our lives and in our hearts and this week we are going to talk about making room for love. Read 1 John 4:9-12 in preparation.

I am praying for each one of you!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday November 27, 2011

Greetings! This week we get to celebrate a holiday where we give thanks for the blessings in our lives, for what are you thankful?

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent means "coming" and it is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming Christ child. Do you have room in your life and your heart for Jesus? This week we will be talking about how to make room in our lives for Jesus. Read Luke 2:1-7 in preparation.

I am thankful for each one of you!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday November 13, 2011

Good morning! I hope that this finds you well. This week is the last "normal" week before we go into the holiday season with Thanksgiving and Christmas. I truly enjoy this time of year, I hope you do as well!

The last two months we have been dealing with Frances Chan's "Crazy Love." It has been a blessing to me and I hope that you have a chance to read it, even if you aren't in one of our IOU groups.

Sunday is our last week of the series and I will be talking about the crux of the matter. We have been given all this information about loving God in a crazy way...but now what? Where do we go from here? I will be preaching on walking our talk.

I also want to remind you today that you are loved. I am praying for you and I hope you have a wonderful week!

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday October 30, 2011

Good Morning! I hope that this finds you well on this beautiful fall day. I love the fall, it's such a wonderful time of the year with so many fun things to do. It also ushers in the holiday's! What do you love the most about fall?

This Sunday I will be preaching on obsession...with God. We often think about being obsessed as a bad thing...but is it always? Come Sunday and find out!

I also hope to see you Monday at our Trunks of Treats event. It is a safe place to bring children on Halloween: we'll have lots of candy, donuts, coffee, cider and more!

Sunday October 23, 2011

Good afternoon! What a beautiful fall day we have today - the weather is cool but the sun is shining. The leaves are beautiful. I hope that you are finding enjoyment in this wonderful day.

This Sunday we will be hearing from Tom Arnold. He will be continuing in the Crazy Love series and talking about what comes after the acknowledgment of love. Read 1 John 2:3-6 and 1 john 3:16-20 in preparation.

Our trunks-of-treats event in only two weeks away, be sure to sign up at the church so that we know how to prepare.

You are loved!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday October 16, 2011

Greetings! The last few weeks have been a blur of activity for me with conferences, the Elders retreat and two weddings.

On October 2, we watched the sermon from Jim Cymbala called "My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer." If you missed it, I have the DVD and you are welcome to borrow it from the church library.

Last week we heard a powerful message from Brian Smith about being lukewarm when God calls us to be totally committed. You can always go to our church website to hear any messages that you might have missed.

In continuing our series on Crazy Love, which goes along with our IOU group study, this week I will be preaching about the love that moves us to total commitment and the freedom of that love. Check out Galatians 5:13-14 and Psalm 63:1-5.

Please remember that you are loved!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 25, 2011

Hello! What a week it's been, I have been in bed for three days now trying to get over whatever plague I have. I am hoping that the next few days I will start feeling better.

This past week Brett shared with us a very important message about the time we have (or lack thereof)...that we have to make the most of the life that God has given us. It was a powerful message and if you missed it, please check it out on the website.

This week I will continue our series out of the Crazy Love book. Do you know that God loves you? That you are wanted? We are loved deeply by a God who created us and knows who we are. It's a simple idea, but so important.

I hope to see you Sunday! Please know that it is not only God that loves you, but I do as well.

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 18, 2011

Hello! This week I am writing to you from the Strategic Planning Conference of the Church of God - an every five years event that brings together leaders in the Church of God who get together to dream, plan and dialogue about where we (the movement as a whole) are and where we are going. It has been a wonderful time so far with a lot of good discussion.

Because of the fact that I am at a conference this week - Brett will be preaching this Sunday (I'll still be there though)! He is excited to preach and share with you his heart. He will be preaching on the urgency of our life having meaning. His text is James 4:13-14.

I hope to see you Sunday for this important message.

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 11, 2011

Hello! I hope that you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! Brett and I took the time off to celebrate our 6th anniversary - which is this Saturday. We had a great time!

This Sunday is a super special Sunday - it's youth and kids Sunday! Our children and Club 456 (4th, 5th and 6th graders) will be serving Sunday on praise team, in prayers, as ushers and more! Come this Sunday and experience this wonderful Sunday.

I will be preaching about loving God as the children do - recklessly and fearlessly. As we grow - we get more and more cautious about our love. We must let go of our fear, our caution, our sensibilities and have crazy love for God.

I am praying for you~
Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 4, 2011

Well, here we are, approaching my favorite time of year. I love the fall! This week we've had some absolutely gorgeous days with the warm (but not too hot) weather. I hope that you are enjoying it! As you prepare for the changing season remember these things: Children's Sunday (Sept. 11), picnic at the Moss' (Sept. 11), Minute-to-win-it (Sept. 18 at the Apple Cider Festival), and the Women's fall trip (Sept. 24).

Well, the Luau was amazing! For those of you that helped, thank you so much for making it a success! This Sunday we will be doing follow up assessment: what was good, what was not so good, and ideas for next year.

This Sunday I will be preaching from Luke 15:1-10. It contains two parables and I'll be talking about what was once lost is now found! This is cause for rejoicing!

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday August 28, 2011

Good evening! This week is a very special and exciting week! We will not be at our church building this Sunday, we will be at Founder's Park in Lordstown at the corner of Tod. Ave and Salt Springs Road for our annual community block party - the Lordstown Luau!

Harvest Pointers: Come out at 8am to help with set-up and prayer before the Luau.

Guests: Come from 12 noon - 3pm for free food, games, music, and fun!

This year we have The Fish radio station coming to our Luau, how fun! We also have: a dunk tank, two bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy, balloon animals, family portraits and more! Come out and bring your friends, we are here to serve you.

Check out our website for more information or contacts: Harvest Point Church.

See you there!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday August 21, 2011

Greetings! I hope that you are enjoying this cooler summer weather. What a beautiful day we are having!

Simplicity - that's what I'm going to be talking about this week: The Power of Simplicity. This is following The Power of Testimony and The Power of the Call.

I will be preaching from Matthew 25:31-46, but read the whole of chapter 25 in preparation. What are these three stories saying to you? Focus especially on the story of the sheep and goats. What is God calling the sheep (righteous) to do? Come Sunday and find out!

~ Pastor Shannon

PS. Next week is our Luau! Come ready to serve and have a lot of fun.

Sunday August 14, 2011

Good morning! I hope that this finds you well. This month we are focusing on outreach and evangelism as we move toward our major outreach event of the year. This year's Luau will be on Sunday, August 28th from 12 noon to 3pm. Invite your friends and family and anyone who needs to have a fun and free afternoon.

Last week we talked about our story and the importance of testimony. We all have a story to tell and those stories connect us with other people. This week I will be preaching on the Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20. Read through the entire last chapter of Matthew to prepare. I know this text is used frequently in churches - ours included - but this is the mission that Christ left with the world and knowing it through and through is so very important!

I hope to see you Sunday! Know that you are loved and prayed for!

~ Pastor Shannon

PS. Following church this Sunday we are having a picnic at the Robinson's. Bring a dish to share and your bathing suit and towel for a fun afternoon!

Sunday August 7, 2011

Hello! I hope that you are well this week. Can you believe it's already August? Time flies when you're having fun!

This month we are going to focus on Evangelism and Outreach. In planning for our end of the summer Luau, we want to be as prepared as possible to reach out to the people we will encounter. This week I will be preaching from Acts 22:1-16. It's Paul's testimony! What is the importance of a testimony? The recognition that there are no perfect people. It takes a huge load off to realize that, doesn't it?

I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday July 31, 2011

Greetings! I hope that you are having a wonderful day. I am looking out at the beautiful sunshine where only an hour ago there was thunder and a downpour. What a wonderful world we live in!

This Sunday my dear friend Jonathan Frymire will be preaching. In leading us from who and what the church is (our series from Romans) into the call to Evangelism and Outreach (August) Jonathan will be preaching from Numbers where Moses brings the Elders and God spreads His Spirit. All of the Lord's people will be prophets - we are all called to be truth speakers for God. Come and here what Jonathan has to say!

Brett and I will be on vacation until the 6th of August. In an emergency please call Elder Kevin Campbell. We love you and will miss you!

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday July 24, 2011

I hope that you have had a chance this month to read through Romans. This week we are transition from theology (Romans 1-11) to practice (Romans 12-15). Come prepared!

We have talked about being dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6), we have talked about the fact that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8), and last week Pastor Jack talked about being united as the body.

This Sunday, in continuing our series from Romans, I will be preaching from Romans 12:1-2. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice and transformed by the renewing of our minds? What does it mean to be totally committed to God?

Sunday July 17, 2011

Good morning! I hope that you are enjoying this beautiful July weather! Some of the Northeast Ohio pastors decide it would be a fun idea to do a pulpit exchange and this is the week!

This week I will be preaching at Cortland's First Church of God and Pastor Jack Ruble from the Parkman Rd. Church of God in Warren will be preaching here at Harvest Point. All of the pastor's participating in the pulpit exchange will be preaching on "Christian Unity."

It is important to remember that we are not alone in our cause for Christ - but that we have brother's and sister's all over the city, all over the county, all over Ohio, all over the country...all over the world! While we are one part of the kingdom, we are connected to all of those brother's and sister's!

I hope that you will come on this important Sunday to celebrate unity!

Sunday July 10, 2011

Good afternoon! What a beautiful holiday weekend we had! I hope that you got to spend some time with some loved ones this weekend.

On Sunday I preached out of Romans 6:1-14 and talked about being "Dead to Sin and Alive to God!" This week I will be preaching out of Romans 8:28-39. If you have the time, I encourage you to read through Romans this month. What a powerful book!

Did you miss a sermon? Go to our website: Harvest Point Church website, and check out the links page. Please know that I am praying for each one of you and I love you!

~ Pastor Shannon

North American Convention

This past week Brett and I were at the North American Convention of the Church of God. What an amazing week it was! The sermons were fantastic, the worship was powerful, the experience was great!

Do you want to hear some of the services from last week? You can go here: sermons, and check them out.

If you have the time, I encourage you to get to Anderson next year. The experience is worth the 5 hour drive, I promise you! If you want information, just let me know.

For more information on the Church of God, Anderson, IN please go to our national website.

Sunday June 26, 2011

Good morning Harvest Pointers! I hope that you had a wonderful Father's Day and celebrated those special men in your life.

Sunday we have the exciting privilege to participate in World Wide Communion. I am also going to be preaching about communion (or the Lord's Supper). We often take communion but rarely do we hear about the many reasons for communion. It's important to know what it is that we are doing when we come before the table of the Lord.

Friday starts the Church of God North American convention. If you would like to see services online or get any information check it out here: Church of God

Also, plan to stay after church so that we can have some discussion about the Luau that is coming up on August 28th! Have any ideas? Bring them! See you Sunday.

~ Pastor Shannon

Sermon June 19, 2011

Hello! I hope that you are all well this beautiful morning. This Sunday is a special day - it is Father's Day. We all have men in our lives who have influenced us greatly, who have loved us deeply and who have supported us through life. Take time this week to honor your Father's, Step-Dad's, Fathers-in-law, Grandpa's, Uncle's....and any other men who have served in that role. We love you, men, thank you!

This week we are concluding our series on generosity. The first week we looked at generosity in general - how to be generous of heart, like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10). Last week we focused on generosity of self - using our time and talents for God's purposes and being faithful in the call because we will be held accountable for our actions (2 Corinthians 5:10). This week we are going to focus on generosity of stuff - our tithe and resources. Generosity of stuff is always a hard concept to live by, by God blesses those who are faithful.

I am praying for each one of you, hope to see you Sunday!

Blessings~
Pastor Shannon

Sunday June 12, 2011

Greetings! I hope that you are doing well this beautiful day.

This Sunday I will be continuing our conversation about generosity. Last week we talked about generosity of heart - become truly generous people from within. This week we are going to talk about generosity of self (your time and your talents). What do you have to give God?

I want you all to know that I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as your pastor. You are loved and prayed for!

~Pastor Shannon

Sunday June 5, 2011

Good afternoon! I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! The weather has cleared up and we've seen the beautiful sunshine now for three days in a row!

This week we are moving on to a new topic: generosity. Are we called as people of God to be generous? What does it mean to be generous? Certainly it is not just about money. Come and listen this week as we talk about generosity of heart.

Also, be sure to get up to McKinley Lanes this Saturday for a delightful time of bowling. We will be there from 4-6pm this Saturday, June 4.

Sunday May 29th, 2011

Good morning! What a beautiful weekend we had, with sunshine every day! I hope you were able to get out and enjoy some of the sun.

We have been, for the month of May, studying Bible stories we thought we knew. We have learned some surprising things about the Biblical characters (Abraham, Eve, Samson and Hagar)and hopefully you have learned some valuable things for your own life.

This week we will close up that series with a more general topic - the importance of Scripture. We have looked at all these Bible stories that we were taught before and perhaps were mislead about what really happened, so what is our responsibility in that? To know the scriptures for ourselves.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Pastor Shannon

If you have missed any of the sermons and would like to hear them, please go to the links page on our church website.

Sunday May 22, 2011

Good afternoon! This week we have seen some amazing weather. It was beautiful and in the 70's, it was warm and stormy (including hail!), and it has been cold enough for sweaters. Ohio certainly is keeping us on our toes!

In a continuation of our series where we are learning more about the Bible stories we thought we knew, this week we are going to hear about Hagar. Read her story and come ready to hear about it this Sunday - you will find Hagar in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21.

We are all created by God and therefore worthy of God's love. We are all watched over by our Creator, the one who loves us most. God knows our situations and knows our struggles. We will discuss this and more on Sunday.

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday May 15, 2011

Good afternoon! What a beautiful week we are having here in Northeast, Ohio. I hope that you all are enjoying the sunshine.

This week I am going to be preaching on Samson. As kids, we always hear stories about Samson and think he's this amazing hero, but as adults when we look back on the story - it's not quite the same feeling we get. Come Sunday and learn more! If you'd like to read his whole story look in Judges 13-16.

Remember that after church this Sunday we are going to have a Spring Fling, potluck! Bring a dish to share and bring clothes to come over to the park afterwards.

~Pastor Shannon

Sunday May 8, 2011

Greetings! This coming Sunday is Mother's Day. There are so many women in our lives who we need to honor and recognize. I have several ladies who have functioned in the motherly role at one point or another in my life. Be sure to celebrate these special ladies this week!

This past Sunday, Tom spoke to us about Abraham and total obedience. We must be careful that we are not being partially obedient to God.

This Sunday I will be sharing about Eve. We need to remember that God has a plan for each one of us, even when we have messed up badly. Come and here a new view on Eve, the mother of humanity.

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday April 24, 2011

Hello! I apologize for the short absence. A lot has happened in the last few weeks! On April 10th we celebrated a dedication service for our new space. We now have double the space to use including a church office, a children's room and a fellowship area. It's an exciting time in the life of Harvest Point!


Last Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday - the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of the most important week in the life of the church. This week is Holy Week - a time where we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humankind.


Tonight we celebrate Maundy Thursday with communion and foot washing at 6pm. On Friday at 6pm we will contemplate the sacrifice on the cross and think on our own salvation.


Sunday we will celebrate the victory of Christ over death! He is risen! He is risen, indeed! We do not serve a God who is dead, but one who is alive! Come and celebrate with us at 9am or 11am. There is also a special children's program at 10:15am between the two services.

Sunday April 3, 2011

Good afternoon! I am so delighted that there has been sunshine the last few days - it makes me think Spring is really on its way. We are now deep into our forty days on prayer and fasting. How is Focus 40 going for you? What have you decided to fast from? I am praying for each one of you as we go through this season together. The last three Sunday's we have talked about fasting - this Sunday I am moving on to prayer. You cannot truly fast without praying, they are tied together! In the Bible we see Jesus praying so often, this week I am going to talk about the centrality of prayer in Jesus' life. See you Sunday! Pastor Shannon

Sunday March 27, 2011

It's spring, how wonderful! Spring is a great reminder to us as Christians of new life and new growth. Have you enjoyed the beautiful sunshine we've had? I know I have!

We are now fully into our Focus 40 event - 40 days of prayer and fasting to focus on the things of God and renew our relationship with our Creator.

The last few weeks we have been talking about fasting. Have you decided how you are going to participate in Focus 40? Since there are so many different ways to fast, it is possible for all of us to participate in some way, in what way is God calling you to fast?

This Sunday I will be preaching on hungering and thirsting after God. We get hunger pains for food and thirst for water - in what ways do we hunger and thirst for God? We've talked a lot about the practical side of fasting, the whys and the how-to's, but this Sunday we will talk about really longing for God.

See you there!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday March 20, 2011

Good afternoon! What a lovely day it is today - the sun is a welcome sight. I hope that you are all well - yesterday we started our 40 days of prayer and fasting. Focus 40 is a great time to get back into sync with God and focus on what He is calling you to.

This Sunday I will be continuing the series on fasting. Last week we talked about the heart of fasting - why we do it and the Biblical basis for fasting. This week we are going to get into the "how" of fasting. I will talk about the different types of fasting and help you as you figure out what it is that God wants from you during this time.

During this season of prayer and fasting please be in prayer for God's spirit to move within our church, for unity and for revival.

Sunday March 13, 2011

Good afternoon! I hope that this day finds you well. Today is Ash Wednesday, which is the start of the Easter season! This is a very important season in the church - the season that reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus and it reminds us why we have life! The next month and a half is a time of remembering and a time of celebration for because He lives we can face tomorrow!

This Sunday I will be starting the Focus 40 series - a series that we are participating in with the rest of the Church of God. Focus 40 is a series that helps us to focus in on God through prayer and fasting. Can you imagine what good will be accomplished by the prayers of the people of God?

This Sunday I will be preaching on the heart of fasting. The sermon will answer the question "Why do (should) we fast?" Come and join with us in worship this Sunday!

Remember that you are loved!
~ Pastor Shannon

Focus 40 - Coming Soon

March 13th we will be starting "Focus 40," a Church of God -wide event that will help us focus on this things of God with prayer and fasting as we prepare for Easter. Please be in prayer about what God is asking from you during this time. If you have further questions please contact me by email, phone or in person.

Blessings~

Pastor Shannon

Sunday March 6, 2011

Good evening! I hope that you are doing well on this last day of February. This Sunday I will be preaching on "The Dangers of the Christian Ghetto." What is a Christian ghetto? It is a segregation of sorts. A Christian ghetto exists as a separate culture, has a different language and a unique mentality. Christian ghettos have their own music, TV, books, stores, etc., and those in it have no contact with outsiders. In this, Christians can very easily create a place where non-believers are not comfortable or welcome. Christians have created a subculture that envelops their whole life.

Come Sunday to find out more. Know that you are loved!
~Pastor Shannon

Sunday February 27, 2011

Can you believe that it is already the last week of February!? This year is going by so fast! I hope that you are making it a good one.

This Sunday I will be preaching from Revelation 3:14-22 about being lukewarm Christians. Being a true Christian means all the way - there's no halfway or lukewarm about it. We have to renew our passion and renew our commitment so that we will be all the way Christians.

Remember that you are loved!
~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday February 20, 2011

This week I will be preaching on Daniel and the Lion's Den. I'm sure you have heard this story before, but come and hear it again fresh. This is a wonderful story of a truly obedient man who chooses God even in the hard circumstances of life.

Read Daniel 6 in preparation.

Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman

This is a powerful song about taking a risk and diving in. Let it give you energy and enthusiasm for what God has planned for you! Listen to it and dance around the room! Let it get you excited for the work of God.

This was part of my sermon from Feb. 13, 2011.

Sunday February 13, 2011

Hello! Happy Valentine's week! This is a good time to remind each one of you that you are loved. God loves you dearly and so do I! I hope that you are well today.

This Sunday will conclude our series "Starting the Year Off Right: How to Make 2011 Our Best Year Yet!" I will be preaching from Matthew 14:22-36. After all we have learned in this series this is the last thing we need to know: making 2011 our best year yet requires trusting God. It requires risk. We have to risk what we know and what we are comfortable with for something better. Jesus can give us that something better.

Matthew 14 lays out a wonderful story of risk and trust. Are you willing to risk? Are you willing to trust God? When we let go we get something even better.

Looking forward to seeing each one of you! I have missed being home.
~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday February 6, 2011

Good afternoon! How are you enjoying the weather this winter? We're already going into the second month of the year!

This week Pastor Susan will be continuing our series teaching us how to make 2011 our best year yet. The beginning of anything means change and transition. We have to accept change and be willing to see it as good in order to move on. How do you deal with change?

Pastor Susan will be preaching about Joshua (in Exodus, Numbers and Joshua) - who followed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. Come to hear this wonderful story.

I hope that you are all well! We miss you dearly and I will see you next Sunday!

~ Pastor Shannon

Sunday January 30, 2011

Hello! How are you doing this week? Sunday we are continuing in our series "Starting the Year Off Right: How to Make 2011 Our Best Year Yet!" Brian Smith from Tallmadge Church of God will be with us and will be preaching from Philippians 4:4-9. He is tackling the topic of "A Positive Attitude" and how important that is for making this our best year yet!

How is your attitude? Do you feel like you need an attitude adjustment? Come and hear what Brian has to say about our attitude.

This week I will be joining Brett in California, please pray for our safety as we are gone, we will surely miss you all!

~Pastor Shannon

Sunday January 23, 2011

Hello! I hope that you are having a wonderful day. How is your 2011 starting out? As we walk through our series "Starting the Year Off Right: How to Make 2011 Your Best Year Yet!" I hope that you are getting some good ideas of how you can make this your best year yet and how we as a congregation can make 2011 our best year.

Last week I spoke on the Value of Time - using the time God has given you for God's purposes. We sure waste a lot of time don't we? We read Psalm 90:1-12 and talked about the contrast between a God who is without time and those of us who are tethered to it. How do you spend your time? Is it worth it?

This week we are going to discuss a similar topic - Right Priorities. Our priorities determine how we spend our time so they are very closely tied. We have to make sure that we live with right priorities so that we use our time wisely for God. I will preaching from Haggai 1:1-15. Haggai is only two chapters, go ahead and read the whole book!

Remember that if you miss a Sunday you can listen to the sermons here. I'm looking forward to seeing you this week!
~Pastor Shannon

Sermon January 9, 2011

This past week we dealt with New Year's resolutions - the Spiritual kind. Many of us don't take the time to think about our spiritual selves when we make resolutions. Have you made a decision about what your 2011 spiritual resolution will be?

Remember as you strive to keep your resolution the 4 steps:
1) Set goals (and make sure they are manageable)
2) Keep your eye on the goal (keep it in front of you)
3) Tell a family member or friend (enlist support!)
4) Expect bumps in the road (and don't let them get you down)

As we continue in our New Years series "How to Start the Year off Right: Making 2011 our Best Year Yet" I will be preaching from Philippians, in preparation you can read Philippians 3:12-4:1. This week we will talk about forgiving the past and looking towards the future.

I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor Shannon