Bible Study: "One Anothering" Begins October 28, 2009

Well its fall, and with all the abundance God has given us its also the time to settle in and gather together to learn and grow and what better way then to join a small group gathering...

What does that look like you ask.....????

This gathering small group is a 12 week committment and what better way than to break up the middle of the week by meeting on Wednesday Evenings studying God's word. Starting on October 28th and ending after the holidays. We will meet at Rev Stephs home wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.

My name is Linda Shields and I am not new to RMCC. Many of you remember me from years past when I was a member here and then moved to New York for 2yrs . During that time I was involved with the Open Arms MCC and I have a passion for the MCC Churches as well as all Gods Children and I believe this 12 week series will bring us closer as a community and a church.

The book is called "One Anothering" by Richard C Meyer and i have actually been a facilitor for a group in my home in New York so I am very familiar with this study and have seen the positive things it can do.

Basically it walks us through a series of Fellowship, Love, Pray, Care, Bear Burdens, Encourage, Submit to One Another according to Gods word it is a tool to bring us closer together as we study the word of God. This will be volume 1 of the series.

So lets begin this journey together, if you have any questions or need more information please call me at 616-307-4503 Verizon Phone. You may also find more information by going to Amazon.com and searching for "One Anothering" by Richard C. Meyer. (Remember it is volume 1)

Gods Blessing

Linda Shields

Bible Study: "One Anothering" Begins October 28, 2009

Lessons From The Pond

Just outside my apartment approximately 12 feet away is a small pond with a water fountain located near the center. This setting brings with it some wild life. There are Canadian Geese, turtles, minnows, a couple of sand cranes, a frog that sings bass, a raccoon, American Black Ducks and more. I’ve found myself quite taken with these ducks to the point of trying to find individual makings in order to name each one. Admittedly, that has not been a successful task.

What seems to continuously amaze me is how much I seemed to have learned from watching my new little friends and today I feel called to share one insight with you.

These American Black Ducks seem to spend much time cleaning themselves. As Google is my friend, I dragged my laptop outside and began to ask why. What I discovered is that ducks have a “Preen Gland” near their tail. The duck spreads this oil over his/her body as a form of waterproofing. The duck picks up the oil with its head and beak, and then smears it all over its body to make the outer feathers waterproof. Without this protective barrier, a ducks feathers would become water-logged and because they spend their whole lives around and in water, this water-proof barrier is extremely important. Beneath the water-proof coat are fluffy and soft feathers which keep the duck warm. (animalcorner.co.uk)

Somehow this behavior brought to mind the Armor of God as found in Ephesians 6.10-18

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...."

If we don’t put on this armor much like the ducks spread their oil, we will become waterlogged in ways of the world. Our struggles have little to do with flesh and blood and much to do with our spiritual battles.

Can we learn from the ducks? Will you take time each and every day to preen yourself by arming yourself with what God has given you?

Will you pray with me?

Loving God, I put on the belt of truth. Thank You that You provide us with the truth and that the truth has set me free. Next, I put on the breastplate of righteousness, which I know I have protecting me because Jesus is in my heart. Then I fit my feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, and I pray that I will walk in peace today and take every opportunity to share the Good News with those I meet. I take up the shield of faith to guard my heart against all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I put on the helmet of salvation to protect my mind. Then, fully clothed in my spiritual armor, I take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and the only true weapon I have to fight the raging battle that surrounds me. Thank you for protecting me this day and every day. In your many names we pray – Amen.

Pastor Steph

Lessons From The Pond

Jason & deMarco, Live in Concert

Thursday September 24^th
Villa Penna, Sterling Heights, MI

Friday September 25^th
Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH

Saturday September 26^th
Cross Creek Community Church-UCC, Dayton, OH

Sunday September 27^th
Franklin Circle Christian Church, Cleveland, OH

This AMAZING pop duo is known throughout the world for reaching out and inspiring others through their music. With their outstanding inspirational leadership, vast array of contributions to the GLBT community, as well as their incredible vocals and stunning good looks, Jason and deMarco are breaking down barriers. They are honoring those before them by continuing to pave the way for others to be recognized for their talent and contribution while staying true to

Jason & deMarco, Live in Concert

Abundance by Rev. Will Bowen

When I was a kid, we did a science experiment using an empty home-delivery glass milk bottle (remember those?), a hard boiled egg and a match. The match was lit and dropped into the milk bottle and, as it burned, the hard-boiled egg with its shell removed was nestled into the mouth of the bottle.

After a few seconds, there was the slurp sound followed quickly by a “whump!” as the egg was magically sucked into the bottle.

Abundance by Rev. Will Bowen

Fellowship Sunday

Your board of directors unanimously agreed to join MCC in “Fellowship Sunday” thus, a love offering (above and beyond our normal tithes and offering) will be accepted on Sunday, October 4, 2009 to support the MCC office of Formation and Leadership development.

Below is an excerpt of the email I received to help explain the details.

“The 2009 Fellowship Church Listing is off to a running start! As we eagerly approach the first Sunday in October, which have affectionately called "Fellowship Sunday in October," we find ourselves ready once again to reach deep within and out to global community. This year our Fellowship Sunday offerings are designated to support the global work of our Office of Formation and Leadership Development and the funds you donate will be used to support some of our best and most needed programs:

a Training for Interim Pastors

a Lay Leadership training opportunities

a Spiritual formation and discipleship curriculum

a REVM's (Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry retreats)

a Seminary partnerships and scholarships

a Leadership mentoring programs

The need for the mission and ministry is as strong to today as it was 41 years ago and the training of our Lay and Clergy leaders enable us to answer the call for our presence at the many intersections of our lives. Please consider helping us by taking up an offering that will help fortify our future and equip our leaders today and all of our tomorrows.”

Fellowship Sunday

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Safe Haven Ministries is partnering with the YWCA and others to host a Candlelight Vigil on October 1, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. We invite members of the faith community to join us as we remember those who are abused as well as those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The vigil will take place at the YWCA at 25 Sheldon Blvd SE.

For more information contact: 616-452-6664

News from the Network

News from the Network.

Rock Out to Come Out! - National Coming Out Day concert!

October 11th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.

Rosa Parks Circle - Downtown GR

Live musical performances by Flying Without Wingz, Michael Christian, comedians, and many many more!

News from the Network

Sermon September 20, 2009

Click on the title "Sermon September 20, 2009" to hear the sermon from this Sunday.

Sermon September 20, 2009

September 20, 2009 Announcements

RMCC will have a Garage Sale September 30 and October 1^st using your items. Please bring in your gently used items on Sept 27. If anyone can help either transporting items to the garage sale site, or help with set up and clean up, please see Cheryl.

We also have a few silent fundraisers. In other words, they cost you nothing. We have submitted our first box of empty ink toner cartridges that you have donated. We expect the income from this fundraiser within the next 60 days. Please keep the ink and toner cartridges along with cell phones coming in.

Have you ordered you Meijers card? This is another silent fundraiser. Again, it cost you nothing to do what you already do – shop at Meijers. When you make a purchase you show your card, it is swiped and poof it is that easy – soon after that, monies are deposited into RMCC’s bank account.

We are about to embark on another silent fundraiser through Amazon. com. Stay tuned for more information.

The next Michigan MCC meeting is scheduled for October 9th and 10^th and will be hosted by Divine Peace MCC in Pontiac, MI. It starts on Friday night at 8:00 with the vocal gifts of Paul and Roland then a time of connecting with a social. Continental breakfast will be provided on Saturday from 8 to 8:45. Then a series of workshops with four to choose from.

1. Gender and transgender in the Bible...........Rev. Fran Mayes

2. Support Your Local Pastor............Rev. Jim Lynch

3. Uncommon Hope-MCC & HIV/AIDS Pandemic..........Rev. Kevin Kinsel

4. All Kinds of Prayers............Rev. Martha Daniels

The cost is $20.00 forms in entry way.

September 20, 2009 Announcements