This Sunday we continue in a very important message series. Has the majority of the church in America missed out on a critically important teaching of Jesus? He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high.” The majority of Evangelical Christians (Baptist, Presbyterian, etc) believe that this process happens when one becomes a Christian today. Is this the teaching of the Bible? Come join us Sunday as we explore what is not merely an important theological issue, but something that could very well affect every part of our lives. We begin with breakfast at 10am. Dress casual and come hungry! In case you missed it, here is a link to part one of the We Lack The Power Series: http://agapepinson.com/2012/02/we-lack-the-power-part-1/

Chase

Also – see this note from David:

In February of 2011, the students of Agape embarked on a 1 year mission project called the Exodus Challenge. The focus was prayer and fasting as well as raising awareness and money to support Christian organizations working to rescue women and children from human trafficking. The ultimate goal is to see them healed through the power of the gospel.

In the past year, many of our students have held fast to this challenge. They have prayed and fasted for these women and children. They have looked for volunteer opportunities with local organizations working to end this epidemic. And they have monetarily sacrificed, by giving and raising funds. To this date, these students have given and raised approx $3,900 for this cause.

To end our one year mission project, we want to do a final fund raiser that will give all of you an opportunity to be involved. Sunday morning we will be having a bake sale and silent auction during breakfast and directly after church. Many of you may remember that we did something similar to this a couple of years ago for earthquake relief in Haiti. Homemade desserts and baked items will be on display before and directly after morning worship. Next to the item will be a paper where you can (anonymously if you wish) ‘bid’ on the item. The goal? Donate an absurd amount of money for a pan of brownies, in order to help raise funds to end human trafficking.

How can you help? First, we need people to bring desserts and baked goods! If you have already signed up, Thank You!!! If you have not yet done so, it is not too late. Just bring the item on Sunday morning! From there, we would ask everyone to participate in the bidding / donating both before and after morning worship. Any amount will help, and every dime will go directly to the Exodus Challenge.

If you are bringing a baked item, please have it to Agape by 9:50am on Sunday, so that people can begin bidding during breakfast. Please write out a small card with a description of your item (so that people know for sure what they are bidding on). We will keep the bidding open for a few minutes after the service and then announce the winners.

Thank you for your help! I love you all

Grace and Peace
David McConnell

One final note: Chris Snuggs used to produce a radio show called Tech Talk that Sam and I did in Birmingham for several years. We found out this week that Chris’ daughter Avery has just been diagnosed with leukemia. Please pray for her healing, and for the entire Snuggs family! .

1. Due to expected storms, and a few other issues, we will not be gathering as a group for tornado clean-up tomorrow. There are, however, many opportunities to serve if you are able. I initially was told yesterday that the City of Clay was not hosting volunteers for tomorrow due to debris removal. At this point, it appears that that may have been inaccurate. Before going out, just to be sure, check with the City of Clay Facebook page for updated information. You might also consider emailing Nick and Lisa and seeing how you can help at Lisa’s mom’s house, or in some other way. Our care package ministry is ongoing into the community, so feel free to bring more care package items this Sunday.

2. This Sunday we are beginning a very crucial 2 part series looking at something in Scripture that is critically important, but often ignored by Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc. Our focus will be on the baptism, fullness, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Is there something that we are missing out on in our relationship with God? Have we missed one of the most important teachings of Jesus? Was the power that the early church walked in only for them, or is it for modern times as well? I am calling the next two messages “We Lack The Power.” Rather than seeing that in a negative sense, I believe it will be, for us, the beginning of an important pursuit. Come join us! We begin with breakfast at 10am, and follow with worship and more beginning at 10:45.

3. We are having a family gathering at 5:15pm this Sunday! Yes, the Super Bowl will be on, but that doesn’t have to be the focus of our gathering. Bring games (like bean bag toss, ladder-ball and more) as well as some food AND drinks to share. We’ll have a great time as a family – and you are invited!

See you Sunday,

Chase

Here’s what’s going on at Agape this week:

1. Saturday Tornado Relief: As you know, this has been a tragic week for many in our community, and many of you have already been serving in various ways. Thank you for pitching in and sharing the mercy and love of Jesus to those that are hurting! Tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 7:30 AM (note time change from the last email), we will be meeting AT AGAPE and going out together as a team. At this point, I have registered us to work in Clay with the relief group, DRADT, that is coordinating the disaster response there. We will meet at Agape at 7:30 AM, and then drive together over to Clay Chalkville High School to get registered as volunteers, and get our assignments. While some of you may be able to stay all day, the bulk of our group will be returning to Agape in the early afternoon.

2. Sunday Care Packages: We need to put together care packages to take to homeowners who’s homes have been destroyed or damaged. If you could bring care packages, or items for care packages, to Agape THIS SUNDAY MORNING, we will assemble them and carry them to homes next week. Here are some items that might be included: Flavored drink packets for bottled water, batteries, crayons, coloring books, small (and safe) children’s toys, a letter containing love and prayers from you, flashlights, snack foods, sandwich bags, toiletries, hand sanitizer, etc. It would be great if we could collect enough items to make and distribute fifty bags! If you have packages already made, then bring them Saturday, and we can pass them out then.

3. Sunday Message: Sometimes events warrant a schedule change. This Sunday, the message time will focus on the tornado strikes. Specifically, we will ask two questions: 1. Why did the tornado strikes hit our area again? Is this some random happenstance, or is something deeper involved? 2. What should our response be as the Body of Christ in this area? Disasters are powerful things that cause us to ask a lot of questions.On the one hand, they often turn our hearts and attention to God in a deeper way. On the other hand, they often make us question why a good God would allow such devastating things to happen to people that He cares for. I hope it is not lost on us that for the last four weeks leading up to this storm, we have been focused on Elijah the prayer warrior, and how God allowed natural disasters to come upon His people in response to the prayers of Elijah. Could there possibly be a connection, or is that crazy talk?! Let’s prayerfully consider that this Sunday!

4. Sunday Family Meeting: This Sunday, after our normal gathering, we will be having a family meeting to vote on our new budget, and to answer any questions you might have about Living Word Church using the building. Ann will present the budget first, and we will vote on it, and then we will answer questions second.

5. Jenkins Family: Don’t forget that we are providing meals and support to Nick and Lisa’s family this week as they host an unusually large number of people in their home. Lisa’s mom and sister live in Pilgrim’s Rest, a hard hit community in Trussville. Their house was obliterated, and it is a true miracle that they survived. They are currently living with Nick and Lisa, and some other siblings have come up to help who will also be living with Nick and Lisa. With several adults and kids under one roof, and little time to cook, we are going to step in and help Nick and Lisa and their family. Mandy Smith is organizing this effort. To help (and I urge you to!) sign up at this link, and enter the password “1111″ (four ones) http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=EWGT0659#

See you Sunday!