MESSAGE NOTES
The Authority of Christ
Colossians 1:1-2
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: Universal authority exists and is found in Christ.
Paul, an apostle, receives authority from Christ Jesus.
To believers in Colossae, needing to hear about authority.
Grace and peace from God our father, a benevolent authority.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
My Story: Identify some persons or places of authority in your life. What kind of relationship do you have with and toward authority figures?
Group Life: Ask four good readers, each taking a chapter, to read aloud the whole letter of Colossians to the group from a contemporary translation. Ask the others to listen as if they were hearing it for the first time. Ask them as they listen to make note of the major themes of the letter.
Digging Deeper:
1) Share the major themes or the things which particularly struck you as you heard the letter read.
2) Describe how you treat different types of mail (email, text messages, social media) you receive. How does the identity of the sender affect your attention to the letter’s contents?
3) What were the unique challenges Pastor Jeff described for people living in Colossae?
4) How may verse 2 change the way you think about authority? In what way is God’s authority gracious and peaceful?
Taking it Home: Memorize the following verse: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you,” James 4:7. Practice this verse with a person who also connects with your small group.
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
We would love to meet you at our Welcome Center in the lobby and share a gift and available opportunities. Our Pastoral team would also love to meet you and will linger in the front after the services to this end. You may let us know you were here by using a Communication Card found in our worship folder. We receive these in containers on tables in the Celebration Center.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
Sign-up for our VBS volunteers this weekend! Come join us as we teach children about Jesus, June 12-16, 9:00 AM – noon. This is an incredible opportunity to serve! Volunteer training will be held after service on Sunday, June 4 with a free lunch provided. Please stop by our table in the lobby and see Debbie with any questions.
THE BRIDGE
Aspen Ridge Church is hosting an orientation meeting called the Bridge this Sunday, April 16 at 4:00 PM (and through the dinner hour). This meeting serves as an on-ramp to church life, describing who we are and what future we seek in our church. There are additional spaces available. If you would like to connect, please feel free to join us.
ASPEN RIDGE MOPS HOSTS
“NEW 2 U” WOMEN’S CLOTHING SWAP
Refresh your wardrobe and have a fun ladies’ night out! Friday, April 21 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Entrance fee ($10) allows you to take home as many great items as you find! VIP entrance ticket ($20) allows you early access at 6:00 PM. Don’t have clothes to swap, come shop anyway! Snacks provided. Women! Clean out your closets and donate to our MOPS Clothing Swap. Accepting all gently used women’s-only clothes, shoes and accessories. Donations can be dropped off in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday mornings, and anytime Friday, April 21.
HUNTIN’, FISHIN’, LIVIN’ EVERY DAY!
Bring your favorite wild game or camp dish and join us for some tall hunting/fishing tales. We will meet in Fellowship Hall on April 22 from Noon-1:30 PM. This fun event is perfect for inviting friends/neighbors. No RSVP needed, please contact Eric Krajewski with any questions.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND
This Is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham
Jesus Shall Reign – Enfield
Come Holy One – Young Oceans
Until These Tears Are Gone – Young Oceans
MISSIONS TRIP 2023
Pastor Kreg is leading a trip to Honduras to work alongside one of our missionaries there from July 26 to August 2. This trip is open to high school students but is also open to families from Aspen Ridge Church. If you are interested email Kreg.
ISRAEL EDUCATION PROGRAM
There are still a couple of spaces available for our educational trip to Israel in October. If you are interested or just want more information, contact Chris Van Inwagen at [email protected].
HOLY CONVERSATION
Are you interested in having conversations with others about spiritual things? Would you like to develop a growing vocabulary for faith, nurturing progress in the Christian way? If so, a new “Holy Conversation” small group may be for you. We meet on Wednesdays beginning April 12 and for six weeks, in the Fireside Room downstairs from 4:00-5:30 PM. If you are interested write “Holy Conversation” on a communication card with follow up information.
ASPEN RIDGE CONNECT
If you are interested in a small group experience that helps “connect” the head, heart and hands with God and His people, Aspen Ridge Connect may be for you. A new group will begin on Sunday, April 23 at 10:30 AM and run for three additional meeting times. If you are interested, let us know at [email protected].
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
Join us on Wednesday, April 19 from 5:30-6:30 PM for a delicious meal of spaghetti with the zoodle option, salad and garlic bread served in our Celebration Center. The cost is $4/person or $12/family.
CAMP IDRAHAJE
Camp IdRaHaJe is looking to hire summer staff for 2023! They are hiring counselors/support staff (cooks, housekeepers, nurses and more.) Contact Dane Peterson at [email protected].
ASPEN RIDGE CHURCH CUSTODIAN
Patrick Murphy will be retiring from his role as church custodian in a few months. We would like to thank Patrick for such faithful service and ministry! We are fielding enquiries for a replacement for this important role. If you have interest or suggestions, please contact Jack Wealing at 219.863.2760.
COMING MESSAGES
April 22/23, Colossians 1:3-8, presented by Lawrence Pridmore
April 29/30, Colossians 1:9-14, presented by Jeff Clark
May 6/7, Colossians 1:15-18, presented by Jeff Clark
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 9, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 12,701 $ 27,778 $ 540,907
Budget $ 11,332 $ 22,664 $ 544,711
Difference $ 1,369 $ 5,114 $ (3,804)