MESSAGE NOTES
Thanksgiving and Hope
Colossians 1:3-8
Lawrence Pridmore
The Upside-Down Kingdom
Thanksgiving and Relationships
Hope
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: Have you ever written an encouraging letter / email / note to a friend or fellow believer? Have you ever received one? What could be the impact of such a letter? Have you witnessed life-change as a result?
Digging Deeper:
1) Paul is writing this thankful and encouraging letter to the church in Colossae, a seemingly small and unimportant town. You could make the point that this is representative of Jesus’ “Upside-down Kingdom.” Read Matthew 23:11-12 and discuss the notion of how God has a tendency of “turning things on its head.”
2) Paul is thankful for the Colossian church even though it seems he has never been there himself. Discuss ways you feel thankful for other ministries around the world. …maybe even ministries that you haven’t had direct contact with but have only heard of. Why should Christians be thankful for these ministries? And with Paul’s example, how might you pray for Grace Hills Church with Pastor Marcus Mackey and other church plants?
3) There is a term in the church-world called “co-laborers.” You can see this defined in Matthew 9:37-38. What part do relationships play in your church-life?
4) Read Colossians 1:5 and Romans 5:5. Hope is a reoccurring theme we see in the Bible. What role does Hope play in your faith journey? How could a Christian’s idea of Hope differ from someone who has a different faith or set of beliefs?
Taking it Home: Spend a few moments, whether in a small group or individually, praying for other churches.
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
We are happy to have our Worship Arts Pastor, Lawrence Pridmore as our speaker this weekend. 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. If you have a child attending, our online registration will open on May 9 through our website or use AspenRidgeChurch.org/vbs-2023 for a direct link.
PASTOR JEFF AWAY
Pastor Jeff is away this week on a golf trip with his college roommate in the Midwest. He will return on Tuesday, April 25 to attend a conference in Fort Collins on “Gender, Sexuality and the Gospel” with speaker Christopher Yuan. He will be back at Aspen Ridge Church on Thursday, April 27. If you have any pastoral needs, please know Pastors Lawrence and Kreg are available at the following email addresses – Lawrence.Pri[email protected] or [email protected].
SACRIFICIAL GIVING
The Elder team of Aspen Ridge Church would like to thank you for your sacrificial giving to the General Fund. It appears we are on pace for our budget, and we are so grateful for the generosity of God’s people! Please know these gifts make possible faith commitments. We had 16 faith commitments packets taken on Easter Weekend!
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 26 from 5:30-6:30 PM for a delicious meal of sloppy joes, chips and salad 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.
ROYAL FAMILY KIDS
Aspen Ridge Church is partnering with Royal Family Kids (RFK) to bring 40 foster kids to camp from July 30-August 4, 2023. Please contact Bethany Van Mill at [email protected] to learn more about being a counselor for the week of camp and the many other ways to help.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to MissionInsite, in our Evergreen area children 17 years of age and younger are increasing as a percentage of the total population. Our community is experiencing some growth of children of school age. How are you getting to know younger families with school age children? Who can you pray for and serve?
COMING MESSAGES
April 29/30, Colossians 1:9-14, presented by Jeff Clark
May 6/7, Colossians 1:15-18, presented by Jeff Clark
May 13/14, Colossians1:19-23, presented by Jeff Clark
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 16, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 19,911 $ 47,689 $ 560,818
Budget $ 11,332 $ 33,995 $ 556,042
Difference $ 8,579 $ 13,693 $ 4,776