MESSAGE NOTES
I’m Pulling for You
Colossians 1:9-14
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: The Apostle Paul appeals to God’s authority for the Colossians.
He does this by praying that they would know and live God’s will.
He does this by prescribing a lifestyle that pleases God.
He does this by rehearsing their deliverance by God through Christ.
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: How can you appeal to God’s authority for the benefit of another person?
Digging Deeper:
1) What specific petitions does Paul make of God on behalf of the Colossians? What does His use of words such as filled, every, increasing and all do to the scope of these requests?
2) How great is the power available to believers? See also Ephesians 1:19-21. What kinds of situations call for endurance and patience?
3) How were our deliverance and transfer accomplished? From what kingdom have we been rescued and to what kingdom do we now belong? Why do Christians continue to be subjects? How is each kingdom characterized?
4) What do redemption and the forgiveness of sins mean to you? Why does a person need both?
5) How does Paul’s prayer for the Colossians compare with the kinds of prayers you usually hear prayed for people today? What elements ought you include in your prayers for loved ones?
Taking it Home: Make an appointment to pray in a private place for yourself, your family, your church, your leaders and your neighbors. Let Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 guide your prayers.
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. 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.
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!
THANK YOU
Pastor Jeff and Mary have received a generous subsidy to attend an upcoming Israel Educational trip and would like to say thank you to our elder team and church family. This is a very practical investment in our lives and ministry. Again, thank you for such a generous gift!
MISSIONS TRIP 2023
Pastor Kreg is leading a trip to Honduras to work with one of our missionaries July 26-August 2. This trip is open to high schoolers and to families from Aspen Ridge Church. If interested, please email Kreg.
NEWCOMER’S EAT & GREET
Are you interested in getting to know more about Aspen Ridge? Pastor Jeff and Mary will host this informal gathering at their home on Sunday, May 21 at 2:00 PM. The address is 7183 Pinewood Drive in Evergreen. We would love to connect with you and hear more about your interests/desires. Please RSVP with the church office.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND
House of the Lord – Phil Wickham
Broken and Stripped – Lawrence Pridmore IV
Good Shepherd – UPPERROOM
Is He Worthy – Andrew Peterson
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].
FINAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
Join us on Wednesday, May 3 from 5:30-6:30 PM for a delicious meal of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad served in our Celebration Center. The cost is $4/person or $12/family. This will be the final dinner for this school year. We appreciate our cook teams, and we will see you again in September!
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.
CONFERENCE
Pastor Jeff attended a conference this last week entitled “Gender, Sexuality and the Gospel” with Dr. Christopher Yuan. This was a helpful resource for a challenging and needful topic, especially for the next generation. Additional resources may be found at holysexuality.com.
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 23, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 10,702 $ 58,391 $ 571,520
Budget $ 11,332 $ 45,327 $ 567,374
Difference $ (630) $ 13,064 $ 4,146