MESSAGE NOTES
A Tool for Spiritual Conversations
1 Peter 3:14,15
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
Question: What tools would be especially helpful in having spiritual conversations?
A fear of God which drives out other fears, v. 14.
An honor for Christ the Lord as holy, v. 15.
Always prepared to explain to anyone, v. 15b.
Engage with gentleness and respect, v. 15c.
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: What are some of your favorite tools? For what are they especially valuable?
Digging Deeper:
1) To what degree is the fear of what other people think a hindrance to spiritual conversations? How may this be overcome?
2) The Lord Jesus Christ gives a mandate that we are to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). Where and how do you point toward Jesus in word and deed?
3) “Always be prepared… for anyone who asks” presumes an existing relationship and the right context for fielding a question. What else does it presume?
4) How do you see this “Personal Spiritual Journey Guide” being used to create more focused spiritual conversations in your life? How could this be used as a discipleship tool or as a way to communicate the vision of your church?
Taking It Home: Learn to ask a question that may open the door to spiritual conversations. These include “do you believe people are on a spiritual journey?” or “are you interested in spiritual things?” Ask one person such a question this week and be ready to report on the results to 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.
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 and have many opportunities to serve. If you missed our Movie Night featuring the RFK movie CAMP (PG-13), there are copies available to borrow in our church library. Please stop by our table in the Lobby to learn about being a counselor for the week of camp and the many other ways to help.
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, March 12 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.
BAPTISM WEEKEND
Our next baptism will be on Easter weekend, April 8/9. We will provide baptism orientation meetings, with the expectation that someone getting baptized will attend at least one. These meetings will be held on March 8 at 6:45 PM, March 11 at 4:00 PM or March 15 at 5:00 PM. If you are interested, please fill out a communication card or call the church office.
SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION UPDATE
Please see our website for Pastor Jeff’s updated blog regarding our current sermon series and upcoming events. This can be found at https://www.aspenridgechurch.org/blog/spiritual-conversations-update/
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND SERVICES
God Is For Us – CityAlight
Come Holy One – Young Oceans
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – City Alight
O Praise the Name (Anastasis) – Hillsong Worship
ICE SKATING SMALL GROUP FUN!
Join us this Sunday, February 19 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Evergreen Lake for some Ice-Skating fun! We reserved Rink #1 for free admission for 15 people. Bring a friend and your skates. Rentals are available at the lake for $10. Call Danielle at 720-380-5780 for questions.
ISRAEL EDUCATIONAL TOUR
The Aspen Ridge Elder Board is sponsoring a two-week educational tour to Israel through Jerusalem University College in October 2023. If you are interested, please contact Chris Van Inwagen via email at [email protected] or join us February 27 at 7:00 PM in the Student Center for a brief informational meeting.
TOGETHER TO TRANSFORM CONVERGE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Please join us at Converge Rocky Mountain Annual conference and business meeting March 3/4. The theme this year is Centered: Pursuing Jesus First in Life and Ministry. The main speaker is President Dr. John Jenkins, and the breakout sessions are helpful and relevant. It will be held at Arise Church, 8700 E. 21st Avenue in Denver. For more information or to register, please visit www.convergerockymountain.org.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SAVE THE DATE!
It is that time of year when we plan our summers and make our family plans. Be sure that Vacation Bible School is on your calendar! It will be June 12-16. Volunteer sign up will be available during the month of March and child registration will open in May. Please consider joining us in sharing the love of Jesus with our community!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
Join us on Wednesday, 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. We would love to meet you there!
REDISCOVER CHURCH
Thank you for generous giving to the Rediscover Church initiative. This initiative relates to supporting a new church plant in our neighboring community Indian Hills. It appears additional giving and pledging now totals $151,497. Additionally, $76,582 has already been given to this project. We celebrate the generous way God has provided “over and above” regular giving to our general fund.
COMING MESSAGES
February 25/26, Isaiah 55:1-5, presented by Jeff Clark
March 4/5, Mark 5:14-20, presented by Jeff Clark
March 11/12, Proverbs 11:30, presented by Jeff Clark
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 14,923 $ 28,917 $ 434,063
Budget $ 14,131 $ 28,261 $ 432,526
Difference $ 792 $ 656 $ 1,537