MESSAGE NOTES
Passion for People
Psalm 119:134-136
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: May God give a heart of compassion for people.
David, Psalm 119:134-136.
Jeremiah, Jeremiah 13:17; Lamentations 3:48-51.
Hosea, Hosea 11:8
Jesus, Matthew 23:37-9; Luke 19:41-4
Paul, Acts 17:16; Romans 9:1-3.
Question: How do we increase our compassion for those who need Christ?
Earnest Prayer
Follow Leaders
Captured Imagination
Sowing Mentality
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 a time when your emotions were deeply touched for a person among your family or friends. What happened?
Digging Deeper:
1) Which of the individuals mentioned (David, Jeremiah, Hosea, Jesus, Paul) most captured your imagination with regard to compassion for people? Why?
2) On a scale of 1-10, evaluate your “compassion quotient” for people apart from God. Where would you like to be? How can you make progress in becoming more compassionate?
3) What fires up your heart when it comes to having spiritual conversations?
4) Discuss the following in relationship to spiritual conversations: “those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly.”
5) What are five ways you can begin to sow evangelistic seeds in your relationships and throughout your community?
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.
CHRIST IN THE PASSOVER
On Palm Sunday Family Services Weekend, we are pleased to present a “Christ in the Passover” event through the Jews for Jesus ministry. This event will re-enact the Jewish celebration of Passover and show us how it points to Jesus Christ. This will be a great event for the whole family, and to extend invitations to neighbors/friends.
WINDOW BLINDS IN THE CELEBRATION CENTER
Have you noticed a change with our window blinds during our worship services lately? We are trying an experiment currently with keeping them down for the entirety of the service and opening them before and after services. One reason for this is it allows maximum visibility on our overhead-display projection screens. Another reason is we now have plenty of light from our new “house lights” and no longer need the windows to supplement what used to be much dimmer lights. Thanks for trying this experiment with us!
ASPEN RIDGE CHURCH CUSTODIAN
Aspen Ridge Church has heard that Patrick Murphy will retire from his role as church custodian in a few months. We would like to thank Patrick for such faithful service and ministry! We will also be fielding enquiries for a future replacement for this important role. If you have interest or suggestions, please contact Jack Wealing at 219.863.2760.
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.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND SERVICES
House of the Lord – Phil Wickham
Doxology – Hymn
Firm Foundation (He Won’t) – Cody Carnes
Thank You Jesus for the Blood – Charity Gayle
Springtime – Chris Renzema
MOPS HOP 2023
Aspen Ridge MOPS is proud to host our annual MOPS Hop on Saturday, April 8! This family-friendly event will feature an Easter egg hunt (divided by age groups), “brunch with the bunny” and fun activities for all beginning at 10:00 AM. Please join us and invite your neighbors.
BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL
Bible Study for All will begin a new study on March 8 in the book of I Peter. Come join us on Wednesdays from 12:30-2:30 PM, we have groups for men, women and children.
ISRAEL EDUCATIONAL TOUR
The 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 at [email protected]
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER / SPRING BREAK
Our Wednesday night dinner is on Spring Break this week. Join us on Wednesday, March 29 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 both counselors and support staff (cooks, housekeepers, nurses and more.) Do you know anyone who might be interested in serving with them this summer? If so, contact Dane Peterson at [email protected] or check out their website at idrahaje.org.
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. Please contact Bethany Van Mill at [email protected] to learn more about becoming a counselor for the week of camp and the many other ways to help.
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF MARCH 12, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 18,409 $ 34,848 $ 488,853
Budget $ 15,315 $ 30,630 $ 491,417
Difference $ 3,094 $ 4,218 $ (2,564)