MESSAGE NOTES
Jesus Christ Over All
Colossians 1:15-18
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: Jesus Christ is over all creation: old and new.
Christ and the old creation (v. 15-16).
In Christ all things are held together (v. 17-18a).
Christ and the new creation (v. 18b-20).
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: What experience have you had with a higher power? What (or who) is your higher power?
Digging Deeper:
1) Some early Christian hymns are included in the Bible. These include 1 Timothy 3:16, Philippians 2:6-11 and Colossians 1:15-18. How does the existence of these early hymns re-enforce the deity of Christ?
2) He [God’s Beloved Son] is the image of the invisible God. What does this mean? How does Hebrews 1:3 reinforce this teaching?
3) He [God’s Beloved Son] is the firstborn of all creation. How does the context tell us what this does NOT mean – that God’s Son is the first created being? Instead, firstborn means pre-eminent over all creation. King David, despite having older brothers, is described as firstborn in Psalm 89:27.
4) In Him [God’s Beloved Son] all things hold together. What is “providence” and to whom does it belong? Why is this an important doctrine?
5) Attention shifts from the old creation (v. 15-16) to the new creation (v. 18). The church is the means by which God’s Son will become pre-eminent in all things. How can your vision grow for the strategic place of the body of Christ in bringing Christ’s rulership to all things?
Taking it Home: Among the four steps of application, which is most needful for you to apply? How will you make Him pre-eminent in your life? Share your answer with a Christian friend or fellow member of 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.
COMMUNION ELEMENTS
The deacons were made aware of a desire for gluten free communion elements. If you would like gluten free elements, you will find one tray at the kitchen window ledge at the back of the Celebration Center. If you have any concerns, please speak with one of the deacons.
BENEVOLENT OFFERING
This weekend is an opportunity to contribute to the Benevolent Fund, which is used for our church family and community members in times of need. If you wish to contribute, you may give your gift on the way out of the service today.
VBS VOLUNTEERS – LAST WEEKEND TO SIGN UP
Sign-up for our Vacation Bible School (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.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the school year comes to a close, Aspen Ridge Church leaders are prayerfully considering how to increase the effectiveness of our ministry for the next year. If you have ideas on how to improve things, could you please write down such ideas on a communication card? We seek to gather all these ideas by mid-June. Thanks for your input.
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
God Is For Us – CityAlight
Springtime – Chris Renzema
P E A C E – Hillsong Y & F
All Creatures of our God and King – Hymn
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.
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].
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!
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 needed topic, especially for the next generation. Additional resources may be found at holysexuality.com.
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 30, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 12,551 $ 70,942 $ 584,071
Budget $ 11,332 $ 56,659 $ 578,706
Difference $ 1,219 $ 14,283 $ 5,365