Here’s a challenge to you from Pastor Jamie to prepare your heart for the focus of our Messiah in December:

Grasp the overall sweep of the story of God in the Bible in 2 weeks. 

 Week 1

Sunday - Genesis 1-3 
Monday - Genesis 12-17
Tuesday - Exodus 1-3, 12
Wednesday - Exodus 14, 19-20 
Thursday - Joshua 23-24; Judges 1-2
Friday - 1 Samuel 8, 16; 2 Samuel 7, 11; Psalm 105 
Saturday - Isaiah 7, 9, 11, 35, 52-53, 65

Week 2

Sunday - Jeremiah 30-33; Ezekiel 36-37, Zechariah 9; Malachi 3-4 
Monday - Matt. 1:1; Mark 1:1-15; John 1:1-18; 5:39-46; Luke 24 
Tuesday - Mark 14:1-16:8 
Wednesday - Acts 1-2; 13:13-49 
Thursday - Rom. 1:1-6; 16-17; 3:9-31; 5:12-21; 8:18-23; 1 Cor. 15:1-23 
Friday - Heb. 1:1-4; 10:19-12:2 
Saturday - Revelation 1; 20-22

We’ve been blessed with much, so we have much to be thankful for. Gratitude is more than an attitude—it is also an action. One of the ways our attitude of thankfulness becomes an action is by blessing others. 

I stopped by Care Net in Rockland a couple of weeks ago and asked the director what things people can be involved in and help with. Carol Green sent me a list of tangible things as well as ministry opportunities that you could do to bless others. If you're looking for a way to be used, there are many opportunities of service for both men and women. Much of the tangible things such as repairs or donations the men can be involved with. Note especially the volunteer services toward the end. I'll post what she sent below:

Care Net needs

(Please check with center before giving or purchasing any items.  Gift certificates for lowe's, home depot, walmart, target, etc.  are welcomed and encouraged!)   ♥ indicates urgent need
 materials needed:

•   ♥Update furniture for waiting room and counseling  room: New  or reupholster existing (couch, loveseat, two chairs)
• New Front door: (est. $600)
• Dehumidifier for cellar (est. $159)
• New table for conference room: 6-foot table, wood ($70)              

materials & services

• ♥Remove and replace unsafe steps
• ♥Paint client entrance (labor and supplies)
• ♥Walkway 1 and 2:  replace UNSAFE paved walkways at entrance and back yard with SAFE walkways
• Paint house trim, porch, and garage (labor and supplies)
• Complete kitchen remodel: floors, countertops, cabinets, wall covering, possibly appliances  
• Ceiling fans with lights (2 @ est. $75 each)
• Back deck railing remove and replace with legal railing
• Pressure washing for exterior walls and roof areas. 

blessing shed

• Shelves for baby clothes, accessories, diapers (cost: $200.00) 
• Racks for maternity and children's clothing (2) round clothing racks  
• Bins to organize clothing, shoes, etc. (need $200 to purchase 20 bins)
• Dehumidifier (cost: $159)

volunteer services only

• Parenting instructor: 5 hours per week instructing young mothers how to raise their children – curriculum will be provided
• Landscaping: Weeding, mulching, planting, trimming, snow shoveling, salt/sand for ice            
• Electricians: needed to be "on call” for center emergencies
• Mechanics: needed to help clients with their cars            
• Window Washers: people to wash exterior windows (upstairs & downstairs)
• Porch screens installed

♥ GREATEST NEED: PRAYER♥