DEVOTIONAL:
2 Kings 23:4-25: Before [Josiah] there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might...
Winston Churchill, writing about the time before World War II, spoke of a leader so caught up in the Communist Party that he was the "perfect agent of Soviet policy." In one moment, though, Churchill saw through the man's façade; he said of that moment, "Inside the image there appeared the man."
Many of us spend a great deal of time tending to a façade, offering the image we think will play most favorably with others. We exhaust ourselves, fearful of letting the true human being show through that image.
King Josiah overcame the need to follow trends or expectations; he reformed his culture, turning his people back toward God. He eliminated popular idols and worship places, and insisted on worshiping the one true God. He truly "turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might." His life guided by one true direction, Josiah let go of the need to juggle images to meet others' expectations.
In our own time, we are called to live as Jesus lived: with compassion, with faithfulness, with love for others. When we stop juggling all of our public images, we can rest, choosing one true God instead of many small, ineffectual gods. We can find peace by living as God calls us to live.
And inside the person there appears the Image.
PROGRAMS:
This week, we'll begin a three part series entitled "Turning To," which focuses on seeking God's guidance. Over the course of these three lessons, we'll look at turning to prayer, turning to the Bible and turning to Christian council and how each one of those different pathways can help us know and understand God's plan for us, especially in times of difficulty. The series will be facilitated by the Easoms, Coxes and Beakleys. Here is a schedule of lessons and teachers for the next few weeks:
October 9th--Beakley teaching on Turning to Christian Council
October 16th--Fess/Spencer teaching on the Honduras Mission Trip
October 23rd--Easoms teaching our second lesson in the "Turning to" series
October 30th--Coxes, teaching our third and final lesson in the "Turning to" series.
FROM SOCIAL:
Please mark your calendars for a Halloween costume party at the Kelly's home on Sunday, October 30th at 4:00 pm. Bring the whole family as we will have a pumpkin carving contest for the adults and a pumpkin decorating station for the children. If you did not receive the EVITE please let Natalia or Elizabeth know.
Our social event in November will be centered around Thanksgiving therefore we will be partnering with Outreach for a volunteer project and a fellowship dinner. More details to come.
Please save the date for the LAF Christmas Party to be held on Saturday, December 10th at the home of Kevin and Jo Hodges.
FROM THE TREASURER:
If you are newer to the class and would like a nametag please email Lauren Borowsky (laurenmccoy@hotmail.com ). The nametags are $5 each - check to Lauren payable to PRUMC (or cash).
This year we are trying something new! We will be collecting "pledge cards" from each LAF couple during October so that the officers can set a realistic budget for our year. In past years, we've had a significant surplus of funds, but we're beginning to whittle it down. We are suggesting a pledge of $100 per couple but are leaving it up to each couple for a final decision. Look for pledge cards and a collection envelope in the weekly attendance folder. We hope to collect all dues by December 31st and will be tracking our progress with a fancy fundraising thermometer on the bulletin board.
FROM OUTREACH:
We will be asking each couple to write two letters to the orphans in Georgia (see below for instructions). They will be your ticket to the Halloween party! If your last name starts with A - M, please write to Shalva Amaglobeli (7 year old boy; wants to be a policeman). If your last name starts with N-Z, please write to Mery Moichadze (6 year old girl; wants to be a doctor). For the second letter, please write something generic - there are several orphans who do not have a sponsor and these will be distributed to them. Please keep the letter upbeat and positive, but do not make any false promises (eg, we'd love you to visit us in America). It is ok to say things like "we love you" and "we are praying for you.". We will be distributing stationary in class over the next few Sundays, but you are welcome to use your own.
FROM MEG BLACKWOOD:
Are you ready for some football? For the past several years, many of you have been kind enough to come out and support Lanny's team, The Blessed Trinity Titans, at one of their football games. This year, I would love for you to join Land and me as the Titans take on the Lovett Lions on Friday, October 14th at The Lovett School (which, for those of you who aren't familiar with Atlanta, is in the Vinings/Buckhead area of town, off Paces Ferry Rd). Game time is 7:30, but Land and I would like to invite everyone to join us for a potluck tailgate party beginning at 5:45/6. We'll bring a Chick Fil-A nugget tray and cookies to share with you all. Please bring your own beverages (glass bottles and alcohol are not allowed) and a snack to share. If you can join us, please let me know (RSVP to mthomablackwood@gmail.com by October 13th), so that I can send you directions. Unfortunately, I can't offer you free admission to the game, but I can offer you a really fun night of high school football. This is a big game for BT, because if they win, they will most likely be going to the play-offs! Wear your green and gold to help us cheer on the Titans!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES:
10/1--Pete Wedersheim
10/7--Russ Greatorex
10/11--Sarah Moreland
10/20--Lanny Blackwood
10/28--Speight Knowles
10/29--Bobby Spencer
10/30--Graham McWhorter
10/1--Crews
10/2--Richardsons
10/8--Thomason
10/10--Greatorex
10/29--Hodges
Blessings,
Malia, David, Susan and Wes
