Announcements for November 18

Revival with Dennis Thrasher
Revival continues tonight at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Wednesday, we will have
service in the Family Life Center at 7:00 PM.

Young at Heart Thanksgiving Dinner
The Young at Heart will meet Friday, November 21 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a Thanksgiving dinner. For more information, please contact Sue Bramucci.

Youth Convention
Youth registered for the Youth Convention will leave for Hot Springs Friday, November 21st. For departure times and more information, please contact Pastor Johnny Powell.

Angel Food Ministries Distribution
The Angel Food Ministries November distribution is Saturday, November 22nd from 11 am until 1 pm. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Pastor Clayton Adams.

Membership Class
If you are interesting in joining the church and have gone through the Discovery class, please attend the Membership Class beginning Sunday, November 23 at 9:30 AM in the Discovery classroom.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit Sermon
Sunday, November 23 in the AM services, Pastors Rusty, Bill, Clayton, and Johnny will preach on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Sunday night, Pastor Eric will join the pastors as they share testimonies of what the Holy Spirit has done in their lives.Water BaptismWe will have a water baptism service on Sunday, November 23 in the PM service. If you would like to be baptized, please contact the church office to sign up.Men’s Ministries Soup and Potato BarThe men will have a soup and potato bar dinner on Sunday, November 23 after the PM service in the Family Life Center. All proceeds will go to Men’s Ministries.

You’re Invited!
All ladies are invited to a baby shower honoring Jill Lumpkin Randleman at the home of Nicole Madison Perrine in Marion. The Shower is November 24th at 7 pm. Jill is registered at Wal-Mart, Target and Babies R Us and is having a girl. You may see Diane Lumpkin or Susan Madison for directions.

Church Office Reminders:
· The Community Thanksgiving Service is set for Monday, November 24th at 6 pm at the Eugene Woods Civic Center in West Memphis. (There will not be a Deacon Board Meeting that night.)
· In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the church office will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 26-28. There will be no Wednesday night service on Wednesday, November 26.

November 14 Announcements

Are You Smarter than a S.W.A.T. Kid?
Everyone is invited to stay and watch the Quiz Matches and enjoy a Spaghetti Luncheon!

Sunday, November 16th immediately following the 2nd Service.
The Spaghetti meal is available for a donation at the door.
Proceeds go to support the S.W.A.T. Kids missionaries.
All S.W.A.T. kids who want to quiz will be placed on a team.

Genesis Leaders Meeting
There will be a meeting for all Genesis leaders on Sunday, November 16 at 4:30 PM in the Family Life Center.

Revival with Dennis Thrasher
Sunday, November 16-Wednesday, November 19, we will have Revival with Dennis Thrasher. Service times for Sunday will be 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Monday-Wednesday the services will begin at 7:00 PM.

Young at Heart Thanksgiving Dinner
The Young at Heart will meet Friday, November 21 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a Thanksgiving dinner. For more information, please contact Sue Bramucci.

Youth Convention
Youth registered for the Youth Convention will leave for Hot Springs Friday, November 21st. For departure times and more information, please contact Pastor Johnny Powell.

Angel Food Ministries Distribution
The Angel Food Ministries November distribution is Saturday, November 22nd from 11 am until 1 pm. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Pastor Clayton Adams.

Church Office Reminders:
· If you have Birthday and/or Anniversary dates that need to be added to the church birthday calendars, please contact the office with these dates at 735-1907 or wmfirstassembly@yahoo.com by Monday, November 17.

· The Community Thanksgiving Service is set for Monday, November 24th at 6 pm at the Eugene Woods Civic Center in West Memphis. (There will not be a Deacon Board Meeting that night.)

· In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28. There will be no Wednesday night service on Wednesday, November 26.

M.S. Jewelry Show
Scotta Steele will be selling jewelry in the Family Life Center at 12:00 PM today. All proceeds will go to help support the McMath family (Pastor Rusty and Sis. Dorinda’s daughter and son-in-law).

Membership Class
If you are interesting in joining the church and have gone through the Discovery class, please attend the Membership Class beginning Sunday, November 23 at 9:30 AM in the Discovery classroom.

Water Baptism
We will have a water baptism service on Sunday, November 23 in the PM service. If you would like to be baptized, please contact the church office to sign up.

Men’s Ministries Soup and Potato Bar
The men will have a soup and potato bar dinner on Sunday, November 23 after the PM service. All proceeds will go to Men’s Ministries.

You’re Invited!
All ladies are invited to a baby shower honoring Jill Lumpkin Randleman at the home of
Nicole Madison Perrine in Marion. The Shower is November 24th at 7 pm.
Jill is registered at Wal-Mart, Target and Babies R Us and is having a girl. You may see Diane Lumpkin or Susan Madison for directions.

Weekly Events for Thursday, November 6-Tuesday, November 11

Revolve Sponsors Night Out
All Revolve Youth Sponsors are invited to a night out on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM.

Building Better Marriages Class Party
The Building Better Marriages class will have a class party/game night on Friday, November 7 at 6:30 PM at Jeff & Tanya Peninger’s home (183 N George Cir, Marion). If you have a favorite game, please bring it.

30+ Singles Fellowship
The 30+ Singles will meet at the church on Friday, November 7 at 6:00 PM to eat at BigFoot Lodge. If you plan to attend, please contact Diane Lumpkin at 870-733-4338.

Men’s Breakfast of Champions
All men are invited to attend the Breakfast of Champions on Saturday, November 8 from 8:30-10:00 AM in the Family Life Center.

Veterans Day Service
On Sunday, November 9, we will have a special service honoring Veterans. Please note the schedule change. We will not have a 8:00 AM service. Sunday School will be at 9:30 AM, the 10:30 AM service will be in the Family Life Center.

Missions Committee Meeting
There will be a missions committee meeting Sunday, November 9 at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

WM Meeting
All ladies are invited to the WM meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

Kids Fest Carnival and Trunk-or-Treat

Kid's Fest 2008

2009 Blue Forms

All blue forms are due in the office by Sunday, December 21, 2008. Dates are available on a first come first serve basis and fill up quickly. Please turn in your forms early.
**All special events such as Easter drama, revivals, Kids Fest, or any other events scheduled by the office, supersede any other activities.**

Kid's Fest 2008 Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 29-Friday, October 31
Kid’s Crusade with The Harness Family and Karate Man. The services will begin at 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center.

Saturday, November 1
Kid’s Fest Carnival will be from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in the parking lot. At 1:30 PM, there will be a Slam Dunk Contest for youth in grades 7th-12th grades.

Sunday, November 2
We will have a regular service in the Family Life Center at 8:00 AM. There will not be Sunday School following the service. At 10:30, Trunk r Treat will begin in the parking lot.

Weekly Events for Thursday, October 23-Monday, October 27

Baby Shower
There will be a baby shower honoring Candice Marotti on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Candice is having a girl and is registered at Babies R Us and Target.

Ladies Lunch
Thursday, October 16 at 12:00 PM, there will be a ladies brown bag lunch in the Fellowship Hall for a great time of fellowship. At the end of the lunch we will pray for the Presidential election and our country.

Young at Heart Fellowship
The Young at Heart will meet at Uncle John’s in Crawfordsville on Friday, October 24 at 5:00 PM.

CORE Team Meeting
On Sunday, October 26 there will be a CORE TEAM meeting at 6:00 PM in the Family Life Center. We will have regular service in the sanctuary for those not involved in the CORE TEAM.

Deacons Meeting
There will be a deacons meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 27 at 7:00 PM in Pastor Rusty’s office.

Weekly Events for Thursday, October 16-Monday, October 20

Ladies Lunch
Thursday, October 16 at 12:00 PM, there will be a ladies brown bag lunch in the Fellowship Hall for a great time of fellowship. At the end of the lunch we will pray for the Presidential election and our country.

Intense
The Revolve youth in grades 7-12 are invited to Intense on Thursday, October 16 at 6:00 PM.

HonorBound Men’s Night
All men are invited to the men’s night on Thursday, October 16 at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary.

2nd Annual Ride for Light
The Men’s Ministries will host the Benefit Motorcycle Run for Light for the Lost on Saturday, October 18. The ride will begin at Freedom Cycles in Marion at 9:00 AM and ride to the church. The registration fee is $25 and includes bbq meal, t-shirt and drawing ticket. You may pre-register by calling 739-1315. There will also be an auction at 12:30 PM in the Family Life Center. Please contact Larry Forbis if you have any questions.

Men’s Ministries Day
Several men will share testimonies and Larry Forbis will speak on Sunday, October 19 in both AM services for Men’s Ministries Day.

Sunday School Teachers Meeting
There will be a meeting for all Sunday School teachers and assistants on Sunday, October 19 at 4:30 PM in the Family Life Center.

Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is a free weight management program for women. This includes a weigh in and stretching exercise. The first meeting will be Monday, October 20 at 5:30 PM upstairs. For more information you may contact Janie Jaimez at 901-230-6832.

Weekly Events for Tuesday, October 7-Monday, October 13

Tuesday, October 7
WMs Meeting
6:00 PM
Family Life Center

Wednesday, October 8
Missions Convention--Feast of Nations
6:30 PM (Please note the time change for this week only)
Family Life Center
The S.W.A.T. Bible Study will not meet this week but will resume
next Wednesday.

Thursday, October 9
Ladies Lunch and Prayer Time
12:00 PM
Fellowship Hall

Saturday, October 11
Young at Heart Bake Sale
Crawfordsville Harvest Festival
9:00 AM

Sunday, October 12
8:00 AM—Missions Convention
9:30 AM—Regular Sunday School Classes
10:30 AM—Missions Convention
6:00 PM—Missions Convention

Monday, October 13
Silver Sneakers
5:30 PM
Upstairs

Children’s Shower for Nick and Pam Ervin
7:00 PM
Fellowship Hall
**Gift Cards to Target, Wal-Mart, and Kroger are great gift ideas.

Missions Convention 2008

Missions Convention 2008
Sunday, October 5
AM—James—Asia
**All Sunday School classes will meet in the sanctuary.**
PM—Shannon —Guatemala

Wednesday, October 8
(Feast of Nations)
Carrol —Equatorial Guinea
Sunday, October 12
AM—Mike —Netherlands
PM—Robert —Honduras

Events for Thursday, September 25-Saturday, October 5

Ladies Brown Bag Lunch

The ladies will meet Thursday, September 25 at 12:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship. At the end of the lunch, there will be at time of prayer for the Presidential election and our country.

Young at Heart Fellowship
The Young at Heart river boat ride has been moved Saturday, September 27 at the RiverPark in Tunica, MS. The cost is $13 plus lunch. Please meet at the church at 9:45 AM.

Special Offering for Kid’s Fest
Our annual Kid’s Fest is fast approaching. This will be another exciting and fun-filled weekend and a great opportunity to reach our community. The schedule is Wednesday, October 29-Friday, October 31: Kid’s Crusade w/the Harness family, Saturday, November 1: Kid’s Fest and Sunday, November 2: Trunk r Treat Service. For another successful year, we are asking for your help. The budget is $9200. On Sunday, September 28 in both AM services we will take up a special offering to cover the expenses. Please prayerfully consider giving to this year’s outreach. We appreciate your support every year.

Deacons Meeting
There will be a deacons meeting Monday, September 29 at 7:00 PM in Pastor Rusty’s office.

Stitches of Love
The sewing group will meet Tuesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

30+ Singles
The 30+ Singles will eat at TGIFriday’s on Friday, October 3. The van will leave the church at 6:00 PM. If you plan to attend, please contact Diane.

Breakfast of Champions
All men are invited to breakfast on Saturday, October 4 from 8:30-10:00 AM in the Family Life Center.

Movie Night
The Revolve youth group will watch “End of the Spear” on Saturday, October 4 in the Family Life Center at 6:00 PM. Concessions will be available.

Announcements for the Week of September 15 - 21

Ladies Brown Bag Prayer Luncheon:
The ladies will not meet Thursday due to Frank Cavitt's funeral.

HonorBound Men’s Night:
All men are invited Thursday, September 18 to the HonorBound men’s night at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary.

Young at Heart Fellowship:
The Young at Heart will take a river boat ride on Saturday, September 20 at the RiverPark in Mississippi. The cost is $13 plus lunch. Please meet at the church at 9:45 AM.

Special Offering for Kid’s Fest:

Our annual Kid’s Fest is fast approaching. This will be another exciting and fun-filled weekend and a great opportunity to reach our community.
The schedule is as follows-
Wednesday, October 29-Friday, October 31: Kid’s Crusade w/the Harness Family!
Saturday, November 1: Kid’s Fest with the inflatable attractions!
Sunday, November 2: Trunk- r- Treat Service.

The budget is $9200. On Sunday, September 28 in both AM services we will take up a special offering to cover the expenses. Please prayerfully consider giving to this year’s outreach. We appreciate your support every year.

Missions Convention:
Our annual Missions Convention is quickly approaching. Please be in prayer as to the amount God would have you give. Missions is the very heartbeat of our Savior. The Missions Convention service dates are October 5, 8, and 12. Our special Missions Convention kick-off will be during the Sunday School hour of October 5th.

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It is our prayer that this blog will help you keep up with ALL of the exciting ministries and events of our great church!

Be sure to check out Pastor Rusty's blog for devotions and encouragement straight from God's Word!

Rejoicing in this wonderful day,

The Leadership Team of First Assembly

Last Day!

Well, here we are. The last day of our Daniel Fast.

Before I got up for my "chores" for the day, I lay in bed and began thanking my God for all the changes He has made in me during this fast. This is very hard to articulate, but I will try.

I had not realized before the fast, but there were things I was keeping from God. Just those mundane silly things, that for some reason, I wanted to hold on to - like maybe, diet coke and m&ms. Not that there is anything wrong with enjoying diet coke and m&ms, but if you aren't willing to give it up for 21 days to draw closer to God, then something is majorly wrong.

So began my battle on the Daniel Fast. I found that once I allowed God into that area of my heart, He had access to so much more. Am I looking forward to diet coke at the end of the fast? Yes, most definitely. But, I will keep in my heart of hearts, that I will never keep that area from God again. Now, I am almost afraid of what sugar is going to do to my body! But I will approach those eating habits very cautiously. :)

After I finished thanking God for things He has done in my heart, I began interceding on behalf of the needs I wrote down for this fast. One by one, I called out friends' children, needs for healing- for my mom and other friends. I cried out in desperation for my children to ALWAYS serve God passionately. I asked God again for direction for our new church building and for His timing to supersede. I claimed this community for Christ! I prayed for souls to be added to the Kingdom on Easter and during our video series.

These are all things that I know in my heart God will answer! The victory is ours! He has won- because He has all power and has in His hands the keys to death, hell, and the grave!

He is alive! and is at the right hand of the Father interceding for all of our requests that we have brought before Him.

This is the last day of this fast, but the first of many fasts to come!
love and prayers,
dorinda

Press On! Just a few more days!

Hi Guys!
Well, here we are. Day 19 of our 21 Day Fast!

I have to honestly admit that this thing gets tougher to closer we get to the finish line! My carnal reasoning kicks in- "It doesn't matter. You've already gone so far, just one little bite won't hurt." But - the truth is- I have come too far to turn back now!

I can do this thing! You can do this thing! WE can do this! Press on! Don't give up. Keep fighting. We have everything to gain.

I don't know about you guys but this has been an amazing trip. Oh, I have not enjoyed the dietary changes, but it hasn't been the end of the world.

So- keep on keeping on. Drink your water and your juice. Eat your fruits and veggies,- and spend time with the Savior!

One of the purposes of this fast was to claim souls for the kingdom of God for our Easter services. Please, join us in prayer for Saturday and Sunday's services! What an awesome opportunity to reach so many for the Kingdom of God. Pray that the lost see Truth and the condition of their souls. Pray that they comprehend that Jesus paid the price for their sin and that He is Alive!

Hang on! Victory is on the Way!

blessings and prayers,
dorinda

Food!!!!

Okay- so, I had my serious post last night. Here is the "ME" post!

I have REALLY struggled. Hunger wasn't the only issue- having enough protein to balance out my blood sugar levels has been a chore! God and I have been having some serious discussions about this. And- as always, an enemy has had to put his stupid opinion in there.

Thankfully, I believe I have listened to God. I CAN do this! I have found ways to handle the health issue and still stay on the fast.

I have learned that God has a great sense of humor. One day last week I was taking my mom to Memphis. While I was pumping gas I could feel my blood sugar dropping. Not wanting to make a scene and some poor soul calling 9-1-1 for me, I decided I needed to take action quickly.
I went inside to find a high protein something. The highest protein intake I could find was a chocolate protein bar. I cringed on the inside at my dilemma. What was I to do? The answer came as I just about dropped to the floor.

So, I very hesitantly put a bite in my mouth (after paying for it of course). I anticpated the rich flavor of chocolate reaching my mouth. I felt quilty, but knew this was necessary. But God in His creation of humor, must have been ready to "bust a gut" in heaven laughing at me. Because the moment the "rich flavor of chocolate" hit my tongue was a moment of total revulsion and almost "expulsion"!

Someone call Corey B. Trotz! Slap a lawsuit on some company for ginormous false advertising! That was not a chocolate protein bar! That was a protein bar made from elephant droppings! How nasty! How grotesque! How utterly distasteful! Gag! Gag!

But- because I was NOT eating for enjoyment, I was eating it for nutrition and out of dire need, I ate the horrific thing called a protein bar. And - true to its nutritional value, it saved me from being laid on stretcher and sent to an ER. (You do know that I use hyperbole to the max- right?)

So, I have learned to do my best to not let my blood sugar level drop so that I do not have to eat the "chocolate thing".

Something good I just discovered today, however, and FULL of protein is what I call Tofu Scramble!

I took some firm tofu and scrambled it up as I would an egg- adding some red pepper and red onion in a little olive oil. After that was done I set it aside and put some olive oil and took a wheat tortilla. I tore the tortilla into small pieces and stir fried it. Then I mixed everything together and salt and peppered it. Ummm emmm Good!!!

So,- now I take a proactive approach to blood sugar levels and just make sure I get enough protein before I leave the house. Heaven knows I can't be eating chocolatized elephant droppings!!!!!!!

Well, you know what I mean! :)
Have a great day! I sure hope you are keeping up with your journals, because those scriptures are right on each and every day!

love you all,
dorinda

Home Stretch

Well, guys. We are just about finished with our 21 Day Fast. In one way it seems like it has been forever and in another sense it has gone by quickly. - But I have to admit, the forever part definitely weighs heavier than the quick part.

For me, the hardest part was last week. I REALLY struggled. I became frustrated, not so much with the food choices, but for the lack of convenience to my lifestyle. Through these two weeks of the Daniel Fast I have learned several things.

They are:

• I had a habit of living to eat, rather than eating to live.
• I allowed my lifestyle, with its hectic pace, to determine my eating habits and even my food choices.
• My eating habits were a slave to my lifestyle.
• I was continuously making bad decisions for me and my family on our food choices and eating habits.
• I was not as close to God as I thought I was.
• I had and still have many issues that I need to allow God to clean up.
• Fasting must become a spiritual discipline for me if I want to continue to grow closer to my Lord.

I must say that I am a changed person. Maybe not so much on the outside, but definitely in my thinking. I need Christ more than ever. I need Him with every breath I take. Too many times I have forged ahead before I heard His whisper.

I haven't totally enjoyed this 21 day fast. There are times I was angry, because I just wanted it to be a little more convenient. Well, that is the truth, even if it is ugly to admit. But I have learned that His strength is what I need. If I can live in discipline to this, I can live in discipline to other areas of my life with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I hope to do better this week.
Let's keep in an attitude of prayer this week for the upcoming Easter Services! I am excited about what God is going to do in the lives our family and friends!

love and prayers,
dorinda

A Daniel Fast Post from Laurie

This is from Laurie's blog today. I thought it was fitting to put it on here today.
Thanks Laurie!
A PIECE OF MY HEART
Thank you for joining me today as I share my heart. It is my prayer that your heart will be strengthened today!
1 CHRONICLES 22:19 "Now determine in your mind and HEART to seek the Lord your God."
FROM MY HEART TO YOURS:
Today is day 12 of the 21-day DANIEL FAST that our family has been doing along with many others from our church. I went to the doctor yesterday and really noticed what eating fruits and vegetables can do for a girl when I stepped onto the scale. Yippee...I lost weight!
Even though losing weight is not the reason for doing this fast, it is definetly a side bonus! As I thought about what I had lost, I was reminded that the hunger that I feel throughout the day has NOT been lost. I still have hunger pains, and I still have cravings and temptations. This week, God has reminded me that there is a DANGER OF BEING HUNGRY, and I need to be watchful as the tempter tempts me and wants me to lose something greater than food cravings.
MATTHEW 4:2-4 "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
The evil one, the tempter, had a goal to destroy God and anything He loved. Satan saw a perfect opportunity to attack Jesus. He saw Jesus was isolated, there were no friends to warn Him and there were no supplies or food to keep Him strong. For forty days and nights, Jesus fasted. He faced the vulnerabilities of exposure and hunger. The accuser nagged and harassed, but waited until the right time - THE FORTY FIRST DAY - to use his most deceptive tricks.
The tempter sneered. "Ah, you must be starving. If you really are the Son of God, you could make these desert stones into bread. Why don't you?"
Jesus sensed the sham. "God has said, 'Man cannot exist only on bread.' My food is God's truths." Jesus trusted in the goodness of His Father and in the timing of His provision.
Chocolate cravings are one thing, but there are hungers that take such a hold that they leave you exposed. The tempter waited to tempt Jesus at the END of His fast, that is what the enemy does...he looks for opportunities of our greatest vulnerability.
So, when you have reached the limits of your hunger, and find yourself drifting into the arms of compromise, remember Jesus in His wilderness. God had us in mind when He sent Him to face intense conditions and temptations.
There is a DANGER OF BEING HUNGRY, but I am thankful that God has provided us a way of escape.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 " You can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, He will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it."
That is a piece of my heart today......
Laurie