Mark’s Gospel – In this week’s episode Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians. That’s like being confronted by super-religious fundamentalists and right-wing political zealots at the same time. In a political spin-move, they flatter Jesus and then test him to see if he is Pro-Roman or Pro-Jew. He sees through their hypocrisy and turns the tables on them: “Give to Caesar whatever bears his image; and give to God whatever bears his image.” Jesus was a stranger in the world, he was not a patriot. His insignia was the Cross, not a Roman Eagle, a Palm Branch, or a Davidic Star. Let’s explore what that means this Lord’s day. [Read Mark 12:13-17; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Genesis 1:26-27.]
Stewpot – If you would like to help with Holiday Boxes for the Homeless, click on this link to find out what is needed and what can and cannot be put in the boxes. Shannon is coordinating this effort, so if you have any questions contact her.
Visitation – Rick and Kelli Harper will be visiting NHC this Sunday. If you would like to see them come to worship. If you would like to visit with them grab some fast food and join us at Sunnyvale Park after worship.
Congregational Meeting – At the congregational meeting last week we discussed the following topics: leadership, diaconate, properties, and the future of NHC and here’s what we decided:
(1) From now until the end of April 2012 NHC will operate with one elder and a minister of the word. They will assume responsibility for shepherding the flock. It is our hope and prayer that some of the men who completed the Elder Training Program will be appointed to the eldership in the near future.
(2) We will be forming a diaconate that will be authorized to take care of the business and administrative matters of the church (e.g, budget, lease, benevolence). Deacons will not be authorized or expected to take care of pastoral duties such as teaching and the care of souls.
(3) As for the future of NHC, we were challenged to prayerfully consider a wide range of things (financial, personal, doctrinal, and practical) as we move forward.
(4) An overwhelming majority of members voted to sell the People Mover/Church van.
(5) Everyone is encouraged to devote themselves to prayer for NHC. At the start of the New Year we will devote ourselves to a week of evening prayer at the church building. As Sir James Galway reminded us, “Pray. Because you know what happens if you don’t pray? Nothing.”
