A few years ago, I had the privilege of taking a mission trip to Greenland. One evening, I was sitting on a mountain overlooking 10 small lakes. The beauty was like a dream. I could hear the wind blowing softly, the birds nesting in the trees, and the ice cracking in the ocean. It was such an amazing site.
I have heard others speak of the same of the Sea of Galilee. They say it is one of the most beautiful bodies of water on earth and the old rabbis used to say that God created all the other seas, and then He created the Sea of Galilee just for Himself.
In John 6 and in Matthew 14 we read how the disciples had been part of an amazing day. They had been with Jesus as he fed the 5,000 and were full of success and self-confidence as they climbed into their boat that evening. Then the unexpected happened. A storm began. Clouds darken the moon. An angry wind hit the sea with its fists and the water rose up and slapped the disciples in the face. That Sea of Galilee, which usually is as quiet as a millpond, now became dangerous. These seasoned sailors were filled with fear, but then they see Jesus walking toward them on the water, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” ~ Matthew 14:27
We all go through storms of life and times of struggle. Times when it seems there is no hope. During those times remember Christ’s words “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
If you enjoy Southern Gospel music you will really enjoy our guests on March 3 during the evening service at 6 p.m. Tommy Drewitt and his wife will be our special guests and will share their music and ministry with us. Come out and look forward to being blessed.
If you don’t have a church home, we would like to welcome you to come and visit us this Sunday. Our Life Groups, which is for all ages, starts at 10 a.m. Our morning service is at 10:50 a.m. and our evening service begins at 6 p.m. Come and let us be a blessing to you as we worship the Lord together.
FAITH LUTHERAN MS
Faith Lutheran MS observes the Lent season with Wednesday evening services. We gather to reflect on what Jesus’ sacrifice means to us as we face the cross during these Lenten days. We also face certain aspects in our lives which are not always in line with the cross. We come to terms with them in this series through the cross of Christ who came to save us that we might see him face to face in heaven. Please come and join us with a light meal at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. Our Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. with devotion at Sweetwater Healthcare, 9:30 a.m. Sunday school and 10:30 worship. A friendly welcome is there to greet you.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
First Baptist Church invites you and your family to join us on this Sunday, Feb. 24, for Bible study, beginning at 9:15 a.m. for all ages, followed by the Sunday morning service, which begins at 10:30 am. First Baptist Church is located at 213 East Third Street, next door to the Post Office. All are welcome. Your presence will enhance our worship experience and fellowship together.
On Friday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Education Building, we will have another Game Night. Highlights will include a fresh grilled cheese station, sandwiches and soups, desserts and all sorts of board games, dominoes, Play Station games, ping pong and foosball. This will be a great night of fellowship with friends and family. Please come.
XA Weekend is March 1-3. If you would like to encourage, motivate or just say “I am praying for you,” please do. If you would like to write a prayer out for a student during XA weekend, please send it or give it to Tique Hamilton at tique@fbcsweetwater.org.
We need a few people to facilitate Children’s Church. Only one month during Sunday morning worship is required. You will receive such a blessing. The children are so fun and loving. The curriculum is user friendly and supplies are provided. Please call the church office if you are interested.
You can still join our growth groups. Most are at 6 p.m. on Sundays, but there is also a Bible study which is on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Welcome Center.
Kid X continues on Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. Kid X is an exciting way for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade to learn about Jesus.
On March 17, at 6 p.m. the Zahasky Family, an Alaska String Band, will be at FBC. We are pleased to present an engaging and uniquely Alaskan musical entertainment. The Alaska String Band is a concert group comprised of members of a single family performing with guitar, twin violin-fiddles, bass, mandolin, ukulele, percussion and vocals. Their repertoire consists of a lively collection of bluegrass, old time, gospel, swing, blues, Celtic and original music.
On the schedule also, is an exciting marriage retreat on March 1-2 at FBC in Abilene! The Big Country Marriage Tune Up II will begin registration at 6 p.m. on Friday March 1. Breakfast will be provided at 8 a.m. on March 2. Topics will include Embracing Reality, Intimacy, Conflict Management, Financial Unity and The Power of a Promise. This will be a weekend of straight talk, humor, insight and laughter. Register online at www.fbcabilene.org or call 325-673-5031.
For in depth information on First Baptist Church Sweetwater, find us on Facebook and check the website www.fbcsweetwater.org.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sweetwater First United Methodist Church wants to invite you to join us on Sunday mornings to worship and praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The United Methodist Church is open to all persons and is a place where all are welcome and encouraged to “come as you are” with the expectation that by the grace of God you will leave different. The change that a relationship with Christ brings about is a life-changing encounter and we believe that while God accepts us as we are He loves us enough not to leave us in our sins. We believe that Scripture informs all aspects of our lives and should be our rule and authority.
The first service begins at 8:45 a.m. and is built around a traditional model with great hymns of the church. This service uses a more liturgical framework and often employs a wonderful choir. Immediately following the first service we have Sunday school classes for all ages and stages of life. We invite you to try one of our many opportunities to come together and seek God in small groups that emphasize God’s Word and proclaim His glory. At 10:50 a.m. we have a second worship service that has a decidedly contemporary flavor and incorporates more of progressive style and pace. This second service also has a children’s time and children’s church for kids in preschool through second grade.
Sweetwater FUMC also has youth activities on Sundays beginning at 6 p.m. with a prayer and praise time that we call Adoratio. Every Tuesday and Wednesday FUMC hosts the Gaylord’s Pantry and a clothes closet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please enter through the North (4th Street) entrance if you would like to receive God’s blessing through either of these ministries.
News this week: This Sunday we will conclude our series on Holiness with a look at the Hallmark of Holiness: Love. Don’t forget the Lenten Luncheons – we had a great time of fellowship this Wednesday. The next luncheon will be hosted by First Presbyterian on March 6, at noon. They will conclude on March 20 at First Baptist.
Tonight Club 456 will be having movie night. We’ll have snacks so bring a drink to enjoy. Tomorrow (Feb. 23) the young adults will be having dinner and a movie at 6 p.m. Child care is provided.
Activities this week:
Friday from 7-9 p.m. — Club 456 Movie night.
Saturday at 6 p.m. — Dinner and a movie.
Sunday at 6 p.m. — Adoratio.
Sunday at 6:30 p.m. — SHEEP.
Wednesday at 10 p.m. — Bible study.
Fun activities are offered at different times during the month for fourth through sixth graders (Club 456) and first through third graders (UMKids). If you have any questions, call Linda at our church office (325-236-6617) or email churchoffice@fumcsweetwater.org. If you need prayer or have the need to contact our pastor, you can call the same number or email him at pastor@fumcsweetwater.org.
LAMAR STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
Join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday school, followed by our 10:40 a.m. service including children sermon, hymnals and praise songs and Bro. Billy Oliver will bring a message from the Bible. Come again at 6 p.m. for our evening service.
On Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., we offer GAs and RAs for first through sixth graders, Mission Friends for preschool age, youth activities for 7th-12th graders and Bible study and prayer for adults.
We want to remind members that are many opportunities to give within our church, for example, our food pantry, our two Zambia kids we give to each month and more. The week of prayer for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is March 3-9 and the theme is “Whatever It Takes.” Please pray and prepare your heart to give to North American Missions.
Upcoming events include a church-wide breakfast on the second Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the rec. building.
Please continue to pray and encourage the members serving on our pastor search committee and members church-wide. There is a mailbox in the foyer to send uplifting words to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
To learn more about Lamar Street Baptist Church, visit us at 513 Lamar, find us on Facebook or call the church at 235-1779 and leave a message and someone will return your call.
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Our Church’s Mission Statement: “To glorify Christ in all that we do by bringing People to Christ and equipping them to serve Christ.”
You are welcome to join us for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship service is at 10:45 a.m., with Pastor Claude bringing the message entitled, “The Nature of Father and Son: The Attitude of Christ.” Worship assistants are Lisa Peterson serving as worship leader, Brenda Alexander leads the congregational hymns and plays the keyboard, pianist is Eugenia Hill and our greeter for the month of February is Helen Rowlett. Remember to bring your coins and/or folding money for “No More Malaria.” The ministry has a goal of eradicating malaria in Africa, in addition to furnishing bed nets for families, supporting new medical research and assisting hospitals in their ability to provide quality care for malaria patients.
There is still time to participate in the new “Young Adults” Bible study class led by Pastor Claude, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., in the Claudia Clift Lounge. The class begins with a comprehensive study of the Gospel of Saint John. This opportunity is not only open to congregational members, family and friends, but especially to other members of the community. Call the church office at 235-2454 for further information.
For the next few months, Highland Heights will be focusing upon our Samaritan Hospitality House Ministry. The House is located in Colorado City and ministers to families visiting loved ones that are incarcerated in area prisons. With a homelike atmosphere, the facilities provide weekend lodging for family members during their stay free of charge. Articles being collected are paper goods — paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue and Kleenex; paper cups and plates, plastic forks, spoons and knives; dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent and softener; cleaning supplies — comet/ajax, 409/lysol and carpet freshener; new bath towels/wash cloths and soap; foil, plastic wrap and zip lock bags; coffee, creamer, tea bags, hot chocolate mix, lemonade/kool-aid mix and sugar/sweetener; books, magazines, crossword puzzles, sudoku and/or other activity booklets; board games, playing cards and dominoes. If you wish to contribute, please call the church office.
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter. Many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ — his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. Bless This House ask that we prayfully use this period to examine our own lives and spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.
You are always invited to join us at 1801 Lamar Street, sharing in our vision of making Disciples of Jesus Christ, growing spiritually, fulfilling our God-given gifts, witnessing to others and ministering to ones in need.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (THE MORMONS)
A Mormon guide to love:
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. - John 13:34-35.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. - I John 4:11
The belief that love is eternal is at the very heart of the meaning of love for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s the lens through which Mormons view their most personal relationships, serve community and extend their outreach in charitable humanitarian efforts globally.
The source of this eternal love emanates from God; whom individual members enter a covenant relationship to follow His Son, Jesus Christ and emulate his teachings throughout their lives. With this priority firmly in place, Mormons set off with a desire, instinctively knowing that, “When ye have done it unto one of the least of these…” a spouse, child, friend, neighbor, even a stranger… “Ye have done it unto me.”
In Mormonism, the marriage relationship between a husband and wife is sacred; second only to God. In marriage, Mormons are “sealed” in temples, considered holy and set apart from the world for “time and all eternity” (versus “married” and “until death do you part”). Eternal marriages, or sealings, are performed in LDS temples, they are a necessary ordinance required for exaltation, according to the faith.
Having an eternal perspective adds a unique dimension to marriage for Mormons. The expectation that the marriage is to last into the next life requires a deep level of commitment to living the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in order to overcome the many obstacles and challenges that will inevitably arise. Mormons believe that if they are diligent in keeping the marriage covenant it will continue forever in the presence of God.
The importance of eternal marriage is significant in the Mormon faith. Great emphasis is placed on its preparation from the time children are young. A familiar motto repeated in many member homes, families are forever, gives meaning to the special bonds of love that are developed within the immediate family. This belief also extends to relatives and to those who have passed — thus the special interest in genealogy and temple work in the LDS church -- a true labor of love.
Mormons are romantics at heart. How could they not be when they genuinely believe and live life with an eternal mindset? Interesting note: Mormons believe in an afterlife where families live together throughout eternity, but they also believe that they all lived together before they came to earth; a period referred to as pre-mortality.
A frequent, fun thought among some Mormon couples is the idea that perhaps they knew each other before this life --soul mates if you will; unexplained inklings from the past that make for a deep connection.
The concept of love inside Mormonism is also fundamentally formed by the true essence of eternal love: the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ has made it possible to be forgiven of sin, cleansed through baptism and made worthy to return back into the presence of God. That is love. In return, he has commanded that we are to love him, our brothers and sisters as self, and to forgive one other as we desire to be forgiven. This is the meaning of love in Mormonism and is the motivation behind our love for one another.
Mormons believe that one of the most effective and meaningful ways that they can show love for others is to emulate the love of Jesus Christ, as if he were here, through service. Service is another form of love and that when one consistently serves, it helps us to develop charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Service is sometimes difficult, not always convenient and can also be monetary; thus associated with sacrifice.
Ultimately, Mormons cherish their understanding of eternal love and honor their covenant relationship with God, which gives rich and symbolic meaning and purpose to their lives in every way imaginable.
“May we ever watch over one another assisting in times of need. Let us not be critical and judgemental but let us be tolerant, ever emulating the Savior’s example of loving-kindness. In that vein, may we willingly serve one another. May we pray for the inspiration to know of the needs of those around us, and then may we go forward and provide assistance.” -Thomas S. Monson, President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
If you would like to talk with representatives of the church about the Saviors teachings, and his infinite love for us, call 1-800-622-5595.
We are located at 910 Elm Street in Sweetwater.
Missionaries serving in this area are Elder Rios and Elder Cosmas and their number is 325-864-2999.
Calendar:
Feb. 24 - Sunday church service at 9 a.m. Visitors are welcome.
Feb. 25 – Monday Family Home Evening.
Feb. 26 – Tuesday Adult Institute of Religion at 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 27 – Wednesday Youth Activities - Young Women’s, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Achievement Day Girls. Activities start at 6:30 p.m.
WORD OF GOD CHURCH
We are going into the final phase of the vision that God has given for this ministry. This ministry has always been focused on the vision of where God is taking us. It has never meant to be a churchy experience, it has always been a tool to allow the Holy Spirit to work in those who are called, training your ears through the Word of truth to be able to hear God’s small still voice so that we can be led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God.”
Training believers into disciples of Christ Jesus, God has been in the progress of establishing through a process to get to the vision He has given for this ministry.
As God continues to guide me, He is preparing me to get ready for the next step of the process to build the vision then establish it. We are in the start of a spiritual reformation by the inspiration of the Spirit of God preparing for the manifestation of God’s vision for this ministry.
All services are temporarily postponed until further notice. Word of God Ministries is not closing the doors.
Transforming ordinary people into passionate followers of Christ through God’s Word, growing them into mature Christians, to be Jesus’ lights in this world and witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus and the Kingdom of God, seeking the lost for the glory of God and His kingdom.
We are a non-judgmental ministry — meaning that the ministry itself is not judgmental. We are not concerned where you have been or where you are at, but where you are going. Everyone needs hope and to feel the love of God’s mercy. Those who falter and are weak are welcome. We will guide all that come into a direction for peace in their life.