1. Weekly News from WCUMC-7/13/2014
“God’s Spirit-Filled People”
A Sermon Series on Acts
“Living and Dying for Christ”
Acts 6:8 – 7:60
The best preparation for being willing to die for Jesus, is being
prepared to live for Jesus.
Acts 6:8-12
Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God's grace
was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine
power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition
arose from some who belonged to the so-called Synagogue of Former
Slaves. Members from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia entered into
debate with Stephen. However, they couldn't resist the wisdom the
Spirit gave him as he spoke. Then they secretly enticed some people to
claim, "We heard him insult Moses and God." They stirred up the people,
the elders, and the legal experts. They caught Stephen, dragged him
away, and brought him before the Jerusalem Council. 13Before the
council, they presented false witnesses who testified, "This man never
stops speaking against this holy place and the Law. 14In fact, we heard
him say that this man Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and alter
the customary practices Moses gave us."
The opposition was not able to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by
which Stephen spoke
2. They had a spirit of deceit and dishonesty.
There was a clear character difference between Stephen and
those who opposed him.
Everyone seated in the council stared at Stephen, and they saw that his
face was radiant, just like an angel's.
In Acts 7, Stephen did not give a defense for himself --- but rather a
proclamation of who God was and what God had done for His people…
Acts 7:51-60
"You stubborn people! In your thoughts and hearing, you are like those
who have had no part in God's covenant! You continuously set yourself
against the Holy Spirit, just like your ancestors did. Was there a single
prophet your ancestors didn't harass? They even killed those who
predicted the coming of the righteous one, and you've betrayed and
murdered him! You received the Law given by angels, but you haven't
kept it."
Once the council members heard these words, they were enraged and
began to grind their teeth at Stephen. But Stephen, enabled by the Holy
Spirit, stared into heaven and saw God's majesty and Jesus standing at
God's right side. He exclaimed, "Look! I can see heaven on display and
the Human One standing at God's right side!" At this, they shrieked and
covered their ears. Together, they charged at him, threw him out of the
city, and began to stone him. The witnesses placed their coats in the
care of a young man named Saul. As they battered him with stones,
Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, accept my life!" Falling to his knees, he
shouted, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" Then he died.
Stephen died with the character of Christ only because he had LIVED
WITH THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
We can't be concerned with whether we'll be strong enough to die for
Christ if we're not first concerned with whether we're committed to
LIVE for Christ.
Are you living for Christ?
For Personal or Group Reflection
1. Describe the character of Stephen mentioned in Acts 6-7…
2. Why do you think opposition arose to what Stephen was speaking?
3. What does Stephen’s words in Acts 6-7 reveal about his respect for
the Mosaic Law?
4. Why does Stephen spend so much of his speech, talking about
Moses? What parallels does he draw between Moses and Jesus?
5. How does your character compare to that of Stephen?
6. In what ways could the charges that Stephen makes against the
leaders be made against you (us)?
3. Next Week’s Message is on Acts 8
Pastor Rick Vinther preaching
THIS WEEK AT WCUMC
Sunday - 7/13
Mariner's Game, 1:10 PM, Safeco Field
Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room
Monday - 7/14
Talk Time, 7:00 PM, Rooms 9
Tuesday - 7/15
Sewing Group, 6:00 PM, Memorial Room
Wednesday - 7/16
Thursday - 7/17
Friday - 7/18
Saturday - 7/19
Sunday - 7/20
Open Door Sunday School Class , 9:00 AM
Nursery Care is available in the Children’s Wing during worship
10:30 AM Worship Service
Ruby Peebles Memorial Service, Avondale Bible Church, 4 PM
Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room
4. Celebrate the Life of Ruby Peebles
(former member of WCUMC)
Memorial Service
Sunday, July 20 4:00 PM
Avondale Bible Church
17010 Avondale Road NE
Woodinville, WA 98077
Outdoor Adventures
Float Trip down the Skykomish River
Sunday, July 20 , after Church
Bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and put any electronic in a zip lock
bag, and get ready to have fun. Join us as we float the scenic Skykomish
River between Sultan and Monroe. We'll supply the rafts, paddles and
life jackets. Cost is only $5, paid on the day of the trip. Meet at Sultan
at 1:00 PM. "We should be done around 6:00 PM or so.
Please sign up in the foyer. Any questions, talk to Bob or Sandy
Clemence (425-486-0762)
5. All Church Family Retreat
Camp David Jr. on Lake Crescent
August 23-26
Join us as we relax in the beauty, experience new adventures, share with
friends and family, and trust more in Christ as we learn together.
$100 - Adults $40 Kids (6-12) Free( children under 5)
REGISTER TODAY - COST GOES UP $25 ON JUNE 30
FAQ Sheet available on display in foyer. For more info, contact Kim
Knudsvig, DeAnna Ankrum, or Evelyn Carlson 425-483-5252
or email Kim at crossfirelife@gmail.com
"Snoops"
6. No Auditions / Grades 3 - 8
$150 (discounts available)
Monday - Friday, August 4 - 8
9 AM - 3 PM
We are in need of volunteers and helpers for Kidshine! you can do more
than one position. Ask DeAnna Ankrum for more information at 425-483-
5252, ext, 109.
FOOD BANK VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE
Do you like meeting new people? Do you like praying for people's
needs? The Woodinville Storehouse is looking for a Volunteer
Coordinator to coordinate teams once or twice a month while the food
bank is open. Duties include coordinating teams, interviewing and
registering new clients, collecting prayer requests and praying with
clients.
Contact Della at 425-483-1391 or dellahaug@hotmail.com.
STOREHOUSE NEEDS THIS WEEK
Rice-a-Roni
Peanut Butter
Dried Beans
Ravioli
Tomato Sauce
Chili
Canned Fruit
Rice
7. Financial Snapshot
General Fund
Income, wk ending 7/6/14 $ 8,144
Income, weekly avg, year-to-date $ 10,184
Expenses, weekly avg, year-to-date $ 9,771
2014 weekly budgeted expenses $ 9,896
Faith Promise
Total Faith Promises pledged, 2013 - 14 $ 90,560
Faith Promise Beginning Balance $ 12,439
Received 11/1/13 - 7/06/14 $ 67,881
Disbursed 11/1/13 - 7/06/14 $ 60,386
Want to give online?
Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or
savings account, or processed using your credit or debit card.
Simply follow these easy steps:
1. Go to www.wcumc.org
2. Click on the GIVE NOW button that appears on the top right of the
Home Page.
3. Click on the CREATE PROFILE button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an online profile and to
schedule your recurring contributions to the church.
779,54910,381
8. Prayer Chain Requests
Prayer Chain requests call Barbara Clark 425-483-3885. After 6:00 PM
call Mary Harvey at 425-827-2883 or call the church at 425-483-5252
during office hours.
We hope to see you in church this Sunday and God Bless.
Have a great week!
This newsletter is published by Woodinville Community United Methodist Church for our
members, friends and all who love Jesus. Our vision is "To Share the Transforming Love of
Jesus Christ Across the Street and Around the World". If you are looking for a church home
with loving, devoted followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we invite you to attend our Sunday
Worship Service at 10:30 each Sunday. We are located at 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville,
WA 98072. Learn more at www.wcumc.org.