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December 2013

NEWSLETTER

SHERWOOD CHURCH www.sherwoodchurch.ca

JUNE

In this Issue:

Matt’s Chat ............................ 2

Church & Community Calendar ........ 3

Mission of the Month ................. 3

Debt Be Gone ......................... 4

Pancake Breakfast .................... 5

Spring Cleanup ........................ 5

MCC Grad Photo ....................... 5

Canoe Cove Camp Season ............. 6

Wacky World of Water .............. 6

4th Annual Golf Tourney .............. 7

Maritime Christian Fellowship ........ 8

Oasis Road Travel Guide.............. 9

Servers’ Schedule ..................... 12

Congratulations To all our graduates!

Pray for the 11 kids graduating from Precious Jewels Daycare

Pray for all the kids who are graduating from elementary,

junior high, and high school, and for those teens looking for summer work.

Pray for all the young men and women who graduated from post secondary

education and are now looking for work.

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My great-great-great grandfather (I think that’s the

right number of greats) and his brother came to Prince Edward Island near the beginning of the 19th century. Ireland was in the midst of their potato famine, and while the ground was producing lots of lucky clover, food was a problem, and many families chose to pack up and move away in order to survive. When they found our beautiful island with its rich red soil that produced a bountiful crop, they decided to call it home. (Obviously they didn’t make that decision in the winter!) They both found wives who tolerated their Irish stubbornness and settled down and raised families. The potato farming tradition continued right up to my father growing up on his Dad’s farm, but that’s where it ended. Dad became a psychologist and me, well I like eating potatoes, but that’s about as close to the farm as I’ll get. The older I get the more interested I am in history and where I came from. My family history is filled with crazy stories of Irish tempers and the enjoyment of bottled “spirits” leading to fights and even a homicide. I would love to someday make the trek over to Ireland and take in the sights of the huge cliffs, the castles, the rocky coastline, the fields of green and maybe even track down some distant relatives.

It was sad to see in the news recently how my place of origin legalized same-sex marriages. It’s a battle that is being fought all over the world as our world spirals downward in its lack of morality and as we drift farther from God. The story ends with this statement: “It’s a good day to be Irish.” I wasn’t so sure. In one of the stories there was a picture with an interesting quote. Apparently right after the vote went through and this process became legal, a double rainbow appeared over the city of Dublin. The statement

made reference to the rainbow appearing at that time and the person said, “God is giving his approval.” I thought, “You need to actually read the Bible.” After God flooded the earth to cleanse it from all the wickedness that had taken over, he promised that he would never do this again and he put something in the sky for himself and his people to be reminded of this covenant. “Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” (Genesis 9:14-15) The rainbow exists to serve as a reminder of our sin. Even though God still hates sin, he loves us like his own children, and he gave us his Son Jesus to pay the price for our sin. In him we have freedom and that gift is to be shared with the world. The earth will not be destroyed by a flood again. When evil occurs, when sin becomes the norm and things go from bad to worse, the rainbow is there for God to see and to remember his promise, and when we see it we should remember that we will not rescue people from their sin by hating them and their actions. Stand up for the truth? Absolutely. Speak up? Every chance you get. But remember, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Love covers over a multitude of sin and only by offering people the love of Christ through us will we change anyone’s mind.

Matt’s Chat

“Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” (Genesis 9:14-15)

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Andy and Lynn Rayner Mali, Africa Andy and Lynn have been spending part of each year in Africa working to help families in Mali install drip irrigation. With a man of peace drip irrigation kit, partner families can grow a garden on 80-90% less water.

This 2.1 km of coiled drip line is enough to help seventy families with an average of 10 people per family water their crops and have a drastically improved vegetable garden to feed their family during the drought season.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR 2015 Event Date Time

King’s Kids – Wacky World of Water Sundays (May 31, June 7,14,21,28) 10:30 – 11:45 am

Spring Outside Cleanup Thursday, June 4 After supper

Trustees Meeting Monday, June 8 7:00 pm

Precious Jewels Daycare Graduation Thursday, June 11 5:30 pm

Pancake Breakfast Sunday, June 14 9:00 – 9:30 am

PJD Family Appreciation BBQ Wednesday, June 17 4:30 pm

4th Harold Nicholson Golf Tourney Saturday, June 20 12:45 pm

Father’s Day Sunday June 21 All day!

Trustees Meeting Monday, June 22 7:00 pm

Senior’s Camp (55+) Thurs. June 25, to Sat.Jun.27 Thurs.7 pm - Sat. 4 pm

Sunday School Wrap Up BBQ Sunday, June 28 12:00 noon

Mission of the Month - JUNE

Man of Peace Development

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Debt Be Gone-June 1, 2017

The trustees of Sherwood Church of Christ have discussed

the plan to be debt free in two years. How is this possible as

just two months ago we as a church were slipping into the

red with the no end in sight?

We were considering increasing our debt by $ 10,000 just to pay our current bills.

We turned to the scripture and prayer and took the attitude, what if we pulled together to see

what God could do. The response was wonderful as an offering of over $ 15,000 was given to our

general fund on one Sunday. Thank you to all for this generous heart response to the gospel and

to our local church.

The current debt as of May 1, 2015 is $73,977. As a church we can be debt free in two years by

staying on budget which is $ 3,456 per week. June 1, 2017 could be our debt be gone date. If we

follow the plan this budget will allow us to meet our current mortgage payment of $ 1,050 per

month and make four additional payments of $ 12,500 every six months. In this way, by June 1,

2017, our goal would be complete.

We need each of you to try to stay consistent in your giving especially over the summer months.

The beauty of this plan is that after two years, with the current budget maintained, we could

have $ 37,600 per year in additional resources to do ministry in the community around us.

Scripture has a few words to say about debt and a few verses I want share with you are

Romans 13:8 Owe to no one anything except to love each other

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is the slave to the lender.

Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrows but does not pay, back but the righteous is generous and gives.

If you have any questions please talk to any of our trustees, they are:

Paul Stevenson-Chair

John Herring -Secretary

James Nicholson -Treasurer

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Spring Cleanup on Thursday, June 4 We need help to improve the appearance of the outside areas around the church building. Please bring your own

equipment. We will start after supper.

CONGRATULATIONS

Our Church family supports Maritime

Christian College as a mission throughout the year and over many

years.

Congratulations to Josh Stevenson and Katie Clarke on their graduation.

Also, a huge thanks to them for leading our youth group “Oxygen”

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Starting now – VBS Sundays The Wacky World of Water

5 Sundays (May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28)

10:30 am - 11:45 am for ages 3 to Gr. 6 (yes, indeed, we are including kids to Grade 6) We are going to dive into God’s Word and learn about Jesus. But watch out for Dr. Drip and his assistant, Drench. Our mission project is Man of Peace Development. We encourage the kids to bring a looney or tooney each week – to toss into the Coin Splash Bucket. Be sure to wear old clothes and old shoes. Bring a towel just in case you get wet. Hope to see you there.

2015 PEI CAMP SEASON

At Canoe Cove Christian Camp Information Sheets and Registration Forms

are now available in the lobby or can be completed online.

Pre-registrations must be postmarked by June 5 to receive a discounted price.

Seniors’ Camp for 55+ 2015 Registration Sheet – available online or on table in the lobby Thursday June 25 @ 7:00pm till Sat June 27 @ 4:00pm ***MAIL THIS SHEET TO*** CANOE COVE CHRISTIAN CAMP Inc., P.O. Box 661, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7L3 A $55 registration fee per camper must accompany this form Or register on-line and payment can be made by PAYPAL.

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The 4th Annual Harold Nicholson Memorial

Canoe Cove Christian Camp Golf Tournament

will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015

Everyone MUST preregister for the golf and the Celebration meal by Monday, June 15.

Please contact Jamie or Penny by e-mailing cccgolf@gmail.com or calling 621-2359.

Pre-registration is extended to June 15 by mailing your registration fee to Canoe Cove Christian Camp, Box 661, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A7L3 or via Pay Pal on the website

www.canoecovechristiancamp.org but if you are fundraising you can bring your form and money raised with you

on June 20th.

The Harold Nicholson Memorial Golf Tournament and Celebration Meal is an open event and if you or anyone you know would like to participate, please contact us at ccccgolf@gmail.com or call 902-621-2359 for more information. Thank you in advance for your effort and help.

Penny Carew

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The Oasis Road Travel Guide for the Gospel of John

The good news according to John is the last of the four inspired accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God. It was written by the apostle John around 85 AD and is unique among the gospels because more than 90% of its content is not found in Matthew, Mark or Luke. John is an extremely important and reliable source of information about Jesus because of his very close personal relationship with Jesus and his direct knowledge as an eye witness of all the events in Jesus' ministry. John was probably the youngest of the 12 apostles as he lived long after the other apostles had died. John was part of the inner circle of three disciples (Peter, James and John) who had opportunities to be with Jesus on occasions when his power and glory were demonstrated in special ways (Mark 5:35-43; 9:1-9). John never refers to himself by name in this gospel, instead he describes himself by using the well known phrase "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). The gospel of John begins with words that remind us of Genesis 1:1 but John informs us that "the Word" who was "with God" and who "was God", was the agent who made everything in all of creation (John 1:3). This mysterious and powerful person known as "the Word" became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). The man that we call "Jesus" is this "Son of God" who came from heaven to make God known in the fullest way possible so that we can understand more clearly what God is like (John 1:17-18). The gospel of John includes 7 signs or miracles that Jesus gave as evidence to reveal his true identity to the people (John 20:30-31): turning water into wine (2:1-11); healing the son of a royal official (4:43-54); healing a man who had been an invalid for 38 years (5:1-15); feeding more than 5,000 people (6:1-15); walking on water (6:16-21); healing a blind man (9:1-7); and raising Lazarus from the dead (11:1-45). John is usually described by scholars as the most theological of the gospels largely because of the questions and controversies raised by these miracles and the teachings of Jesus concerning his true identity and his mission in this world. John states that his purpose in writing about all these events is so that people will believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, in order that they may have life in his name (20:30-31). John also records the 7 "I AM" sayings of Jesus: I am the bread of life (6:35); I am the light of the world (8:12); I am the gate for the sheep (10:7); I am the good shepherd (10:11); I am the resurrection and the life (11:25); I am the way and the truth and the life (14:6); I am the true vine (15:1). It is also interesting to know that John uses some form of the verb "believe" 98 times in his gospel and usually in the present tense indicating active and continuing trust in Jesus. As a result of this emphasis, the gospel of John is often recommended as essential reading for seekers who want to learn about Jesus and for new believers who want to grow in their faith. Verses that are favorites for memorizing include: 1:1; 1:14; 3:3; 3:16; 4:24; 8:32; 10:10; 13:35; 17:3 and 17. that Jesus has set an example for us so that we should follow in his steps (2:21). Peter also explained that we should always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks for a reason for the hope that we have (3:15). Other great passages in this letter include: 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2:9-10; 3:12; 4:10-11; 4:16; and 5:5-7.

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The Oasis Road Travel Guide for the Book of Romans

The New Testament letter known to us as Romans has been called the most important letter ever written. It is the most complete teaching on the subject of salvation in all of the New Testament. The spiritual impact of Romans has shaped the eternal destiny of many millions of people around the world and it can still change lives today! The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Rome around 57 AD while he was on his third missionary journey. Although Paul had planned many times to travel there, he had not yet been able to make the trip (1:8-10). Paul desired to work in Rome so that he could reap a spiritual harvest among them (1:11-13). But in the mean time, Paul was making the most of his opportunity to visit several churches in Greece and Macedonia in order to collect an offering to help needy disciples living in Jerusalem (15:25-28; Acts 24:17). He then hoped to visit Rome on his way to Spain (15:23-33). Rome was the capital city of the Roman empire and therefore its most important city. The church in Rome was probably established by Jewish pilgrims who had travelled to Jerusalem for the Festival of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12) and had responded in faith when the apostles preached the good news about Jesus, the promised Messiah and Savior (Acts 2:36-41). When these new disciples returned to Rome they would have been eager to share this message with their relatives and neighbors thus enabling the church to take root and grow in the very center of pagan power. The theme of Romans is the righteousness of God (1:16-17) and Paul develops this theme as he explains the plan of God to save both Jews and Gentiles on the basis of faith in Jesus, the Messiah. Paul's reasoning progresses along these essential lines: 1) All people are sinners and deserve to be punished for their sins (3:9-20); 2) God judges sin and punishes it in Jesus who is the substitute for sinners (3:21-24); 3) God maintains his justice and his righteousness even though he forgives sinners who put their faith and trust in the Messiah and his atoning work for them (3:25-26). These great truths help us to resolve 2 issues regarding salvation: 1) How could a God of justice punish sin and yet still save sinners? and 2) How could a God of justice not punish sinners and yet still be righteous? The answer is found in Jesus the Messiah! God is righteous and God declares that all believers are righteous because they are trusting in Jesus to save them (3:28-30). Martin Luther said that he felt himself to be reborn after studying the book of Romans in preparation to teach a class of students at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. Luther was influenced so strongly by the message of this letter to the church at Rome that he was compelled to take the actions which launched a movement that reformed the church of his time. The spiritual impact of "Romans" is still continuing to change the course of history for individuals, and churches, and nations around the world.

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THE OASIS ROAD *

Spiritual Rest and Refreshment

as You Walk by Faith thru the Adventures of Life!

April 5 April 12 April 19 April 26 May 3

Matthew 21 Matthew 26 Hebrews 3 Hebrews 8 Hebrews 13

Matthew 22 Matthew 27 Hebrews 4 Hebrews 9 James 1

Matthew 23 Matthew 28 Hebrews 5 Hebrews 10 James 2

Matthew 24 Hebrews 1 Hebrews 6 Hebrews 11 James 3

Matthew 25 Hebrews 2 Hebrews 7 Hebrews 12 James 4

May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 June 7

James 5 1 Peter 5 John 2 John 7 John 12

1 Peter 1 2 Peter 1 John 3 John 8 John 13

1 Peter 2 2 Peter 2 John 4 John 9 John 14

1 Peter 3 2 Peter 3 John 5 John 10 John 15

1 Peter 4 John 1 John 6 John 11 John 16

June 14 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12

John 17 Romans 1 Romans 6 Romans 11 Romans 16

John 18 Romans 2 Romans 7 Romans 12 1 Corinthians 1

John 19 Romans 3 Romans 8 Romans 13 1 Corinthians 2

John 20 Romans 4 Romans 9 Romans 14 1 Corinthians 3

John 21 Romans 5 Romans 10 Romans 15 1 Corinthians 4

July 19 July 26 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 Aug. 16

1 Corinthians 5 1 Corinthians 10 1 Corinthians 15 2 Corinthians 4 2 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 11 1 Corinthians 16 2 Corinthians 5 2 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 12 2 Corinthians 1 2 Corinthians 6 2 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 8 1 Corinthians 13 2 Corinthians 2 2 Corinthians 7 2 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 9 1 Corinthians 14 2 Corinthians 3 2 Corinthians 8 2 Corinthians 13

Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sep. 6 Sep. 13 Sep. 20

1 John 1 2 John 1 Revelation 3 Revelation 8 Revelation 13

1 John 2 3 John 1 Revelation 4 Revelation 9 Revelation 14

1 John 3 Jude 1 Revelation 5 Revelation 10 Revelation 15

1 John 4 Revelation 1 Revelation 6 Revelation 11 Revelation 16

1 John 5 Revelation 2 Revelation 7 Revelation 12 Revelation 17

September 27

Revelation 18 Revelation 19 Revelation 20 Revelation 21 Revelation 22

* This Part of the Oasis Road will Take You on A Journey thru the New Testament

1 Chapter / Day for 5 Days / Week for 1 Year

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SHERWOOD CHURCH – SUNDAY MORNINGS IN JUNE

If for any reason you need to cancel or switch weeks, you may make arrangements for a replacement for yourself. Please also contact the church office by phone 892-7958 or by email to

mcgonnell.matt@gmail.com or sherwoodchurch.office@gmail.com

Thank you for your service!

Welcome Hosts Ushers / Information

7 Garnet Taylor 7 David Rancourt / Joe Rowledge

14 Stephen & Colby Lewis 14 Allison Weeks / Paul Stevenson

21 Jacquie Laird 21 Mike Murphy / Ron Doyle

28 Merrill Carew 28 Joel MacNeill / Stephen Lewis

Presiding Assisting Servers for the Month

7 David Rancourt 367-1677

Joel MacNeill

368-9373

Merrill Carew (Captain) 964-3106

14 Harley McCarville

626-7490

Tom Starr

569-3691

Joe Rowledge 894-9480

21 Paul Norris

569-3820

Stephen Lewis

394-2134

John MacLauchlan 676-2982

28 Philip Burt

892-8414

Paul Stevenson

569-5880

Stephen Lewis 394-2134

Jacques Rancourt 672-1479

James Nicholson 566-1134

Sound Booth Power Point

7 Philip Burt 7 Danielle McGonnell

14 Garnet Taylor 14 Assistant

21 Philip Burt 21 Danielle McGonnell

28 Harley McCarville 28 Assistant

Morning Prayer Nursery

7 Paul Stevenson 569-5880 7 Peggy Jo Myers

14 Paul Norris 569-3820 14 Evelyn Stevenson

21 Harley McCarville 626-7490 21 Shelley Parkman

28 John Herring 367-5427 28 Pansy Webster

Junior Church Building Close / Lock Up

7 Wacky World of Water 7 Merrill Carew

14 Wacky World of Water 14 Jacques Rancourt

21 Wacky World of Water 21 John Herring

28 Wacky World of Water 28 Brenda Boyle

Shut-in Communion – Jamie & Penny Carew