From Me To You








By Lecia Retter
Pastor, Childrens Ministries


When I was in high school and college, David and Marcile Leach (Crandall) were my pastors. Their license plate read "1+1=3." It caught my eye every time I pulled into the parking lot. I never asked them what it meant, but in my mind I assumed that when you were married and God was a part of it there were three of you instead of two. As an adult, I've come to realize that for me it means that kingdom principles are different. Often the things God calls us to do don't look the least bit logical.

Recently a friend "wondered what happened" that caused me to resign from my position here at NFC. My friend was concerned that the church had failed me somehow. 1+1=3 happened. No one failed me. There truly is no big mystery, other than the mystery that happens when we sign a contract with God. You might know the contract. At the top of the page it states, I will obey God. The mid-section of the page is left blank for God to fill in as he wills. At the bottom is a place for your signature.

The idea is that we sign a contract with God and agree to absolute obedience before knowing what he will call us to do. Signing the contract means we choose to be willing to live into God's will before it is even released. We give up all of our future options to him and agree that we only need to know he is in it before we agree. We say "yes" before God speaks. 1+1=3.

This happened in my life. A few months ago I felt led to ask God if I was still called to children's ministries. Through times of prayer, a personal retreat, reviewing past journals, and watching the Spirit work in the interaction of my life with others, God's part of the contract for this point in my life became a little more clear. I know I am to spend time studying, writing, and preparing to speak. Much of the contract is still blank, but that's okay. I am very confident that God is in it.

Read the rest of this article in
the September 5th issue of Your NFC.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept 7   Labor Day BBQ Picnic
on the church lawn
Sept 8   Intercessory prayer
9 a.m. | Barclay C
Sept 11   Women's Bible Fellowship
8:45 a.m. | Social Hall
Sept 13   Men's Prayer Meeting
8 a.m. | Room 238
Sept 12-15   Adult Fellowship Camp
Twin Rocks Friends Camp
Sept 14   Quarterly Business Meeting
6 p.m. | Sanctuary
Sept 25   Friends Women Retreat
Twin Rocks Friends Camp
Sept 27   Selah
a seminar for women | GeorgeFox.edu
For information on these events, contact the church office

MOST RECENT ADDITIONS

6 Sept 08

 September 5 Your NFC added

30 Aug 08

 Listening Life Groups updated

25 Aug 08

 Updated Kids Sunday Opportunities

9 Aug 08

 Women's Bible Fellowship fall topic
2006 © 2008, Newberg Friends Church     Update: 6 Sept 08 Site Maintenance: Emidor