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where God meets world . . . that's sanctuary

meeting sundays 1010am @ hollywood blvd. theater in woodridge

December 15, 2009 - 3:28pm

has anyone seen Jesus?


Last week, I got a phone call from a friend.  She was so excited; I could feel the energy pouring through the phone.  This time of year, such excitement is usually a result of finding the perfect gift for Aunt Freda.  Or finding a parking space within walking distance of the store.  But my friend’s excitement was from a different source:  “I shared my faith at work”, she enthused.  And then she went on to tell me how a casual acquaintance of hers was struggling with life issues and had opened up to her.  “Before I even knew what was happening, I was sharing how God had helped me through some hard times”, she told me.  “We had a great conversation, and I think it made a difference.”

When I hung up with my friend, I knew that I had just encountered Christ in our conversation.  We have been encouraged to keep track of these encounters and to record them during face2face time at Sanctuary each week.  Here are the encounters that have been recorded in the past two weeks:

I have encountered Jesus . . .

            chatting with my widowed neighbor

            helping a friend in need with things He has given to me

            opening a door to invite some friends to Sanctuary

            Bible verse under (football player) Tim Tebow’s eyes: John 16:33

            the love between friends at a gathering earlier this week

            watching the baby of an unwed mother  during her job interview

            a prayer was answered

            letting go of others pain and sorrow.  “It is finished” said the Lord

            through drawing a friend to Bible study

            through being there for a friend who has lost the meaning of life

            through the birth of Luke William

 I hope you are as encouraged as I was to read about all the ways Jesus is showing up in our daily lives.  And I pray that you will find him today as well.  And maybe you will encourage others by recording it during face2face time next Sunday at Sanctuary.

Christmas blessings to you!

submitted by kate lehman

November 30, 2009 - 5:33pm

The Advent Conspiracy Is Coming Dec. 6


 

November 30, 2009 - 4:54pm

The Twilight Miracle

Just this past week, Pastor James, some elders, and some Sanctuary members sat and prayed to God. We prayed that the Lord help us to reach more people, to help us spread His love, and to help us serve Him better through our services.

Well, God answered our prayers. Anyone who was at Sanctuary this morning saw the line of Twilight Saga: New Moon fans. There were pre-teen girls, teenage girls, high school girls, college girls, moms, and dragged along boyfriends. Some of these people were there as early as 8am just to see the movie and meet one of the actors.

This was an opportunity to reach people, and that is just what we did. Jim made a run to Dunkin Donuts for coffee, hot chocolate, and donut holes. Then we went up and down the line a few times offering the Twilight fans a snack and a warm drink. We also extended an invitation for them to come back next Sunday or any other Sunday, for worship.

"What is your cause or what do you believe in?" This is the question we were asked to discuss this week during service. Various answers were shared, all with great care and passion behind them. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I felt the vigor created in the room as each person stated what they stood behind. The more we care, the more people we will be able to reach. We are God's hands at work, and all we have to do is care.

submitted by Adrian Bibzak

November 18, 2009 - 10:45am

This Really Hurts

This economy thing is a total mess.  But it's more than just a national crisis; it's personal.

Two weeks ago, two people from sanctuary lost their jobs.  Last week, someone else lost another job.  In two weeks, good friends are packing up and moving across the country for work.  People I know; people you know.  All of us smothered in the overwhelming fear that things aren't about to change any time soon.

Now I'm no economist; I'm a pastor.  So while I don't know P/E's from S&P's and GDP's, I do know shepherds and sheep.  And even more specifically I know the Good Shepherd.  Therefore, it is no coincidence that we were slowly following our Good Shepherd Jesus through Psalm 23 this fall.  Because in the 23rd Psalm, God has a Word for us when it really hurts. 

When we wonder just how we're going to make it,
   God says, "I am your Shepherd."
When we suffer to live with less,
   God says, "You shall not want."
When we go without out of necessity,
   God says, "I will lead you to green pastures."
When we break because we just can't take anymore,
   God says, "I restore your soul."
When we leave to follow new roads,
   God says, "I guide in paths of righteousness."
When we fear the terror that darkens our soul,
   God says, "Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you need fear no evil, for I am with you."

I know you're hurting; with all the brokenness around, we all are.  But the promise of our God is that our Good Shepherd Jesus is with us, and he will lead us safety.  And the only way any of us will know where He's leading, is if we spend time with the Shepherd.  This holiday season, I encourage you to walk with your Shepherd:  from the Thankful Heart of Thanksgiving, to the Joy of the Savior's Birth, walk with your Shepherd and He will restore your soul.

November 3, 2009 - 1:22pm

2nd Sunday @ Ricobene's

We'll gather @ Ricobene's right after church on Sunday, Nov. 8 for steak sandwiches, pizza, dogs, burgers, fries, it's all good.  Located next to the Panera and Walmart on 75th street (map here). Bring your appetite!

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