God's Transforming Power

It's amazing to witness and to hear how God has transformed a life. The Lord delights in changing lives and giving new life to those who will hand over their lives to Him. Be blessed as you meet our friend Kevin and hear about the amazing things Jesus has done in his life!

You can listen in right here.

No Questions

Do you ever tell the LORD, "Who me? ... But I couldn't ... You don't really want me to ..." That is exactly what Mo did in Exodus chapter 4. You see God had called him to go to Pharaoh have a little chat and then lead God's people out of Egypt. Mo's response to God is so like ours... "Oh, uh I can't ... (you fill in what God wants you to do here) because ... (you can fill in your own reason here)." Did God ask Mo for an excuse? No. Did God as Mo to question? No. Did God ask Mo to go? Yes! Often when God speaks to us we say, "Uh... but... really... did you think about... I'm not sure..." Let's knock it off! When God speaks, just say Yes! No questions. So what you think you can't - God obviously thinks you can otherwise He wouldn't of asked. You may not be adequate in and of yourself, but with the power of God's Holy Spirit in you, you are more than adequate to do whatever God asks you to do. So next time God asks you to do something don't say, "But..." rather say, "Yes!" "...We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

His Adventure

I love adventures and surprises because you never know what is going to happen next. Do you ever feel like you want to get away from the normalcy of everyday life and take an adventure? Well, a few weeks back I was praying with a friend and she used an interesting phrase in talking with the LORD. She thanked the LORD for letting us be a part of HIS ADVENTURE. I thought that was a wonderful, empowering and exciting way to phrase our walk with the LORD!

The LORD tells us in His Word that He will lead us step by step (Proverbs 3:6, Psalm 119:105). He also tells us that He is both the Author and the Perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). So why is it that I have such a hard time trusting in the LORD day to day? Why do I worry? - I guess because I am human, but actually because I am trying to have my own adventure instead of living in God's adventure. You see God's plans are so much better than mine - His adventure has a better storyline than mine. His adventure has better characters than mine. His adventure has a better setting than mine. His adventure even has better hair, make-up, and clothing than mine. His adventure is so grand, why do I think my adventure is even worth comparing?

Are you looking for some excitement? Are you feeling a little dull? Are you uncertain of your future or tired of trying to figure it out? Give up trying to make your own adventure for your life and start living (really living) - live in HIS ADVENTURE!

Jesus Feast

Feasting with Jesus -- the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is certainly worth waiting for. Yet, what about now? In the reality which is Jesus, shouldn't we be able to feast now? The meal that He left us, the bread and the wine, isn't there more than what can often be snacky-symbolism? The very name we often give it, communion (common-union), doesn't that just sound like something we long for in Jesus and with Jesus-like people?

We've enjoyed 'Jesus Feasting' in smaller settings, but this is the first time we've been able to invite the whole of Countryside to feast together in Jesus. Set aside the evening of Sunday, April 30. Let's see Jesus together.

Mark Now Available on MP3 Audio Commentary

The book of Mark is now available on MP3. Pick up your copy today in the Encouraging Words Boodstore.

Garden Sacrifices and Burnt Offerings BBQ

It's here again! This Sunday we're holding the Garden Sacrifices and Burnt Offerings BBQ, following the morning worship service. Come enjoy the food as we gather together for a wonderful time of fellowship.

Spring Cleaning

Contagious?

Are you contagious? I know, I know - a lot of people have been sick this year at the Fellowship, but that is not what I am talking about. I want to know - Are you contagious for Jesus? Are you infectious with His love?

You see I have been wondering - Do people catch Jesus from me? If you stop and really ask yourself this question the answer may challenge you to become contagious - even infectious. You know, I really wonder... When people catch my attitudes - would they belong to Jesus? When people see my actions - would they belong to Jesus? When people hear my words - would they belong to Jesus? If people could read my mind (Thank God they can't at times!) - would my thoughts be those that Jesus would of had? How would you answer those questions about yourself? Hmmm...

The thing is this - we are all contagious, but what are we passing on to others? So think about it - instead of just being contagious, be contagious with Jesus because Jesus is a wonderful thing to catch!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3:15

Easter Week at Countryside

Sunday, April 9 - Palm Sunday - Triumphal Entry
Nisan 10, Lamb Selected
Matthew 21:1-11
Exodus 12:3-5
Psalm 118:25-26
Zechariah 9:9

Monday, April 10
Nisan 11
Matthew 21:10-17

Tuesday, April 11
Nisan 12
Mark 11:27-13:37

Wednesday, April 12 - Last Supper
Nisan 13, Passover Eve
John 13:1-30
Luke 22:7-23
Zechariah 11:12-13

Thursday, April 13 - Crucifixion
Nisan 14, Passover
Matthew 27:1-66
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 22

Friday, April 14 - Good Friday
Nisan 15, Feast of Unleavened Bread
Isaiah 53
Exodus 12:15-20
Leviticus 23:4-6

Saturday, April 15
Nisan 16, Sabbath
John 19:38-42
Leviticus 23:3

Sunday, April 16 - Resurrection Day
Nisan 17, Feast of First Fruits
John 20:1-31
Leviticus 23:9-14
1 Corinthians 15

The dates of the Jewish calendar don’t necessarily coincide with our calendar every year. The Jewish dates that you see are those that would have been the year of Christ’s crucifixion.

Easter at Countryside

Come unto Me...

Last Sunday, Cameron Sweeney shared with the Fellowship a short testimony about what the Lord has been doing in her life. As a Body, we have an opportunity to be encouraged by the Lord when we share what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives. We also have the privilege of encouraging and spurring others on towards love and good deeds as we acknowledge the great things God has done and bear witness to His hand on each of our lives.

Listen to Cameron’s testimony by clicking here: Be encouraged!

The Lord Bless You!

Family Campout 2006

Mark you calendars for this year’s Family Campout.

Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time is here again. Don't forget to set your clocks ahead this Saturday night.

Jesus transforms us...

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony… Revelation 12:11

A couple of weeks ago, Terry Odle shared with Countryside his testimony. Terry recently gave his life to the Lord and has experienced a wonderful transformation since his encounter with Jesus. As a Fellowship we were built up by the obvious faithfulness and love shown to Terry by God. You can listen in by clicking on this link: Terry Odle

It’d be our prayer that you too would be encouraged and built up by listening to Terry’s testimony. May you find that God has truly been with you and faithful to you thus far...

May God Bless you!

Father's House THIS SUNDAY!

Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. — Psalm 134:1-2

This Sunday Night, 7:00 p.m.

in the Sanctuary

One of the greatest privileges we have as children of God is the opportunity and ability to minister to the LORD through worship. So, we’ll be gathering this Sunday specifically to bless and seek the LORD in worship. As we pour our hearts out to the LORD, we’re given the freedom to express our love for Jesus. That could mean anything from being moved to stand with our hands raised or to kneel in reverence. Whatever form our worship takes, it’ll be our desire to allow His Spirit to freely move in and upon us so that we lovingly touch His heart and bless His Name. Father's House begins at 7:00 this Sunday night. This service is an excellent opportunity to teach our younger, school aged kids what a joy it is to worship our King. So, come and we'll minister to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Johnson House is here!!

Travis, Aaron & Alillia make up the vocal trio "Johnson House," based out of Southern California. Using just their voices this trio produces a sweet and unique sound. Come and listen to the music of these three artists at 7:00 p.m. this Friday night, in Encouraging Words Coffeehouse.

A Simple Message About Jesus

A local brother in Christ has responded to the Lord's call on him and has been producing yard signs for Christmas and Easter, with a very simple message about Jesus! If you'd like one or more, contact Al, 513-0847. Each sign costs $3.50.

Pre Spring Cleaning

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is the 40-day season preceding Easter, given to remembering the death we’re due (because of sin) and repentance. It culminates with Resurrection Sunday (other Sundays do no count in the 40-days.) Ash Wednesday itself is frequently observed as a day of fasting and repentance for sin. It comes right after Fat Tuesday, part of the Mardi Gras festivities, which probably doesn’t need further explanation. Every Tuesday is a fat Tuesday...

Anyway, although churches like Countryside are not often given to commemorating days like Ash Wednesday, Christians have been remembering this day for centuries. It certainly doesn’t hurt to put the "preparation wheels" in motion for the celebration of new life which is just a few weeks away.

This morning, after Morning Worship, we considered Peter’s Words from Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” And the following prayer from The Book of Common Prayer.

Most holy and merciful Father.

We confess to you and to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven. Have mercy on us, Lord.

We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved your Holy Spirit. Have mercy on us, Lord.

We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives.

We confess to you, Lord. Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of other people.

We confess to you, Lord. Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves.

We confess to you, Lord. Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work.

We confess to you, Lord. Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to commend the faith that is in us. We confess to you, Lord.

Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty.

Accept our repentance, Lord. For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us.

Accept our repentance, Lord. For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us.

Accept our repentance, Lord. Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us; Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in us the work of your salvation, That we may show forth your glory in the world. By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord, Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

May the Lord do a refreshing work in us in the weeks ahead!

— Pastor Terry

Soar with the LORD

We can fly through life when we depend wholly on the LORD. Isaiah 40:31 says, “… those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Have you felt like your strength has needed to be renewed? Have you been weary? Have you been faint? If your answer is “YES!” to any of those questions ask yourself “Why?” Often when I answer those questions yes, I find that my hope is not really in the LORD. Rather than hope in the LORD I am worried or concerned about …(you know life!). The LORD tells us to cast all of our cares on Him for He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). Do we choose to soar with the LORD or be sunk by the cares of this world? It is really our choice. We must choose to cast our cares on the LORD and put our hope in the Him moment by moment and day by day so that we might soar. Today – instead of worrying or being anxious soar with the LORD!