JICC

This blog has moved!

2011-12-22T14:23:00.002-05:00

The church will no longer be using this blog. All of our announcements and information will now go directly to the new church website.

Our blog address has moved to: www.jicc.us/blog

Anne Weisenberger

2011-12-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

Anne Weisenberger died early Friday morning from complications from an 18 year battle with cancer. She and her husband, David, have been faithful members of our church for many years and she is the twin sister of Carol Herndon who is on our housekeeping staff.

There will be a visitation and viewing at McCalister's funeral home on Hwy 17 in West Ashley on Sunday from 4-6 p.m and a graveside memorial service at Old St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Hwy 61 in West Ashley on Monday at 10:30 a.m. You can read the full obituary here.

Please keep David, their son Bobby, Warren and Carol, and the rest of their family in your prayers.

MIssionaries are Rich

2011-12-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

Many Americans have the impression that missionaries are poor. There may be a bit of truth in this if we are compared only to our North American friends. As missionaries in the developing world, however, we are frequently confronted with the real truth that no matter how much we have "given up" to go to Africa, we have so much more than most people in the world. I remember being very sobered when I realized that the ball of mozzarella cheese that I bought for our Friday night pizza in Kenya cost more than most Kenyans make in a day. Continue reading full article ...

Update on my mom

2011-12-06T06:03:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give everyone an brief update on my mom ...

Thanks so much for praying for her. She has been doing great. She is in the hospital right now for her 4th and final chemo treatment. Physically, she has responded well to the treatment and had minimal side effects.

For the sake of clarity, I thought I would let you some more specifics. In all her scans before her treatment, the doctors could not find any cancer in her body. These treatments were precautionary -- to kill any cancerous cells that they do not know about it. As far as the doctors are concerned, she does not have any cancer in her body. So, after this week, she will just go on a regular cycle of scans. Other than that, she's already healed. We praise God for that! I think in all my asking for prayer for her that we did not make that clear.

Here's how you can pray: Continued strength during this last treatment, that her body would recover quickly, and that all her scans from here on out woutld continulaly to be clean.

We are looking forward to Christmas break with mom not on treatments and being able to enjoy her grandkids again. Thanks for your prayers everyone!
- Pastor Russ

Baptism Service Tomorrow!

2011-12-03T18:39:00.002-05:00

Join us for our Baptism Service tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. We get to celebrate tranformed lives. It's going to be awesome! See you then.

Check us out tonight at 10 a.m. and give!

2011-12-02T20:24:00.001-05:00

Check out what our friends at River Church are doing to feed kids over Christmas Break!

Join us online at 10 pm tonight. I will be up on a crane above the West Ashley Walmart. You can watch your pastor freeze and hopefully raise a lot of money in the process!

Join us and give: http://www.lovegave.com/livecharleston/index.html

--Pastor Russ

Welcome to world, Reese

2011-11-20T15:11:00.002-05:00

Here's the picture of baby girl #2 from this week.
Reese Elanor Dudgeon
11.16.11 8:26 PM
8 lb 5 oz / 22 inches
Congratulations Wes and Mandi!

Lorann and baby are doing good!

2011-11-17T07:27:00.000-05:00

Lorann's surgery was a success. She and baby Meg are doing good. Please pray for her rest and strength as she recovers. (we also have another girl born within hours of Meg ... Reese Eleanor Dudgeon -- picture to come. Congratulations to Wes and Mandi!)

Margaret Elizabeth Cook
8 lbs 4 oz / 20.5"

Pray for Lorann Cook

2011-11-16T21:12:00.000-05:00

Please pray for Lorann Cook right now (the wife of our worship leader, Jason, and my cousin).
She is in surgery right now due to complications from her delivery earlier this evening.
(good news: they had their first girl after 3 boys ... total surprise!)

Pray for Chris and Paige Stark

2011-10-30T13:46:00.000-04:00

Please pray for Chris and Paige Stark who are missionaries in Bangkok, Thailand that our church supports. Here's what they sent to us:

Dear Friends and Family,
Bangkok's 12 million residents are now being warned of flood water up to 5 feet in their area which could take as long as one month or more to recede. Supermarkets are trying desperately to keep shelves stocked as people rush to buy drinking water and food. Thailand is now facing a crisis situation. It is very sad, and very serious.
Continue reading the full letter

How about we pray right now?

2011-10-29T21:07:00.000-04:00

Alright. This is Pastor Russ writing for some prayer. Here's the deal, I have 3 family members at Roper Hospital right now ...
-- My mom is in for round two of chemo (doing great!)
-- My uncle Walt has Pancreatitis -- It is super painful -- they are trying to get swelling down to do surgery
-- My brother-in-law Dylan just had to have an emergency appendectamy (surgery was a success)

In addition ...
-- Russ Bennett's grandmoather just passed away a few hours ago from an infection
-- Just found out Ryan Watkins and family are sick and he is responsibile for our production team on Sunday morning.

That's what I know about. I'm sure there are more things to pray about, but it just seemed like a good moment to send out a blog! It was also a good challenge for me not to just tritely say "I'm praying for you" and not pray. So, I'm just going to pray now. Please join me.

Reflecting on Psalm 24 and God's strength in battle.
-- Pastor Russ

Psalm 24:7-9
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
   And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
8Who is this King of glory?
   The LORD, strong and mighty,
   the LORD, mighty in battle!
9Lift up your heads, O gates!
   And lift them up, O ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.

Last Home Football Game Tonight

2011-10-28T14:28:00.001-04:00

The Lions play their last regular season home game tonight against Coastal Christian. Come support them men as they play! Game starts at 7:30 PM at Ft. Johnson Middle School.

Ms. Louise passed away

2011-10-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

Ms. Louise went home to be with Jesus yesterday morning.
The service to celebrate her life will be on Tuesday at noon at Stuhr's in West Ashley. This time will serve as the only visitation for family and friends.

Sunday Follow-up and Prayer Update

2011-10-16T20:22:00.000-04:00

Praise God for lives changed this morning!

A few updates for you:
-- Baby Barnabas is doing much better. He is off the ventelator! He is getting progressively better but the doctors still do not know what caused this. Please pray for his wisdom for them and for his continued healing.
-- Mom did not end up coming home today. She had a sever headache. Just talked to her and she is feeling better. Should be home tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers!

HERE is the list of Scritptures I read from this morning on the glory of God.

Peace.
-Pastor Russ

Prayer for the Boatwrights

2011-10-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

Church family--
Please join us in prayer for the Boatwright family. Brent and Daisey had their first child, a son - Barnabas Shepherd, last night via emergency c-section. The baby has had difficulty breathing and has had heart complications. They have transferred him to MUSC children's hospital while Daisey is still recovering at Trident. Lots of prayers needed here ... for healing for the baby, for strength and peace for Daisy and Brent as they are all separated.

We will post here if there are any other needs the family has.

God hears our prayers, church! Let's cry out to Him on behalf of our friends.
-Pastor Russ

New song from Sunday

2011-10-10T10:19:00.000-04:00

You can buy it on itunes here.

New Breakfast Time Tomorrow!

2011-10-08T15:49:00.000-04:00

In order to better accomodate the flow of all of our people, we have moved breakfast to 9:45-10:15 a.m. All of the food will be taken up at 10:10. Please help us make this adjustment. Use the extra time to get into the Sanctuary early to meet our guests and to prepare your heart for worship. (and on your way, make sure you tell the Kitchen Crew how much we appreiate them!)

See you tomorrow --
Pastor Russ

FIRST WEDNESDAY this week!

2011-10-04T22:30:00.002-04:00

Join us the week for First Wednesday.

5:30 - Dinner

6:30
** Special break-out session for students in theLOFT to plan Light the Night
- Children's ministry breakout
- Adults in the sanctuary for worship, teaching, and prayer.

See you then!

HOME FOOTBALL GAME TONIGHT!!!

2011-09-30T09:17:00.000-04:00

Come out tonight to support the JICS Lions for their home game against Wardlaw Academy. Game starts at 7:30PM at Ft. Johnson Middle School.

New Series begins this Sunday!

2011-09-27T15:14:00.000-04:00

Help the Bennetts move

2011-09-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

The "new Russ" and his family are moving into their apartment tomorrow (Friday) morning at 11 a.m. They are moving into Riverland Woods Apartments (beside Walmart on Folly Road). If you can help out, send me an email at russ@jicc.us ... or you can just show up. If you don't see the U-Haul, just call me at 452-4626.
-- "old" Russ

People who are sent

2011-09-01T11:07:00.000-04:00

This a great (and short) article about how a slight change in our wording completely changes our perspective. It's worth 5 minutes of your time ...

-Russ

Getting the Accent Right: "Not of . . . But Sent Into"
“In. . . but not of” — are you familiar with this popular phrase? It captures a truth about Jesus’ followers. We are “in” this world, but not “of” it.

“In. . . but not of.” Yes, yes, of course.

But might this pithy slogan give the wrong impression about our (co)mission in this world as Christians? You see, the motto seems to give the drift, We are in this world, alas, but we need to make sure that we’re not of it. In this scheme, the starting place is our unfortunate condition of being “in” this world. Sigh. And our mission, it appears, is to not be “of” it. The force is moving away from the world. “Shucks, we’re frustratingly stuck in this ole world, but let’s marshal our best energies to not be of it.” It’s an emphasis that’s sometimes needed.

But we’d do well to run stuff like this through biblical texts. And on this one in particular, we do well to turn to John 17, where Jesus is using these “in” and “not off” categories. So what’s Jesus’ sentiment on the whole thing? CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST

New Series starts this Sunday!

2011-08-25T15:58:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to finally be back in the groove of a sermon series. In these next five weeks, we are going to look at the passage of Jesus in the temple from Luke chapter 2. The messages will be for more than just teenagers and their parents. We will be talking about the things the community of faith MUST pass on to the next generation. I honestly think it's going to be pretty eye-opening for a lot of people as we discuss the incredible gift we have in our teens and the incredible challenge we have to prepare them for the future. Make sure you're there!

This week is also the "Blessing of the School" service. Be sure to welcome our faculty, staff, and visiting families from the school. Also, we probably will have a lot of people, so come to the front and sit close together to leave plenty of extra room for those who come in later.

See you then!
-Pastor Russ

Lion's Win Opener!

2011-08-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

The JICS Varsity Football team opened up the 2011 season with a 35 - 18 win over the visiting Titans of Trinity Collegiate. After a tight, scoreless 1^st quarter, both teams put numbers on the board in the 2^nd quarter. JICS opened the scoring with a 53 yd TD run by J'Quan Scott. The Lions were successful on the two point conversion and then had the lead at 8 - 0. Trinity's Rutledge Shock intercepted a JICS pass and ran it back 13 yards for the first score for the Titans. Their two point conversion failed and JICS would hold the lead 8 - 6. J'Quan Scott added another TD run in the 2^nd quarter, this one for 75 yards and Capers Lever followed with a successful run for the 2 point conversion giving the Lions a 16 - 6 lead. Trinity would answer with an impressive 57 yard TD reception by Shock, but JICS would deny the two point conversion attempt and hold the score at 16 - 12. JICS QB J'Quan Scott threw a pass that was batted up into the air and then retrieved the pass himself carrying it 41 yards for his 3^rd TD of the 1^st half. The Lions were unable to make the conversion, but would hold the lead at halftime 22 - 12. Just as the game started with a scoreless 1^st quarter, both teams would come out strong defensively and the third quarter became a stall with neither team adding points to the board. JICS would open up the 4^th quarter with two touchdowns to give them a strong cushion. Tyler Yoon added his first TD of the season on the back of a 19 yd run and JICS would get one more TD from J'Quan Scott, this one on a 41 yd run. Griffin Reeder would add the extra point and JICS would hold a commanding 35 to 12 lead late in the 4^th quarter. The Titans of Trinity Collegiate did not give up and came back with a late score of their own behind a 20 yd TD reception by Josh Lesane. JICS denied the two point conversion one last time and the final score was JICS 35, Trinity 18.

Outstanding Performances:

J'Quan Scott: 200 yds rushing and 3 TD's on 12 carries, and 41 TD reception. On defense, 4 tackles, 1 TFL, and INT, and 2 passes defended

Tyler Yoon: 168 yds rushing and a TD on 16 carries. On defense, 4.5 tackles and an INT.

Alex Black: 13 tackles, 1 TFL, and a pass defended.

Ben Hamilton: 5.5 total tackles including 3 sacks and a TFL for a loss of 27 yards.

Griffin Reeder: 2 receptions for 60 yards. On defense, 8 tackles.

Update on my mom

2011-08-17T14:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks for everyone's prayers for my mom's surgery. I've had so many people ask about it, I thought I would put something on the blog. The surgery was very long yesterday (10 hours) and the doctors were able to do exactly what they anticipated. Some of you might have heard mid-surgery that she MAY have to have her kidney out. That did not end up being the case. Both kidneys are still safe and sound inside of her body and we are thankful for that.

She is recovering in ICU through tonight and will be transferred to a regular room tomorrow. She should be out of the hospital by Monday and then home in Charleston by Wednesday. Thank you for continued prayers for her strength and also for my dad and the rest of the family. We are grateful to have such a supportive family of faith around us.

In Him -- Russ

JICS starts today!

2011-08-15T07:13:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of School!

Please pray for JICS ...
For our students, faculty, and for Mr. Schwartz.

First Wednesday

2011-08-02T14:50:00.000-04:00

Don't forget that this week is First Wednesday. I will be updating you on some new changes in the church staff as well as giving you some specific things to pray about as we move into the Fall. It will be a great time of worship, prayer, and celebration. Please join us!
-Pastor Russ

DETAILS:
Dinner starts at 5:30pm in
Dority Hall (menu below), and the service begins at 6:30 in the Sanctuary.
(Children's classes will be available during the meeting time.) If you have
signed up for automatic reservations, but are unable to attend, please email
your changes at karen@jicc.us.

Menu: Pizza and Jenn's garden salad, with applesauce for the kids, Iced Tea,
Lemonade, and dessert.

Important news about my family

2011-07-29T15:47:00.000-04:00

The blog has apparently been on vacation with me; I'm sorry for the lack of updating. The family is back and in full swing and we were really able to get some great rest. Thank you to everyone who prayed for our trip and for all those who stepped up to help with the worship services while I was out. I was introduced to a new couple in the church last week. They said how they had been "the last two weeks" and were ready to call JICC home. This was great news to me as I hadn't even been in town! It is great to know that our church is truly lead by a team of elders -- faithful men who I know I can trust.

On a completely separate note, I have some family business (my family) that I need to let you know about.

While we were in Michigan, doctors found and removed cancer from my mom's (Linda's) bladder. Since then, she has gone through multiple tests and scans which have not revealed anymore areas of concern. But because the particular cancer she had is so aggressive, they feel that the best and only treatment is to remove her bladder. She will be having this surgery in Charlotte within the next few weeks. The doctors will create a "neo-bladder" out of a piece of her intestines. After this, she will have to go through a round of chemotherapy. While this is a very serious diagnosis, the doctors believe that the treatment is very effective.

We are thankful for the doctors and their care, but we know that God is the the ultimate healer. Would you please pray with us for my mom's complete healing? At this point, nothing that they find or don't find in their tests will change the course of treatment, so here are a few specific things that you can pray for:

1. For strength for my mom as she prepares for the surgery and for wisdom for the doctors as they operate

2. For all of the cancer cells to be removed with the bladder and not to remain in her body

3. For her recovery after surgery and strength for her during the chemo treatment -- that she would be protected from the side effects.

4. For the rest of our family's health and strength. We are very accustomed to my mom serving us (she is an amazing woman), so it is a very big adjustment for us to have her need our care (instead of the other way around).

5. That we would all grow in our faith, trust, and confidence in God's care over our lives and his ability to work in powerful ways.

May His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

Thanks for your prayers and your support.

See you Sunday! I finally get to preach again.

-Pastor Russ

One more week

2011-07-14T15:24:00.000-04:00

Well ... it looks like it will be one more week before you see the family and me. In one of our more spontaneous moments, Jackie and I decided to take a quick trip up to Michigan to see her family. They still haven't met Lydia, and we really wanted to see them. Warren was already going to preach for me this weekend, so that didn't change at all. It is a great feeling to know that everything is so taken care of while we are away. So, until next week, I'm just going to continue to rough it up here in Michigan where it is 75 degrees and 0% humidity. I look forward to seeing you guys next week! The blog will probably not be updated until then ... but church and MAN Night and all the usuals will be going on. Thanks for your prayers! Rest is a gift from God, and we are enjoying it.
-Pastor Russ

This morning

2011-07-10T08:49:00.000-04:00

I'm about to leave my house this morning and am feeling compelled to write a few sentences. I'm not sure how many of you will read this before church, but it doesn't really matter.

Jackie and I start our vacation today. On our vacations, we love visiting other churches and seeing what God is doing around the world. This year, our vacation is actually at "stay-cation" and instead of visiting a church, I'm actually preaching. I will be speaking at River Church in West Ashley for my good buddy, Pastor Todd Magourek.

I thought it was a good opportunity to highlight two things:
1. I can preach freely in a church a few miles away because I know that they are not our "competition," they are our teammates. We are a better church because River Church is in our city.

2. Today is a great chance to remind everyone that we are an elder-lead church. One of our elders, Dolph, will be sharing some things the Lord has been challenging him with recently. What I love about this is that it really provides two lessons to the church: 1) What Dolph actually says and 2) The visual picture of the body of Christ at work as someone other than me shares.

If you read this before service, know that I am praying for you and that my heart is in two places today. If you read it after church ... well, I know that you have been blessed. Because our God is that good.
- Pastor Russ

Want to join the volleyball team?

2011-07-08T11:57:00.000-04:00

If you're interested in joining the church volleyball team, you can sign up in the church lobby.
Practice is from 4-6PM on Sundays at the church.
And, yes, we are the defending champions.

First Wednesday this week!

2011-07-05T16:25:00.002-04:00

Hi Church Family!

Don't forget that this week is First Wednesday. Dinner starts at 5:30pm in
Dority Hall (menu below), and the service begins at 6:30 in the Sanctuary.
(Children's classes will be available during the meeting time.) If you have
signed up for automatic reservations, but are unable to attend, please email
your changes at karen@jicc.us.

Menu: Pizza and Jenn's garden salad, with applesauce for the kids, Iced Tea,
Lemonade, and dessert.

Latest update from the Martin's

2011-07-01T15:15:00.002-04:00

http://wwwthemartins.blogspot.com/

Update on Gracie

2011-06-30T16:14:00.000-04:00

Gracie went home from the hospital today, but she still needs your prayers.
She is still experiencing swelling on her brain that is causing her eyes to spasm. The doctors have given her steroids and are hopeful that she will heal in the next few days. Please pray for her complete healing and for strength for Tommy and Katie as they care for her and their family.

Urgent Prayer Request for Gracie Martin

2011-06-29T16:59:00.000-04:00

Please pray for Gracie Martin. She had surgery to correct blood vessels in her brain (the last of multiple procedures she has had). Her brain is swelling and she has not recovered well from this procedure like she did previously. Please pray for Gracie, for the swelling in her brain to go down, and for complete healing. Please also pray for Tommy and Katie. Katie is in the very last days of pregnancy. Thank you for your prayers, church!

Camp Happy Days needs your help

2011-06-29T14:48:00.000-04:00

This is from Teresa, on of our members, who works for Camp Happy Days ...

Camp Happy Days (Helping Kids with Cancer) needs help this Friday, July 1st loading the trucks for camp.
We need has many people as possible to get everything loaded.

Where: 1622 Ashley Hall Rd. Charleston, SC 29407

Time: Friday, 11:00am - 5:00pm

Lunch will be provided

If you can not come the entire time, but a few hours that would be fine.

Contact Teresa Bishop if you are able to help teresa@camphappydays.com or (843) 571-4336

Thank you so much!

Teresa

Isaac is Home!

2011-06-29T08:02:00.000-04:00

From Laura ...

Kevin and Isaac made it home, after 24 hours of travel! Praise the Lord, Isaac did great the whole way home in the car too. Not a peep. He is still doing great. He came home and ran right to the playroom and took out and tested every toy we have. He loves the mini trampoline, and ate his dinner like a champ. He hasn't cried at all. Kevin said he is happier now than the whole week in ET. Koi is so good with him, I have never seen Isaac laugh so hard. It is adorable how silly they are being. It is 1 am his time and he is still going strong, happy as a clam. He took a bath with Caleb and loved it! The kids are wonderful with him. Kevin just had to go lay down. I am so proud of him. He has been a major trooper and deserves a little rest. It is funny, you'd just think that Isaac and Caleb were born twins. They are so cute together. Same size and everything. Caleb is picking up some Amharic, he is copying what Isaac says. So cute! Truly, it has only been a few hours, and I can not imagine life without him. He is finally where he was always meant to be. I love him SO much! He is a little sick still, so pray for him... green snot, cough, you know. Thanks!

I am really amazed at how well the day has gone. The Lord is so good to us!

Thank you for your prayers!! -- Laura

Beach Picnic and Baptism Tomorrow

2011-06-25T21:31:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that we will not be having Sunday School or Breakfast this Sunday due to our church picnic. We will be leaving immediately after the church service to go to Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island beach (directions to the Picnic Pavilion are at the Info Desk tomorrow or click here). We will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, tea, and paper products. We ask each family to bring an additional side dish (pasta salads, Mac & Cheese [with serving spoons], chips/dips and desserts, as well as soda's you prefer) for your family - plus one. If your dish requires refrigeration, you may drop it off in the church kitchen prior to service and pick it up on your way out to the picnic.

Please plan on wearing casual beach clothes, shorts, etc., to church, along with appropriate cover-ups. The Picnic Pavilion is reserved for us up to 9pm, for you and your family to enjoy a full day at the beach. See you then!

Update from Kevin in Ethiopia

2011-06-23T22:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone for all the prayers. Today was a better and an amazing day!! What made it truly amazing was how God had such a sweet gift for me today. When we went back to the transition home for our final talk with his doctor. We discovered that Kaylee, Isaac's sister was just dropped off at the home the day before and I was able to witness their reunion after over two years of separation. What a beautiful thing it was!! But wait it gets better... once I was introduced to her and she learned that I was Isaac's Dada she instantly became very attached to me. My heart was a big mushy mess!! we spent 3 great hours together. She seriously did not let go of me the whole time. When it was time for Isaac and I to leave it got very hard for me and her, many tears. I was able to get it translated to her that we are doing everything we can to get her home as soon as possible. Of course our number one thing is Prayer. We have seen God do amazing things because of all the prayer that has been lifted up over this adoption, He has been so good to us and we know it WILL continue. Thank you all so much for all your love and support.

Love Kevin

***Prayer update: please pray for favor with the court date for Kaylee (the older sister). They might get her first court date while Kevin is still in country. This would save him the normal two-trip process of adoption and get Kaylee back to the US sooner.

Please Pray for Kevin and Isaac McFarland

2011-06-22T20:31:00.000-04:00

Kevin McFarland left for Ethiopia on Tuesday to pick up his 3 year old adopted son, Isaac. When he arrived he found out that Isaac had bronchitis. Isaac has been spending time with Kevin at a hotel away from the orphanage and is very scared and has not been sleeping.
Please pray for:
-- Sleep and strength for both of them
-- Healing of Isaac's bronchitis
-- Peace for Isaac in his transition with his new parents
-- The flight back home -- that both of them will be able to rest
-- Laura and the children here in Charleston as they wait and prepare for the adjustments

Thank you for your prayers!

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

2011-06-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

I wanted to pass on a great sermon that I just heard from Pastor Tullian Tchividjian. Just a great reminder about the power of the gospel and reminding ourselves of it every day. Also, in light of what we talked about on Sunday, I would note that he is a grandson of Billy Graham. Seems like he's standing on someone's shoulders. Hope it blesses you! --Russ

Click HERE for the link -- then scroll down to 5.07.11
If you have i-tunes, you can click HERE.

5 Godly Ways to Be a Good Dad

2011-06-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Father's Day. We are going to talk about the importance of Spiritual Fathers in the church and the power of multi-generational faithfulness. This might go without saying, but it will be a good message for everyone to hear (not just the dads)!

Here's a great blog with some simple reminders for the dads.

5 Godly Ways to Be a Good Dad

Food needed for students!!!

2011-06-07T15:40:00.000-04:00

Hello Church Family! We are having Italian Night for all of those participating in Love God Serve Charleston tomorrow, Wednesday, June 8. There are still many ways you can help make this happen. We are in need of the following items:

5 pans of lasagna
2 dishes of baked spaghetti (or your favorite Italian dish)
2 pots of spaghetti sauce
10 boxes of cooked spaghetti noodles
10 containers of parmesean cheese
4 desserts
garlic bread

Dinner will be served at 6pm, so food will need to arrive no later than 5:45.

If you can help in any way, please call me at 270-4095 or email me at judd34@knology.net.

Thank you all for your help!!

Dawn Judd

Thank you from Katelyn

2011-06-04T18:29:00.000-04:00

Church Family,
I cannot thank you enough for supporting me for my Panama trip! The Lord provided more than enough money. Raising money for this trip was definitely a test of my faith, but the Lord is always faithful and He came through. I start Missionary Advisor camp on Saturday and we take off about 3 days later. :) I am so excited to see how the Lord is going to move while the team is in Panama. Your continual prayers are always appreciated. Thank you so much. God Bless.
-- Katelyn

First Wednesday

2011-06-01T11:55:00.000-04:00

Join us tonight!
5:30 - Dinner
6:15 - Baptism
6:30 - Worship and Teaching

MAN Night this week

2011-05-17T14:22:00.001-04:00

Men ...
MAN Night is this Wednesday!
Dinner 6 PM
Worship and Teaching at 6:45 PM

I will be sharing on our total dependence on God based on the story of Gideon from Judges 6. It's really powerful story. I know you will be encouraged. Invite a friend, and I will see you then. --Russ

Single Parent Conference this weekend!

2011-05-10T09:51:00.001-04:00

Pass the word! Register today at www.jicc.us/parenting

Below is the list of the sessions:

Session 1: First Things First
Your “to-do” list is longer than the hours in the day. What things are most important? What things are less important? In this session, you will be encouraged to make the mission of impressing the heart of your child with a love for God your top priority.

Session 2: Family Worship
There are two things your kids need more than anything else in the world – a love relationship with God, and a love relationship with you. In this session, you will be encouraged to deepen your commitment to family prayer and reading the Bible together.

Session 3: Anger and Forgiveness
Every family deals with pain, hurt, and loss. In this session, you will be encouraged to lead your children (and yourself) through a biblical plan of forgiveness and freedom.

Session 4: The Spiritual Battle
Your family is engaged in a spiritual battle, and the souls of your children are on the front lines. In this session, you will be encouraged to pray for miracles, pray against destructive generational patterns, and help your children face the pain of their past.

Session 5: Discipline that Disciples
Discipline issues challenge us every day. In this session, you will be encouraged to apply biblical principles not only to change your children’s behavior, but transform their hearts and character.

Soccer Playoff Game Tonight

2011-05-09T14:44:00.002-04:00

Another important Soccer game for the JICS Lions tonight at Cathedral Academy in North Charleston.
Directions HERE.

$6 for adults and $4 for students

Special Sunday

2011-05-06T08:26:00.000-04:00

Join us this Sunday for a Special Service.

Onesiphore, an Evangelist from Burundi who works closely with our friend Simon, will be preaching the Word. (Simon will be here too!) As well as "guest" worship leaders Russ and Jackie.

It will be a great time! Come Expectant.

First Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Join us tonight for FIRST WEDNESDAY!

Dinner from 5:30-6:15

Service in the Sanctuary starts at 6:20 PM**

The youth and adults will be hearing from Rob Holmes, one of our missionaries to Chad. He will be teaching on the fundamental truths of Islam and how we as a church can minister to Muslims in our community. See you then!

JICS Soccer Tonight!

2011-05-03T10:44:00.001-04:00

IMPORTANT GAME! Tomorrow, JICS takes on Northwood Academy for a third time in a tiebreaker game to determine the Region Championship! We need all JICS fans there! We are blessed to be playing extremely close by (closer than even our own home field)! We will be playing at 7:30pm on the field at Porter Gaud. If you have not made it out to a Varsity Boys Soccer game, then now is the time! We need you there! Northwood defeated JICS by 1 goal with 10 seconds left in overtime back in March. JICS returned the favor by beating Northwood by 1 goal at their home in April. Now the #1 seed from our Region is up for grabs tonight! 7:30 pm @ Porter Gaud. For directions, click HERE.

NO ADMISSION COST! (it's also JICS Spirit night at James Island Chickfila)

Latest Newsletter

2011-04-29T15:03:00.000-04:00

If you didn't get a copy of our latest newsletter in your email, you may view it here.
It's got a lot of great info in it. And some of it is for this weekend coming up. Check it out!

Operation Inasmuch this Saturday

2011-04-28T13:01:00.000-04:00

The 3^rd Annual Operaion Inasmuch is coming up this Saturday. This is a town-wide event that involves churches from all over the area. There will be various service projects that you can do around the island. Come with yard gloves, rakes, shovels, etc.

Saturday, April 30^th – Meet at St. James Episcopal Church at 8:30 a.m. It will wrap up with a picnic at Ferguson Playground at 12:30 p.m.

**For those who are helping with O’Connel Duggan’s Eagle Scout project, he will be doing a free health and cholesterol screening and car wash at JICS in the Ark. It will be from 10a.m.-2p.m.

Bring some flowers for tomorrow

2011-04-23T07:07:00.000-04:00

***Don't forget the Flowering of the Cross. You can bring flowers before either service. There will be no "formal" time of bringing the flowers, you may just take them to the cross when you arrive.

This Week

2011-04-20T09:57:00.003-04:00

Just a quick reminder of what is going on this week.

Wednesday -- no MAN Night or any other services

Thursday -- Passover/Communion Meals in homes*

Friday -- Good Friday Service - 7PM

Sunday -- EASTER - 2 Services - 9AM & 11AM

*Passover Meal Instructions

We encourage you to join other families in dinner together on Thursday night. As we celebrate Good Friday (the day Christ was Crucified) on Friday, we are also going to take time to reflect on the night before Jesus was betrayed. This is when he was celebrating the Passover with his disciples. The purpose of this time is not to completely replicate the Jewish Passover (Seder), but rather to take time to read both the Passover story and the story of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples.

Before dinner, read Exodus 12:1-28

- Reflect on some of the specific instructions God gives

- Unleavened bread – reminded them that they did not even have time for the bread to rise before the Lord delivered them

- Bitter herbs – reminded them of the bitterness of slavery

- Look at all of the details regarding the lamb. Why are these details important?

At the end of dinner, read Matthew 26:17-29

Follow the instructions for The Lord’s Supper in:

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Some tips for the night:

- You need unleavened bread (pita bread works well) and some juice.

- Have the communion elements as a part of your meal, so that when you read the passages at the end, you can move right into communion. This will give you a little bit of a feel for what the disciples were experiencing. Jesus was using elements that were already at the table.

- The majority of the evening will be spent enjoying a meal together. This is the point. The reading of the Scripture and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper is simply meant to help focus your time on the Lord. Treasure each part of the evening – even the unscripted parts.

Youth Spring Break Service-Fun Day

2011-04-17T05:23:00.001-04:00

JICC Youth Spring Break Service-Fun Day
Tuesday, April 19th | 8am - 5pm

JICC Youth will visit Seacoast's Dream Center in North Charleston to help sort through donated clothing and food products that will be used to serve the local community in North Charleston around Remount Rd. Following the Dream Center, we will grab lunch in route to Frankie's Fun Park (also in North Charleston). We will depart the JICC campus at 8:30 am and return for parent pick-up at 4:30 pm. Church leaders that will be taking the students are Associate Pastor Mike Gooch and Youth Intern Drew Feldman. Church and JICS buses will be used to transport everyone. Any parents who would like to come along are welcome!!!

Food: Lunch will be covered by the church.

Cost: Please bring money for Frankie's Fun Park (each activity is at least $5 and mini-golf is $7). For more pricing information, visit http://www.frankiesfunpark.com/ncharleston/tickets/.

***If your student would like to participate, please email Drew at drew@jicc.us to RSVP by tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon or see Drew in the lobby following worship service Sunday to sign up!!!

Kate, Stu and Lucy on their way home!

2011-04-14T11:18:00.002-04:00

I'm studying for Sunday right now and was reflecting on our "adoption as sons of God" (Eph. 1:5). It reminded me of the Robertsons, and so I checked on their status. They are on their way home right now with Lucy! Check out their blog here, the last two posts are really special. It is a great prep for Sunday! See you then -- Russ

G.O.S.P.E.L. Video

2011-04-09T16:34:00.002-04:00

For all the hip hop lova's in the house ...
here's a great video on the gospel to get you ready for tomorrow!

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

JICS Car and Bike Show Today

2011-04-09T07:50:00.002-04:00

10AM-2PM Today on the school field.
Click HERE for more info.

Robertson Adoption

2011-04-05T18:19:00.001-04:00

Stu and Kate are in Thailand with their daughter, Sathida (Lucy), right now!
You can read all about it on their blog here.

New Series starts this Sunday

2011-04-01T12:46:00.001-04:00

Update

2011-04-01T12:45:00.001-04:00

Gracie and Jeremiah left the hospital yesterday. Ethan is leaving today.
Thank you for your prayer!!!

Some things to pray for ...

2011-03-31T07:19:00.002-04:00

-- Stu and Kate leave today for Thailand. You can follow along with them in the journey to pick up Lucy here: www.robertsonadoption.blogspot.com

-- Gracie Martin's surgery was successful! She should be leaving the hospital today. Please pray for a quick recovery.

-- Ethan Feldman (Drew and Shawna's newborn) is in the hopital with Menangitis. Please pray for his (and their) strength and healing for his little body.

-- Jeremiah Denney is in the hospital with a staff infection. Please pray for his strength and healing.

Prayer Request - The Robertson Adoption

2011-03-25T12:25:00.002-04:00

Stu and Kate Robertson are leaving for Thailand next week to get their daughter, Lucy. The international adoption process is long and very unpredictable. They have given us a few specific ways that we can pray for them. Please join with them in praying that they have favor with the courts and that all of the proceedings happen when they need to.

From the Robertson's:
Here's how you can pray for us ...
1) That our Article 5 would be issued soon (it must be finalized by Monday, April 4th -- before we go to our Board Meeting to adopt Lucy)
2) That we would get a Visa Appointment the week of April 10th. (we leave Thailand on April 14th) There's a possibility that we may have to extend our flights and stay in Thailand more time -- pray that the Lord gives us wisdom and that we are able to get an actual appointment date so we can make any necessary changes.

World In Turmoil Means One Thing

2011-03-21T16:41:00.003-04:00

This was a letter I recieved from the Fouad Masri, leader of a ministry to Muslims called "The Crescent Project." I thought it was a great reminder and wanted to pass it on. -Russ

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Matt 24:14 (NIV)

Dear Friends,

In Matt 24:3-24, Jesus describes the signs of the last days. He talks about wars, famine, pestilence and earthquakes. At the same time, in verse 14, he makes a promise.

As we think of the earthquake in Japan, we pray for the people there. As we look at the wars in the Muslim world, we pray for the people of Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain, Iran and elsewhere. We pray for the people who are oppressed and don't even have the freedom to simply choose their religion.

Christ says that before his return, every person will hear. This is the promise we claim. This is the promise for our ministry. We believe that God has sent us to bring the Gospel to all nations and to all people groups.

When most people read verse 14, they focus on the last part of the verse. They want to know when the end will happen. But Jesus makes it clear that it's not for us to know when the end is here. Rather, it's for us to share the Good News.

Many people are looking for God's timetable. We need to look more to God's mission.

These earthquakes, tsunamis, etc., remind us that God is active. He is building His church and calling you and me to reach out to Muslims.

Today, as you pray for this planet and all the efforts in taking the Gospel around the globe, know that this is part of God's plan -- that the whole world would hear of Him before Jesus' return. This should increase our hope and faith that Jesus is drawing nigh.

Dear praying Christian, please pray for Muslims everywhere. Pray for Muslims that become Christians, that they will multiply. Pray also for Crescent Project, that God will use our events and activities to bring glory to His name.
Reaching Muslims for Christ,

Fouad Masri
Crescent Project

We Still Believe

2011-03-20T15:06:00.005-04:00

The song from this morning is by
Irish worship leader Kathryn Scott
and it is called "We Still Believe."
You can purchase it on itunes here.

2011-03-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

Daylight Savings Time - Spring Forward!

2011-03-12T13:45:00.003-05:00

It's that lovely time of year when we get to "spring forward." This is just a reminder to adjust your clocks tonight so that you don't miss out on what God has for us tomorrow morning. Can't wait to see you there!

School Auction Ends Tonight

2011-03-10T16:15:00.003-05:00

If you haven't gotten a chance to go to the JICS online auction, it ends tonight at 10PM.

Please go HERE to and check out all the great items. All the proceeds go to our school.

Prayer and Fasting begins tomorrow

2011-03-08T16:06:00.004-05:00

Prayer and Fasting begins tomorrow and goes through Easter Sunday. For more details on the entire month -- and resources -- click here.

On Wednesdays, we are challenging the church to fast breakfast and lunch and use it as a day of focused prayer. The prayer room at the church will also be open for three times during that day:
7-9 AM (with a specific focus on children, youth, and our school)
11-1 PM
5-7 AM

If you have some free times and would like to stop in, it will be a great place for individual and corporate prayer.

We will posting prayer guides soon. Until then, take time to specifically ask the Lord what these next 7 weeks would look like for you and some specific areas where you can direct your attention.

We are excited about what the Lord is going to do in and through us in this time!

- Pastor Russ
*on a different note: thanks so much for your giving on Sunday. We collected over $5,000 for the missionaries who were here! They told us they had never been to a church that responded so enthusiastically. Thank you for your encouragement to them.

Another Picture Bible Translation around the World

2011-03-06T14:31:00.001-05:00

Take 10 minutes to watch this video. What we talked about this morning could not be more powerfully communicated than this.

New Parenting Sunday School Class

2011-03-04T06:39:00.002-05:00

This is a new parenting Sunday School class starting this Sunday morning at 9 am. The class will be taught by Dolph and Laura Farmer and James and Kelly Duggan. It will cover the book, Shepherding a Child's Heart." The book takes a look at parenting through the message of the gospel and focuses on the hearts of both parent and child. If you would like to be a part of it, just show up! They meet in the 2-story school building. Classes for youth and children will be going on at the same time.

First Wednesday tonight!

2011-03-02T11:52:00.002-05:00

Join us tonight for our First Wednesday Service! We have a A LOT going on that we don't want you to miss ...
- food (pizza and salad) 5:30
- 2 Baptisms 6:15
- Worship, prayer, announcements from the elders, and teaching at 6:30
- *youth and parents meeting after service in Dority Hall

Make plans to be here. We will be sharing some really important things about the direction of the church and our plans for the fasting/prayer season leading up to Easter.

See you then!

Girls fall short in quest for second title

2011-02-26T22:16:00.001-05:00

The Lady Lions embarked on their journey to Sumter, S.C. to take part in their 3rd consecutive SCISA 1-A State Championship game. In 2009, the Lady Lions made it to the final and were defeated in that battle by a repeating veteran Wardlaw Academy team. In 2010, they got a chance to avenge that loss and took advantage of it by knocking Wardlaw Academy off of the SCISA 1-A throne. With a solid senior core graduating in 2010 the Lady Lions were set to rebuild with a young team and a lone senior in Shelbi Bottoms. Shelbi was named 1-A player of the year as a Junior during the 2010 title run. It became clear towards the end of January that the youthfulness of the team may not hinder a great postseason run. There were many close games and JICS, led by Shelbi Bottoms, came out on top of almost all of them. They finished the regular season as Region Champions for the 3rd straight year and won the Region Tournament by holding off a hungry Lowcountry Prep. team in the final game. JICS was awarded a #1 seed and the journey to Sumter began again. After a 2 point scare in the first round against Laurens Academy, the Lady Lions settled down and quietly dispatched their quarter and semi-final opponents Wardlaw Academy and Clarendon Hall. The road to the final was now paved. JICS would go once again to the SCISA 1-A State Championship. Their opponent, the same hungry Lowcountry Prep. that JICS had defeated in the Region final. Three times had the Lady Lions faced the Fightin Marlins of Lowcountry Prep. and twice they had come out on top of close battles.
Senior Shelbi Bottoms started off the scoring of the 2011 State Championship and JICS was on top 2- 0. Lowcountry showed right from the beginning that they came ready to answer baskets with a 3 point shot by Rachel Exum. Lowcountry went on top 4 7 when JICS Hannah Leschorn (SO.) drained a 3 with 35 seconds left in the first quarter to make it all knotted up at the end of the 1st , 7 7. Shelbi would score again early in the 2nd quarter and Kate Reeder (FR) would knock down a 3 point shot to give JICS a 12 7 lead. Lowcountry would pull within 3 12 9 when JICS Rebecca Duggan (SO) picked up her 3rd personal foul. Lowcountrys Exum would hit yet another 3 and the game was tied 12 12 with 4:53 remaining in the 2nd quarter. The Marlins would then be lifted by Senior Jenny Derrick and go on a 8 0 run to get ahead of JICS 12 20. Shlebi Bottoms scored to make the score 14 20, but LCP kept up the scoring gaining 4 more points to go ahead 14 24 with 1:47 left in the 2nd quarter. A Reeder 3 pointer and a Bottoms layup brought the Lady Lions of JICS within 6 with 20 seconds left. Another LCP Rachel Exum 3 pointer, this one at the buzzer gave LCP a nine point cushion going into the locker room at half-time, 20 29. JICS Rebecca Duggan came out in the third quarter and scored two straight unanswered baskets to get JICS back within 5 , 24 29. LCP Senior Jenny Derrick answered and JICS Rebecca Duggan picked up her important 4th foul with 2:48 left in the 3rd quarter. The Lady Lions and Marlins traded baskets for the rest of the 3rd quarter and Senior Shelbi Bottoms hit a layup as the buzzer was sounding to make the score 31 38, in favor of the Marlins. The 4th quarter started with LCPs McClary finding the net and JICS Kate Reeder hitting again from the 3 point land. Fellow Freshman Morgan Powers would hit two key baskets in the 4th quarter to get JICS within 4 twice, 36 40 and 38 42. A Reeder freethrow would pull JICS within 3 with 5:47 in the 4th quarter, but that would be as close as the Lady Lions could make it. Behind Jenny Derrick and McLean, LCP went on a 7 0 run and started to widen the gap, 39 49. A Duggan basket and Leschorn freethrow got JICS back within 42 49. Lowcountry Preps Rachel Exum ended the game with 6 straight points, 4 coming from freethrows. JICS Shelbi Bottoms, who earlier in the season broke 1,000 career points, would get her final basket as a Lady Lion with 53 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter. Lowcountry Prep. went on to win the 2011 SCISA 1-A State Championship by defeating JICS in their quest for the repeat, 45 57. Shelbi Bottoms ended the game with 17 points and was selected to the All-Tournament team. Freshman Kate Reeder had 14 points in the final and was also selected to the All-Tournament team. Rebecca Duggan had 6 points and Hannah Leschorn and Morgan Powers , 4 each to round out the Lions scorers. Coach Bethany Smith and the Lady Lions finished the 2010-2011 basketball season with an overall record of 21 - 4.

* NOTE: Senior Andrew Gooch of the JICS Varsity Boys Basketball team landed All-Tournament honors during the 2011 SCISA 1-A State Tournament. The Varsity Boys made it to the semifinals before falling in a close contest to the eventual State Champions - Christian Academy.
-- Jeremy Schwartz

Both teams win again!

2011-02-23T19:09:00.001-05:00

Don't know all the details ...

but both our girls and boys Varsity teams won their first games in the tournament and are in the final four (the boys upset the #1 team!).

MAN Night tonight

2011-02-16T10:36:00.001-05:00

All men 13+ join us for MAN night tonight! Warren will be bringing the Word ... it's going to be great!

Dinner:
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserolle
Italian Salad
Rolls, Dessert and Iced Tea

See you then!

Both teams win!

2011-02-11T23:26:00.002-05:00

Both the JICS Varsity Girls and Varsity boys teams advanced to the Regional Tournament Championship game tomorrow.
The Lady Lions beat Coastal Christian 58-35 and the Men upset #1 seeded Christian Academy 53-51. The championship games will be played on Saturday afternoon at Lowcountry Prep in Pawley's Island (1pm and 2:30PM)

Bethany is coming home today!

2011-02-11T12:09:00.003-05:00

Thanks for all your prayers for Bethany Gooch. She is coming home today!
Some things to continue to pray for:
- strength for Mike and Jodie as they care for her
- favor with the nursing agency to provide all the additional care that they need
- Bethany's lungs to continue to clear. (she still has a little pneumonia in the lower parts of her lungs)

Bethany is coming home!

2011-02-11T12:09:00.000-05:00

Update on Bob/Prayer for Bethany

2011-01-31T21:45:00.003-05:00

Bob Hicks made it through his surgery. Please pray for his strength and recovery and that he will be freed from his pain.

Please pray for Bethany Gooch. She is still in ICU because of breathing complications and low blood pressure. Please pray for her strength and healing. Also, pray for Mike and Jodie. They have both been having cold symptoms and really need strength to care for Bethany.

Prayer for Bob Hicks

2011-01-31T07:58:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Bob Hicks. He had one of his legs amputated a few weeks ago just above the knee. Today, he will have the other leg amputated. He is very weak and so having any type of major surgery like this is very difficult. Please pray for his strength. Please also pray for his wife Pat -- that God's peace would be with her.

Welcome to the world Lydia Kate!

2011-01-29T10:07:00.002-05:00

Here she is ...
Lydia Kate Miller.

If you want all the details from Jackie (and a few extra pics), you can go to our family blog here.

Baby is here!

2011-01-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

The baby is here ... all 10 lbs 15 oz of her!
Thank you for your prayers. The surgery went great. Please continue to pray for Jackie as she recovers. I will post a good picture of the baby once we get it.

Miller baby coming soon

2011-01-27T20:21:00.003-05:00

Just a quick update on the new PK:
We are going in for a c-section tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. We are very much at peace and looking forward to meeting our new daughter! We would appreciate your prayers for Jackie and the baby -- especially that Jackie has no side effects from the anesthesia and a quick recovery.

We love you!
-Russ and Jackie

Two Kinds of Disciples sermon notes

2011-01-23T14:43:00.004-05:00

Vision for our children: that they would grow up with people asking them the reason for the hope that is in them AND that they would be prepared to give a response.

1 Peter 3:15-16

15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Disciple = Relationship + Responsibility

(“Follow me”) (“Go and make disciples”)

Question #1: Are there two different kinds of disciples?

Question #2: If there is no opposition, do you think that maybe you are doing something wrong?

John Wesley: “The More Excellent Way” (full sermon here)

But at present I would take a different view of the text, and point out "a more excellent way" in another sense. It is the observation of an ancient writer, that there have been from the beginning two orders of Christians. The one lived an innocent life, conforming in all things, not sinful, to the customs and fashions of the world; doing many good works, abstaining from gross evils, and attending the ordinances of God. They endeavored, in general, to have a conscience void of offence in their outward behaviour, but did not aim at any particular strictness, being in most things like their neighbours. The other sort of Christians not only abstained from all appearance of evil, were zealous of good works in every kind, and attended all the ordinances of God, but likewise used all diligence to attain the whole mind that was in Christ, and laboured to walk, in every point, as their beloved Master. In order to this they walked in a constant course of universal self-denial, trampling on every pleasure which they were not divinely conscious prepared them for taking pleasure in God. They took up their cross daily. They strove, they agonized without intermission, to enter in at the strait gate. This one thing they did, they spared no pains to arrive at the summit of Christian holiness; "leaving the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, to go on to perfection;" to "know all that love of God which passeth knowledge, and to be fille

d with all the fullness of God."

Kendra Dean – “Almost Christian: what the faith of our teenagers is telling the American Church” (full pdf book here)

In short, the National Study of Youth and Religion provides a window

on how well American young people have learned a well-intentioned but

ultimately banal version of Christianity offered up in American churches.

Most youth seem to accept this bland view of faith as all there is—nice to

have, like a bank account, something you want before you go to college

in case you need to draw from it sometime. What we have not told them

is that this account of Christianity is bankrupt.

We have not invested in their accounts: we “teach” young people baseball, but we “expose” them to faith. We provide coaching and opportunities for youth to develop

and improve their pitches and their SAT scores, but we blithely assume

that religious identity will happen by osmosis, emerging “when youth

are ready” (a conﬁ dence we generally lack when it comes to, say, alge-

bra). We simply have not given teenagers the soul-strength necessary to

recognize, wrestle, and resist the [enemies] in our midst—probably

because we lack this soul-strength ourselves.

Take it Home

Scripture Memory

Verse: 1 Peter 3:15-16

The beginning of change is repentance. (in Nehemiah, rebuilding started with repentance.) Take time to consider these questions and discuss with other disciples:

- What areas have I separated my “spiritual life” from the “rest of my life”? (for parents): in what ways have I communicated this to my children?

- Have you ever experienced opposition because your faith in Jesus? How did you respond? Did you feel prepared?

- In what specific areas of understanding would you like to grow?

For Parents of Youth:

Parent meeting next Sunday at 9am in Dority Hall

In preparation for the meeting:

- In what ways did today’s message specifically challenge you?

- In what ways does your child need to be better trained and equipped in their faith?

- In what ways could the church partner with you in this?

MAN Night this week

2011-01-18T11:11:00.003-05:00

Men-
I just want to encourage you to make tomorrow night a priority. The elders and I have spent them morning in prayer about it. As we have talked in the last two weekends from Nehemiah, there is much at stake in the "rebuilding our lives on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." I know that taking two hours out of your week is a sacrifice, but every month someone tells me that they didn't want to come -- but did -- and God spoke. He always does.

I won't say anything else ... just be there.

Here are the details:
Dinner - 6-6:45
Meeting - 6:45-8:00
Menu:
Jenn's homemade Shepard's Pie ( A meat and mashed potato casserole)
Italian Salad
Rolls
Dessert and Iced Tea

See you then!
-Russ

Thank your from Freddy in Burundi

2011-01-14T16:43:00.003-05:00

(church -- we gave $2,000 to give Freddy running water at his house in Burundi. Just wanted you to hear his response.)

Dear Pastor Russ and the JICC family;

greetings and best wishes for 2011 from Burundi.

My family and I cannot express enough gratitude to you all for the amazing support. Thanks a million for the gift/money you sent to allow us have water in our house.
we live now in our new house in a new location where there is no water and no electricity yet- but since you sent us the money we have been able to collect rain water in big tanks, and channeled into the system. We use the collected water for many other purposes; and just get good drinking water from the office.

We pray God’s blessings upon you

Yours in Christ’s service

Freddy Tuyizere
www.burundiyfc.org

Notes from yesterday and a short Video

2011-01-10T13:31:00.004-05:00

I thought you would appreciate this stirring video. It is by David Wilkerson, the founding pastor of Times Square Church and the author of the book, "The Cross and the Switchblade." It is from a message called, "A Call to Anguish" on Nehemiah 1. The full audio can be downloaded here.

Below are the notes from Sunday's message on Nehemiah 1.

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

National Study of Youth

and Religion

1. A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth.

2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.

3. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about one-self.

4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when he is needed to resolve a problem.

5. Good people go to heaven when they die.

A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world and might even be ore difficult to save. – C. S. Lewis

View of God: God is distant (our sin is impersonal) vs. God is near (our sin is very personal)

Ephesians 2:12-13

12remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

View of God: People are basically good (and therefore there is not much motivation to tell them of Jesus) vs. People are dead in sin (and therefore are in desperate need for someone to tell them about Jesus)

View of God: God exists for me vs. We exist for God

Repentance is the beginning of change.

Rebuilding starts with repentance.

We will start the Book of Nehemiah tomorrow

2011-01-08T15:07:00.003-05:00

We are starting our series on Nehemiah tomorrow. If encourage you to read through the first chapter today if you have a chance. It is a powerful story with real implications for our lives right now as the people of God. See you then!

**on another note, I (Russ) just got back from our annual School Board retreat. It was such a powerful and unifying time. I am not overstating or exaggerating when I say that I am confident that the best days of our school are ahead. I don't say that because we have assembled an amazing group of people (even though I could argue for that), but because we have assembled a group of people who are humbled before God. Repentance is the beginning of change. Come tomorrow and we will talk about it some more.

Prayer for your Pastor and his family

2011-01-06T13:37:00.003-05:00

Church family -

Thanks for all those were at First Wednesday last night. It was a sweet time. When I was up there teaching and looking into your eyes, I couldn't help but think of what an amazing group of people the Lord has called together. It is humbling. (and that goes for all those who couldn't be there, too!)

Jackie was not there last night because both of our girls are sick. She is in the final weeks of pregnancy, and we are both very tired. They have been on and off sick for the last two months. As I'm writing this, I'm preparing for the sermon on Sunday to introduce our series on Nehemiah. I feel that what we will learn from these passages is far beyond my ability to teach and is for a mission far beyond anything we have yet considered.

Will you please pray for my family and me? Please pray for our health, strength, and protection. We are excited about the new baby and all the other things that will be birthed in 2011!

I really love being your pastor.
- Russ

First Wednesday this week!

2011-01-03T12:52:00.002-05:00

I know that we just wrapped up a busy few weeks, but the First Wednesday congregational meal and meeting is coming up this week, and I want to make sure that you are there. We will be covering some important details regarding the 2011 year, and we want to make sure everyone gets to hear it.

The meal is pizza and salad ($4 adult/$2 child) and starts at 5:30 PM.
The service and children's programs will start at 6:30 in the Sanctuary.

See you then!
-Pastor Russ

*Also, as I mentioned in December, we have new "pew Bibles" for the Sanctuary. We will be giving you an opportunity to purchase those and pray over them and then donate them back to the church. They are $8 and will be available this Wednesday.

Bob's surgery was successful

2010-12-31T09:41:00.001-05:00

Bob's surgery was successful. Thank you for your continued prayers for his recovery and physical therapy.

Please pray for Bob Hicks

2010-12-29T17:21:00.003-05:00

Please pray for Bob Hicks. He is currently at Roper Hospital and will be having an operation on Thursday at noon to remove the lower part of his right leg. This is due to complications he is having with congestive heart failure. Here are some specific ways you can pray:
- wisdom for the doctors performing the operation - that they make the right decesion on where to amputate
- his overall health while being anesthetized - at his age and health, having major surgery is very serious.
- his overall recovery

If you know Bob and Pat, be sure to contact them and show them your support.
I met with Bob today at the hospital (Roper) and he was very much at peace.
-Pastor Russ

Holiday Schedule and Updates

2010-12-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

Please note the following holiday schedule and announcements:

1) Sunday, January 2nd: Breakfast and Sunday School CANCELED
2) The church office will be closed through Monday, January 3rd
3) Help take down church's holiday decorations - Sunday, January 2nd at 2pm in Dority Hall
4) First Wednesday Service is January 5th - Meal begins at 5:30pm and meeting at 6:30

2010-12-23T21:31:00.000-05:00

Michelle's memorial service - help needed

2010-12-22T22:38:00.001-05:00

Dear Church,

Michelle Heyward, a young mother of two and wife of Keith Heyward, unexpectedly went to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. Her funeral will be Friday at 11am in our sanctuary. There will not be a visitation.

We are preparing food for the family following the burial. Here is what we need:
1. Ushers during the service (from 10:30-12:30)
2. Food for the family (delivered to the church on Friday)
3. Hosts for the lunch (lunch set up following the service at noon - until approximately 2:30)

Please email or call me by 12 PM Thursday if you are able to help with one of these areas. Those making food will be contacted by Thursday afternoon about your food assignment. Please include your phone number in the email response.

I know this is a busy time for all of us - please do your best to minister to this grieving family - especially remembering them in your prayers.

In Christ,
Karen Robertson
795-9449 x101
karen@jicc.us

Michelle Heyward

2010-12-21T16:33:00.003-05:00

Michelle went to be with Jesus this afternoon.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5
1For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Please be in prayer for her husband Keith and her daughters, Kianna and Kennedy. Eric and Anne Heyward and their children, Zee and Erica, are also a part of our church. Michelle was completely healthy just a few days ago, so this has come as a shock to everyone.

If you would like to help make meals for the family, you may contact Ashely Gochnauer at gochnauerm@comcast.net or on her cell at 276-6996.

Some have asked about Christmas gifts for the girls. The purchasing of the gifts has been taken care of. If you would like to make a donation to the family, you can do that through the church. All other information will be posted here when it is available.

Please Keep praying for Michelle

2010-12-21T14:07:00.002-05:00

Very urgent prayers needed for Michelle. The doctors have not been able to stabilize her today. This is very urgent.

Urgent Prayers Needed for Michelle Heyward

2010-12-20T17:25:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Michelle Heyward. She went in for surgery to correct a bowel obstruction on Saturday. there have been some major complications and she is currently in ICU on a ventilator. Please pray for complete healing in her body -- for restored function in her kidneys and that the doctors would have wisdom to treat the right things quickly. Please also pray that the Lord ministers to Michelle with his presence (as she cannot communicate right now) and that she has the peace to know that he is working on her behalf. thank you for your prayers! - Pastor Russ

Simon's DVD

2010-12-12T14:34:00.001-05:00

For more information about Simon's minstry, you can click here.