Counting the Cost
I’ve spent this summer moving sprinklers around our yard in an attempt to keep our new grass green and growing. It’s obviously been a hot, dry summer, but I’ve been proud that our front yard has remained one of the greenest in our neighborhood. This is directly attributed to the fact that I watered our yard more often than most of my neighbors.
Last week we received our first water bill…and now our yard is turning brown. I used to like the sound that our sprinklers made. That sound meant a happy and healthy lawn. I now detest that sound. Now it sounds like a Hoover vacuum sucking the money right out of my wallet. But I can’t let our grass die, so early this morning I hooked up the sprinklers and listened to that dreaded sound again.
It’s interesting how my perspective on lawn-watering has changed. I now fully understand that lush green grass comes with a price tag. Lots of green in your yard means very little green in your wallet. My perspective changed because I now count the cost.
When is the last time you or I stopped to “count the cost” of following Jesus? It’s unfortunate that since we live in a land of unimaginable prosperity, we’ve lost the concept of sacrifice. What has following Jesus cost you?
Listen to the words of Jesus himself: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:28-33, italics mine)
Struggling to Give It All Up,
Mike
Luminous Student Ministries
"Our quest is to illuminate the truth of Jesus for the world in a manner that inspires everyone to live courageously committed and devoted to His call."
LUMINOUS ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS
MONDAY ACTIVITIES (NITRO) - September, 2006
Monday Nitro will take place September 4th, at 11AM at the Morrissey's.
QUEST - September 6th
We will continue our new entitled "Breaking Point" In which we will explore the stress that students go through everyday as well as in school, at home, and with friends. Jr/Sr High students are welcome as well as any upcoming 6th grade students that have graduated to Middle school this year.
VERTICAL GROUPS
Our vertical groups are set to kick-off at the end of September. If you have not yet signed up for a group, Sunday, September 3rd is the last day to do so.
ANNUAL FALL YOUTH KICKOFF - September 8th
In connection with launching our new student ministries department, we will hold our annual fall youth kickoff which will be held September 8th. We will hold a progressive dinner, then engage in a night of cosmic bowling and culminate with a lock-in at the church. Cost for the evening will be $20.00 and will include everything your student will do that night. Come on out and bring your friends for a great evening of fun.
PHENOMENON
Phenomenon will be known next week.....
Worship News
PRAISE TEAM
No practice this Sunday Night.
SCHEDULES
TEAM C - SEPTEMBER
TEAM A - OCTOBER
TEAM B - NOVEMBER
Brian Morrissey will be on vacation August 25th - September 1st.
Upcoming Events
Join us for the most exciting night yet as we continue our APEX service next Saturday, September 2nd. This Apex will be unique because we will worship with Acoustic instruments as we discover Jesus the Shepherd. Don't miss this awesome experience as Apex continues. If you haven't been out to Apex yet, don't miss your chance to be a part of it next Saturday.
CHAPEL SERVICE
Be there as we launch our new Chapel Service on September 17th at 6:00PM. Our Chapel Service will feature keyboard and organ instrumentation as we sing the hymns of the church. This service will be for those looking to deepen their biblical knowledge and spiritual walk. There will be an extended prayer time as well as scriptural readings.
LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Sandy Sheley is beginning a new Beth Moore Study - A Heart Like His - beginning Friday, September 8th at 7:30 pm. Books are $20.00 and must be paid for by September 1st. Please sign up in the foyer if you are interested.
BACKPACK DRIVE
Our Backpack Drive continues through the end of August. Bring in a new or gently used backpack or school supplies for underprivileged children. The items will be distributed at Amelia Elementary.
STOCKING STUFFERS
The Golden Ambassadors are making stockings for the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and they need your help with filling them. There is a list of needed items on the bulletin board in the foyer.
ACC Websites:
