Amelia Church of Christ - Christian Church in Amelia, OH near Cincinnati in Clermont County

Trust

Monday marks the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.  It will be a day of somber remembrance, as it should be.  Most of us will pause and remember the carnage that we witnessed on our TV screens that day.  We’ll remember the bravery and heroism of firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens.  We’ll remember where we were when we first heard the news.

As I reflect back on the events of 2001, I remember how uneasy, even frightened, we were.  Initially I thought the first plane to hit the World Trade Center was just a horrible accident.  Then the second plane hit and it was obvious that we were under attack.  The Pentagon was attacked.  A fourth plane went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  All of this just added to the fear that we felt. 

I was in my office at church that morning, and as the news unfolded, the phone started ringing.  It rang almost non-stop throughout the day.  “Did you hear what happened?”  “What’s going on?”  “What’s coming next?”  I heard all the questions…unfortunately I didn’t have any answers.  But even though I wasn’t a great source of answers, the phone calls kept coming.  For some reason, people wanted to connect to their church on this day.  Even if that meant a simple phone call to a youth minister who was the only person in the office that day.  Somehow, in some way, they wanted to feel their connection to their church as a hellish fury was unleashed on our nation.  I guess that’s because when everything else is out of control, we hunger for something that is stable.  Something that can be trusted.  And as people of faith, we know that God alone is always trustworthy.

This Sunday we’re starting a new series called, “In God We Trust?”  As we examine and question what we trust in our lives, let’s remember a day when everything else that we thought was trustworthy and sure was stripped away.  Only God remained.

God, may it not take another tragic event to cause us to run back to our trust in you.  May we trust you in everything, in every way, in every day throughout our lives.  Amen.

In His Love,

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

QUEST - September 13th
Along with the launching of our new student ministry department, Quest will begin a brand new
series entitled "Burn, Baby, Burn." This series will focus on our need to follow Christ's command to be the light of the world. We need to shine our lights for Him and Him alone.

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, this Sunday is the last day to do so.

ANNUAL FALL YOUTH KICKOFF - September 8th
Our annual fall youth kickoff is this Friday, 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
Remember F.O.F.??? Well, Phenomenon is going to be a rebirth of Fellowship on the First, except it won't exactly be held on the first. Phenomenons are unexplainable, so they could happen anytime, anywhere, and you won't be able to expect what will happen at them. The first unexplainable Phenomenon will be held September 22nd, and it will happen at a location that you will have to hunt for. Details will follow soon.

Worship News

CHAPEL SERVICE
It's almost here! We launch our new Chapel Service on September 17th at 6:00 PM.  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 and a message from God's Word.

APEX
Apex continues in October as we present Jesus the Savior. This night will include some intense moments of reflection upon Jesus and the cross. If you have friends and neighbors who don't have a relationship with Jesus, this Apex will be a perfect witnessing tool for you to use. Do not miss this service on October 7th, 2006 at 6:00PM. A time of fellowship will occur directly following the service.

PRAISE TEAM
Team C will practice this Sunday night at 6:00PM.

APEX PRACTICE
The Apex Worship Band will practice this Sunday night at 4:00PM

SCHEDULES
APEX WORSHIP BAND - SEPT 10, 17, 24, & OCT 1
TEAM C - SEPTEMBER
TEAM A - OCTOBER
TEAM B - NOVEMBER

Upcoming Events 

Harvest Festival Meeting - Tonight at 7:00 pm
If you are interested in helping plan the Harvest Festival, join the Outreach Ministry tonight at 7:00 pm.

2006 Ladies Retreat - September 15th & 16th at Woodland Lakes
Cost is $40.00.  Flyers are available in the foyer.  See Julie Bach for more information.

KONNECT - October 7th at Woodland Lakes
Kids in grades 3 - 6, enjoy a day of fun, worship, teaching and growing.  David Hennig, The Magician with a Mission, will bring a solid message from the Bible with amazing object lessons.  Cost is $18.00 and includes lunch and a t-shirt.  Registration forms are in the foyer and must be turned in by September 15th.

ACC Websites:

• www.ameliachurchofchrist.com
• www.ameliakidzone.com
• www.ameliasportscamp.com
• www.ameliastudents.com
• www.ameliasmallgroups.com
• www.mikeedmisten.com