January 6th Devotional

Dear Friends,
As we embark on this new year, we are given opportunities to start afresh and to begin anew.  It’s like a beautiful “restart” button on our lives.  There’s a saying that goes “if you like the results you’re getting, keep doing what you’re doing.”  So, how are you doing?  Self-assessment is a good thing to do every now and then.  Today’s devotional speaks of the dangers of being in a “comatose condition” spiritually.  It’s easy to do!  Going through the motions, but not actually engaging with our Lord and Savior.  I challenge you to be intentional in your prayers.  Be intentional in your time with God.  You’ll find that no matter what the new year brings, your relationship with God will be stronger and better than ever!  Be blessed beloved!  Love, Scott
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Stay Ever So Close To Me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you.  This is the most efficient way to stay on track; it is also the most enjoyable way.  Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion.  This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire the most-their hearts.  Rules can be observed mechanically.  Once they become habitual, they can be followed with minimal effort and almost no thought.  These habit-forming rules provide a false sense of security, lulling the soul into a comatose condition.

What I search for in My children is an awakened soul that thrills to the Joy of My Presence!  I created mankind to glorify Me and enjoy Me forever.  I provide the Joy; your part is to glorify Me by living close to Me. 

Deuteronomy 6:5 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Colossians 3:23 
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Psalm 16:11 
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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January 3rd Devotional

Dear Friends,
It’s so easy to forget that it is Christ who walks with us and sustains us each and every day. We tend to get caught up in what we see and hear all around us, but what really keeps us going is knowing that no matter what is going on in our physical world, Christ is dwelling within us, refreshing us, renewing us and loving us through each trial and tribulation.  In this, we have peace, confidence and assurance that we are not alone–ever.  Love and Hugs Friends!
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Refresh Yourself in the Peace of My Presence.  This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances.  Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world.  I am both with you and within you.  I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you.  There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others.  Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer.  In the world you have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down.  I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you.  In Me you may have confident Peace.

Psalm 31;19-20 (NASB) 19How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men ! 20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man ; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

 

John 16:33 (AMP) 33I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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This Sunday and a volunteer opportunity this Saturday

Happy New Year Everyone!

Just a reminder that we are singing and playing this Sunday, January 5th,   Anthem will be “At the Table of the Lord” and it is with piano only.

Also, attached here is an event this coming Saturday for one hour where you can share Christmas joy at a local apartment complex.  You don’t need to bring anything.  The email below explains more about this.   The complex is Tanglewood Apts, 1300 E. Dallas, Mansfield.

See the note from Scott below:

“Dear Music Team,

I would love to have you all join me for this event this Saturday.  It’s purely volunteer of course, but another way for us to partner with other churches in our community and witness to those in need.  Kathleen/Beth, please forward to choir and orchestra and bells.  Also, I’d love for any AIM students that might want to help to be invited as well.Thanks so very much!  Happy New Year and God Bless!

Mr. Scott,
What an honor to be able to work together in the beginning of the New Year reaching out to our communities.  Enclosed is the flyer of the event.  You may make copies.  We are taking toys and about 25 grocery bags.  If your ministry wants to take anything else we shall share it with them.  The manager has given us permission to use a table and access to  power connection.  Please let me know if you have a participation of songs or a word of encouragement.  We have an hour to pass out the toys and food.  Our youth will be dress as the three kings to pass out the toys.  We are looking forward for a great event. We have someone that will sing some Christmas songs in spanish and maybe your group can do english.  Just email me.
Have a Blessed New Years.
Thank you,

Pastor Ruth Mercado

Christian Fellowship Flock

Luz a La Familia

7300 So. Cooper St.

Arlington, TX 76001″

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January 2nd Devotional

Dear Friends,
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a devotional and comments.  This is the first for 2014 and it is timely indeed!  After a rather busy Christmas season (but so enjoyable), I did make room for Christ this Christmas and I’m sure you did as well.  We have chosen what is most important–time with our Creator and time with family and loved ones.  I have been missing our time together, however, and look forward to seeing you all this Sunday for worship.  We’ll begin with Holy Communion and a lovely anthem you all know: “At the Table of the Lord”.  If you’ve never sung it, it is not too difficult.  Feel free to come early if you wish.  Sonny and I will be around to assist.  May God bless each and every one of you this coming new year!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Relax In My Healing Presence.  As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems.  Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal.  Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, focus your thoughts on Me.  Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings.  This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you.  Do not skimp on our time together.  Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done.  You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you. 

Psalm 105:4 4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.


 Luke 10:39:42 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  41″Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Info for tonight and this upcoming week

Wed 12/18   6pm Orchestra Rehearsal (new piece for Christmas Eve Eve)
                   6:30-7:30 Party (finger food)
                   7:30-815  Choir Rehearsal (Emmanuel, The Joy of Christmas)
Sun  8:15 & 11:00 services
Mon  5:15  Rehearsal; service at 6pm
Tue   7:30  Rehearsal; service at 8pm
Please sign up for Christmas Eve services tonight or email Kathleen if you aren’t going to be here tonight.  Thanks!
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Mansfield Christmas Spectacular notes

Christmas Spectacular 2013

Information for all Participants

 

 

TICKETS       FREE to all—Go to www.christmasinmansfield.org and print your own.  Tickets will be scanned at all Performance Hall Entrances.

 

PARKING      All participants who need them will be given a parking pass to be displayed in window. This includes cast, crew, choir, and orchestra members (not Jubilate choir)

Park inWest Lotin reserved area WITH the pass.

 

ENTRANCE AND SECURITY   Only enter through doors marked as STAGE DOORS.

They are located at rear of building.  Children may be dropped of there and Everyone will check in. (Jubilate choir kids given different info)  The West Lecture hall will be available for choir and others to leave personal belongings but it is not guarded. Also–PLEASE TURN OFF PHONES, ETC., BEFORE GOING ON STAGE.

 

SCHEDULE   Friday, Dec. 13th       

6:00                 Choir & Orchestra arrives

6:30                 DRESS REHEARSAL

 

Saturday, Dec. 14th

2:00                 Choir & Orchestra arrives

2:30                 Choir begins seating

3:00                 PERFORMANCE

6:15                 Choir & Orchestra arrives

7:00                 PERFORMANCE

8:00                 STRIKE, Lists will be posted

 

 

ATTIRE           Dress Black for choir and orchestra

 

You are responsible for your own music.

 

 

THEATRE RULES  No food or drink is allowed backstage except water.  Everyone will have plenty of time to leave and eat between performances.  NO ONE IS ALLOWED backstage except cast and crew before, during or after performances.  Please understand that this includes children, parents of teens and children that are not performers.  Also, we may not go back and forth to audience or foyer areas until after performances.   NO ONE IS ALLOWED ON THE STAGE EXCEPT CREW OR THOSE DIRECTED TO BE THERE at anytime.  PLEASE do not wander around on the stage as you are certainly in the way.  Thanks so much in advance!

 

 

CAST SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY 12/13 (Dress Rehearsal)

** Please see makeup and costume notes in dressing rooms before you’re needed on stage so you know when to get ready, etc. **

 

4:30      Matt on pit cover rehearsal

5:00      Josh and 3 kids rehearse on stage (3 kids – Michael, Katya, Derian) – with Marty

5:10      Who Adults on stage – with Heather (Rachel, Marisa, Jadzia, Tiffany, Gail)

5:30      Dance Academy ofMansfieldon stage

5:40      Jubilate Choir kids on stage

5:50      Ensemble on stage (Matt, Lori, Adam, Heather, David, Stephanie P.)

6:00      Dancers on stage, include Lori, Adam, McKenzie (Jingle Bell Rock, Rudolph, Frosty)

Mic Checks will be going on the entire time, so be listening for your name backstage…

 

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December 9th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Ministry, if done with your whole heart and soul, is, by its very nature, RISKY!   Ministry involves a great deal of self-sacrifice.  Giving up one’s personal desires to fulfill someone else’s is a part of ministry.  Giving time, talent, resources and energy is a risky part of ministry.  What if we’re rejected?  What if it all was a big waste of time?  What if no one shows?  Yesterday, many of us risked life and limb to sing, play and serve at our morning services.  Not all could make it due to their icy conditions, but many of us could.  The worship leaders outnumbered the 8:15 congregation yesterday!  Never seen that before!  We all just acted on faith.  We showed up and we knew that no matter what, Christ would show up too.  The Spirit was warm in our toasty sanctuary.  I think we were all glad that we took the risk and made it to church.  Thanks for your prayers for those who stayed home!  And now, we’re off to an exciting week as we prepare to minister to over 5K attendees at our Mansfield Christmas Spectacular.  Sure it’s risky–but we’re not alone.  Christ goes before us.  Peace and Love!  Scott
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Be Willing To Go Out On A Limb with Me.  If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be.  Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief.  Your longing to live close to Me is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk.  You are approaching a crossroad in your journey.  In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe.Let Me lead you step by step through this day.  If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid.  Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together.  As long as you stay close to Me.  My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go.

Psalm 23:4 

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 9:10 
10 Those who know your name will trust in you,  for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

John 12:26 
26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Orchestra Agenda

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Chancel Choir Agenda

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December 3 Devotional

Dear Friends,
Sometimes, I have trouble concentrating while I’m praying.  Does this ever happen to you?  As many of you know, I do my morning prayers while doing laps in the Y pool on Cooper street.  It’s usually pretty quiet (at least when your ears are in the water) and I can concentrate pretty well as I feel the warm water rush over me.  But even in that serene place, I sometimes have trouble concentrating on my daily prayers.  I’ll start, but then get distracted by something else heavy on my mind.  Sometimes I try to fight it, other times, I just work it out in the water.  Lots of people and things struggle for out attention, but our time with Jesus is sacred time and must be carved out of any other problems and business we might be going through.  Actually, Jesus LOVES our problems, so bring them all to Him and have the blessings and peace that only He can give.  Love, Scott

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Do Not Be Surprised by the fiery attacks on your mind.  When you struggle to find Me and to live in My Peace, don’t let discouragement set in.  You are engaged in massive warfare, spiritually speaking.  The evil one abhors your closeness to Me, and his demonic underlings are determined to destroy our intimacy.  When you find yourself in the thick of battle, call upon My Name:”Jesus, help me!”  At that instant, the battle becomes Mine; your role is simply to trust Me as I fight for you.

My Name, properly used, has unlimited Power to bless and protect.  At the end of time, every knee will bow (in heaven, on earth, and under the earth)when My Name is proclaimed.  People who have used My Name as a shoddy swear word will fall down in terror on the awesome day.  But all those people who have drawn near Me through trustingly uttering My Name will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy.  This is your great hope, as you await My return.

Ephesians 6:12 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Samuel 17:47 
47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Philippians 2:9-10 (AMP)
 9Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,10That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

1 Peter 1:8-9 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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