 September 2022
Monument family,
Greetings! Ready or not, the month of September is here, bringing with it the transition from summer to fall. Fall consistently ranks as one of the favorite seasons of the year. I trust many of you look forward to fall’s return bringing cooler temperatures, football, “Pumpkin Spice” everything, and the reemergence of flannel at every turn.
The Lord is good and gracious in every season of life. God’s Word reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) and in every season and circumstance we can “Hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us continually approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Jesus, our great High Priest, is our HELP and our HOPE in every season of life!
- 1 John Series – This month we are kicking off a twelve-week sermon series through 1 John entitled “Living the Authentic Christian Life.” I know this letter is going to challenge and transform us. The 1 John series begins September 4th – I encourage you to read through the letter in one setting in preparation for our journey – and we’ll have study guides available to guide is in our journey.
- “Passing the Bags” – Stewardship is a vital part of the Christian life. During the pandemic we suspended passing the offering bags every week during the worship to help alleviate the spread of the virus. We recently began using the bags on the first Sunday for the Deacons offering for special needs in the body and this month we’re going to return to passing them every week for the General budget offering as well. Our primary reason for passing the bags again each week is helping our visitors and new attenders know the difference between our weekly General offering and our monthly Deacon offering taken to help with special needs. You can continue to put your offering in the box located in the lobby and back wall of the sanctuary or online at monumentbiblechurch.com.
- Classes & Small Groups – We are kicking off new classes, bible studies, and small groups this month. You can sign up at the church or online at monumentbible.com by using the “Connect” tab and clicking on “Adults.”
I’m excited to see God exalted as He works in and through us in the month ahead. Please take a few minutes to read this month’s newsletter which highlights what’s happening in our church family. May the Lord draw us closer to Himself and to one another as we strive to fulfill our mission of developing dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God.
I love you and am praying for you. Serve Him well!
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
     
Biscuits & Gravy and More!
Come join us the first Sunday in August for Connection Cafe! This month we're serving up biscuits & gravy, along with other delicious breakfast items, as well as coffee bar and juice! It's gonna be good, so don't miss this casual time for ALL AGES to enjoy connecting with others. Visitors always welcome, so don't hesitate to invite your neighbor or co-workers. We hope to see you there!
(Note: No Bible Fellowship Classes on Sun., Sept.
4th - Classes resume Sept. 11th)
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It's not too late to join one or more of our growth opportunities beginning this fall. Click on the button below to learn more about what is being offered and let us know what you plan to attend by signing up! We are excited to see how God will work in our lives this Fall!
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Ladies Meet-up at the Park
WEDNESDAY
Sept. 7th @ 11:30 a.m.
2701 1st Ave., Scottsbluff
Ladies! Bring a sack lunch and let's meet at Frank Park for some casual connection time. Bring a lawn chair if you desire and your kiddos are welcome, too! No RSVP necessary. If you have any questions, contact Deanna Funk at 308.672.1724.
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Ladies Night Out
Monday, Sept. 12th
6:30 p.m.
Be ready for a fun and unique L.N.O. event! Come learn about Aleah Houchin as she shares a bit about her life! Aleah is Pastor Colby's wife, so it's a great opportunity to get to know her! Also, get ready to learn SELF DEFENSE moves from Don Bava! Don is an experienced self-defense instructor, and you won't want to miss it! Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in! If you want to just watch, you can do that too! See you there!
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AWANA Begins!
First Club Night
Wednesday, Sept. 7th
Drop Off: 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Pick Up:8:00 p.m.
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AWANA Online Registration
NOW OPEN!!
Register your child today!
Ages PreK-8th Grade
Awana is a global movement of God based on 2 Timothy 2:15, which stands for Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed. It is all about fun with a purpose in order to win and grow kids for Christ and have a blast doing it! Children encounter life lessons to feeds their souls, bible memorization, games to keep things fun and engaging and exciting theme-oriented nights to motivate a heart for Jesus. AWANA meets on Wednesday nights during the school year. To learn more and to register your child click the button below.
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IGNITE Youth meets Sunday evenings from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the church. Students in grades 7th-12th are invited to attend! Not only will you be challenged to grow in your faith and connect with one another, you're gonna have fun doing it! At IGNITE, there are always new friends to meet and leaders who care about YOU! Here's what's happening this month for our IGNITE Students:
IGNITE FALL LAUNCH!
Sun., Sept. 11th, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
(Parents Meeting at 4:45 p.m. Please join us!)
FALL RETREAT AT CAMP ROCK
Sept. 30th, 5:00 p.m. - Depart from Church
Oct. 2nd, Noonish - Arrive back at Church
Come for a meaningful weekend of camp alongside other youth groups. See Pastor Colby for more info!
FCA FIELDS OF FAITH
7th-12th Grade
Wednesday, Sept. 28th
Bearcat Stadium - 6:00-8:30 p.m.
We will be attending this event as a group. It promises to be a wonderful night of worship! More info to come!
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THANK YOU ADVANCE TO OUR MANY NEW VOLUNTEERS!
There is a required training for all new children's ministry volunteers. Please plan to attend one of the following opportunities:
Children's Ministry Training
Sunday, Sept. 25th
After Church/Lunch Provided
OR
Sunday, Oct. 9th
After Church/Lunch Provided
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Begins Monday, Sept. 12th
6:00 p.m. at Monument
Room 105
$20 Registration Fee
GriefShare support group offers help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. These 13 sessions are open to any adult regardless of whether your experience is recent or not so recent. You will learn how to cope with the normal emotions that come when grieving a death and you’ll gain renewed hope for the future.
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Unique Opportunity for Kids & Adults!
Every Saturday, Sept. 17th
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Scott and Wendy Stookey, members at Monument Bible, are sharing their talents by offering free traditional Tae Kwon Do classes to us and the community. Classes will be at the church every Saturday from 10AM-11AM for ages 5 years - adult. This is not only a great sport for any age, it also provides a way for us to meet, serve and build relationships with others in the community. Each session will reflect and encourage Christian character, along with sharing life, prayer and faith along the way. Classes are FREE! Uniforms are optional. No prior knowledge is needed. If you are interested in self defense, physical fitness, fun, or just wondered what martial arts is all about, come join the group at anytime! Contact Scott at 405-747-9137 if you have questions. Click HERE to read a letter from Scott about Tae Kwon Do. |
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BUDGET & LEADERSHIP
It's a great joy to announce that our 2022-2023 Budget and Leadership Candidates (Jerry Pierce, Sean McCracken, and Josh Lively) were all affirmed by the membership at Sunday's annual meeting. Thanks so much to everyone who attended and voted by proxy. We are excited for the work God is going to do in and through us in the coming year as we strive to develop dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God!
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Faith and Family Day
It was a beautiful day to celebrate several baptisms and have some fun as a church family, too! Individuals who were baptized were Haley Thomalla, Jett Ferguson, Jaylee Ferguson, Kinsley Sokol, Hunter Joern, Haddie Grubbs, Hezekiah Holbrook & Chris Morehead. For those that weren't able to make it, YOU WERE MISSED! We are thankful to Kevin Kaufman and Pepsi for donating all our drinks, to Dean & Bekah Gorsuch and Family for preparing the meal, and to Lewis and Sarah Reinhardt for sharing their wonderful lake space with us. We are so grateful!! Here are some pics!
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Each month we highlight missionaries that Monument supports. Please take some time to learn more about them! An encouraging email, phone call, or letter would surely be appreciated, too!
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Brad and Gina Shaw
Sharing the Gospel with the Quechua people in Peru is at the heart of Brad and Gina Shaw's missionary service. Brad and Gina have been serving in Peru for over a quarter of a century. We are so blessed to have them be one of our missionary partners at Monument Bible Church.
In a recent prayer letter they wrote: "Thank you for your prayers and concerns for us and the Quechua believers. We love Him even more and through repentance and obedience, many of us here have been learning patience, endurance, and perseverance in the face of suffering, opposition, and affliction."
During the pandemic, Brad and Gina continued to work from the States. They were not able to travel to visit supporters and friends during this time. They returned to the field last November. "We feel 'back in the saddle' here in Peru after the epidemic but we still need to visit with friends and churches who are supporting the ministry here. So, we will be in the States for about 4 months, September through December. We are looking forward to getting together and catching up with some of you personally!"
A couple praises from the Shaw's are 1) that a shortwave radio transmitter and antenna have been built and are headed to Peru and 2) that faithful pastors who serve with them are growing in integrity as the Lord works in their lives.
Brad and Gina ask that we "pray for God's gift of repentance and growth in honesty without compromise as they (the pastors they work with) love and submit to one another in truth and love." Their prayer for us is that "our loving Lord grant you the peace that surpasses all comprehension as He continues to grow you in love for His truth."
Please pray for these faithful servants as they return to the United States and travel this fall. Perhaps they will visit us. A word of encouragement can be sent to bradley.shaw@sim.org or gina.shaw@sim.org
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