Thursday, May 31, 2012

A Letter from Buddy Gray to the parents of Children at Davis Park


Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.    Heb 12:1-2



Dear Parents,
This year we have an exciting summer adventure series for our children from age 2 to 6th grade.  In keeping with the thought of the Olympics that will be held this summer we have a themed series of activities and lessons called "Running the Race."  The biblel uses this theme many times to talk about the Christian life.  Paul speaks of  training for the race, enduring the race and finishing the race.  These ideas are appropriate for children of all ages, which is why, during the time the children are enjoying their fun-filled lessons and activities we will have an adult class with discussion going on simultaneously.  There is no better time to start training your children than when they are at the ages we are targeting for this series of lessons
On July 4, 2012 we will kick this series of lessons with a torch parade and lighting ceremony( no fire).  After this the activities of  first night of activities and then it is outside for ice cream and then a Celebration of Independence day with fireworks.  This series of lessons will conclude later in the summer on August 29, 2012 with a closing ceremony followed by food and fun as we close out the summer and start looking towards a new school year.  Look for bounce houses and interactive games and an awards ceremony as we finish it all up.
I am excited about this summer of activities for our children as we help them grow and prosper in the Lord.  Please bring your children and invite your neighbors and their children as well.  This series is in lieu of vacation bible school.  If you are interested in helping with decorations or using your talent in some way contact the office or Barbara Biard.
Let us run the race for Jesus,

Buddy Gray
Preaching Minister
Davis Park Church of Christ   

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Changes to Nothing Changes

Call Out should have been Ecclesiastes 3:1. Exodus 3:1 is a whole different story

Friday, May 25, 2012

Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

Nothing Changes if Nothing Chnages
Discussion Guide
May 27,  2012
1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Exodus 3:1
2.         Lesson Summary.  Life's lessons tell us that change is an inevitable part of life.  Human nature is such that for the most part we are resistant to change the things we do.  Change can throw our lives into chaos, because we like life to remain status quo whether we are comfortable or not. Change usually moves into unknown feelings or places that are different and cause us to adjust in some form or fashion.
            Jesus and God call us to change! Change to improve and glorify the kingdom.
Questions for Discussion
A.         What does Jesus call you to do today?
B.         What does it mean to repent?
C.         How are we a stubborn and stiff-necked people?
D.         How deeply does it grieve you to know we are on the cusp of losing 60-80% of our Children to the world after high school?
E.         What is the good news about the good news?
F.         Define and Discuss insanity?
G.         What is the most important thing to remember about change?
H.         How does the serenity prayer give us peace concerning change?
I           What is the greatest change that we can make?
Scripture:
                Matthew 4:17
                Matthew 19:13
                Hebrews 13:8
                Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
                Ezekiel 18:30
                2 Corinthians 5:17
                Acts 2:38                                             

Thursday, May 10, 2012

An Excellent Mom!


An Excellent Mom!
Discussion Guide
May 13,  2012
1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Proverbs 31:38
2.         Lesson Summary.  Moms are incredible!  Many of us have great memories of our mothers and how they sacrificed to give us a better life than they had. With the help of God our mothers hold us in their bodies while rna and dna form cells, divide and multiply to form us into the person that we become.  In Proverbs 31 a mother describes what a mom and woman are like in her mind.  I believe the character and nature of this woman ring true in many ways of the mothers we have in this church. Today we explore biblical motherhood.
Questions for Discussion
A.         Where is the place that God has chosen for the incubation of all of us?
B.         Which of the mother quotes did you find most interesting?
C.         What are some interesting facts about Eve as a mother?
D.         What were some of Sara's strengths as a mother?
F.         What kind of faith did Jochebed have?
G.         Discuss Mary, the mother of Jesus' weaknesses and strengths?
H.         What are the main attributes of a Godly mother according to Proverbs 31?
I.          Which character trait is the most important for a mother to have?

Scripture:
                Psalm 139:13
                Proverbs 14:1
                Proverbs 18:22
                Proverbs 31: 10-31

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Hurt People, Hurt People


Hurt People Hurt people
Discussion Guide
May 6,  2012
1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Genesis 50:20
2.         Lesson Summary.  The bible story shows us time after time how hurt people, hurt people.  This fact makes the bible story more real to us as we examine it and realize the bible characters for the most part are not Mt. Rushmore Figures but, are people like people we encounter every day. How can we overcome this drift to Hurting People while we are in the midst of hurt ourselves?  In the midst of crisis it is easy for us to develop Hurts, habits and Hang-ups.  The only solution is the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit.
Questions for Discussion
A.         Why do many people become mean, bitter or deceitful?
B.         What does it mean that we should not let our explanation become our excuses?
C.         Who are some Hurt people who Hurt people in the bible?
D.         What are some different ways that we hurt other people?
F.         What are some bad habits that being hurt can lead to?
G.         What are some ways that hurts can lead to hopelessness?
H.         How can overcome the hurts of life and help others?
I.          How does the son of God help us overcome our Hurts?
J.          What is the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming hurts?
K.         How does God the Father helps us past our hurts?
L.         How may we harness our hearts for Holy Purposes?
Scripture:
                Genesis 4:3-8                                    Hebrews 2:17-18                              Matthew 11:29 
Esther 3:5-6                                        Hebrews 4:15-16                              Psalm 23
Genesis 50:20-21                             Psalm 139:7, 12                                 Matthew 6
                Mark 14:3-11                                      Romans 8:26-27
                Luke 5:21-24                                       Psalm 119:105 
                John 18:8-11                                       Josh 1:6-8   

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