Mid-Week Minute – November 22, 2023
We are so glad you are here.
We are looking forward to getting to know you better!
MID-WEEK DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Greetings, Church Friends and Family!!
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
John Wesley, reflecting on, “Never stop praying” (NLT) or “pray without ceasing” (NRSV) in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, wrote: “Thanksgiving is inseparable from true prayer; it is almost essentially connected with it. One who always prays is ever giving praise, whether in ease or pain, both for prosperity and for the greatest adversity. He blesses God for all things, looks on them as coming from Him, and receives them for His sake- not choosing nor refusing, liking or disliking, anything, but only as it is agreeable or disagreeable to His perfect will.”
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to pray. Pray with a heart full of gratitude. Pray to offer praise to God for life and for loved ones. Pray for God to guide you in the path of His choosing.
In a year marked by disasters, wars, and violence, let's pray for healing and the work needed to restore lives and property. Pray for those who are hurting, turning our prayers into action.
God showers us with abundant blessings—joy, laughter, courage in fear, hope in doubt, comfort in tears and sadness. God is with us in all things. Even on his deathbed, John Wesley believed in the love and blessings of God, saying, “Best of all, God is with us.”
Pray for our community as we aim to strengthen and grow in Christ. Pray for our leaders and all involved in meaningful ministry. Pray for those serving and providing financial resources for the ministry. Pray for our church as we continue making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Thanksgiving and true prayer go hand in hand. Give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart. I am thankful for you and our church. Grateful for all that God is doing among us as we seek the Holy Spirit's guidance into the future.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,
Pr. Eugene, Michele, and Lauren
PS.
Thank you to everyone who played a role in making the Thanksgiving Brunch such a memorable experience. You see some of the photos on our facebook page. If you have any photos to add to the album, please email/txt them to Pr. Eugene
WHAT'S NEW?!
Christmas Fiesta:
- What: Church Christmas Festival, including horse rides, hay rides, Ping Pong, Games, Ornament making craft, Christmas Cookie making, and more
- When: Saturday, December 9, 3:30 to 9:00 pm
- Where: 150 Hidden Oaks Trail, Bartonville, Texas
- Wear: Closed-toe shoes, and long pants to ride a horse (before sunset)
- Food Provided: chili (meat and vegetarian), chowder and soup, cornbread, hot apple cider, sodas
- Food to Bring: yummy side dish or appetizer, dessert, or drink
- Optional: Adult Ornament Exchange, so bring an ornament $20 or less
- Optional: prizes for the best ugly Christmas sweater
Questions: Sherri Peck 214-529-7456 or Greg Peck 214-980-4298
Rejoice!
Rejoice! (A Praise and Worship Concert Service)
Arlington SDA Church, Lewisville Campus
11:30 TO 12:45
POTLUCK AFTER CONCERT
60th Anniversary: Arlington Main Campus
Get ready for some exciting times as our main campus is gearing up to celebrate 60 incredible years of ministry. We'd love to have you join us on December 2nd for a day filled with festivities. Keep an eye on their website and newsletter for more details coming your way soon! Congratulations and Happy 60th Anniversary to all at our main Campus!
End of Year, New Year’s Service
Welcome in 2024 by joining us for our TESTIMONY YEAR-END SERVICE
- Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023
- Place: Arlington SDA Church, Lewisville Campus - 1471 W Corporate Drive, Lewisville, TX, 75067
- Time: 4.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
* Refreshments will be Served *
CALENDAR
These are just a few of the upcoming events this coming week, and a few Save the date events through next week or so (See our master Calendar online for more)
November
- Nov. 27 – Karate with Pr. Eugene – Visit gojukan.org for more information
- Nov. 28 - Prayer Connect Group 7 pm (ft. a gathering of those you may know & don’t know) - Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 834 9176 7821, - Password: 1844)
- Nov. 29 - Mid-Week Prayer/Discussion 8 pm (ft. a gathering of those you know from church) - Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 894-6039-2525 - Password: 842752)
- Nov. 30 – Karate with Pr. Eugene – Visit gojukan.org for more information
Other save the dates for later in the month:
December
- Dec. 02 – Arlington Main Campus’ 60th Anniversary Celebrations
- Dec. 09 - Church Christmas Fiesta 3:30 pm – See the above notice for more Info.
- Dec. 16 - Rejoice! (A Praise and Worship Concert Service) 11:30 am – See the above notice for more Info.
- Dec. 31 – Testimony Year-end Service 04 pm – 8 pm – See the above notice for more Info.
ANOTHER REMINDER...
Just a reminder of some items previously mentioned
Unleash Your Potential with Karate & Self-defense Classes this Fall Semester!
Join us for exhilarating Karate classes that go beyond physical fitness. At our church fellowship hall, we offer a comprehensive program that covers Karate, Kenpō, and Goshin-Jutsu (self-defense). Led by Pr. Eugene (Sensei), these classes are designed to help you achieve a healthier, stronger body while mastering invaluable self-defense skills.
Days: Mondays and Thursdays (See website for schedule)
Location: Lewisville Campus’ Fellowship Hall: 1471 W. Corporate Dr., Lewisville TX 75067
Whether you're a church member, school family, veteran, law enforcement officer, or first responder, we have special rates tailored just for you. Our aim is to bring the community together and foster a safe environment for all. Check out our website, www.gojukan.org, and follow us on social media @kaizengojukan for more details and exclusive offers.
But that's not all! For those looking to enhance their self-defense prowess, we also offer quarterly 1-day self-defense classes for women. Consider it a valuable "refresher" to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence. Reach out to Pr. Eugene if you're interested in participating.
We've made it convenient for you to get started. Simply fill out the paperwork online using the following link: https://www.gojukan.org/pdf/extra/KGF-AW2a-2022Fill.pdf
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to unlock your true potential and become the best version of yourself. Join us at our Karate & Self-defense Classes and let the journey begin!
See YOU there!!
Church Directory
We have renewed our contract with Instantchurchdirectory.com - Our church directory is available to view on your computer or on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a member website and a free app for church members to download on their Apple and Android devices.
Right now, we have 29 Family units represented, and only 15 of these have provided photos. We are building from scratch. So please help us. You can email all your information to Pr. Eugene or you can fill out the Google form to populate your/your family’s information and even upload a family photo - https://forms.gle/GVJErmzBYyWTssJB8
For more information on the app/website, go to https://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/
To download the app to your Apple device, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instant-church-directory/id589542221?ls=1&mt=8 - To download the app to your Android device, click here:
You will be asked to enter your email address as it's listed in our directory. If your email address isn't listed in the directory, let Pr. Eugene, know so it can be added. Once you enter your email address, follow the directions on-screen to complete the create log-in process. After you sign in, you'll see the most up-to-date directory for our church. Any time updates are made, they will show on the Online Members' Website, too.
For more information about the members' website, go here: https://help.instantchurchdirectory.com/article/638-navigating-the-online-member-directory or www.InstantChurchDirectory.com/app .
WEEKEND AT-A-GLANCE
Sermon Service
The Sermon streaming this week will be presented by Pr. Kevin Wells, as he continues his series, “Kingdom or Empire.” This week's sermon is entitled “Under His Favor”.
More information will be posted on our social media feed as it is made available.
NO Potluck
this week (1st and 3rd Saturday of every month) – Please remember to plan and bring your favorite dish, side dish, or dessert to share, and let's enjoy great food and fellowship NEXT WEEK, Dec. 2nd.
GIVING MOMENT
We Give because God Gave First - By contributing to what our Lewisville Campus and the Adventist Church is doing in our communities and around the world, we are using what God has given us to share the good news of Jesus by serving others. Tithing and giving offering is more than merely giving. One of the ways we express our gratitude to God is by giving our tithes and offerings.
Let’s pray for God's spirit to move within us as we prepare our offering. If you would like to make your contribution online, right here: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANWFQ8/envelope/start - You can search for “Lewisville Seventh-day Adventist Church” if it doesn’t automatically redirect.
FROM OUR MAIN CAMPUS AT THE
Below, just a couple of quick updates for us locally, and some from the main campus at Arlington for your attention and consideration.
The pastoral staff will be posting regular blogs on our website that will be sort of a companion strand to our planned sermonic calendar. To navigate directly to that page, click here or on the image above. The content and scripture passages will be different from the regular sermon series, but these short devotional pieces will be conceptually aligned with the themes. Each post will be somewhat different in style, some humorous, some educational, others more thought-provoking, or healing. Ideally, there will be something for everyone. We hope you will find this new project to be of benefit as a part of your own spiritual practice.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
WE'RE GONNA NEED A MINUTE...
If you regularly join Pastor Kevin on Wednesday mornings, you know we continue to experience ongoing difficulties with our internet connectivity. We ask for your patience as we take a moment to consider how best to move forward with this program in a way that minimizes interruptions and maximizes our connection with you! Check back here next week for more information about our plans!
If you regularly join Pastor Kevin on Wednesday mornings, you know we continue to experience ongoing difficulties with our internet connectivity. We ask for your patience as we take a moment to consider how best to move forward with this program in a way that minimizes interruptions and maximizes our connection with you! Check back here next week for more information about our plans!
Subscribe:
Consider the following options
For more from our Main Campus, consider subscribing to the email newsletter "Arlington Life Online" CLICK HERE which is distributed every Thursday. So, subscribe now, and get it in your inbox later this week.
You can also view the latest version here
For our Younger Generation, consider checking out YG Life’s newsletter - https://arlingtonadventist.com/yglife
The current Edition (at the time of publication) is linked here, or you can click HERE for easy access.
LEWISVILLE CAMPUS'
Re: Prayer Requests, Petitions and Praises
Yes, we have several prayer groups that meet during the week. Still, some have expressed the need to be able to communicate prayer requests to bring before the Lord during our worship service. They either do not attend in person or feel uncomfortable presenting their requests in person. This may also help us cut some time during our service if we have the requests ready to go.
We are no longer taking Prayer Requests from the congregation during prayer time. We will only be lifting those requests submitted via the below-mentioned methods. Just so you know – those requests will automatically be added to a Living/Working Document that will reflect your prayer requests, petitions, and praises according to your instructions. The list will be available here ( https://tinyurl.com/4r78zn95 ) or from the Forms & Documents Tab on our Website.
Submit your prayer requests via our Google Form: https://forms.gle/7QhSYuyZ5yZYzsGx9 - You can also submit your prayer requests that you want to be prayed over during church service to Pastor Eugene, 1. Via email (eugene@arlingtonadventist.com) or 2. Via Text Message or WhatsApp. (512.708.0600)
Running Prayer List:
Submit via the above to have your praises and request listed here:
Current/New Prayer Requests & Petitions:
These items will remain here for 3 weeks or until an update is received. If still needing prayer/intercession after that time, it will be moved to the “Long-Standing…” list below
- Michael Wahlen for a speedy recovery after being shot by the high-powered pellet gun thugs recently arrested here in Lewisville (Submitted: 11/81/2023)
- Philip Rivas - I am engaged to be married by possibly around April 2024 in the UK and please pray for all the marriage preparations. Also prayer for finances and accommodation needs please, as I continue studying a full-time theology PhD from a UK university, to finish in 2026. (Submitted: 10/14/2023)
- Betty Thorson - Kristy Jennings mother continues to be on hospice with a rapid decline. Prayers requested for a peaceful passing and comfort for all of us Kristy, Chris, Joshua and Matthew. (Submitted: 11/01/2023)
- Israel–Hamas war (Submitted: 10/07/2023)
Current/New Praises / Updates:
- Your ‘Praise’ could be listed here - Share with us
Long-Standing Prayer Requests & Petitions
These are items that have been on the list for 3 weeks or more - Would appreciate updates on these, if any are available.
- List to be updated here soon
Let’s keep each other updated on the status of our prayer requests, praises etc., it will help us on our journey as we reflect on all the answered prayers
Including material in Newsletter
I do not often have time to scour social media and other feeds for items to include in the "Midweek Minute", outside of what is submitted for inclusion/publication. So… Should you wish to include ANYTHING in the Mid-week minute newsletter, please ensure to send the information to Pr. Eugene by Wednesday at 6 pm. Please include the text copy and graphics (if applicable) as you’d like it to be posted.
The Mid-week Minute will be distributed with what has been received by that time, so please ensure it's on time.
Text: (469) 708-8494 or eugene@arlingtonadventist.com
CLOSING REMARKS & HOUSEKEEPING
I know, realize and appreciate that we have careers and responsibilities outside of our church fellowship. I do understand how overwhelming these responsibilities can be. That being said, I would love to kindly ask that if you’ve agreed to serve in any capacity whatsoever, and life’s responsibilities and or challenges come knocking, please reach out and try to find someone to cover your responsibilities for the affected time frame (preferably 48 hours or more ahead of time).
Should you wish to include anything in the Mid-week minute newsletter, please ensure to send the information to Pr. Eugene by Wednesday at 6pm. The Mid-week Minute will be distributed with what has been received by that time to make sure it's on time.
Be Blessed
