This month’s Bible study is called “Take the Lead.” No matter where we serve, work and live, as Christians, we have a position of leadership.
This week we will look at overcoming our fear. This study will lead us to face our fears when it comes to leadership so that we can accept responsibility for God’s call on their lives, listen to God’s commands, and act courageously.
Read:
Joshua 1:1-18
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A1-18&version=NIV

Praises and Prayer Requests for the Week of 4/24

PRAISES

Elmores - Just had an update from our son in law, Josh, who is climbing Mt. McKinley. After 4 days of being in white out conditions, late yesterday they were able to begin the climb again and he said they are seeing some amazing sights. One climber had a panic/anxiety attack from being in a tent for 4 days and had to be taken off the mountain today. Pray for the mental well being of the rest of the team in addition for the protection from injury and frostbite.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Jared and Sarah Smith - Jared's friend, Heather, lost her mother last Saturday and then lost her father on Tuesday. Pray for comfort for Heather and her family during this time of deep grief.
Sarah's sister in law's father suffered a stroke last month and his health is declining.

Steven and Allison Terrill - Steven's friend, Matthew, lost his father to Alzeheimers this week. Also pray for Allison to find another job opportunity.

Courtney Langley - Continue to pray for Courtney as she disassembled meth labs throughout the city. Pray for her protection and also for her to find another job opportunity.

'Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath' Psalm 116:2

GOOD GRIEF: How do we move beyond?
Read John 20:1-8
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-8&version=NIV

In the conclusion of this month’s study on grief, our lesson writer states we can never overcome grief without a strong, healthy relationship with God. To move beyond a supernatural response to grief to completely overcoming it, we need to do three things:

1. Recognize that Jesus is the Messiah (John 20:1-10).
Where are you on your own spiritual journey? Are you able to see your life in perspective to God and His great and awesome plan for you that was known by Him before He placed the stars in the sky?

2. Resolve to trust Jesus in all circumstances (John 20:11-15).
A friend sent me this encouraging verse today:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%204:6-7&version=NIV

Our lesson writer asks, "what’s the difference between believing in Christ and trusting in Christ?" And then states, "Without a firm resolve to trust in Christ, overcoming grief is an impossible dream."

3. Rejoice in the fact that Jesus provides everlasting life (John 20:16-18).
Our lesson writer states "Mary’s reaction demonstrates the final step in overcoming grief: rejoicing in the Lord. When we’re able to rejoice in all things, we can overcome even the most draining bouts of grief."

I don’t pretend for a minute to tell you or believe that you will not experience pain, doubt or fear, or that life will always be rosy. But, God is The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Source of Mercy and Compassion, and The Source of All Comfort. He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements for this Easter Sunday:

1. Flintco will be providing free coffee and free donuts to individuals as they come by Kaffe Bona. Although Kaffe Bona will not be fully opened, they also will be helping sponsor this free event.
Members should be able to get through the “old mirror room” and through the new (though not completed) extension of the Detroit lobby to the hallway by the Bride’s Room.

2. Also, there will be extra parking in the North Parking lot (directly across from the Student Center ) for this Easter Sunday. Also, remember that the Tul-Park, West of the Worship Center, is open for use and is covered.

Other Announcements:

1. FBC Tulsa Night at the Drillers! Save the date for Sunday night, July 17th and come watch Deron throw out the opening pitch!

2. CenterCross Church opens this Saturday, April 23, 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and an Easter Service will be held on Sunday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m. The regular Sunday School and Worship Service schedule will begin the next Saturday, April 30, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 61st and Hwy 169, just East of Mingo.

3. This Sunday, April 24, is the deadline for making your All-Church Dinner Theater reservations. The elementary PraiseKids Choirs will be presenting the musical “Donkey Tales” on Sunday, May 1, during a lunchtime “dinner theater” event. Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, with the musical to follow. The menu will be chicken strips, fries, rolls, and cookies at a cost of $3.00 per person (cast members eat for free). Don’t be left out – make your reservations today by calling the Worship Ministry Office at 918-594-5059.

4. Wednesday night, April 27, will be FBC’s Quarterly Business Meeting. Please join us at 6 o’clock in the Fellowship Hall.

5. This year’s Women’s Spring Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 5, in the Fellowship Hall, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Guest speaker Catherine Zoller will share about "Prayer" and how her life was transformed through it. Please sign up in your LIFE Groups or at the tables in the FBC foyers on Sunday, April 24 and May 1. The cost will be $5.00 per person and may be paid for at the door. Childcare is available for preschoolers by reservation only. For more information, please contact Ellen Langland at 918-293-0930.

6. FBC’s In His Grip Golf Invitation will be held on Friday, May 6, at the Forest Ridge Golf Club. Registrations are now being accepted for this outreach-oriented golf event. The featured guest speaker will be PGA Pro Gerry James, two-time National Long Drive Champion. Gerry will share his testimony at the awards banquet following the event. Complete details are available at the In His Grip display table in the Detroit Lobby or by calling 918-594-5073.

7. Wednesday Night Meal for April 27
Fried Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes & Cream Gravy, Fried Corn nuggets, Buttered Roll and Vanilla Pudding Parfait with fresh Strawberries

8. Missions
This Sunday will be your last Sunday to help with FBC’s April Mission Action Project. You can help by restocking the Caring Center with SMALL jars of peanut butter and SMALL jars of jelly and new or gently used Bibles to be distributed through our Caring Center. These items may be placed in containers around the church marked for Mission Action. For more information, please contact Maribeth Dean at 918-481-5834.

Praises and Prayer Requests for the Week of 4/17

PRAISES  
Risingers - Noah Risinger, 4 years old, had pins put in his broken arm yesterday. An additional x-ray in the OR revealed the break was clean so the doctors were able to reset the arm and put the pins in place without an incision.  

PRAYER REQUESTS  
Rogers - Ivey, the 2 year old daughter of a family friend, had her right eye removed due to cancer. She will be starting chemo soon. Please pray for a full recovery. Pray for her family as they adjust to this traumatic event in their lives.  
Terrills - Allison is still looking for a better job.  
Bendure - Janna's good friend, Carrie, has lost her job. Pray for Carrie in her search for a new job soon. Also Janna met a couple and a single woman who don't have a home or jobs. Pray that each of them see change and God's presence in their lives.
O'Connells - Taylor and Nick's dear friend, Joanie Stephens, lost her husband on Friday. Pray for comfort for this young woman and their families as they cope with their deep loss.  
Smiths - Jason and Rachel are supposed to be moving this week. Pray for the last minute details to work out so the move can take place.
Elmores - Our son in law, Joshua Smith, begins a climbing expedition on Mt McKinley in Alaska this week. He just boarded the plane to take the team to base camp. He could be gone as long as a month. Everything depends on weather. Please pray for the entire team's protection and for Josh to glorify God and be His witness while on this trip. Please pray for our daughter, Megan, and 19 month old granddaughter, Hadley, while he is away. Meg will be running their business and taking care of Hadley alone while Josh is gone.
 Remkes - Davis, Brad and Amber's 2 year old, has been sick with a fever and Brad to him to the doctor today. His pneumonia from January is back. Amber is out of town till tomorrow so Brad is handling it all solo. Pray for a quick recovery for precious Davis, strength and energy for Brad and peace of mind for Amber till she can get home to her boys.

Care Groups

Doing LIFE together.
Because LIFE Group meetings on Sunday are mostly about Bible study, there is not always enough time for fellowship. As previously announced, we re-assigned Care Groups during our meeting yesterday.
What this means for members of Homebuilders is you have been assigned to a small group for the next quarter of the year. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with a small group of four or five couples. For visitors to Homebuilders, we are glad you are here. Come back anytime.
If you would like to join a Care Group or would like more information about being added to our ministry roll, let us know.
There is nothing exclusive about Homebuilders. We are an open group. While we will continue to fellowship together and meet together on Sunday morning, each Care Group is a small ministry group within Homebuilders. We have identified at least two purposes for this: (1) to assist us to minister to each member; and (2) to continue building community within Homebuilders.

Prayer Requests for the week of 4/10

PRAISES
Lane Bearden is back up to her birth weight!

Jack Terrill has recovered from his ear surgery and has his first two teeth!

PRAYER REQUESTS
Adam and Emily Green asked for continued prayer for Adam to tolerate his new round of chemo and that the clinical trial he is a part of at UCLA will be a success.

Amber Remke is traveling all this week for work. Pray that she will have discernment about whether to stay in her current position or seek another opportunity. Also pray for her as she defends her thesis for graduation.

The Elmores' son in law, Joshua Smith, will be leaving for Alaska on Saturday for a Mt. McKinley climbing expedition. He has never climb a mountain before but has been training for a year and a half. He will be gone for a month. Pray for his safety and protection. The weather is brutal there right now with temps between -35 and -50 degrees. Pray for our daughter, Megan, to have peace of mind and protection while he is away. She'll be running their business and caring for their 19 month alone while he is away.

GOOD GRIEF:
HOW CAN WE HELP OTHERS RESPOND TO GRIEF SUPERNATURALLY?

Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%201:1-11&version=MSG
1-2 I, Paul, have been sent on a special mission by the Messiah, Jesus, planned by God himself. I write this to God's congregation in Corinth, and to believers all over Achaia province. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting.
The Rescue
3 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel!
4-5 He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
6-7 When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.
8-11 We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part. (The Message)

1. BY KNOWING GOD (2 Corinthians 1:1-3)
Why is knowing God important to helping others respond to grief?
2. BY SHARING GOD (2 Corinthians 1:4-7)
What does it mean to share God’s comfort with others?
3. BY PRAYING TO GOD (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)
What does it mean to pray to God?

Write down a short thought in response to each question and bring it with you to LIFE Group on April 17th.

Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

GOOD GRIEF
What does a supernatural response to grief look like?
Read Psalm 31:1-24
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31%3A1-24&version=NIV

As you may know and many will remember from our study last summer, David was a man after God’s heart. But, in this Pslam, David is dealing with his very own grief following his troubles. Commentator Matthew Henry wrote back in the 1700's:

“The time of life is in God's hands, to lengthen or shorten, make bitter or sweet, according to the counsel of his will. The way of man is not in himself, nor in our friend's hands, nor in our enemies' hands, but in God's.”

As we discussed Sunday, it is Christ’s Resurrection which allows us to respond to grief supernaturally. This coming Sunday we will explore the answer to the question: “What does a supernatural response to grief look like?” We must have:
1. Uninhibited Praise (Psalm 31:7-10)
2. Undeterred Trust (Psalm 31:14-16)
3. Unceasing Love (Psalm 31:21-24)
Following difficult times in his life, David turned to the Lord as his rock and refuge. God’s comfort also waits for each of us. Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Sunday, April 10:
a) First Glance Class at 9:45 a.m.

b) Preschool VIP Orientation at 12:15 p.m.

c) Children’s New Christian Class at 12:30 p.m.

d) Mission Committee Meeting at 3:00 p.m.

e) Evangelism Committee Meeting at 4:00 p.m.

2. The Pastor’s First Glance Class begins this Sunday, April 10, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the Parlor, and will conclude on April 17. If you know of someone who is a new member to FBC or someone who would like to find out more about FBC, please have them sign up for this class by calling Polly Davis at 918-594-5019.

3. Thursday, April 14, will be FBC’s 9th Annual FBC Outreach Luncheon. This year there will be two settings for lunch for us to serve the needy in our community, 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Your help is needed in serving food and drinks, serving as a van driver/rider, greeter, clean-up person, commitment advisor, and/or being a miscellaneous helper. Childcare for babies through Pre-K will be available for volunteers, reservations required, by calling the Children's Ministry Office at 918-594-5028. Sign up for this wonderful opportunity in your LIFE Groups this Sunday, April 10 or call the Community Ministries Office at 918-594-5073.

4. FBC’s Adult Spring Spectacular on Friday, April 15. The featured entertainer for this event will be Jamaican born concert artist Huntley Brown, graduate of Judson College and keyboard artist for the Graham Evangelistic Association. Offering a diverse talent ranging from gospel, jazz and contemporary styles, Huntley will entertain and encourage us. The banquet theme is “Put A Spring In Your Step” and will be catered by a local company with Richard Hicks, FBC member, providing the dinner music. Dress style for the evening is optional ranging from Sunday dress to business casual. Tickets for the event are on sale for $10.00 and may be purchased in your LIFE Group or in the Detroit lobby. An added feature, following the meal in the Fellowship Hall, will be an additional piano and lighting performance in the Worship Center .

5. CenterCross Church opens on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24. Your involvement is needed in this wonderful undertaking. The first area where help is needed is in door-to-door canvassing. The purpose of the canvassing is to get the word out about the opening of CenterCross and to invite residents to the Open House Easter Egg Hunt for games, fun, giveaways, food and tours of the church. Detailed flyers, for you to hand out, have already been made. The plan is to knock on doors in the neighborhoods surrounding CenterCross en masse and introduce ourselves. This is a great time to say hello, smile and hand them a flyer, and invite them over. Then, there are two ways you can help canvass. Participate in: 1) the 10 day blitz, spread over the ten days prior to Easter and/or 2) this Saturday, April 9, where you can help with either a morning or an afternoon shift. The second need is for volunteers to help in the service at CenterCross during Saturday evening church, with the exception of our opening service on Easter morning. Volunteers are still needed in several areas for a minimum of 6 months (or more as needed). Also, there is a need for drawing giveaways for the Easter Egg Hunt/Open House at CenterCross Church on Saturday, April 23. Items can be large or small and can be for all age groups. If you can provide any items to help with the Grand Opening, please contact Kristin White at 918-594-5073.

6. All-Church Dinner Theater: The elementary PraiseKids Choirs will be presenting the musical “Donkey Tales” on Sunday, May 1, during a lunchtime “dinner theater” event . Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, with the musical to follow. The menu will be chicken strips, fries, rolls, and cookies at a cost of $3.00 per person (cast members eat for free). All church members are invited to attend and may make a reservation by calling the Worship Ministry Office, 918-594-5059, by Easter Sunday, April 24.

7. Wednesday Night Meal for April 13
Fried Pork Fritters, Mashed Potatoes and Cream Gravy, Stewed Tomatoes, Buttered Roll and Strawberry Cream Pie

8. Children’s Ministry
This Sunday, April 10, will be A Children’s New Christian Class, 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., in Room 329 North. This class is for all boys and girls, First through Sixth Grades, who are waiting to be baptized or are asking questions about becoming a Christian. To enroll your children, please call the Children’s Ministry Office at 918-594-5028.

9. Men’s Ministry
Friday, May 6, will be FBC’s In His Grip Golf Invitational at the Forest Ridge Golf Club. Registrations are now being accepted for this outreach-oriented golf event. The featured guest speaker will be PGA Pro Gerry James, two-time National Long Drive Champion. Gerry will share his testimony at the awards banquet following the event. Complete details are available at the In His Grip display table in the Detroit Lobby or by calling 918-594-5073.

10. Missions
Our April Mission Action Project has us stocking the Caring Center with two vital commodities. You can help by bringing SMALL jars of peanut butter and SMALL jars of jelly and new or gently used Bibles to be distributed through our Caring Center . These items may be placed in containers around the church marked for Mission Action.

For more information, please contact Maribeth Dean at 918-481-5834.

11. Preschool Ministry
1. This Sunday, April 10, will be our next VIP Orientation for all workers in Extended Teaching Care, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., in the Parlor. Lunch will be served but your reservations are needed by calling the Preschool Ministry Office at 918-594-5028.

2. Coming up on Saturday, April 16, will be our 2011 Jelly Bean Jump from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. This event is for all preschoolers and their families and will be held in the FBC Student Gym. There will be inflatables, games, an egg hunt and much more. Reservations are not required, but if you need more information, please call 918-594-5028.

12. Women’s Ministry
Ladies: The Women’s Spring Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 5, Noon to 1:00 p.m. There will be a lot of quality program in a brief time with Catherine Zoller speaking on "Prayer" and how her life was transformed through it. Please sign up in your LIFE Groups or at the tables in the FBC foyers on Sunday, April 24 and May 1. The cost will be $5.00 per person and may be paid for at the door. Childcare is available for preschoolers by reservation only. For more information, please contact Ellen Langland at 918-293-0930.

Prayer Requests and Praises for the week of 4/3

Wow, we saw several answers to prayer last week. God just continues to humble and amaze me when He makes His presence so evident among our class. Thank you for being faithful prayer warriors! Praises Our first Sunday in our new classroom was awesome. I am so very thankful for the added space. We ran out of chairs so they are adding more this week. Prayer Requests - Beardens - Matt and Camden are having their baby today. Pray for this precious new baby girl that God is bringing to their family. Rogers - Todd's stepfather has cancer. Please pray for comfort for he and the family and that God will give the doctors wisdom on the most effective treatment. Pray his stepfather will be drawn closer to the Lord during this uncertain time. Whitakers - Lynsi asked us to pray for the marriages of both her brother and her sister. Both are planning to divorce. Her sister's husband is not a believer and has no interest in hearing anything about Christ. Pray for all of their hearts to be convicted of their need to seek God's will for their lives and their marriages.