Buds, Births, and Spring Cleaning
1st Thursday CONNECT
It’s spring—time for buds, births, and spring cleaning. At 1st Thursday CONNECT, April 4, we will finish our study of 1 Samuel and the budding kingdom of Israel and will launch the book of Acts which describes the birth of the church. We will do a little spring cleaning with a round of speed dusting and finish off the evening with a Minute to Win It Swap Meet.
Don’t forget to do a little spring cleaning of your own and bring 3-5 things that you would like to swap. The items can be from any of these categories: books, home decor, women’s clothing/accessories, kitchen/pantry, gardening/plants.
Bring your Bible and 3-5 items and come to New Life Church, West Linn, April 4, 6:30-8:30 PM. We’ll have dinner, learn from God’s Word, connect with each other, and celebrate spring. Friends are always welcome. RSVP on Facebook, Remind, or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.
ONE-TO-ONE BIBLE READING
One-to-One Bible Reading resources are available each month at 1st Thursday CONNECT, on the church website, and in the church lobby. Women are encouraged to partner one-to-one to read and discuss a Bible “book of the month.” Up next— Acts for April.
Acts describes the action-packed birth of the Church after Jesus’ resurrection. The Action Hero of the book, the Holy Spirit, explodes on the scene and changes hearts, which have been the bane of our existence since the Garden of Eden. He comes with fire, unleashes tongues, gives languages, makes a murderer a missionary. Long before, God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, and promised, “…I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances” (Ezekiel 36:25-27 CSB.) It was the gospel in bud stage. But now, the promise bursts into full bloom and the Church is born!
The book of Acts reads nothing short of an incredible story, and even if it were no more than that, it would be worth reading. But, oh, it is so much more! This is our history, our heritage, the baby book of the Church. Though the book of Acts is descriptive of a set of events in a certain time and place, the Hero of the story is also our inheritance and our helper. Because of the Holy Spirit, there is hope for this heart of mine that is often warped with envy and pride and selfishness and evil. God is doing spring cleaning in us, swapping the old heart for a new, placing His Spirit in us, causing us to obey Him. All the Action is His! Praise God! What a gift, this Holy Spirit of God. May God encourage us in April as we read of His Acts.
Memories
1st Thursday CONNECT, March edition, was a memorable evening. We provided 50 bags for women in need to Love, INC, an ambitious undertaking and a fitting celebration of International Women’s Day. We replaced lies women believe with life-giving truth. We enjoyed cookies, beauty, friendship, and God’s Word. From the book of Ruth, we gleaned three reasons we can trust God. God’s providence is at work. God is keeping all His promises. God has provided a Redeemer. Enjoy the memories!
LINKS
ESV Scripture Journal: Acts “ESV Scripture Journals pair the entirety of individual books of the Bible with lightly lined blank pages opposite each page of Bible text, allowing readers to take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture.” You might like this journal of Acts to go along with this month’s reading.
New Life Church West Linn Women’s Ministry Facebook Group Join the Women’s Ministry Facebook group to keep in touch, make comments, share encouragement.
What’s Up with the Witch of Endor? by Stephen Dempster. This article might be helpful as you read 1 Samuel 28.
The Secret to Strong Friendships by Kristen Wetherell. Here is another good reason to pray.
(Resources are reviewed but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)