Faith.
What comes to mind when you think of that word? Do you automatically go to the spiritual side and think of belief in God? Do you think of another aspect of spiritual faith: trusting in God’s provision? Or do you think of trusting in another person – placing your faith in their word?
How about yourself? Do you think of having “faith” in yourself? Do you have faith enough in yourself that you believe you can accomplish something – even something that you thought you would never attempt?
In a conversation today, Chris referred to a Men’s Health Magazine article that had a chart showing the relationship between things that are pleasurable versus things that are beneficial. Most of the results were fairly predictable: exercise, for instance, might be beneficial; but certainly not pleasurable (at least in the early stages of getting back into shape!). We experience lots of things that are pleasurable, but not necessarily good for us (pizza, anyone?). Surprisingly enough, there are things that are both pleasurable and beneficial to us; but the point is that most things we have to deal with in life are rarely both pleasurable and beneficial.
In our Sunday morning exploration of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, we have encountered some “tough” issues - teachings that might not be all pleasurable to hear, but are certainly beneficial to follow. Starting this week we will be challenged to go to the next level: to “Go Beyond Ourselves”. We’ll be learning and doing things that are not all about our own comfort or good, but are for the good of others around us - things that may not fall into the “pleasure” category; but things that must definitely carry a benefit with them.
Think about the last time you stretched beyond your comfort zone. Remember how good it felt in the afterglow of your accomplishment. Maybe you ran that extra mile or pedaled the extra ten minutes beyond your usual workout: not too pleasurable, but physically quite beneficial. Maybe you read an extra few chapters of the Bible during your devotions – or maybe you succeeded in giving up a few minutes of sleep to start the healthy habit of a regular quiet time. That might not have been pleasurable, but the benefits of those disciplines matter for all eternity!
So, hang on – we’re about to be pushed. Pleasurable? Probably not. But very, very beneficial – way beyond ourselves. Just have faith.
See you Sunday,
Ronn
Today, March 5
Celebrate Recovery - 6:00 pm dinner ($4), 7:00 pm worship
Tomorrow, March 6
Financial Peace University - 8:30 am - Alpine Chapel
THIS SUNDAY, March 7
Speaker: Pastor Ronn Read
Message: “Beyond Differences At The Table”
Communion, Benevolence Offering
Classes and Events
The Way - 9:00 am - Gym
“Breathe” Women’s Support Group - Room 146
Luncheon Link - noon -Gym
SHIFT Young Adult Ministry - noon - Lobby
Puerta Del Cielo (Spanish speaking) - 2:00 pm - Auditorium
Fusion Church - 5:00 pm - Auditorium
HS/Campus Life Basketball - 8:30 pm - Gym
NEXT WEEK
Monday, March 8
Oasis PM: Proverbs - 7:00 pm
Co-ed Volleyball - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 9
Oasis AM - 9:15 am
Awana - 6:30 pm
Financial Peace University - 7:00 pm - Foglia YMCA
Men’s Basketball - 8:30 pm
Wednesday, March 10
H2O (Junior High) and Real Life (High School) - 7:00 pm
Men’s Study - 7:00 pm
Thursday, March 11
Men’s Quest - 6:00 am
SHIFT - 7:00 pm - Room 134
Community Group “NE” Meeting - 7:00 pm - Café
Friday, March 12
Celebrate Recovery - 6:00 pm dinner ($4), 7:00 pm worship
Saturday, March 13
Financial Peace University - 8:30 am - Alpine Chapel
Lake Zurich EXPO - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm - LZ High School
NEXT SUNDAY, March 14
Speaker: Pastor Ronn Read
Message: “Beyond Divisions In The Body”
Classes and Events
The Way - 9:00 am - Gym
Financial Peace University Accountability Group - 9:00 am - Café
“Moms of Extraordinary Kids” Women’s Support Group - 9:00 am - Room 146
SHIFT Young Adult Ministry - noon - Lobby
Puerta Del Cielo (Spanish speaking) - 2:00 pm - Auditorium
Emmaus House Community Dinner - 6:00 pm - St. Francis (5:30 food drop-off)
HS/Campus Life Basketball - 8:30 pm - Gym
GENERAL INFORMATION
Luncheon Link, This Sunday: Celebrate St. Patty’s Day a little early with a delicious lunch of homemade corned beef and cabbage. Pizza will be available for the kids. Right after the second service, in the gym. Suggested donation: $5.00 adults, $3.00 kids.
Lake Zurich EXPO, Saturday March 13, 9:00 am-3:00 pm: Lake Zurich area businesses will be holding this annual trade fair to promote their wares and services. Alpine Chapel looks forward to visiting with you as we once again host a booth the LZ High School Field House.
“The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted”, a special live seminar featuring best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman (The Five Love Languages), will be held at the Lake Zurich High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Tickets will be $45/person in advance ($50 at the door) and will be on sale at Alpine this Sunday and are available online.
(Not Just For) Men’s Breakfast, March 27: Join us for a hearty breakfast as we celebrate the commitment our “Quest” participants have fulfilled. We’ll be recognizing the achievement of the men who have braved early mornings and icy roads to learn how to become the men God designed them to be. If you have a husband, dad, son, or friend that has been experiencing the Quest, come on out to show your support. Breakfast is $5/person and advance reservations are required. Stop at the Men’s Ministry booth in the gym on Sunday or purchase tickets online.
Men's Retreat, Lake Geneva Conference Center April 9-10: “Exposing the Double Agent” Join us for fun, food, teaching and camaraderie as we explore the duplicity of Money, Power and Sex in a man’s life. More information and sign-ups in the gym on Sunday mornings starting March 7 or online here.
Name the Ministry Contest: Get your creative thinking caps on. The Orphan Care Ministry is looking for a new name. Please jot down your ideas on Sunday’s response card for a name that reflects the heart of this ministry.
SERVING
Emmaus House Community Dinner, Sunday March 14: Once a month Alpine helps provide dinner and serves 200 guests at this free community ministry, held at St. Francis. If you would like to help prepare and/or serve this dinner, please sign up Sunday at our booth in the gym, or contact Susanna Leahy.
PADS Dinner, Saturday March 27: Alpine is honored to provide a warm meal for the guests of PADS at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda. Please stop by the booth in the gym on Sunday to see how you can help. For more information contact Ann Sopocy.
Interested in learning more about Alpine’s short-term mission trips?
· Costa Rica Multiplication Center, July 17-27: This is a multi-generational trip where team members can be 13 years or older. Contact Kelly Gargano.
· Athens Refugee Center in Greece, October 1-12: This is an adult-only trip where team members must be at least 21 years old. Contact Kathy Hajduk.
Volunteers needed for Marriage Seminar, Saturday March 20: Stop by our booth in the gym Sunday or contact Sue Smith for a more detailed definition of the position you are interested in filling.
|
Qty |
Who |
Position |
Hours |
|
4-6 |
M |
Load-in books, tables, etc. |
5:00am - 7:30am |
|
4 |
M/F |
Assist Moody staff with book sales |
7:30am - 4:00pm |
|
2 |
M/F |
On-site ticket sales |
7:30am - 9:30am |
|
2 |
M/F |
Lunch ticket sales |
7:30am - 10:30am |
|
2 |
M/F |
Greeters |
7:30am - 9:30am |
|
2 |
M/F |
Ushers |
7:30am - 4:00pm |
|
4-6 |
M/F |
Lunch room |
11:00am - 1:00pm |
|
4-5 |
M/F |
Clean, pack, unload |
3:30pm - finish |
|
4-6 |
M/F |
Subs/General - as needed |
7:00am - 4:00pm |
|
1 |
M |
Driver |
8:00am; 3:30pm |
GROWTH OPPORTUNTIES
“The Way” Sunday Morning Adult Elective. Join us as we continue to explore matters of the human heart confronted by Jesus in his “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7).
Growth Groups: What’s the best way to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word, your relationship with Him, and your friendship with others? In a Growth Group! We’d love for you to join us as we grow together. Interested? Please click here to have someone contact you.
MINISTRIES & EVENTS FOR ADULTS
Celebrate Recovery, Friday 7:00 pm: Celebrate Recovery provides a safe place to share with others and find support and encouragement. Doors open at 6:00 for fellowship and dinner (Join us! $4/person). Worship begins at 7:00 pm.
How do you turn your life over to the one and only higher power, Jesus Christ? Join us this Friday to find out.
Join us this week as we hear a testimony from Laura, who is in recovery for anger and trust issues. You don't want to miss this amazing story of how God worked, and continues to work daily, in Laura's life.
Celebration Station is for children ages 5-13 (no cost). Childcare for children under 5 is available for $4 per child. For more info call 847-540-8280 x25 or visit us our webpage.
Orphan Care Ministry: For those who want to learn more about adoption and foster care please contact Julie Mosher. Next meeting is 9:00 am, March 21.
FOR MEN
Save the date: Men’s Retreat, April 9-10: Held at Lake Geneva Conference Center.
The Quest for Authentic Manhood, Thursdays at 6:00 am: Interested in joining our next session? For more information, please contact Steve Christensen.
March 27 will be our Quest graduation breakfast. Mark your calendars now - you don’t want to miss it!
Men's Study group Wednesdays, 7:00 pm: We are studying “How People Change” by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp. For more information, please contact Mark Nolte.
FOR WOMEN
Oasis AM & PM: Women meet during the school year to study the Bible.
Oasis PM: 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 pm to study Proverbs. Next meeting March 8.
Oasis PM: 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 pm to study Esther. Next meeting: March 15.
Oasis AM: Tuesdays, 9:15-11:15.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays during the school year at 9:00 am. Our next meeting: March 18. For more information on MOPS, please contact Liesl Kochanny.
“Breathe” Women’s Support Group: A support group designed for women who are parenting troubled young adults. If you find yourself still cleaning up “messes” in the lives of your young adult children this small group is for you. Come and be supported and encouraged through shared experiences and prayer. If you have questions contact Diane Buster. Our next meeting is this Sunday, March 7 at 10:30 am.
“Moms of Extraordinary Kids” Women’s Support Group: Share life experiences and receive encouragement from other moms of special needs children. Meets the second Sunday of each month. Contact Kathy Nelson for more information. Next meeting is March 14.
Moms In Touch International: Mothers meet during the school year to pray for their children and schools. Please contact Jane Thompson for location, directions and more info.
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
SHIFT Young Adult Ministry meets twice a week. Please join other young adults immediately after Sunday’s second service in the gym for Luncheon Link. Join us on Thursdays at 7:00 pm in room 134 “The Yard”. For more information please visit our website or contact Jack Gordon.