For those who do not know, the Morrow's small group gets together on Wednesday nights to discuss deeper the message from the previous Sunday. If you are interested in attending, please let Rob or Rebecca know.

For example, one question that came from this past Sunday: In scripture examples given this past weekend, we were told that faith without works/actions/deeds is dead. What does the term "dead" mean in these contexts and what do you think it was refering too? This is an example of what we dig deeper into in our group.

We would love to have you as a visitor to dig deeper with us. If you are considering becoming part of a small group with us we would welcome that as well.

OK, next Thursday, November 6th, 7pm, the Morrow's are hosting a Tailgate Party for the VT vs Maryland Football game. Daylight savings time will be over and the intent is to project the game on an exterior wall so we can watch the game outside. Grill will be on for cooking your favorite tailgate food. Bring snacks to share. We will have a "water cooler" available for the game. May also want to bring a yard/lawn chair. If it rains, bring a raincoat. Trying to make this as much like being at a game as possible, howver, if it is too cold/wet, we can always watch the game inside, although weather forcast for now is no rain, temps in the 50s for early evening. We'll see. Look forward to seeing you there. Feel free to RSVP here, or to the email/flyer that will be coming out soon.

Evergreen's day of prayer begins tomorrow. I've sensed the spiritual battle big time all week. I can't wait to join you all in prayer!

The pastor's latest message series has been, "Church: Why Bother?". Last Sunday he talked about how God has "wired us to belong". One Bible passage in particular that he quoted really meant something to me.
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In Romans 12:4-5 the apostle Paul wrote, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
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I've read this passage before, but it caused me to re-focus on it when I read it this time. I think it's fascinating that God has designed us with different personalities, skills, talents and gifts that were created to fit together to accomplish a purpose. It seems to me that this passage is telling us that people in our church weren't just thrown together and didn't just randomly show up at different times with no rhyme or reason. Like the "body" mentioned in the Bible passage above, a person's physical body has to be carefully created so that all of the parts fit together, work together and keep each other alive and functioning. It seems to me that people in our church were just as carefully brought together in ways that make sure the whole church "body" fits together, works together and keeps each other alive (spiritually) and functioning. I know I'm guilty of sometimes overlooking this, and thinking that we are all just a bunch of individuals who make things happen. But perhaps each of us was put in our exact roles by God here at our church through a carefully orchestrated plan that was in place long ago.

There is something else that fascinates me about this message. I know God is all-powerful and nothing is impossible for him. In other words, he clearly can do anything on his own, and he does not have to have me involved. The fact that he has carefully orchestrated his plans to be accomplished through all of us in the church (rather than being accomplished by himself alone) makes me realize that God knows there is value in doing it this way.
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I don't fully understand what that value is, but I think I'm going to keep my eyes open and think about it as we all work together in our church. Maybe the value is in the relationships that are strengthened when we have to struggle together? Maybe the value is in learning patience when we have to function together with people who are different than ourselves? Maybe there are other things that explain this value.
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If anyone else has any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them.
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Q: "What do you like about Evergreen Community Church?"
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A: "I had to move to Virginia about 4 years ago to start my new job here. My wife and kids stayed back home in Texas until they could join me later. When I got into town I didn't know anyone, and I had a lot of time on my hands during evenings and weekends when I wasn't working. There are a lot of temptations in this world, especially when you're a man who is alone in the Washington, D.C. area and no one here recognizes you. I decided I had better surround myself with some good people.
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I did a search on the Internet and found Evergreen. I remember the first day I showed up. I instantly felt comfortable with the people who greeted me. It also felt good because the pastor himself came over to meet me and spent quite a bit of time talking with me. Everyone seemed like real "down-to-earth" people and I felt right at home. Also everyone was wearing regular casual clothes, and they had a live band that played a lot of music I could really relate to. This church reminds me of the church I had to leave in Texas where I really felt at home too. When I left there I thought I would never find a place like that again. When I came to Evergreen I realized I was wrong.
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Now I've joined a "small group" at Evergreen and I've spent a lot of time with my friends in the group. Our small groups went through the "40 Days of Purpose" series earlier. Recently, my group has been listening to an audio program about building relationships with other people. On top of that we've had a lot of fun together. We go out for pizza and bowling, have cook-outs, eat together after church, help people who need help, and other things. Recently I even went to camp with a lot of the guys and had a great weekend together.

My wife and kids are here with me now. They've gotten involved and have a lot of great friends here. Now we are looking for ways to help other people, since God has helped us so much in the past. We help with the DivorceCare group, since my wife and I have both been divorced before. I also help greet new people when they come to church. I remember how it was 4 years ago when I first showed up. I hope I can make people feel the same way I felt that first day when I walked in."
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Are you looking for a church home? Come to Evergreen. You will find a safe place where you can come as you are and be accepted by regular people who are just like you. We would love to meet you.

Evergreen Community Church
Every Sunday, 10:00 am
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9676 Wellington Road, Manassas, VA
(meeting in the "Boys and Girls Club" building)
(located behind Jennie Dean Elementary School)
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703-361-6773
admin@evergreen.org
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Are you looking for a church that feels like home?...
... feels like family?
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...a place where you feel accepted "as you are"?
...where you can wear what you like, and feel comfortable?
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...a place where 'who you are' is more important than 'how you look'?
...where your kids love to "hang out" with friends? and are safe?
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...a place where people have struggles and "blemishes" just like you,
...and aren't afraid to share it?
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...a place where God can use you to help someone?
...where you can enjoy coffee with friends?
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...a place to hear messages from the Bible about your real life?
...where someone cares enough to call when you haven't been around?
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...a place where someone asks you to dinner to get to know you?
...where you have friends you can call late at night in a desperate time?
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...a place where you feel close to God?
...where you experience contemporary music, and a live band?
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...a place where you can learn things you didn't know about the Bible?
...where a friend quietly offers to pray with you when you are crying?
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...a place where you can see friends during the week just to have fun?
...where people make you laugh?
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...a place that feels "special"?
...a place you want to be?
...a place where you feel loved?
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There is a place like this.......it's called Evergreen Community Church.
If you're looking for this kind of place......then we are looking for you.
Come on in. We would love to meet you.
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Evergreen Community Church
Every Sunday, 10:00 am
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9676 Wellington Road, Manassas, VA
(meeting in the "Boys and Girls Club" building)
(located behind Jennie Dean Elementary School)
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703-361-6773
admin@evergreen.org
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This sounds like a great study to do online and invite a cyber community to gather around it. Any takers?

Being a Part of a DivorceCare Divorce Recovery Support Group

“I’ve never been to a support group like this before. I don’t know what to expect.”

Most people quickly feel comfortable and accepted in their DivorceCare group. They discover that there are others who have the same kind of feelings they do—and who understand the hurt and pain they are going through. Here is an overview of the DivorceCare experience:

* You’ll probably feel a little nervous about going to DivorceCare the first time. Those feelings go away quickly for most people, usually during the first session they attend. DivorceCare is a warm, caring environment designed to help you.

* You’ll discover there are people who understand your hurts, emotions and painful experiences! In divorce, it’s common to feel isolated. In DivorceCare, you’ll find that you are not alone, that there are others who understand what you are going through.

* You’ll learn helpful, practical information that will help you recover from your separation or divorce. The DivorceCare DVD videos feature top experts on divorce and recovery subjects and case studies of people just like you, who have been through the divorce experience.

* You’ll have the chance to talk about your experiences. It can be very healing to tell others what you are going through. The support group sessions include a time to talk about what you’ve seen on the DivorceCare videos and what is going on in your life. And while you have the opportunity to tell your story, there’s never pressure for you to do so if you don’t feel like it.

* You’ll become part of a “family.” DivorceCare group members often tell us that they feel like their group has become a family, that they made new friends and are around people they can relate to. DivorceCare is designed to be a safe environment, and dating relationships between group participants are not encouraged (to allow you time to focus on your personal healing).

* Childcare is provided so people with children can feel free to attend while their children are involved in fun activities in a room nearby.

* You’ll discover hope for the future. While things may look bleak now, you’ll learn ways to restore your hope and rebuild your life. Many DivorceCare alumni tell us that the program helped them move from adversity to becoming a better person.
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If you are struggling with issues from a separation or divorce, we would like to meet you. Our divorce support group of men and women meets year-round every Thursday at 7:30pm in Manassas, VA. You're not alone. We are learning together how to deal with the pain of the past, and how to rebuild our lives. Topics include how to face anger, depression and loneliness, new relationships, financial survival, forgiveness, reconciliation, moving on, etc. Refreshments and video seminar followed by discussion. Childcare available. For info, email straighttosteve@aol.com or call 571-332-1737.

Hello everybody! I have been thinking about starting an in depth study of Daniel at my place for quite some time. Daniel is a fantastic look at the history of the gentile world from several different perspectives. Translated into greek several centuries before Christ it is one of the most verifiable prophecy books of the OT.

What I would like to find out is if there is interest out there for doing this study and what day would work best for those interested. Right now I am thinking a weekday night, maybe once every week or every other week. People can feel free to trade off bringing in snacks to eat, and we can enjoy learning what God will reveal.

I am open to ideas, so bring 'em on!

Oh man am I behind. That time of year for me. I'll try to get these up soon.

I would really like to start coming to these prayer times. My prayer life could use a 'boost', and I think it would be an encouragement to join with you guys in this way. Anyone want to give me a courtesy "reminder" / nudge next week? :)

Select one of the potential message topics from the poll above, and we'll devote our Sunday messages in April to that specific topic! Mail it, hand it to an Evergreen friend, bring it to our Sunday service or vote above. We'll announce the topic here on April 1.

Join the Conversation! Share a thought, idea, opinion, story or question -- before, during and after the April series. We want to hear from you!

here goes... I missed #2 and #3!

1. Active
2. Appeal
3. Son
4. Useless
5. Useful
6. Slave
7. Brother
8. Confident
9. Obedient
10. Restored

1. Slave
2. Appeal
3. Brother

1. Brother

I also selected brother because it is the reflection of the changed nature of Onesimus. When he became a Christian God adopted him into His family as a new creation. All the old Onesimus is wiped away and he is re-born. Firts he was a slave (as we are all slaves to sin) he turns to Christ and Christ appeals his spiritual case before the Father just as Paul appeals his Earthly case with Philemon. Christ is sufficient and Onesimus is now a spiritual brother. Paul is confident that the Faith will be played out on Earth when Onesimus arrives before Philemon.

Top 10
Slave
Brother
Useless
Useful
Obedience
Love
Faith
Appeal
Sending
Refresh

Top 3
Slave
Brother
Love

Top 1
Brother

I’ve selected brother, because it is the nature of a brotherly relationship that is the foundation of both the appeal and grounds for the appeal. Paul appeals to Philemon as a brother in Christ. It is this relationship that allows Paul to be as direct as He is. Because Onesimus has become a brother to both Paul and Philemon, Paul can challenge Philemon to treat his new brother as an equal. There are no longer distinctions in the kingdom of God.

NKJV 10-3-1

Thank, prayers, faith, sharing, joy, appeal, receive, brother, account, slave

Slave, Brother, Account

Account – I chose this because it is in the verse that is an example of Paul willing to pay whatever Onesimus’s may owe Philemon. Paul doesn’t even know the amount or even if a debt exists but he offers to pay it. It could take all he owns, it could not. Paul appears indifferent and willing to give all to allow Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother and not a slave.