Friday, May 28, 2010

New City Cafe Closed this Sunday

The church's coffee cart, New City Cafe, will not be open for this weekend's services due to Memorial Day. Be sure to stop by your local Kaladi Brothers before you come to the church gatherings this Sunday.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Time to Landscape

We over-wintered 28 spruce trees and now is the time to plant. So the bottom line is:
We are looking for individuals and families to “Adopt a Tree”----for two weeks. It will be very easy (no holes to dig!) and will work as follows:

Date: Sat 5 June
Time: 9:30 – 11 AM
What to bring: shovels, wheel barrow if available, gloves
Holes will be pre – dug by back hoe the week before.
Black Dirt: will be easily accessible & placed in 3 convenient piles.
Trees: will be moved from their over-winter area (east lot) to the planting area on North side of church. What is required: place good dirt in hole, add tree, add additional dirt, tie tree to stakes for support, create a small ring of excavated material around tree for water retention, add mulch (also delivered to your area. Commit to watering “your” tree once every 3 days for two weeks.

Fun family time for all. Multiple families can share a tree

Sunday School

New opportunities are soon to be available for Sunday School volunteers! Our summer quarter is fast approaching, and we are looking for those of you who have a heart and vision for what God is doing in our youngest generation. Your commitment can be one Sunday a month, up to every Sunday from June through August. There are many different ways to serve – see the bulletin insert. If you have any questions, please contact Terri Thurston or Christina Marchetti at 344-2141.

Tuesday Night Motorcycle Rides

Tuesday Night Motorcycle Rides have begun. The rides take place every other Tuesday night. We’ll be leaving from the church @ 6:30pm. Everyone with a motorcycle is welcome. Contact Jon and Glenda Pokrandt at 333-8903 or Mike and Barb Rawalt at 344-1946.

Women's Bible Study

Women’s bible Study started April 30th, Fridays 9:30am-Noon as well as Wednesdays, beginning May 12th Time To Be Announced. The book study will be Beth Moore’s “So Long Insecurity”. There will be childcare provided. For More information please contact Janice Ridgeway 244-2141 or see the information counter.

Passion For Jesus Worship Conference

Passion For Jesus Conference May 27-29. This conference will provide teaching on Restoring the First Commandment to first place, Energizing prayer with intimacy, and teaching on blending worship and prayer together. This is intended for anyone who is interested in seeking God, not just musicians. This will be a time to receive from God’s Spirit and spend time building intimacy with The Father. There will be ministry time each night for healing, deepening your relationship with God, and all prayer needs. For information on this event please contact Paula Gray 338-4035.

Adult Sunday School

Our new round of Adult Sunday School classes has started. Learn with us @ 8:30am in room #209. This session we will be focusing on Paul’s New Testament Letters.

Hearing the Voice of God coming up soon

Learn to hear the Lord God speaking to you. This intensive week-long seminar helps you experience His voice yourself. Topics ~ Spirit Language – Benefits of Fasting – Hindrances to Hearing – God’s Voice in Scripture – Dream Interpretation – Prophecy – Prayer Diaries – Centering Prayer – How Personality Affects Listening – Hearing God in Nature. The teaching sessions are held throughout the week at Anchorage City Church Church starting on Sunday afternoon from 2:15 PM to 7:15 PM. Then Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The Weekend retreat meets at a retreat location on Saturday 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Cost ~ The cost of the workshop is $120.00 per person. There is a $40.00 non-refundable deposit, with the remaining balance due before the workshop begins. This includes a workbook and meals during the retreat weekend. You can register online or, call ACC and ask for Roger Schoeniger at 344-2141.

Hearing the Voice of God Dates:
June 6-13, Sept 19-26, Nov 7-14

Beacon Hill Needs

Beacon Hill is our ministry to help homeless single mothers and children move from hopelessness to hope by providing housing, acceptance and care. We currently have needs for supplies for incoming families in the areas of: Highchairs, Playpens, Strollers (one double and two umbrella strollers). We also need the donation of a good running vehicle for our resident manager. This position is critical to Beacon Hill, If you would consider donating a vehicle to Beacon Hill for our manager please contact Charity Carmody @ 632-4862.

Bible Read Through: Week 6

Come read with us this week. We are reading a selection of passages from each book of the Bible and this week we are finishing the Old Testament and continuing into the Gospels.


May 23 - Zech 1-2 and Mal 1 Visions of restoration, God’s charge against Judah.

Zechariah (520BC) and Malachi (450BC) were both written to the returning Jewish remnant after their exile in Babylon (as was Haggai). These books are both prophetic in nature and genre, and as such they are partly predicting the future, and partly calling people towards God.


Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they all cover similar material on the life of Christ in a similar manner. It is possible that they even relied on a common source of material that was enhanced by the memories of the author or their source people. The Gospels are all historical narrative in genre, meaning that they are actual history written in story form. However, they are not written in the same order that the events occurred. Each author had a specific audience and purpose in mind and so ordered the events to suit that purpose. The books of the Gospels are arranged in the New Testament in what was at that time their supposed order of authorship, however modern research has led most scholars to conclude that it is more likely that Mark was the first Gospel written.

May 24 - Matthew 1-2, 5-7 Jesus ancestry and birth, Sermon on the Mount.

May 25 - Matthew 17, 26-28 Jesus’ teachings and miracles, Jesus’ death, burial & resurrection.

Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, and is the only one of the Gospels written specifically to Jews. He recites the lineage of Jesus Christ in order to persuade the Jews of Jesus authentic and royal heritage. And since he was addressing mostly Jews, he uses the euphemism “Kingdom of Heaven” to avoid antagonizing an ancient Jewish preference against directly referring to God in common language.


May 26 - Mark 1-4, 10, 15-16 Jesus’ ministry, Jesus’ teachings, Jesus’ death, burial & resurrection.

We believe the Gospel of Mark was written by John Mark, an early follower of Jesus. It is based largely on Peter’s sermons and memories and no doubt on his own memories as well. It was written primarily to the Romans who would have been most impressed with Jesus power and miracles but not his Jewish heritage, so he lists many of Jesus miracles but not his birth or lineage. Mark is notable for its emphasis on Jesus’ immediate and bold actions.


May 27 - Luke 1-2, 4-6 Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ teachings, Jesus’ miracles.

May 28 - Luke 8-10, 22-24 Authority to disciples, Jesus’ teachings, death, burial & resurrection.

The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, the beloved physician and historian, who also wrote the book of The Acts of the Apostles. He states in the text that he is writing this to Theophilus, which is a Roman name, and it appears that the intended audience was people with a largely Greco-Roman culture. As a physician, Luke uses medical terms and takes note of many historical and scientific details. Luke’s is also more likely to record his historical account in true chronological order than any of the other Gospel authors. It is also probably the best written in the sense that Luke was likely a native Greek speaker and wrote like it. The others were Aramaic speakers but wrote in Greek, as their readers were far more likely to be familiar with it.


May 29 - John 1, 3-4 Jesus in the beginning, Jesus’ ministry and teachings.

John was written by the apostle John, and was the last Gospel written. It was written primarily to Christians and those who were seriously curious about becoming Christians. John probably had read the other three Gospels, and so chooses to write about many things they do not contain. At the same time he does not mention numerous things that the other Gospels go into great detail about. John’s Gospel is perhaps the most spiritual and mystic of the four, but his Greek writing style is the most simplistic. His command of the Greek language was limited, but he used his small vocabulary words to explain the grandest of ideas.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Bible Read Through: Week 5

Bible Read Through - May 16 through 22

Prophetic literature is often full of figurative language, and frequently uses natural illustrations to reveal spiritual truth. Some parts the prophets foretell the future, but more frequently it calls people to repentance and a right relationship with God. The prophetic books are divided into two sections; the major prophets of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel, followed by the twelve minor prophets. This distinction is based on the size of the books, not their significance.


May 16 Jer 1-5 and Lamentations 3 --- Call to repentance, judgment in love (acrostic poem)

Jeremiah (627BC) was one of the latter prophets to the southern Israel kingdom of Judah. The Babylonians were about to defeat the Assyrian Empire, and then move on to take Judah. False prophets had been declaring that God would deliver them as before, but Jeremiah prophesied the judgment of God in the form of forced exile. He was rejected and imprisoned for his doomsday predictions.

After his prophecies proved true and the first deportation had begun, he tells the remaining people to submit to God?s judgment and not flee. But while fleeing anyway they capture Jeremiah and drag him along to Egypt. These Jews never return to Israel.

In The Lamentations of Jeremiah (586BC) we find Jeremiah weeping over the destruction of Jerusalem, and the deportation of his people. Still, his hope is in God?s mercy, and eventual restoration. This happens 70 years later. Chapter 3 is an acrostic poem, where each stanza, and the verses within it begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

As a form of discipline the exile worked. The primary sin of Israel and Judah had been idolatry, and they never return to their former patterns.

May 17 Ezekiel 1-3, 18, 33 --- Ezekiel?s visions, calls to repentance, warnings of judgment.

The complete interpretation of many of Ezekiel?s visions (592BC) are still a mystery to us, but many are easily understood, and the overall gist off several others can be interpreted with some diligence and care. By this time, the northern nation of Israel had been deported to Assyria, so Ezekiel speaks to the southern nation of Judah.

May 18 Daniel 1-2, 4-6 --- Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar?s dreams, the lion?s den.

Daniel was taken into Babylonian exile in the first deportation from Jerusalem (605BC) as one of the brightest and most promising young men from Judah. He spends his life in the Babylonian court and very accurately interprets the king?s dream about four successive world empires. He also foresees the coming of Christ and the end of the age. His prophesies are directed towards the exiled Jews in Babylon.

May 19 Hosea 1-4 and Joel 2 --- Judgment upon Israel, judgment upon the world.

Hosea (750BC) and Joel (825BC) were written during the time of Assyrian empire?s rise to power, and much of the text deals with coming of judgment via Assyrians. Hosea?s voice is directed to the northern nation of Israel, and Joel is addressed to the southern nation of Judah.

May 20 Amos 3, Obad, and Jonah 1 --- Judgment on Israel, judgment on Esau, running from God.

Amos (760BC) and Jonah (800BC) were also written during the time of Assyrian rule, and refer to them in many places. Jonah specifically addresses the Nineveh, the capitol of Assyria. Obadiah?s date of writing (580 BC or 840BC is disputed, but was probably written shortly after the rise of the Babylonian empire. He speaks primarily to the exiled Jews in Babylon.

May 21 Micah 1-2 and Nahum 1 --- Judgment on Israel, judgment on Judah, judgment on Assyria.

Micah (730BC) was the last of the minor prophets that were written during the time of strong Assyrian dominance. He addresses the nation of Judah. Nahum (620BC) was written during the decline of the Assyrian empire, and most of his prophecies are directed at Nineveh, the capitol of Assyria.

May 22 Hab 1, Zeph 3, Haggai --- Judgment on Judah, rescue of Judah, a call to repent and turn to God.

Habakkuk (610BC) and Zephaniah (630BC) were also written during the decline of Assyrian rule and speak to the people of Judah. Haggai (520BC) was written after the Babylonian exile, and speaks directly to the remnant who returned to Jerusalem.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

BLOOD DRIVE @ City Church ! ! !

RiDE4LiFE

The Blood Bank of AK and City Church join forces!

On June 12th from 11AM-4PM come party with your friends to the RiDE4LiFE, this is an event for the whole community, bikers will get a patch for their vest/jacket at time of donation. There will be good food, drinks and music for everyone.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Contact the Blood Bank of AK @ 222-5630 to schedule your appointment.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a volunteer organization that trains and organizes people to assist the Alaska Court System in making decisions about the placement of children. This is an opportunity to connect with children who are caught up in the legal system through no fault of their own, and help our judges make decisions that are best for the child. If you are interested in hearing more about how you can help with this, come to our information meeting, May 25, at 7 PM, in the prayer room. Contact Jim Strutz in the church office for more information. 344-2141.

Sunday School Volunteers

New opportunities are soon to be available for Sunday School volunteers! Our summer quarter is fast approaching, and we are looking for those of you who have a heart and vision for what God is doing in our youngest generation. Your commitment can be one Sunday a month, up to every Sunday from June through August. There are many different ways to serve – see the bulletin insert. If you have any questions, please contact Terri Thurston or Christina Marchetti at 344-2141.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Bible Read Through: Week 4

Join us in our Bible survey reading program. We will read highlights of each book in the Bible as we progress from Genesis to Revelation in 61 days. We are in our fourth week, but you are encouraged to jump in right where we are. And no guilt trips! If you miss a day or more, just pick back up on today's selections. Below are previews of each days readings. The references are hyperlinked, so you can just click on them to read the passages in the New International Version at Bible Gateway.com.


May 10 Job 1-3, 38-42 --- Job’s tragedy, Job’s epiphany.

Job is the oldest book in the Bible, and is the first of the section we call Wisdom Literature. It is an epic poem that demonstrates the way God deals with Satan and with people. Through the poem we are given insight onto man’s continuing struggle with injustice and sin, and are show the limitation of man’s wisdom in the light of God’s truth.


May 11 Psa 1, 8, 19, 23 --- Psalms of God’s majesty and personal care.


May 12 Psa 51, 100, 103, 139 --- Psalms of mercy and praise

Psalms are a collection of songs and poetic writings. They were written by various authors and cover a wide range of topics. Common themes are praise and exultation of God, cries for mercy and deliverance, and value of God’s word.


May 13 Prov 1-3 --- Why wisdom: it’s value and reward.

Proverbs is the core of the Bible’s Wisdom Literature. It is primarily King Solomon’s collection of wise sayings from Jewish and from other ancient cultures. It also includes large sections of Solomon’s personal writings on wisdom. Proverbs should not be seen as absolute promises of God but as truisms that reveal the usual ways in which God, people and the world work. Much of Proverbs is written in chiastic verse form.


May 14 Ecc 1-5, 12 and Song 1-2 --- Frustration with life, a time for everything, the joy of love

Ecclesiastes shows King Solomon’s frustrations with life in general, and reveals how a self centered lifestyle will always bring frustration.

Song of Solomon is a training manual for married couples told in love story form. Much of the discourse is specific to Solomon’s location and culture but the principals revealed can be applied anywhere. It is also seen by many as a prophetic view of the relationship between Jesus Christ and his church. Song of Solomon is the last of the Bible’s Wisdom Literature.


May 15 Isaiah 1-2, 6, 40, 52-55 --- Call to repentance, exalting God, restoration by Christ.

Isaiah is the first in the Bible’s books of the prophets. It has many prophetic references to Jesus Christ, who came 700 years later. It also predicts numerous other events, many of which have happened, and some that are yet to come.


Prophetic literature is often full of figurative language, and frequently uses natural illustrations to reveal spiritual truth. Some parts the prophets foretell the future, but more frequently it calls people to repentance and a right relationship with God. The prophetic books are divided into two sections; the major prophets of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel, followed by the twelve minor prophets. This distinction is based on the size of the books, not their significance.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Worship Fundraiser Night!

The Youth Missions Fundraiser Worship Night is happening Friday, May 14th at 7:00 PM here at City Church. This night will feature original songs and other music by Suzi Rawalt, April Underwood, Zac Hagerty and Rich Irwin. The purpose is to come worship God together, enjoy music from our local musicians and raise money for our youth going on their missions trip to Chicago this summer.

Motorcycle RIDES

Are you a Motorcycle enthusiast? Well, Tuesday Night Motorcycle Rides begin May 12th. The rides take place every other Tuesday night. We’ll be leaving from the church @ 6:30pm and head to a different direction each time,...depending where the weather looks best.
Everyone with a motorcycle is welcome. Contact Jon and Glenda Pokrandt at 333-8903 or Mike and Barb Rawalt at 344-1946 for more info.

RIDE SAFE.

Benefit Concert!

Alaska Correctional Ministries is having a benefit concert with the Kate White Band. It will be at Faith Christian Community. The concert will take place May 21, 7-8:30PM. The proceeds will benefit Alaska Correctional Ministries who are working with prisoners to turn their lives around. For more information contact Faith Christian Community at 243-1777.

Women's Bible Study Updates

Women’s bible Study is starting April 30th, Fridays 9:30am-Noon as well as Wednesdays, beginning May 12th Time To Be Announced. The book study will be Beth Moore’s “So Long Insecurity”. There will be childcare provided. For More information please contact Janice Ridgeway 244-2141 or see the information counter.

Passion For Jesus Worship Conference

Passion For Jesus Conference May 27-29. This conference will provide teaching on Restoring the First Commandment to first place, Energizing prayer with intimacy, and teaching on blending worship and prayer together. This is intended for anyone who is interested in seeking God, not just musicians. This will be a time to receive from God’s Spirit and spend time building intimacy with The Father. There will be ministry time each night for healing, deepening your relationship with God, and all prayer needs. To register click here. The cost is $25. For information on this event please contact Paula Gray 338-4035.

Adult Sunday School

Our new round of Adult Sunday School classes has started. Learn with us @ 8:30am in room #209. This session we will be focusing on Paul’s New Testament Letters.

Hearing the Voice of God 2010

Hearing the Voice of God
Learn to hear the Lord God speaking to you. This intensive week-long seminar helps you experience His voice yourself. Topics ~ Spirit Language – Benefits of Fasting – Hindrances to Hearing – God’s Voice in Scripture – Dream Interpretation – Prophecy – Prayer Diaries – Centering Prayer – How Personality Affects Listening – Hearing God in Nature. The teaching sessions are held throughout the week at Anchorage City Church Church starting on Sunday afternoon from 2:15 PM to 7:15 PM. Then Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The Weekend retreat meets at a retreat location on Saturday 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Cost ~ The cost of the workshop is $120.00 per person. There is a $40.00 non-refundable deposit, with the remaining balance due before the workshop begins. This includes a workbook and meals during the retreat weekend. You can register online or, call ACC and ask for Roger Schoeniger at 344-2141.

Hearing the Voice of God Dates:
June 6-13, Sept 19-26, Nov 7-14

Wednesday Men's Bible Study Starting Up Again!

Starting May 12th at 7pm in room 207, we will begin a new study using the "Wild at Heart" book by John Eldredge as the guide. Many of the concepts in this book are based in scripture and provide insights into God's plan for who a man is to be. It will be a fun summer study and a great opportunity to connect with some other guys. There is no cost, but each guy needs to buy his own book. Please contact Vic Pearce at 242-6823 with any questions."