Sawn Diego New Life Ministries
May Connection
CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY
www.sdcogop.com sdcogop@yahoo.com
May 2012
SanDiego NewLife Church
In this Issue: From the Heart of Your Pastor
Bishop Jack Sheets Sr., Senior Pastor 1
Ministries | Events
2
Life Groups
3
Locations 730 Concepcion Ave. Spring Valley (619) 741-8166 Sunday Meeting Times: Connection Cafe – 10:00am Worship – 11:00 am Servicio en Español-5:00pm Wednesday: iYouthz Youth Connection 6:30pm
2107 I Avenue National City (619) 474-6062 Tuesday Life Groups: English at- 6:30pm Español at 7:00pm
When you hear someone sneeze what tends to immediately follow? That’s right, a chorus of “bless you” and “God bless you” But what’s interesting is that the custom of saying “God bless you” after a sneeze began literally as a blessing. Pope Gregory the Great (540-604 AD) ascended to the Papacy just in time for the start of the bubonic plague (his successor Pope Pelagius II succumbed to it). Gregory called for unceasing prayer from the people for God’s help and intercession. Groups of people marched through the streets chanting, “Kyrie Eleison” (Greek for “Lord have mercy”). When someone sneezed, an immediate “God bless you!” followed from anyone nearby, in the hope that they would not subsequently develop the deadly plague. While we often use this phrase out of habit, these desperate people trusted that God would hear, and the blessing of health and protection would follow. The history of this common phrase magnifies the meaning of Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (ESV) The words we say matter, more than we realize. Maybe our communication would change if we truly understood that the words we speak either have life breathed into them … or death. James takes this fundamental principle to a much deeper level. He acknowledges that
“With it (the tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” (3:9-10 ESV) But then he strongly reprimands the readers with, “My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (vs. 10 ESV) James then gives vivid examples from nature to support his reproof. A spring of water does not simultaneously produce fresh water and salt water. A fig tree does not produce olives. Grapevines don’t grow figs. A salt water pond does not contain fresh water. (vs. 11-12) Relationships are not perfect. Harsh words are sometimes spoken. Tempers flare and painful, even hurtful things are said. But in writing to the Christians in Asia Minor, Peter encouraged them in this way — “…be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless — that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing, and also get a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9 The Message) The next time you hear a sneeze and reply with “God bless you”, let it serve as a reminder that the power of life and death is in what we “say” or “don’t say” to others! It could very well turn your life — or someone else’s — around.
May Connection
Especially for Women
“Tea for the Soul” The first Thursday of each month
May 3 at 6:30 p.m.
WANTED We want and need more Life Group facilitators! Join us at 9:00 am on Sunday, May 6 for tips and inspirations for successful small group leaders.
Page 2 of 3 Sky Adventure Vacation Bible School
Have a Need?
Combining faith& fitness . . . First half hour will be a scripture lesson on “The Woman at the Well” from John chapter 4; followed by thirty minutes of Pilates taught by Aurora Ayala. Please bring a mat and/or a towel. Come early if you can and bring someone with you!
God cans everywhere are full of needs. Our churches worldwide and our government need prayer. Join the forces who are committed to fast and pray every Tuesday! When you grocery shop…
Incredible Bible-learning experiences ~ kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the Sky activities that help faith flow into real life.
July 16 - 20
Remember Joseph’s Storehouse
________________
iYouthz Youth Connection
May 11 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Ladies’ Makeover Day May 13 Mothers’ Day Breakfast May 19 Day Trip to Temecula
Sundays 10am – 12pm A place where Faith grows! Go Green! Save a tree . . . To receive this monthly publication online, send an email to sdcogop@yahoo.com
Come develop new friendships and begin a spiritual journey.
Wednesdays ~ 6:30pm www.iYouthz.com
Movie Night May 5
Page 3 of 3
May Connection
ss
"Those People..." Every church has them... Every one of us know some... At San Diego New Life Ministries, we want to be more than just a friendly church, we desire to be a church where you will cultivate friendships with people who will care for you, encourage you, challenge and pray for you. Chula Vista Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Nathan Roybal (619) 672-2431 East Chula Vista Wednesday at 7:00 pm Ray Roybal (619) 690-0397 Jim Tr鱈poli (619) 482-9410 National City English Tuesday at 6:30 pm Pastor Jack National City Espa単ol Tuesday at 7:00 pm Ezequiel Tagle (619) 267-0936 National City Espa単ol Juventud Saturday at 7:00 pm Priscilla Tagle (619) 267-0936
So precious are the stalwarts whose faith shall waiver not! A lesson unto each of us, the faith that they have got. One does not have to be concerned if they will attend, it is a different matter, tough, if their presence should end! The pillars of the church-for they are faithful, they are true. They pray for almost anything that you ask them to. Always there for the Pastor, always there for you; always there for God, whatever task there is to do! So beautiful, the faithful-examples unto all; giving of themselves, heeding Jesus' call! Where would His church be without them, just where would His church be? Be sure to say a prayer for them, and bless them when you see!
North County Sunday at 8:00 a.m. David & Claudette Dinkins (619) 267-8064
Those of you who attend church regularly, you know who I am talking about. Those of you who do not attend, but know someone who is faithful and always willing to pray for you, you also know who I am talking about.
San Carlos Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Joel Drake (619) 466-7380
Thank them. Love them. Pray for them. Treasure them...for they will not always be here.
South East San Diego Sunday afternoons Michelle Wilburn (619) 249-3674 Spring Valley Espa単ol Wednesday at 6:30 pm Friday at 6:00 p.m. Ezequiel Tagle (619) 267-0936
- Jim Busby
To volunteer services to the church, please contact Gabe Ortiz in person, by e-mail at gortiz@cox.net or, by calling (619) 466-9988.