ANGEL TREE

Angel Tree is the only national ministry to reach out to the children of incarcerated parents. With your help, we can touch the hearts of hurting children at Christmas and transform lives through the power of Jesus Christ!

Did you know that:
• One in three prisoners is a parent
• About 75% of women in prison are mothers
• 1 in every 43 children has a parent in prison
• More than 1.7 million children will spend Christmas separated from their mom or dad

Let’s do our part to bring some joy into the lives of these children at Christmas. Come by the Christmas trees in the Café on Sunday, November 27th and December 4th. Pick a child’s name or more if you would like. Go to the store and buy them the gift they are hoping to receive. Wrap it and bring it back to the church on December 11th. If you are interested in blessing the child with the gift, please consider helping deliver it on December 17th. To help deliver, sign up at the Community Outreach Booth.

Thank you for giving with your heart!

For more information about Angel Tree go to www.angeltree.org/

What we believe frames and shapes everything we do! What we believe about God will cause us to run to Him, or from Him. Healthy and biblical beliefs become a rock-solid foundation to build our life on. Man-made beliefs are like shifting sand that give us no sense of security or foundation for our life. In this four week series, we will look at some core beliefs of the Christian faith and discover how they can help us stand strong and follow God with confidence in an unstable and ever-changing world. Join us as we go deep in God’s Word this November.

Organic Outreach Conference | November 10-12, 2011

Join us for the Organic Outreach Conference at Shoreline Community Church in beautiful Monterey California. Do you want to share God’s love naturally with the people in your life? Do you have a desire for people to experience the amazing grace of Jesus? Do you believe that God wants to change our community and world through the ministry of the local church?

If you say YES to any of these questions, you will want to join us on November 10-12, 2011 as Pastor Kevin Harney (from Shoreline Community Church in Monterey), Pastor Dan Kimball (from Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz), and Eric Bryant (from Gateway Church in Texas) lead us through a dynamic time of learning about Organic Outreach.

Why would you save the evening from Thursday November 10 through lunchtime on Saturday November 12 to attend the Organic Outreach Conference?

Here are some of the reasons…

* Low cost conference
* Speakers include Kevin Harney, Dan Kimball, and Eric Bryant!
* Delicious meals
* FREE ministry resources, including the newest Organic Outreach book by Kevin Harney
* Fun!
* Praise music
* Various breakouts on critical topics for reaching your community
* More fun!
* Learning how to use creative approaches to discuss your faith in attractive ways
* Connecting with other believers
* Did we mention fun?

Video Promo #1

You will leave this conference prepared to share the amazing truth of Jesus with those who still need His grace and mercy!

WORTHY OF WORSHIP, Week 2
“The Wise Men’s Story”

Reading for the Week of December 5 – 11

Day 1- Mark 15
Day 2- Luke 23
Day 3- Matthew 26
Day 4- 1 Corinthians 13
Day 5- 2 Corinthians 5
Day 6- Romans 5
Bonus- Ephesians 4

Memorize/Reflect - “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2)

Personal Reflection- The Magi traveled over 1000 miles to worship the new King though they were neither Christian nor Jew. What sacrifices are you making (or would you be willing to make) so that you can fully worship Jesus, the King of kings?

Discussion- If you were a Magi, a wise man from an ancient priesthood, traveling to worship a new King in the form of a baby, what might you think and feel as you encountered the Child the first time?

Prayer Direction- Thank God that when we see a nativity scene at Christmas time, we really see a powerful reminder that we can live a gloriously transformed life.

“Live It!” Challenge - Reflect on some ways you can acknowledge and demonstrate that you know Jesus Christ as your King during this Christmas season. Plan to live out a couple of these in the coming weeks.

Monthly Prayer Focus: This month we will focus on prayer through song. All through the Bible God calls us to sing to Him. This is not a simple invitation; it is a command (even if we are not “the singing type”). Take time this week to put on a worship CD or collection of hymns and sing to God…really make these songs your prayer.

October-December: As we draw near the end of another year, we will continue to focus on the spiritual discipline of celebration. We will let this center on Jesus. This week, make time to celebrate the reality that God came among us. Thank God for coming. Praise Him that He is with you today.

Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore: Consider reading Max Lucado’s book, God Came Near.

Small Groups Discussion Questions (Week 2 – Worthy of Worship)

WORTHY OF WORSHIP, Week 1
“Mary’s Story”

Reading for the Week of November 28-December 4

Day 1- Matthew 1
Day 2- Matthew 2
Day 3- Luke 1
Day 4- Luke 2
Day 5- John 19
Day 6- John 20
Bonus- Acts 1

Memorize/Reflect - “And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior….” (Luke 1:46-47)

Personal Reflection- God the Father picked Mary, out of all the women alive in her day, to be the mother of His only Son, the Savior of the world, Jesus. Why do you think God called Mary for this task?

Discussion- What kinds of thoughts and feelings might have gone through Mary’s mind when she discovered that she was pregnant (but had never been intimate with a man)?

Prayer Direction- Thank God for the joy of Christmas and this season to remember that Jesus came from heaven to make a way for us to be forgiven of sin and restored to a loving relationship with God.

“Live It!” Challenge - Begin thinking about how you can celebrate Jesus during this Christmas season. It is the birthday of Jesus, what gifts can you give Him?

Monthly Prayer Focus: As we begin the Christmas season we will take one more week to focus our prayers on thanking God for the beauty of His creation. As the days shorten, the air grows cool, and the hills turn green from the fresh rain, notice the beauty of the Artist’s handiwork and give thanks to the Maker of all good things.

October-December: For the rest of 2010 we will continue practicing the spiritual discipline of celebration. Think of when you first came to know the story and message of Jesus. Thank God for the people who taught you (pastors, Sunday school teachers, parents…) and praise God for how your faith has grown since those first days of knowing Jesus.

Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore: If you want to reflect on the story of Jesus’ coming into the world, pick up a copy of God Came Near, by Max Lucado.

Small Groups Discussion Questions (Week 1 – Worthy of Worship)

Christmas brings lots of pictures to mind: pine trees, stockings hung by the fire, mistletoe, presents, eggnog, Santa, crowded shopping malls, ham, and family gatherings. In the midst of all this is a story about a little baby boy born in a stable in Bethlehem. God entered human history wrapped in human flesh as the ultimate Christmas gift. He is worthy of our worship and adoration! Be sure to invite a friend to join you at Shoreline this Christmas as we celebrate Jesus Christ, the only one who deserves our praise and worship.

REMINDER: December 24th Christmas Eve Service is at 3:30 and 5 p.m. OR a Candlelight and Communion Service at 11 p.m.

CELEBRATING THE MASTER ARTIST, Week 3
“Stewards of Creation”

Reading for the Week of November 21-27

Day 1- Psalm 65
Day 2- Psalm 95
Day 3- Psalm 104
Day 4- Matthew 6
Day 5- Ephesians 1
Day 6- Genesis 6
Bonus- Genesis 8

Memorize/Reflect - “God blessed them and God said to them, ‘be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ ” (Genesis 1:28)

Personal Reflection- What does it mean to you to “fill the earth and subdue it”; to have dominion over birds; land animals and creatures of the sea?

Discussion- How does it impact your life day to day knowing our Heavenly Father has given us a glorious creation and asked each of us to care for it?

Prayer Direction- Ask God to direct you; what to do, stop doing, where to be involved, how to encourage others and especially how to care for creation in a way that points directly to His glory. Focus on seeing His hand on all the created things around you throughout the day.

“Live It!” Challenge - Find what you are to do or keep doing, and remember- small steps are steps in the right direction! We “keep” God’s creation out of deep joy and humble obedience, not out of fear.

Monthly Prayer Focus: As we wrap up the Master Artist Series, continue making time to be in God’s creation and let God’s artwork inspire prayers of praise, thankfulness, and joy!

October-December: Celebration is a response to God’s goodness. Take time to make a personal list of ten or more things in creation that put a smile on your face: places, creatures, people, anything… Use this list to inspire celebration in your life.

Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore:. If you want to go deeper on the topic of God as creator, pick up a copy of the The Case for a Creator, by Lee Strobel.

Small Groups Discussion Questions (Week 3 – Celebrating the Master Artist)

CELEBRATING THE MASTER ARTIST, Week 2
“Enjoying God’s Good Gift”

Reading for the Week of November 14 – 20

Day 1- Psalm 19
Day 2- Romans 1
Day 3- Job 42
Day 4- Revelations 21
Day 5- Revelations 22
Day 6- Acts 12
Bonus- Genesis 1-3

Memorize/Reflect - “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

Personal Reflection- What are 3 things God is telling you when you see something amazing in creation?

Discussion- Why do some people miss God in creation? Why do you miss God in Creation?

Prayer Direction- Thank God for His love and for reaching out to you. Thank Him for the amazing effort He took to communicate to you in a vast, creative and infinite way.

“Live It!” Challenge - Take moments during this week as you see His creation and pause to thank God for His everyday attempt to reach communicate and say “I want to know you and have a relationship with you!”

Monthly Prayer Focus: This month we will spend time meeting The Master Artist in His creation. Take some time outside (or looking outside) and read Psalm 19. Think about the goodness, beauty, and wonder of what God has made. Ask God to help you grow in thankfulness for his creation and pray that you will always take time to enjoy what He has made.

October-December: This month we will continue our focus on the discipline of celebration. Make a list of things God has made that you really enjoy. It can be people, animals, places, anything! Make a habit of having fun in and with God’s creation.

Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore:. Consider reading, The Case for a Creator, by Lee Strobel. You can pick it up or order it at the Shoreline Bookstore.

Small Groups Discussion Questions (Week 2 – Celebrating the Master Artist)

CELEBRATING THE MASTER ARTIST, Week 1
“It Really Is All About the Artist!”

Reading for the Week of November 7 -13

Day 1- Genesis 1; Psalm 8
Day 2- Genesis 2; Psalm 96
Day 3- Job 38
Day 4- Job 39
Day 5- Job 40
Day 6- Job 41
Bonus- Romans 2; Exodus 20

Memorize/Reflect - “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

Personal Reflection- How do you see God revealed in creation and what do you learn about God’s character as you look at what He has made?

Discussion- What is one place in creation where you sense the presence and power of God? How does this place connect you to your Creator?

Prayer Direction- Thank God for the wonder and beauty of His creation. Ask for eyes to see Him in the smallest and biggest things He has made.

“Live It!” Challenge - Take a fifteen minute walk this week, or spend this time sitting somewhere in God’s creation. During this time, look, listen, smell, and touch things God has made. Think about His creativity and love for beauty and thank Him for the good gift of creation.

October Prayer Focus: This month we will spend time meeting The Master Artist in His creation. Take some time outside (or looking outside) and read Psalm 8. Meditate on verses 1-4 and celebrate God’s majesty. Also, notice the work of His fingers and give Him praise.

October-December: This month we will continue our focus on the discipline of celebration. During this week, take note of God’s creation and celebrate it. Slow down to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. Take a walk along the ocean. Go outside at night and enjoy the stars. God is extravagant in creation…enjoy it!

Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore:. Consider reading, The Case for a Creator, by Lee Strobel. You can pick it up or order it at the Shoreline Bookstore.

Small Groups Discussion Questions (Week 1 – Celebrating the Master Artist)