Church Requel Blog - Writings of Mark Pierce

Advent Begins Sunday!

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

The Christmas month of celebrations begins this Sunday morning with the official first day of Advent. Aimee will come forward right at the beginning of our worship and light the Hope Candle. She's excited and we're excited for her!

Live Music Sunday! Dave leads our worship singing Sunday with the help of Bethany, Don and Fernando. We so appreciate their dedication, practicing and preparing over this holiday weekend.

Here are the songs we'll be singing:

(1) "This Is Amazing Grace" by Phil Wickham

(2) "What A Friend" by Matt Maher

(3) "Yes I Will" by Vertical Worship

(4) "The Only Name" by Big Daddy Weave.

5 Secrets Of Contentment.  Our sermon Sunday will be the final in our 12-part Resolution Series this year. We'll be talking about an appropriate topic for Thanksgiving weekend - contentment. 

Let's face the truth that contentment can be illusive. It has little to do with our circumstances. Sometimes the most well-off are the most discontented. Today we take a deep dive into Philippians 4:11-13 to discover the Apostle Paul's secret to contentment. Perhaps Sunday will be your day to make every day a Thanksgiving day!

Mark Prays While Ed Plays.  We are so thankful to invite Ed Wilson back up front to play the piano during our prayer time together. Ed and Amy are two of our newest regular attendees. You might remember that Ed played and sang a couple months ago at our Singspiration Service in September.

I talked to Ed this morning at breakfast. He told me he's been practicing all week, but still doesn't know exactly what he's going to play during our prayer time. Everytime he sits down a different song comes to mind and just plays away. Isn't it wonderful to be able to play like that - no sheet music - just from mind to fingertips!

Christmas Decorations After Church. We will be putting up the Christmas tree and wreathes and any other decorations we find or that you bring. Plan to stick around for about an hour after church Sunday for some fun fellowship and the joy of preparing our sanctuary for the Christmas season! Who knows? We might even share a pizza pie or two together when we're done!

Survey Of The Bible Video Series in 2020. Would you like your view of the Bible to be more 20-20 in 2020? Then I have great news for you.

Starting in early January, Brian Betts will be starting an overview of the Bible using a video series by R.C. Sproul. We'll be starting with an overview of the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Old Testament. You will not required to purchase any materials, but having a Bible and a notebook wouldn't be a bad idea.

If you'd be interested in joining us, there will be a signup sheet in the foyer. Just jot down your name and email address, and Brian will get back to you. We don't have a time and place scheduled yet. I think the idea is that Brian wants to find out who is interested and then work with those people to find the time that works best for them.

Christmas Student Rehearsals In Full Swing. Last week, Brandi and I met with Tamara to plan out all the needed support for their Christmas program. Once again Tamara has boldly stepped up to lead the charge, directing our students in their annual Christmas play. I am so thankful for her!!!

The play will feature a live newscast about all the happenings in Bethlehem. In addition to the traditional Christmas characters, this year we will have newscasters, weathermen, commercials, placard holders and more as we watch the behind-the-scenes news collection of this momentous moment in human history!

Parents, please do all you can to make sure that your student is at every Sunday morning rehearsal. Also note that the final dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 21st at 10am at the church. The play will take place the next morning, December 22nd and will be followed by our annual Christmas potluck.

Serve Our Neighbors A Meal - December 14th.  Our next opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors is coming up. Plan on coming to help serve at the neighborhood meal on Saturday, December 14th. Volunteers come to the church at 4pm. We begin serving at 5pm. We are usually finished cleaning up by 6pm. We'll also be singing Christmas carols together this evening with our neighbors who come.

Wow! Thanksgiving is behind us. Christmas is now front and center in front of us. I love this time of the year.

I love singing Christmas Carols and sharing the Christmas spirit. Once again this year I will be playing and singing at 16 different places - the hospital, nursing and retirement homes, Dayspring Assisted Living - and my all time favorite... Church Requel!

Click here if you want to see my schedule.

See you Sunday morning at 11am!

Love you all, Pastor Mark

Church Improvements For This Holiday Season!

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. It's also the busiest! So many cool things happening over the next five weeks. I hope that this week's Church Requel newsletter can be helpful for you to schedule the most wonderful time you might be able to enjoy with your Church Requel church family!

A New Look at Church! When you come into the church sanctuary this Sunday you'll notice a change. There is now a second screen directed to the front of the church. This will serve two functions. First most of you come in to the middle door at the front of our sanctuary. Now when you come in you'll immediately be able to see the church announcements as you enter the sanctuary. Yay!

Our praise team and teaching pastor will also be able to see the screen as they lead you in worship. This will be a great help to our worship team. Many thanks go out to Jonathan and Steve, who provided great help to us this past Monday evening in making the finishing touches on this new enhancement.

A New Mic For Our Drummer. We've also invested into some new technology for Brian, who has learned how to play our drum set and also has a great singing voice. We have purchased a microphone that will attach to the back of his head so he can move more freely in playing the drums, yet the microphone will always stay close. Can't wait to see Brian try this out on Sunday morning for the first time.

We've also made some changes to our sound system to be able to accommodate more voices and more instruments. This is a terrific problem to have - and I think we've solved it for now. Several times over the last few months we've had more singers and more instrumentalists than we could amplify. We could never have imagined such a problem when we invested into our sound system six years ago. Again - thank you Jonathan for making the needed changes in our system to accommodate more worship participants.

These improvements will be a great help to our student Christmas program too! (more info in a moment.)

Sunday's Worship Details. Our Jam Band Sunday will include Brandi, Trish, Missie, Don, Dan, Dave, Brian and Mark. Our songs Sunday morning will include: (1) Trading My Sorrows by Darrell Evans, (2) Beautiful Day by Jesus Culture (the last time we sang this one was a year ago this week!), (3) Living Hope by Phil Wickham and (4) Old Church Choir by Zach Williams. This last one has been a favorite of the Jam Band over this past year.

Our sermon is titled "Education By The Holy Spirit." Our Christian faith is so unique. We don't just learn the facts of our faith. We also learn the why's behind the facts... and even more importantly we meet the Who behind the faith. We form a relationship with the Master Teacher Himself.

We will discover that knowing Scripture is really important, but knowing the Author of Scripture is even more important. You can prepare for Sunday's sermon adventure by reading Acts 18:24-19:7. You can also find my teaching notes in your Bible app or just click here: https://my.bible.com/events/5943638.

Christmas Student Rehearsals In Full Swing. This past week, Brandi and I met with Tamara to plan out all the needed support for their Christmas program. Once again Tamara has boldly stepped up to lead the charge, directing our students in their annual Christmas play. I am so thankful for her!!!

I learned this week that there will be a live newscast about all the happenings in Bethlehem. In addition to the traditional Christmas characters, this year we will have newscasters, weathermen, commercials, placard holders and more as we watch the behind-the-scenes news collection of this momentous moment in human history!

Parents, please do all you can to make sure that your student is at every Sunday morning rehearsal. Also note that the final dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 21st at 10am at the church. The play will take place the next morning, December 22nd and will be followed by our annual Christmas potluck.

Operation Christmas Child - Collection This Sunday! We will be collecting your shoeboxes, which you have packed to bless children in need worldwide. Many thanks to Cindy who has spearheaded this project. For those needing more information between now and Sunday, check out this link. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Decorate The Church - One Week From Sunday! Getting the church ready for Christmas is always such a joyous occasion. If you can stick around after church on December 1st, we will have fun together putting up the Christmas tree and wreathes. Feel free to bring your own decorations too, if you'd like! For those who can help out, we'll enjoy a pizza lunch together!

Serve Our Neighbors A Meal - December 14th.  Our next opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors is coming up. Plan on coming to help serve at the neighborhood meal on Saturday, December 14th. Volunteers come to the church at 4pm. We begin serving at 5pm. We are usually finished cleaning up by 6pm. We'll also be singing Christmas carols together this evening with our neighbors who come.

Wow! The most wonderful time of the year. The most busy time of the year! But it's all good, right? I sure do love serving together with all of you. Hope you feel the same way. See you Sunday morning at 11am! Love you all, Pastor Mark

Losing The Victory

Good Friday morning Church Requel,

The score is 21-7 in our favor with only 8 seconds left in the game. For the first time since 2014 my beloved Browns are going to beat that team from Pittsburgh.

Then Myles Garrett hits the opposing quarterback on his bare head with a helmet. It's a weapon. It's brutal. Never happened before. Even Myles' teammates cannot defend it.

And the fans? What should have been a celebration of victory turned into an embarrassment. Who can celebrate? Who can explain? Are there words for what we saw? One Browns' teammate put forth the only word that make sense: "Inexcusable."

I was looking forward to finally get some ribbing in to one of my good friends, who happens to be a Steelers fan. Our good jawing has been decidedly one way since 2014. But now I can't say a thing. Yeah, we won... but we lost the victory.

Now, before we all join in to point out the horrible flaw in Myles Garrett's actions (the bandwagon is already overflowing), let's recall that when we point our finger to someone else that there are still three fingers pointing back to us. But for the grace of God, there go I.

You may say and honestly believe you would never do what Myles did. But anyone who has rotated the sun for at least a couple decades knows that we are all capable of horrible behavior with the right combination of pressure and circumstances.

What could we learn? What lessons can we apply to our own behavior? What warning could there be for us from this incident?

First - Understand that one tragic lapse of judgment can diminish a lifetime of good character. Anyone who has followed the Browns knows just how hard Myles has worked to be the best defensive end the league has ever seen. All those hours in the gym. All the practice. All the above and beyond personal training. Wiped out. Gone. For the rest of his life Myles - no matter how much he achieves - will be known as that player who viciously assaulted another player with a swung helmet to a naked head.

Parents, if ever there was a teaching moment, this is it. Help your children to know that one terrible mistake in a moment of rage can change the entire trajectory of their lives.

Second - Anger simmers before it explodes. Anger resides within our hearts before it blows up on us and everyone around us. There are signs. Emotional distress. Over reacting to small slights. Muscle tension. Headaches. Yelling. Arguing. Cursing. Sarcasm. Clenched fists. Throwing things. Temper tantrums. A lack of control over our responses.

As obvious as these simmering signs may be, they are often completely missed by our own observations. I had a very good friend who once told me that his pastor advised counseling for his anger problem. "I'm not angry," was his response. Laughing, the pastor retorted, "You're one of the angriest people I've ever known." My good friend didn't have a clue. He got the needed counseling and help he needed and now helps others with their own anger issues.

The Bible has great insight into anger. "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from desires that wage within you?" (James 4:1) The battle begins within long before it erupts outward all over our lives and our loves.

Third - Our actions impact more than just us. We do not live in isolation. Our actions - especially true of our embarrassing and negative actions - impact those around us more than we can even imagine. Families can be destroyed over one horrible lapse of judgment. Children can become scattered. Marriages can be broken. Jobs lost. Even those who may have been in a supervisory role over you can lose their jobs and their futures because of your one solitary incident.

Sadly, those who are closest to us and most loved by us are usually the ones who are most hurt by our mistakes. Never assume that this couldn't happen to me. Take a step back, a few moments of reflection and prayer, and ask yourself and your God if there are warning signs in your own life.

God has placed you strategically in place to be able to reach others for His kingdom. Your job is to bring a little bit of Heaven down here to Earth. What an awesome opportunity! And it can all be lost because of one lousy moment of foolish choices. Your life is not just about you. There are others more numerous than you could believe, who are impacted by what you do.

Last evening's Browns' victory is one of the most humiliating I've ever experienced. Nothing in those two years' of 1-31 win-loss record comes close to what I'm feeling this morning. More than anything I'm just sad.

Yet, within that humiliating sadness is an opportunity to recognize our human condition. We are each far from perfect or sinless. Nothing excuses Myles' behavior. But frankly, in our lowest moments, we are each just as guilty and without excuse. Be careful my good friends. Don't lose the victory of a life lived well.

Let us be grateful for a God, Who loves us regardless of our worst moments and Who provides us the way forward to become better than we really are. Love you all much, Pastor Mark

New Screen Installation!

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

Nothing ever stays the same. We either move forward or float backwards. This week we're taking a step forward for our worship teams at Church Requel. And we have Steve Thoman to thank for it!

For several weeks now, Steve has been talking to me, Brandi and Jonathan about the advantages of having a second screen for our worship leaders. That way they can see the words to the songs if they forget them and don't have to look down at a printed page.

This morning Steve took the first steps towards making this a reality at Church Requel. He took the screen and the projector from downstairs, which we rarely use, and installed them up on the fourth beam in our sanctuary (the one furthest in the back).

When we're not using the screen, you'll not even know it's there. When it is in the up position it will be hidden by the beam. And even when it's lowered, it won't be in anyone's way because it will be high above everyone's head.

We still have some digital wiring that needs to be done to connect the second projector (also moved from downstairs) to our tech booth. Hopefully we can get that next task accomplished soon. The next time you see Steve, thank him for using his considerable skills to help out the church.

And while we are on the subject of thanking people let's also thank Chris, who installed all our storm windows for winter and removed the screen windows. We are so fortunate to have so many generous volunteers at Church Requel!

Worship Plans For Sunday Morning. Our ladies trio will lead our worship singing this Sunday. Thanks Brandi, Trish and Missie! Here are the songs we'll be singing together: (1) Way Maker by Sinach, (2) King Of My Heart by Bethel, (3) Do It Again by Elevation Worship and (4) Praise Your Name by Cory Voss.

Our sermon Sunday morning is a very unusual one. Frankly, most pastors wouldn't give it. I'm calling it "Changing Tribes."

It's about why and when to change the church in which you minister. Notice we didn't say anything about "attend." Every Christian is a minister using his or her unique spiritual gifts, heart passions, abilities and talents, personality, and experiences.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to change churches to pursue the ministry that God is calling you into. I sure hope that's not true of any of you! But it is the topic God laid on my heart from my study of Acts 18. Want a head start? You'll find the sermon notes here: http://bible.com/events/5503690. 

Students Begin Christmas Rehearsals. Last Sunday our students began their rehearsals for this year's Christmas program. 

Many thanks go out to Tamara Engstrom, who once again has volunteered to direct our children's Christmas program. Each Sunday in November and December, our students will be learning their parts. Circle your calendar for December 22nd at 11am to watch our children celebrate Christmas. 

We could use one or two adults each week to provide "crowd control" with our children. Talk to either Tamara or Cindy if you are willing. Men - you would be especially appreciated!

Neighborhood Meal - Dec. 14th. It's hard to believe but our last appointment to participate in the Neighborhood Meal ministry is just a month away. This is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors. Plan on coming to help serve. I talked to Paul Lintern this week and we both agreed to keep our schedule to serve in this way in 2020 - always the 2nd Saturday of every even month - February, April, June, August, October and December.

Thanks everyone! I hope to see most of you this Sunday morning at 11am! Love you much! Pastor Mark

TONIGHT - Community Night Of Worship!

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

It's hard to believe that today we turn the calendar to November. Normally I wouldn't be so excited about that. But today!!! TODAY!!! It's Community Night Of Worship Day! Yay!!!

I so appreciate Brandi, Missie and Trish for their dedicated contribution to this event. They started rehearsing for this two months ago! They join worship leaders from four other churches. It should be an amazing evening.

All the details are included in the graphic to the right. The location will be at Freedom Ridge Church at 2200 Bedford Blvd. (That's the road across the street from Sam's Club.) Admission is free. The music begins at 7pm. I've seen the set (it is amazing!), so I'm thinking it will last a couple of hours.

This will conclude our week of OctoberBlest. I guarantee blessings for everyone who comes. AND you will have celebrated All Saints Day maybe for the very first time in your lives!

Speaking of OctoberBlest, thanks to all of you who came out this past Tuesday to celebrate with Brandi and me. It was a really special time.

One of you told me afterwards just how powerful that hour felt. "Mark, it was like my emotional pants were down!" I wouldn't have thought to describe it like that, but I 'm glad it had such a huge impact.

I also had the opportunity to play for an hour last night in the 7-hour prayer burn back in the Chome. Another powerful evening. If you'd like to see any of that, check out Jordan's Facebook page. He provided a live video feed (in two parts) of the entire night. The ukulele portion of the evening kicks off the first video.

As I remember one key theme of this year for our church, it will be as the year when we really partnered with other churches in prayer and in worship. I love that!

This Sunday - CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS! YES! An extra hour of sleep on Saturday night. This is the good side of Daylight Savings Time.

Our praise team will be one of our largest ever and include many of our students: Brandi, Leia, Paityn, Cindy, Isabelle, Chris, Tamara, Saudaie, Bubby and Sivon. Grayden and Cohen will partner together in the tech booth. Roger and Judie will be our prep team. Cindy will flavor us with her snacks. Juanita and Steve will greet us as we come into the sanctuary. Jessica and Dave will teach our preschoolers. Shelli will head up our counting team.

Our sermon Sunday morning will be the 11th of 12 in our Resolutions series. The title of Sunday morning's talk is "I Resolve To Be Courageous." 

We make a new resolution for November: to live with courage. The Bible has much to say on this topic. We'll consider five stories of courage, three from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. We hope to walk away today with new insights into what courage really means for the Christ-follower.

Want a head start? You can find the notes for Sunday's sermon in the Bible app on your phone or you can also click here to see them in your browser.

Christmas Play Practice Begins Sunday!  The turning of the calendar and the white stuff on the ground this morning is a sure reminder that Christmas is right around the corner. And THAT means that our students will be bringing us another wonderful program.

This year the Student Christmas program will be on December 22nd - the last Sunday before Christmas. YAY!

When you think about it, there really are not that many weeks between now and then. Our students will rehearse each Sunday morning between now and then, so it's really important that you get them here as often as is possible.

We are most grateful for Tamara for volunteering once again to direct our Christmas program. One thing we learned last year was that Tamara could really use adult help in maintaining order during the rehearsals. Sometimes she will need to direct a smaller group of students and the rest won't have her focus. Would you consider going down with her for a Sunday or two? If we all pitched in to help out, none of us would miss too much of what's going on upstairs. Cindy has a passion for helping out Tamara, so if you'd like to help out too - talk to Cindy! (And thanks Cindy!)

Each Friday morning when I sit down to write the weekly newsletter, I wonder what I will write. No problem this week, as you can plainly see. I don't think I've ever seen a more active congregation than you! Love you all much! Pastor Mark