Chili, Chili and More Chili!

About 30 of us had a wonderful time at our first annual Chili Cookoff.
The only thing that could have made it better is if even MORE could have attended.
Don't miss it next year...the competition will be even more fierce.

OCT 22 - 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off at Metcalf Bottoms 4pm

SAT. OCTOBER 22nd, 4:00PM -8:06PM (sundown) at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area in the GSMNP.
The picnic area and pavillion are on Little River Road, about halfway between the "Y" and the Sugarlands-Park HQ. (note: a not so well known, short-cut, Lyons Springs Rd. from Wears Valley Rd. is especially helpful to avoid GSMNP traffic.)
BRING the entire family....your favorite CHILI...Hotdogs and fix'ns and lawn chairs.
Look for more details in class and in an email from Gary Douglas which will be forth coming.

FLAPJACK FEST 2011

EVERYONE HAD A BLAST!!!!

FLAPJACK FEST 2011 a SUCCESS

Nearly 50 attended! A special thanks to Gary & Sonya Douglas and Eric & Dawn Martin for organizing our event. Kim Long and Christie Spitler also served as Sous Chefs. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success.

Acts Study

We began our study of The book of Acts today. As I said in class, I want to "Teach you to fish" rather than just "Giving you a fish". Nothing will change your life more than you reading and studying God's Word on your own. When you read this week, use an Inductive Method to study the bible. FIRST PRAY, then read the passage while asking the following questions and take some notes.
What is the setting/the context? (when is this taking place, who is speaking?) What is going on in the passage? (the facts, the outcome, the circumstances) How can I apply this to my life? (the Holy Spirit at work in YOUR life)
An inductive study relies on you reading the passage and allowing God's Word and the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
I have found this type of study to provide the deepest and life-long change to my Christian walk.
I have used study bibles and recommended the NASB Life Application Study Bible for anyone wanting a good bible. (ps,Geek Alert... I like hardback bibles because the pages are thicker and it feels like a textbook) A warning is needed with using study bibles....I found in the past, a quick commentary at the bottom of the page is often all I would take away from the passage. "Microwaved Theology" is lacking in real flavor. Significant change generally requires looking at the scripture more intently and more prayer. Once I have used an Inductive method, I also often read longer commentaries on the passage to go deeper, especially in the context...the background and customs.
I am praying for you! Ken
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:16.

NEW CLASS YEAR - AUGUST 21, 2011

NEW CLASS YEAR - AUGUST 21, 2011

We are beginning a new class year next Sunday, August 21, 2011 and we will be kicking off a study of The Book of Acts.
This is a wonderful time to jump back into class after a busy summer. Everyone has missed some here and there, so if you feel like you have been out a bit, don't worry, everyone else has as well.....just come back next Sunday and join in.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 Saturday is our 3rd annual, FLAPJACK FEST 2011. Eric Martin and Gary Douglas are coordinating this fantastic fellowship. This event takes place at Cades Cove....bicycle around the loop early 7-7:30 start time or just show up at 10A.M. to eat Pancakes! We have had a blast the last two years with this event.

I am so EXCITED about our class and how I see God working.

Please consider how you might serve and pray for God to move people to leadership and ministry in our class.

A very special THANK YOU to Mike Dennison (click to email) for leading in the position of class director/assistant teacher.
If you would like to serve in any capacity, Mike will get you plugged-in.

• We are in need of someone with a heart for missions/service to help coordinate ministry opportunities for the class as the Outreach Director. Thank you also to Teresa Carr who has volunteered to help with Outreach by contacting guests, prospects and members with cards, etc. The Outreach Director will set a schedule for the class to reach out in the community to serve in missions , ie. going to soup kitchen to serve a meal, etc.
  
• We need Care Group leaders. This is a CRITICAL position to keep people connected in our class and church. The number one job is pray for your group throughout the week. Make contact with your group members, especially if a member is absent for couple weeks. Ask someone to pray in group circle. 100% attendance certainly isn't expected, just have an assistant in place to lead in your absence.
  
• Paige will gladly apprentice someone to be the Information Coordinator. Paige will continue to reach out to meet visitors, but someone to help with maintaining the actual paperwork would be wonderful. This is another vital role to ensure contact information and attendance is gathered and communicated to the church office. There are only 3 main church forms to understand and they can be easily understood.

We are serving a truly AWESOME GOD and ministry in our Bible Fellowship is KINGDOM WORK. Thanks, Ken

Big South Fork

Wow... we really did have as much fun as it appears in the photo.
This was while we were camping at Big South Fork...Twin Arches.

Flapjack Fest 2011 coming up on Sep 17th.