SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP OUR CHURCH!!!
Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 21 at 6:00pm will be our Candlelight service. We will sing Christmas songs, have a testimony time, and pray for the upcoming year. It is a wonderful time to reflect and also to pray for God’s blessing for 2009. Everyone is welcome and we hope you will attend. God bless you.
Christmas Caroling
Did you know Saturday, December 20 is National Christmas Caroling Day? I didn’t either till recently. This is going to be our churches first year Christmas Caroling. On December 20 from 6:00pm-8:00pm, we will be going to homes in the Knightdale area. We will be visiting an elderly person or shut-in who might not be able to go to church this Christmas season. We are going to bring church to them. We are going to sing a couple of Christmas carols and hand them a bag with fruit in it. It will be a fun time and also a time of ministry. Before we leave, we will be handing out hot chocolate and praying. I know it will be a great time and I hope to see you there.
Trip to Meadows
Our church will be going to the Meadows on Sunday 14 at 5:00pm. What is the Meadows? I am glad you asked. It is a place near Dunn, NC, where they have a manger scene, and old store, a little train for anyone to ride, Santa Claus, etc. It is a fun time of fellowship. If you want to go, please meet at the church at 5:00pm. We hope to see you there!
Turkey Shoot
No we are not going to shoot a live turkey! We are having a turkey shoot starting on Nov. 7 at 6:00pm-11:00pm. 12 and 20 gauge only. We will provide the shell and the target. The closest one to the bullseye will when a turkey. Hams will be an option to shoot for as well. It will take place on Moon Valley Ln. It will be visible from Bethlehem Rd. and it is only a half a mile from Knightdale Church of God. If you are at the intersection of Old Faison Rd. and Bethlehem Rd., you will be able to see the Turkey Shoot. It will be $5.00 per shot. Come for a fun time and see if you are the best shooter. Goble, Goble.
Family Fall Revival on Nov. 9
The Rev. Charles Thompson will be at Knightdale Church of God from Nov. 9- Nov. 12. On Sunday at 11:00am and Sunday night at 6:00pm and then Monday - Wednesday will begin at 7:00pm. He is known as the walking bible for his talent in memorizing scriptures. He has been preaching the gospel for over 40 years and has a heart for God. He left Greenville Church of God where he pastored for over 15 years and built the church up to 200+ members to began evangelizing. Last year alone, there were over 96 people won to Christ through his ministry.
Pastor Philip is calling for a time of fasting and prayer for the upcoming revival. Prayer at the church will begin 30 minutes before service in the prayer room. All is invited to pray. May we see a move of God like we never have before!
What is Halloween?
This was taken from Crosswalk.com.
Trunk or Treat?
Brent Larson
By Brent Larson
It’s that time of year again - when Christians wonder what to do with Halloween. There are many categories in which we may find ourselves: “What’s all the fuss about? It’s just candy.” “This is an evil time of year!” “I wish it would just go away …” These are just a few of the choices. Let’s take a brief look at this increasingly popular secular holiday and ask the question: “What would God have me do on Halloween?”
History
According to most accounts, the fall seasonal celebration we now call Halloween originated from Celtic and pagan beliefs and practices which pre-date Christianity in what is now Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It was believed that as the harvest season ended and winter approached, the spirits of the dead were most active, intent on mischief and mayhem toward the living. Bonfires and costumes were supposed to frighten away spirits, while treats were set out, and sometimes sacrifices offered to appease them. St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland between 300-400 A.D. The church eventually instituted All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, and later All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, in an attempt to Christianize the season. As Christianity grew in influence, the ancient pagan practices waned, yet certain aspects of the ancient traditions remain today.
Today
Halloween seems to gain popularity every year. I think part of the reason is massive marketing in a consumer society. It used to be candy, costumes, and carved pumpkins. Now, there are decorations for house and yard that rival Christmas. If they make it, someone will buy it. In recent years, parents have become increasingly protective of younger children going door to door asking for treats, yet Halloween parties and celebrations for young adults are prevalent. So what do we do when the kids are planning their costumes? First, let’s see what God says.
The Bible
The Bible does not address Halloween directly. Or does it? In Deuteronomy 18:10-14, God clearly condemns witchcraft, sorcery, divination and those who “call up the dead.” Read the account of Saul and the medium at En-dor in I Samuel 28 (trivia: What was the name of Samantha’s mother on the TV show “Bewitched”?). Read both passages for context concerning God’s revelation to man through His prophets. Who was behind the magic and powers with which Pharaoh’s magicians opposed Moses in Exodus 7? In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul includes witchcraft in the list of deeds of the flesh and warns that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. From these and many other Biblical passages, we can be certain that God opposes these dark evils.
Christian Alternatives
If you choose to participate in a fall seasonal activity, consider some of the alternatives to traditional Halloween practices. Make certain your activity is “profitable” for God (I Corinthians 6:12). Some churches and schools reserve a portion of the parking lot for “Trunk or Treat.” The kids can be in one safe place and load up with candy served from open car trunks. At our church we’d have to use the side doors from all the minivans. Organize a community outreach such as a “Harvest Festival” with food, games, and gospel skits or messages. Invite your neighbors and kids’ sports teams. If you are comfortable allowing your kids to wear a costume, encourage them to dress up as Bible characters. Learn the character’s story together and use it as a witness to those who might ask,
“Who in the world is Elijah?” Avoid scary costumes and those that don’t honor God. There are many wonderful tracts that can be handed out with treats at your door. How many times a year does the mission field come to you? Most of all, stand firm in Christ with a loving attitude (I Peter 3:15). When discussing your beliefs with others, don’t become so defensive and angry that no one hears the good news you have to share. Make Christ the treat you freely give out this year.
Resources
There are a number of books and articles about Halloween. Please be discerning. I recommend Halloween, What’s A Christian To Do?” by Steve Russo.
The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs, is great seasonal story with scriptural wisdom for young children.
Share your views and see what others think online at Halloween-Is it good or bad?
Remember, Halloween is only the tip of the iceberg for the spiritual battle Paul refers to in Ephesians 6:10. The best online resource for this topic I’ve seen is Christian Answers for the New Age. Check out the Harry Potter article!
Family Harvest Festival ‘08
Knightdale Church of God is having a Family Harvest Festival on November 1 from 4-8. We will be have a Giant Slide, Moonwalk, Cotton Candy, Sno Cones, Popcorn, Hayride, and Trunk or Treat. For some ideas on how to do trunk or treat check out this website http://trunkortreat.homestead.com/. If you are doing a trunk or treat, please avoid scary costumes or those that might not honor God. Be Creative!!! Everyone is welcome and everything is free. You can’t beat that so come and join us!!!
Homecoming w/ Arise
Our yearly homecoming will be September 28th at 11:00am. The gospel group Arise will be singing. They have some for many years many great southern gospel songs. Will will be having a large dinner afterwards. Come and celebrate Jesus with us on Homecoming 08.
Fireproof Your Marriage!!!
Fireproof is a movie made by the creators of Flywheel and Facing the Giants. It will premiere on September 26 in theaters. Our church will do a series of marriage sermons and events centered just for the family. Please come and visit us each Sunday in the month of September to help strengthen your marriage.