Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Video: Kenwood Church 4 25 21 Elders Update
(This update was given by Dennis Fletcher, co-chairman of the elders, at our April 25, 2021, Parking Lot Service. A written copy of the update can be found below the video.)
Good morning,
On March 28, 2021, we
announced that:
We believe that it is an
appropriate time to begin to work toward conducting worship services inside the
building again.
We were targeting and hoped,
based on current information, to be conducting worship inside the building
sometime between mid-May to mid-June.
Additionally, the previous
Michigan Health Department orders expired on 4/19, we wanted to understand any
new guidelines and directions subsequent to the expiration of these orders.
The guidance from the Michigan
Health Department remained the same.
While we are still encouraged
by vaccine rates we are concerned with the recent increase in new COVID-19
cases.
We will continue to be
conservative and cautious about our decisions.
At this time, we are not ready to announce a more specific target date
for worship to be held in the building.
Again, we were hoping and
targeting a date between mid-May and mid-June. Based on current circumstances, it would be very
unlikely that we would target a date before June. Please
remember these are target dates and are subject to change.
Even after we begin to worship
in the building, we will continue to broadcast the service to the parking lot
and provide communion to anyone in the parking lot. We will also continue to post our worship
service online.
We will provide another update
by mid-May.
Thank you again for your
continued prayers and support.
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Video: 4-25-21 Kenwood Church “CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: Don’t wait to call on Jesus.”
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: Don’t wait to call on Jesus” - 4-25-21
As we worship together "from house to house," we recognize that we will all encounter storms in our lives. We encourage one another with the knowledge that Jesus is always in the boat with us. We can cling to hope because he can calm the storm.
If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos. We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper. In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart. Pray for one another. Watch my message, "CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: Don’t wait to call on Jesus." Respond to the invitation. Enjoy the bonus video.
WORSHIP
COMMUNION
Read Hebrews 9:28 NIV, “. . . so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we know Christ died to take away our sin. We look forward to his return to take us home. We pray for the strength to withstand the storms of the day. Help us, Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Take the Lord's Supper.
PRAYER
Pray for those in the midst of their terrifying storm. Pray they will call out to Jesus.
MESSAGE
CHALLENGE
Don’t wait until your ship is sinking to call out to Jesus. Take this opportunity right now to call out to Jesus for help. Lay aside your personal attempt to "right your ship." Humble yourself before the Lord.
INVITATION
It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church. You may want to follow Jesus. You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org). I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.
Bonus Video
Video: 4-25-21 Kenwood Church "CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: “Don’t wait to call on Jesus."
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: “Don’t wait to call on Jesus."- 4-25-21
INTRODUCTION
What are you clinging on to in the midst of the storm?
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
Mark 4:37-39 NIV
I. THE DISCIPLES WENT TO JESUS AS A LAST RESORT
A. The storm was upon them
B. The disciples waited until the boat was about to sink.
C. Jesus took care of their problem immediately.
II. WHY DO WE WAIT?
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”
Psalms 32:3-4 NIV
A. Pride - I don’t need help like everyone else.
1. Lack of humility
During the Battle of the Wilderness in the Civil War, Union general John Sedgwick was inspecting his troops. At one point he came to a parapet, over which he gazed out in the direction of the enemy. His officers suggested that this was unwise and perhaps he ought to duck while passing the parapet. "Nonsense," snapped the general. "They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist--." A moment later Sedgwick fell to the ground, fatally wounded.
Today in the Word, August 30, 1993
B. Self-assurance - I don’t need any help.
1. Think too highly of ourselves
John Flavel has said, "They that know God will be humble, and they that know themselves cannot be proud."
quoted in MBI's Today In The Word, November, 1989, p.20
C. Embarrassment - I don’t want anyone to know.
III. DON’T WAIT TO CALL ON JESUS
A. Jesus is always present.
B. Jesus is always prepared.
"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
Mark 4:39 NIV
“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Psalms 32:6-7 NIV
CHALLENGE
Don’t wait until your ship is sinking to call out to Jesus.
Take this opportunity right now to call out to Jesus for help. Lay aside your personal attempt to "right your ship." Humble yourself before the Lord.
INVITATION
It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word. You may want to follow Jesus. You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Monday, April 19, 2021
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Video: 4-18-21 "CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: Even when it seems that Jesus is ‘sleeping’ in your boat, He is still with you and for you."
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: Even when it seems that Jesus is ‘sleeping’ in your boat, He is still with you and for you” - 4-18-21
As we worship together "from house to house," we proclaim that Jesus is with us always, even in the midst of the storm.
If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos. We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper. In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart. Pray for one another. Watch my message, "CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: Even when it seems that Jesus is ‘sleeping’ in your boat, He is still with you and for you." Respond to the invitation. Enjoy the bonus video.
WORSHIP
COMMUNION
Read Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we know that you are always with us. We know that Jesus is with us now even though he died. We celebrate the resurrection which connects us with him and you. Thank you for your powerful presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Take the Lord's Supper.
PRAYER
Pray for a mind that will remember that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.
MESSAGE
CHALLENGE
Recognize the God who is in the boat with you. Allow fear and confusion to be transformed into reverence for the God who loves you. Share with someone how God has transformed your fear and confusion into faith.
INVITATION
It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church. You may want to follow Jesus. You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org). I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.
Bonus Video
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: “Even when it seems that Jesus is ‘sleeping’ in your boat, He is still with you and for you"- 4-11-21
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: “Even when it seems that Jesus is ‘sleeping’ in your boat, He is still with you and for you"- 4-11-21
INTRODUCTION
Holding on to Hope
"Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child."
Unknown
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!””
Mark 4:35-41 NIV
Our emotional/mental state in the heightened environment of a storm.
I. FEAR
5-year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she said, "It's OK--Jesus will be in there with you."
Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave when all at once an idea came, and he said: "Jesus, if you're in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?"
Charles Allen, Victory in the Valleys.
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped."
Mark 4:37
"Louis Pasteur is reported to have had such an irrational fear of dirt and infection he refused to shake hands. President and Mrs. Benjamin Harrison were so intimidated by the newfangled electricity installed in the White House they didn't dare touch the switches. If there were no servants around to turn off the lights when the Harrisons went to bed, they slept with them on."
Jane Goodsell, Not a Good Word About Anybody, Ballantine
A. Storms are frightening.
B. Our response is often fear.
C. We can usually clearly see the worst case scenario.
II. CONFUSION
Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the group happened to meet Lord Hailsham, then lord chancellor, wearing all the regalia of his office. Hailsham recognized Marten among the group and cried, "Neil!" Not daring to question or disobey the "command," the entire band of visitors promptly fell to their knees!
Today in the Word, July 30, 1993
"Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”"
Mark 4:38
A. Why is Jesus sleeping? (Is God not paying attention?)
B. Why doesn’t Jesus care? (Does God care about me?)
III. TERROR
Our emotional/mental state when we encounter God
"They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!””
Mark 4: 41
A. Face to face with God
B. Safe in the arms of God
C. Terror gives way to love
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35-39 NIV
CONCLUSION
We all encounter fear.
One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can't dear. I have to sleep in Daddy's room." A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, "The big sissy!"
Unknown
The fear and confusion of the storm bring us face to face with the God who loves us. Allow that encounter to bring you to faith in the One who calms the storm.
CHALLENGE
Recognize the God who is in the boat with you. Allow fear and confusion to be transformed into reverence for the God who loves you. Share with someone how God has transformed your fear and confusion into faith.
INVITATION
It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word. You may want to follow Jesus. You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.m
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Video: Kenwood Church "CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: God Doesn’t Ask Us to Walk on Water" 4-11-21
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: God Doesn’t Ask Us to Walk on Water" 4-11-21
As we worship together "from house to house," we look to the Rock of our salvation for stability in the midst of the storms of life. He is our sure foundation.
If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos. We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper. In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart. Pray for one another. Watch my message, "CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: God Doesn’t Ask Us to Walk on Water" 4-11-21." Respond to the invitation. Enjoy the bonus video.
WORSHIP
COMMUNION
Read 1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, you are our foundation. You are our anchor. You are our hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Take the Lord's Supper.
PRAYER
Pray for courage to be the witness God has prepared you to be.
MESSAGE
CHALLENGE
Be brave this week. Take on something knowing that God has your back. Go for it!
INVITATION
It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church. You may want to follow Jesus. You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org). I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.
Bonus Video
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: God Doesn’t Ask Us to Walk on Water" 4-11-21
"CLINGING TO HOPE IN THE STORM: God Doesn’t Ask Us to Walk on Water"- 4-11-21
INTRODUCTION
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.”
Psalms 69:1-3 NIV
Can you imagine walking with Jesus? Have you ever considered how amazing it was to see the miracles and hear the words of Jesus? It must have been so easy to trust God with Jesus right there with you (or was it?)
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
"Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
"Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
Matthew 14:22-33 NIV
I. THE STORM
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . ."
Isaiah 43:2-3a NIV
A. What type of storm are you currently in? (Relational, doubt, fear, etc.)
B. What forecast do you listen to? (God’s, humanity, your view of the world, etc.)
C. Are you prepared for the storm? (Flashlight, food, umbrella, etc.)
II. THE RESCUE
A. Jesus to the rescue (again)
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!””
Matthew 8:23-27 NIV
B. Lessons
1. Storms are common.
2. We can survive storms.
3. Jesus is with us in the midst of the storm.
"Faith is not merely your holding on to God--it is God holding on to you. He will not let you go!"
E. Stanley Jones
III. THE CHALLENGE
A. Listen
1. What did Jesus say?
2. He said, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
B. Don’t confuse your vision for God’s mission.
1. Peter volunteered for a mission that was never requested.
2. Lack of faith shows up
C. Be brave
1. Be brave because God will be with you wherever you go.
““Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:7-9 NIV
2. Bravery is a spiritual issue.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
3. What more do you need? (You of little faith!)
a. Hope
"Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand."
Thomas Aquinas
"Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him."
John of the Cross
CONCLUSION
Storms are coming. Jesus will rescue you. Be brave.
CHALLENGE
Be brave this week. Take on something knowing that God has your back. Go for it!
INVITATION
It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word. You may want to follow Jesus. You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.
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