CityLight Update: 25.1.10

Dear CityLight Family,

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him...but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit" 1 Cor. 2:9-10

Do you realize that God has great things prepared or you? Hold on to that promise this week and ask Him to show you what is your part in His great Story! And while you are asking, think about the rest of us and bring some request to our good Father (see prayer list below). Thanks!

Thank you all for just loving one another with the love of Jesus. It's such a blessing to be rubbing shoulders with you all...

Blessings,
Patrick + Ivetka

ps. A BIG thanks to all our recent Kid's ministry teachers (Aki, Kieko, Peter, Silvia) you guys are awesome!


This week at CityLight

Upcoming Event: Dig Deep : Discussions in Genesis...talk/think/live

Sunday School: We are always in need of adding to the rotation of teachers. Join the team in leading the kids in exploring the Parables of Jesus. Materials are provided, we just need YOU! If you want to get involved email: patrickivetka@gmail.com

Haiti - Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti. CityLight will donate to the cause to help with relief work via the fund set up by the Slovak Baptist Union. For more info (SK) on the funded projects: Haiti Relief

Pics - Great pictures of you all from January. Thanks Kieko and others!

Recent Teachings: Catch up on what we have been studying on Sundays (text/video) :

3.1.10 Hebrews 12 “Strip down”
10.1.10 Hebrews 12:14-29 “Esau Syndrome”
17.1.10 Hebrews 13 “Continue in Love”

Prayer:
1. Melo - prayer for salvation for Lubo+Edna, Dusan+Zuska. A new flat to rent. More open doors to minister in BA.
2. Danka - Mother: solid salvation, improved relationship with the rest of her family
3. Chad - Open doors to continue his theological education: location, $, all details!
4. Mike+Heather: Next steps direction from the Lord.
5. Aki + Kieko- Next phase in work. The baby to turn, successful delivery in April. Fruit from the recent witness to two Japanese families
6. Sunday School - helpers + ministry to older youth
7. Tom+Debbie: The Minnesota Twins winter festival is 29-31 January. We will be participating and praying for divine contacts with one or two players-ex players who would be interested in following through in helping to get a baseball field built in Devinska. For meetings at three colleges to share the vision for summer (or longer) internships. For Katka, Erik and other volunteers as they continue working with our kids in Devinska.
8. Viki & Jacques - perseverance and success in their thesis writing
9. Yvetta M. - health, rest during vacation, and free time to come to church
10. Cida - rest & open schedule to be able to come to church.
11. Aylwin - good adjustment back to SK for family. Bigger worship team.
12. Erik - Salvation for Oto who is in prison in Austria.

A little help

I was gathering some materials for the kids ministry and couldn't pass this up...

Hebrews 13 "Continue in Love"

Hebrews 13 "Continue in Love"

The Way of Jesus is not a lonely journey. We walk it together as a community. As we wake up to the fact that Jesus is more than enough (better then prophets, angles, Moses...you name it) we simply have to respond. That is why the writer of Hebrews challenges us with the phrase "Let us...". A series of specific ways we as a faith community react to the grace of God in our lives. (see Hebrews 10:22-25; 12:1-3, 28)

Now it's one thing to start a journey, it's another thing to finish it well. I think that's why in Hebrews 13 we are bombarded with a series of last minute encouragements to "Keep on", "Don't forget", and "Remember." The message is simply- continue.

But "continue" in what? "Let brotherly love continue" (v1). Jesus demonstrated true love, instructed us in it, and commanded us to live it (Jn 13). If you are a disciple of Jesus you already have the seeds of His love in your heart, but will you live it out in the world? Will we as a church live dangerously and let His love work it's way through us in service to others?

In verses 2-6 we are challenged with four practical ways that we as a community can respond to Jesus' grace and continue in love. They revolve around these words - Hospitality, Empathy, Honor, and Contentment. But who really wants to let people into your private life and provide for their needs? Or rub shoulders with the down and out? Keep a lid on our lust? Or not charge now, pay later when the urge comes on for that new fill in latest burning desire here? But this is what we are called to, the way of Love, the way of Jesus.

Struggling with this?

Remember: God is with you, on your side (v5). Delight in Him and He will bring contentment. Don't forget leaders (parents, friends, teachers, pastors) who have invested in your life. Model them, follow them, obey the truths they planted in you (v17-19). And of course continue on in the reality that Jesus is the same all the time - He is good and He is for you! (v8). Identify with Him (v11-14) and be strengthened by His grace (v9).

Result: as WE continue on in love we will find ourselves putting a smile on the Father's face (v15-16).

Hebrews 12:14-29 "Esau Syndrome"

Have you been experiencing a bad case of "Esau Syndrome" lately? You know, that impulsive desire of "trading God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite"? Well, you are in good (?) company - some Hebrew Christians were in the same boat as you a few thousand years ago (Check out Hebrews 12:14-29... yes, do it now!) They, like us, were a sorry bunch of people who were easily satisfied with less, when much more was offered by God. They were encouraged to not "miss the GRACE of God" (v15).

So what are the symptoms of "Esau Syndrome"? A lack of grace (God's favor, joy, pleasure) which results in an invasive and infectious form of bitterness (v15). The common side effects are pride, legalism, loss of freedom, judgmental accusations, unforgivness, strife, and a general friction and brokenness.

The cure? Jesus.

It's so easy to catch "Esau Syndrome." But the cure is ever-present and offered to us, simply the grace of God. Despite how many times we fail and fall head over heels for things that never fully quench our thirsts, His grace is always there. He can cover your stains, remove your shame, rewrite your name, and make something beautiful even out of me.

Check out is video “GRACE” It really sums up the theology of Grace in a way that many preachers miss:

Hebrews 12 "Strip down, Shoot straight"

Sometimes you have get rid of extra baggage (emotional, relational.. and good old fashion "stuff"). Sometimes "less is more" in this spiritual journey with Jesus. As we simplify we are able to gain a uncanny focus on what is important and take in views from heights not normally seen. That seems to be the message in Hebrews 12 - "Strip down, Shoot straight, Stand tall." And all of it is in the context of "Let us" - specific responses to Jesus that we do together as a community.

Jules Verne wrote a novel "The Mysterious Island" which tells of a Civil War prison break via a hot balloon (think: cool gadgets of 007 or Batman). The 5 inmates are carried far out over the ocean and the balloon is slowly descending into the deep. The save themselves they begin to strip off everything that is not essential until its simply them hanging from the ropes of the balloon... (you will have to pick up the book to finish the story). But the point is - when survival and success are on the line you really begin to evaluate what is important. In our faith journey we also have to strip ourselves of "stuff."

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to get rid of anything that slows us down from running to Jesus (responsibilities, relationships, ministries, ideas, enter your "pet" here _________.)
It also speaks about not getting tangled up in sin... an easy thing to do. But as we begin to remove or untangle ourselves from these distractions we begin to gain focus, things... actually HE, Jesus, begins to become clearer and clearer. And its at that point that we are pressed to "fix our eyes on JESUS" (v3).

All of this is easier said then done - right? I think that is why the author of Hebrews slipped in the part "run with perseverance the race marked out for you." Perseverance is not in some of our vocabularies. We like instant photography, soup, coffee, gratification, and results. We are part of the "Why wait when I can charge it now?" culture. But we could use a bit more perseverance in our lives and the qualities of patience, endurance, and steadfastness that come with it. If you make an honest try at this whole Jesus Journey you will realize it's not as easy as it sounds. You might even get weary and start to loose heart. So, how can we persevere? The Scriptures tell us to "consider Jesus" and what he endured and that in that meditation of His life we will find strength to press on.

Also don't forget that you are not alone in this race. The Father is running alongside you, wanting to support you and help you finish even when you would rather give up and fail.
Below is a video clip of Derek Redmond (Barcelona 1992) whose amazing run demonstrates the spirit of persevering and the Fathers love for us. Enjoy, be inspired, run the race to win!

CityLight Update Jan 12th

Dear CityLight Family,

I hope you are all doing great this week. I would encourage you to pray for one another (see below). Also, here are a couple of brief announcements. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Blessings,
Patrick + Ivetka

Announcements:

Meditation: "Make every effort to live at peace with all ...see to it that no one misses the grace of God."

Lets live in Shalom with those around us this week so that they won't miss out on the good grace of Jesus!

Prayer & Worship meetings

Every Wednesday at 7:30pm !

More INFO > Prayer & Worship

Men's Breakfast: This Saturday @ 9am. MORE INFO

Kids Ministry: In January the kids will be exploring the Parables of Jesus. I encourage you to review the stories & songs learned with your child during the week - this way it will be "planted" in their little hearts. Last Sunday they studied the Parable of the "Lost Sheep" (Luke 15) and this week will learn "The Prodigal Son." You can follow what the kids are learning, hear songs, see pics, and hop onto other useful links via the CityLight website:Kids Ministry

HELP!: Calling all parents and those who love to serve the kids - we need to have you sign up for teaching Sunday School ASAP for the rest of January & February. All materials will be provided, you just have to do it! Let me know soon. THANK YOU! Respond: patrickivetka@gmail.com

Mike+Heather: Check out their video greetings to all at CityLight. Follow their adventures in Thailand here: MISSIONS Please keep them in your prayers!

Prayer:
1. Melo - prayer for salvation & comfort for their friends Lubo & Edna
2. Danka - Mother: solid salvation, improved relationship with the rest of her family
3. Chad - Open doors to continue his theological education: location, $, all details!
4. Mike+Heather - Trip to Thailand serving with SOLD
5. Aki - Next phase in work (Japan?Spain?Brazil?) God's peace in uncertain times.
6. Kieko - baby to turn, successful delivery in April
7. Tom+Debbie: Safe & fruitful time in USA, donors to renovate the new Youth Center in DNV, safe delivery of their soon to arrive grandchild.
8. Viki & Jacques - perseverance and success in their thesis writing
9. CityLight - us to focus on Jesus, be lead by the Spirit, and glorify God the Father!
10. BA - God to bring many to salvation and use us at CityLight in the process of doing that.

Church Closed

Christmas 09'

This past Christmas was pleasantly peaceful. We didn't really go anywhere or do anything - which is such a change from our normal life here in Bratislava. It was great to remember the coming of Jesus and simply be together.

We had a traditional Christmas meal, but served up with a twist - Christmas Sauerkraut soup, Carp Greek style with tomatoes & walnuts, potato salad with dried tomatoes and Italian spices and lots of sweets.

One Slovak tradition is to start the meal with wafers & honey. I don't know all the meanings behind it, but the wafers are basically the same as what is taken during Communion in the Catholic church (i.e. the Body of Christ). So, Jesus - the Word made Flesh - is celebrated by eating super sized Communion wafers with the sweetness of honey. It is a nice picture.

Another tradition "imported" from Orava is to bless the kids with the sign of the cross ala honey. It's hoped that it will help the kids behave well, be blessed, and healthy in the next year. We should have poured the whole honey jar on theses guys! :)


Gabe and Dave licking off their "blessings" !

G@Skool

Snowbording without the board

Snow Angels

CityLight Prayer Update: Jan 1, 2010

Dear CityLight Family,

We hope that your Christmas and New Years' celebrations were good. A few prayer requests were sent in and I would encourage you to pray (see below). Also, here are a couple of brief announcements. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Blessings,
Patrick + Ivetka

ps: More Dec 09' Pics: CLICK

Recent teachings:

20.12.09 “Come let us Adore”

27.12.09 “Ps 95″

SOLD Project: Mike + Heather Colletto (CityLighters “in spirit”) are heading out to Thailand on January 8th - 19th on a missions trip with the SOLD Project which ministers to women & children who are trafficked into the worldwide sex industry. This is a ministry path that the Collettos have been walking down for some time now. On this trip they will be serving scholarship students, assisting in an at-risk drop-in center for rescued children, and getting more exposure to the needs of these exploited innocents.

Please keep Mike & Heather in your prayers. If you would like to help financially follow the link and make sure to write that your donation is for “Mike/Heather Colletto” under the section "Would you like to make this donation in someone's name?"

Think about sending them an email at: colletto.heather@gmail.com

Prayer:
1. Yvetta - Healing for Katka, friend, in the hospital. Also, more time off from work on Sunday's to be able to attend CityLight.
2. Carol - Safe travel for her & Fred's (husband) return to Slovakia.
3. Jozef - getting "plugged in" at Viera Baptist church.
4. Erik - healing for back pain, overcome current sickness, loneliness
5. Danka - Mother: solid salvation, improved relationship with the rest of her family
6. Chad - Open doors to continue his theological education: location, $, all details!
7. Mike+Heather - Trip to Thailand serving with SOLD
(reaching out to trafficked women & children)
8. Aki - Next phase in work (Japan?Spain?Brazil?) God's peace in uncertain times.
9. Kieko - baby to turn, successful delivery in April
10. Tom+Debbie: Safe & fruitful time in USA, donors to renovate the new Youth Center in DNV, safe delivery of their soon to arrive grandchild.