We are a third of the way through our study of the ABC's of the Bible, and I'm not sure I want to tell you much about our next study.

It's depressing. 

But it's important.

After David and Solomon built the kingdom of Israel (often known as the "United Kingdom"), it began to fall apart.  Internal strife caused the nation to separate into the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel.  Of the 39 kings who followed Solomon in these two nations, 33 were generally poor leaders and unfaithful to God, and only 6 led their people back to God.  Generations of mostly poor leadership and general ungodliness among the people led God to send his judgment.  The northern nation of Israel was destroyed completely by Assyria and her people were scattered and generally lost to history.  The southern nation of Judah had better leadership and lasted longer, but God's judgment still prevailed and they were taken into captivity by Babylonia. 

It's a mostly depressing story, but the lessons we can learn about leadership, about the ebb-and-flow of nations, and about God's judgment are important.  And many of these lessons apply to our own nation.

Join us this Sunday (at 8:30 or 11:00) as we apply these lessons to our own lives, to our church, and to the United States of America!

Pastor Jack

Join us at the Wildlife World Zoo on November 29. This is a great event for the whole family. I get a lot of questions about how it works. We plan this trip each year as part of our Sunday School ministry. We get in at a "reduced rate school field trip," so it is a Sunday School sponsored event with a student rate of $8 for kids 3 years -12 grade. Adults are chaperones of their own students and pay $20 each.

We meet at the zoo at 8:45 am. You pay me for the admission and then I take a count of students and adults and purchase our field trip admission into the zoo.  We all enter together at the same time. If you are paying in cash we ask you to bring exact change. You may also use a check, but we are unable to accept debit or credit cards. Once you are in the zoo you are free to explore the zoo at your own pace and to spread out in any direction you choose. Stay for as long as you like and enjoy observing Gods creation with  your family and friends! For more information please contact amy@abcaz.net.

We invite you to our Christmas Musicals, to help us love families through our Angel Tree Ministry, and to worship with us on Christmas Eve.  See details below:

2019 Christmas Musical Celebration

3 Worship Times

We invite you to join us as we celebrate our Savior's birth through music on December 11 (Wednesday) and 13 (Friday) at 7:00 pm and on December 15 (Sunday) at 6:00 pm.  All three nights feature our adult, youth, and children's choirs, plus many of our amazing soloists and musicians.  They have all been preparing for months!

Be sure to pick up some of our invitations to use when you invite others.  They are available in the church foyers!

This is a highlight of the Christmas season for our members and guests, and you will not want to miss it!

Angel Tree

 One of the toughest trials for a child is to know that their mom or dad is in prison.  Angel Tree is a great ministry that helps these children tremendously!

Our Angel Tree ministry is a unique opportunity to show love to these children and their caregivers. Inmates sign-up for Angel Tree and churches purchase gifts in their name.  We also put on a big party and share the gospel to each family!  Our members and guests will have the opportunity to purchase gifts, wrap them at a wrapping party, and serve at the Angel Tree party. 

For info, contact amy@abcaz.net or Rex Porter at rex@adamsrefrig.com.  

Christmas Eve Service

Tuesday Night, December 24, 6:00 pm

One Service Only -- In  the MAC!

Our Christmas Eve candlelight service is, for many of us, our favorite service of the year!

It's simple, meaningful, family-oriented, traditional, low-tech, and it focuses exclusively on Jesus.  We read the Christmas story.  Enjoy some incredible music.  Sing Christmas carols.  Light candles.  It sets the stage for a beautiful celebration of Christmas with your family. 

It's a beautiful service!

Join us on December 24th at 6:00 pm in the MAC! 

If you're looking to share the gospel (and we hope you are) then inviting a friend to the Christmas Musical Celebration and/or the Christmas Eve Service may be your best opportunity of the year!

IHELP & Community Thanksgiving!

The 3rd annual I-HELP Thanksgiving celebration is Thursday, November 28, at 5:30 pm. This annual dinner brings together I-HELP Guests, both current and former, with I-HELP Volunteers, church members and family to give thanks to God for His provision and love. We invite you to join us for food, fellowship, information and fun!

Please RSVP by November 25 so we know how much food will be needed.You can RSVP using our online I-HELP RSVP 2019 link.  We also have a signup for bringing food. If you would like to bring food, please use our I-HELP Thanksgiving 2019 link and choose what you would like to bring.

Our whole meal is provided by a loving church who are following the example and teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ. We thank you in advance for your generosity and hope you will come and fellowship with us.

ALTAR COUNSELING TRAINING

We invite you to a training session for anyone interested in becoming an altar counselor or for any current altar counselor who would like a refresher training session.  This opportunity is for anyone who feels called to work with individuals responding to the invitation at the conclusion of the pastor’s weekly message. 

The training will be held downstairs after the second service on Sunday November 24.  There will be training documentation available in advance.  The meeting will discuss the document and be open for Q&A.  Feel free to contact me @ sbennawy@gmail.com, or 602-616-1621.  Brian Bennawy.

Youth Service Project

The Student Ministry is taking our bi-annual service project to help You Matter Ministries on Saturday, November 23 from 6:00-10:30 am. We are traveling to 30th Avenue and Van Buren to help feed the homeless and participate in their Bible study and worship time. You Matter Ministries serves those who are hurting and homeless and preaches the Good News of Jesus Christ.  All teens are welcome.

We are taking canned goods, toiletry items, and warm clothing. You can bring donations to the church office.

If you would like to join us or should you have any questions, please contact Student Ministries Director Holly Kilfoyle at holly@abcaz.net.  

  Daily Bible Readings

Designed to get you through the New Testament in 2019!

November 10 - Make Up Day

November 11 - 1 Thessalonians 1

November 12 - 1 Thessalonians 2

November 13 - 1 Thessalonians 3

November 14 - 1 Thessalonians 4

November 15 - 1 Thessalonians 5

November 16 - Make Up Day

November 17 - Make Up Day

November 18 - 2 Thessalonians 1

November 19 - 2 Thessalonians 2

November 20 - 2 Thessalonians 3

November 21 - Titus 1

November 22 - Titus 2

November 23 - Make Up Day

NOTE:  Several have asked why we're "skipping around" the New Testament rather than reading it straight through.  Our reasoning is simple.  There are four gospels telling the story of Jesus, and we wanted us to read one of those gospels each quarter!  If you'd like to see the full plan, you can downolad your full year copy.