We never stop growing in our faith, thank God!

 

 

("Easter Beauty" - Photo by Pastor Mike)

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY  CHURCH

on the Internet

 

 

(This is your mid-week Christian power

surge with Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.)

 

 

 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Pentecost Season, Week 5

 

 

 

Greetings, Sisters and Brothers,

 

Welcome, summer! Another season graces our lives. Summer offers great opportunity to grow in Christian understanding. This Wednesday Church on the Internet praises God for the beautiful season in which to spend time maturing in our faith.

Thank you for visiting today's mid-week congregation so that we can worship together!

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.

mefonfara@gmail.com

 

 

 

OPENING THOUGHT ...

 

Christianity is always dynamic and never static.

Every day presents opportunity for our faith to

mature. It is a gift from God.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

WORSHIP SERVICE ...

 

  

THE GATHERING

 

          Fill your minds with thanksgiving.

          Open your hearts to the Holy Spirit.

          Give your soul freedom to praise Almighty God.

          Let us join together in worship.

 

 

 

WE CONFESS OUR SINS AND RECEIVE NEW LIFE

 

O God, we aspire to live as vibrant disciples. Our intent is to live the biblical way. Still, our life stories tell of struggles to love you with our whole hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. We sin! Please forgive our wayward behaviors. Have mercy upon us and forgive these sins. Create within us clean minds. hearts, and souls to mature in "Christyles" of living. In short, energize our lives according to your rules. Thank you for your loving acts of kindness giving us assurance that we can live as vibrant disciples. Amen.

 

 

 

 

(Google Image)

 

 

 

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE                   Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV)

 

"Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so."

 

 

 

THE MESSAGE        "Let Your Discipleship Mature"

 

Is your faith stronger now than two years ago? It should be. Christianity is a dynamic life force that grows with every lesson taught by the Holy Spirit. Plus, it is a lot of fun to apply faith to daily living and discover how God is present as well as how our discipleship matures. A growing faith brings many rewards!

 

How can you plan for a maturing Christian life? Here is what I like to do. I enjoy using the Advent to Pentecost Church Calendar to define my prayers, studies, and personal mission activity for the particular season. Look at this example. Since Pentecost revolves around the work of the Holy Spirit, I engage studies about the Holy Spirit's influence in my life and how it can help me serve other people. A little time spent at the end of the day reflecting on my faith work leads to greater understanding. I get free study material by turning to the Internet. I encourage you to develop your own method of faith growth. Be sure to make it enjoyable.

 

Strong disciples are needed by God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and Church today. Faith growth is a must. The Apostle Paul had it right in Hebrews 6:1-3. Let us leave behind our elementary understandings of Christianity and move on towards maturity.

Say "amen" if you agree!

 

Pastor Mike

 

 

 

CLOSING PRAYER

 

Gracious God,

 

We've prayed, read Scripture, and learned about the importance of a dynamic faith. Send the Holy Spirit to help us mature our faith. We dedicate our efforts to making your presence felt and your love made manifest in this age. May all glory, honor, and praise rise to greet your Holy Being.

 

Amen.

 

 

 

BENEDICTION

 

May our loving God bless you and your

 loved ones each day with ample faith

good health, and much happiness.

 

 

    

("Avacado Shadows" - Photo by Pastor Mike)

 

 

SACRED MISCELLANY ...

 

1. The tally is in for last week's question about your favorite prayer quotes. Number One by Soren Kierkegaard was the most selected. Here it is again.

 

 "The function of prayer is not to influence God, but

rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

 

Thank you for your responses and encouragement for Wednesday Church.

 

2. What are your favorite intentional ways of maturing your faith? Please let me know.

 

3. Philippians 3:1-16 presents another biblical teaching by Paul on Christian maturity - 1st century style. If interested, read it and list some qualities of the mature Christian. Ask yourself this questions. How does the maturity described in these verses compare to your idea of the Christian maturity needed today? How does your faith stack up next to Paul's ideas and that which is needed today.

 

4. Have you had a laugh today? Here are a few short jokes good for a chuckle or two.

 

"Who's the Fool?"

 

Pastor George was opening his mail one morning. Finding only a single piece of paper in the envelope, he wondered about the only word on it - "Fool."

 

The next Sunday during worship announcements, Pastor George said to the congregation, "I have known many people who have written letters to me and forgotten to sign their names. This week, I received a letter from someone who signed his name and forgot to write a letter.

 

"Amish Humor"

 

Sign behind an Amish carriage:

 

ENERGY EFFICIENT VEHICLE.

RUNS ON GRASS AND OATS.

USE ESTREME CAUTION.

AVOID EXHAUST!

 

 

 

That's all for this week's Wednesday Church. Come back next Wednesday, July 3rd, when a new edition of Wednesday Church will be published by 5 a.m.

 

Help me spread the news about Wednesday Church on the Internet. The easiest way to get the word out is by sharing this blog on Facebook. Click the "f" box on your Facebook message. If you prefer, your can give this internet address to your friends, www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com. Let's grow this ministry together. 

 

If you know of a way to improve Wednesday Church, I would welcome your comments. My e-mail is mefonfara@gmail.com. I learn something about social media every week.

 

Thank you for being a part of Wednesday Church today. See you next Wednesday!

 

 

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.

mefonfara@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

"Beverly Hills Sunset" - Photo by Pastor Mike)

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    





We Live What We Pray

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY  CHURCH

on the Internet

 

 

(This is your mid-week Christian power

surge with Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.)

 

 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Pentecost Season, Week 4

 

 

 

Hello, friends.

 

Our prayer content says a lot about us. For some, prayer means a desired shopping list of blessings. Others pray with thanks for blessings received. Also, many pray giving God total control of their lives. In reality, we all pray these ways and other ways, too.

 

The way we pray reflects our personalities. We live what we pray about. Our prayer lives reflect our daily living!

 

 

Today's Wednesday Church praises God for divine patience, love, mercy, and generosity in accepting every way and every concern that we pray about.

 

Thank you for joining me in Wednesday Church!

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min

mefonfara@gmail.com

 

 

 

OPENING THOUGHT ...

 

Your prayer life molds your spiritual life

which molds your whole outlook on life!

-- Pastor Mike

 

 

 

WORSHIP SERVICE ... 

 

 

THE GATHERNG 

 

Seekers, let's gather in God's presence.

Faithful, let's gather to praise God.

Disciples, let's gather to receive new life through worship.

Everyone, let's gather to connect with God, our life's power!

 

 

 

WE CONFESS OUR SINS AND RECEIVE NEW LIFE 

 

Creator God,

 

Create within us a holy life. Make us aware of the sin that keeps us from living holy lives. Please forgive us of that sin and strengthen us to reject evil's power. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, lead us to life anew as redeemed citizens of your kingdom.  Thank you for your mercy.

 

Amen.







 

 

 

 

  

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE        Philippians 4:6-7

 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, presents your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

 

 

 

MESSAGE

 

Personal prayer has neither specific formulas, rules, nor rigid structures. It is dynamic and not static. Every Christian prays differently according to present needs, circumstances, and moods. Therefore, how we pray reflects how we are living.

 

We must develop prayer habits that open authentic conversations with God. The Apostle Paul provides wise advice in the above Scripture from Philippians. Do not be anxious. Have full trust in God's providence. Be thankful that God loves the whole creation. Present our concerns honestly. Enjoy the peace that the loving God gives to His people. These are great suggestions.

 

The above are great characteristics for Christian living. Trust, thankfulness, honesty, and peace are great life habits

practiced by Christians like us around the world. Therefore,  we live what we pray!

 

This being the case, we must pray in ways that honor God and portray righteous Christian living.

 

-- Pastor Mike

 

 

 

CLOSING PRAYER

 

Almighty God,

 

Prayer is a privilege. We are thankful and honored to reach you when we pray, O God. Please fill us with the Holy Spirit's influence as we pray. Fill us with hope of better living regardless of our circumstances. Fill us with joy as we praise your holy name. Fill us with inspiration to live spirited lives all of our worldly days until we shall reside in the mansion for eternity.  

 

Amen.

 

 

 

BENEDICTION

 

Let us go forth into the adventure of life

living Christian, praying Christian,

and serving Christian.

So be it true!

 

 

 

("Souvenir Strip Mall on Mt. Sinai" by Pastor Mike)

 

 

 

SACRED MISCELLANY ...

 

 

Quotes about prayer are many, varied, and entertaining. The following quotes act like mini-sermons. Read them and see which ones get you thinking about your own prayer life.

 

Please let me know your favorite. Mine is number six.

 

1. "The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

-- Soren Kierkegaard

 

2. "Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts."

-- Mother Teresa

 

3. "The more you pray, the less you'll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You'll feel more patience and less pressured."

-- Rick Warren

 

4. "We tend to use prayer as the last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there is nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all."

-- Oswald Chambers

 

5. "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."

-- Martin Luther

 

6. "Lord, make me a blessing to someone today."

-- Jan Karon

 

7. "The wise man in the storm prays to God not for safety from danger but for deliverance from fear."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

8. "Your prayers for someone may or may not change them, but it always changes you."

-- Craig Groeschel

 

9. "We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."

-- Oswald Chambers

 

10. "He who kneels the most, stands the best."

-- Dwight L. Moody

 

 

 

That's all for this week's Wednesday Church. Come back next Wednesday when a new Wednesday Church will be posted by

5 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26th. 

 

Please let your family, friends, and neighbors know about this blog. The easiest way to get the word out is by "sharing it to Facebook." Simply click the "f" box at the end of your message. If you prefer, you can give the blog address - www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com  Let's grow this ministry together. Thanks again for visiting Wednesday Church on the Internet!

 

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.

mefonfara@gmail .com

 

 

  

 

("Sailing on the Nile" by Pastor Mike)

 

 

Encouragement Can Make Your Day

(St. Barnabas the Encourager - Google Images)

 

 

WEDNESDAY  CHURCH

on the Internet

 

(This is your mid-week Christian power

surge with Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.)

 

 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Pentecost Season, Week 3

 

 



Hello, faithful witnesses.

 

This week's Wednesday Church on the Internet focuses upon the spiritual practice of "encouragement." Christians do not encourage one another and potential converts enough. Life is tough! We need much positive motivation to thrive as God's people. Whether received or given, encouragement is a

heavenly gift that picks-up and motivates other people. Give it a try.

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara

mefonfara@gmail.com 

 

 

OPENING THOUGHT ...

 

"Encouragement excites the soul just

like a great taste excites the palate."

- Pastor Mike

 

 

WORSHIP SERVICE ...

 

 

THE GATHERING

 

 



Come, let us open our souls to worship God!
Come, let us open our hearts to worship Jesus!
Come, let us open our minds to worship to the Holy Spirit!
Come, let us worship the great Almighty with our whole being!



WE CONFESS OUR SINS AND RECEIVE NEW LIFE

Gracious God,

We are imperfect people trying to honor You with our lives. We try hard. Every day, we confront evil that is real and devil  minions that are tricky. When we fail, encourage us to strengthen our faith resolve enough to try again. Please have mercy upon us and forgive our sins. Help us to do better in this forgiven life today and in the Christian living that lies ahead. Thank you!

Amen.

   

(Google Images)

 

 

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE                  Acts 20:1-2 (NIV)

 

"When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples, and, after encouraging them , said good-bye and set out for Macedonia. He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months."

 

 

MESSAGE               "Let Encouragement Fly!"

 

When thinking about biblical characters, many people know Barnabas as the "Encourager." Paul ranks just as high as Barnabas on the use of this specific spiritual tool. Encouragement is a discipleship must!

 

What is encouragement? For me, it is a Christian tool that lifts the spirit of people to strive for faith effectiveness in their lives. What do you think it is? 

 

Everybody needs encouragement. Christian living without giving and receiving it gets harder by the day! So, we all need to be like Paul and Barnabas giving as well as receiving encouraging words, applause, hugs, praise, etc.

 

Let me be the first to begin. Know this. Jesus loves us. This I know because the Bible tell us so! (I apologize to the hymn writer.) Now, it is your turn.

 

 

CLOSING PRAYER

 

Dear God,

 

Everything around us, encourages life. The sun shines. Birds sing. Flowers blossom. We live abundantly. You elate us. Let us join the encouragement parade and get in step with the rest of creation.

 

Amen.

 

 

BENEDICTION

 

Go into the rest of this day with a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and encouraging words in your speech. Let these happiness elements become habitual.

 

 

 

 

(Otters Encouraging Each Other - Google Images)

 

 

 

 

SACRED MISCELLANY ...

 

 

This week cannot pass without acknowledging that Flag Day is Friday, June 14th. It is an often forgotten celebration. Why?

 

The citizenry has lost the power that "Old Glory" holds. What is that power? It is pride arising in the heart when the "Stars and Stripes" firmly wave in the wind, the love of country when a small child waves the flag as veterans march in a parade, and the mind's resolve to keep freedom alive forever. It's time that each of us keep respect for "Old Glory" and encourage others to do the same.  

 

Please join me in this Flag Day prayer.

 

O God of Liberty,

 

The "Red, White, and Blue" speaks of the sacrifices made for today's national freedoms. Now, it is our turn to keep freedom alive. There are no easy answers here. Strengthen us with the Holy Spirit's wisdom for the decisions that must be made, the citizenship duties that must be done, and courage to make Christianity alive in every part of society. Every time we see the American flag, O God, reminded us that the U.S.A. must  continue as a beacon of freedom's light for the world.

 

Amen.

 

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara

 

 

 

That is all for this week's Wednesday Church. Thanks for worshipping with me. Come back next Wednesday when a new church service will be posted by 5 a.m. on June 19th. Please let other people know about this blog. The easiest way is to share it to Facebook by clicking on the "f" box at the end of your message.  If you prefer, you can give the blog address, www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com. Let's grow this ministry together. Thanks again!

 

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.

mefonfara@gmail.com

 

 

 

(Google Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

Take Time to Care for Your Soul's Garden

(Google Image)

 

 

WEDNESDAY  CHURCH

on the Internet

 

 

(This is your mid-week Christian power

surge with Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.)

 

 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Pentecost Season, Week 2

 

 

 

 Greetings, site visitors!

 

It is nice to be on the Internet again. A computer malfunction last week kept Wednesday Church off the air. Today, Church is back with more praise power than ever! 

 

By this time of spring, most garden lovers have tilled the soil and planted for their favorite produce. They have used the best of everything because the following rule is true. Gardeners reap what they sow!

 

This rule is true for all of life. We reap what we sow, too! 

 

Today's Wednesday Church thanks God for the privilege of sowing good Christian seeds our soul's garden claiming the promise to harvest fruitful as well as faithful living.

 

Thank you for joining me for this time of Wednesday Church.

 

MARANATHA!

(Come, Lord Jesus!) 

 

Pastor Mike

mefonfara@gmail.com

 

 

 

Opening Thoughts ...

 

Don't waste precious time gardening in toxic

worldly plots. Instead, invest joyful time in your 

soul's garden and reap heavenly rewards.

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP ... 

 

 

THE GATHERING

 

All faithful people, arise!  It is time to begin sowing the seeds of righteousness. It all begins with giving praise and thanksgiving to God for the privilege as well as power of serving all the creation.

 

Let us worship God!

 

 

 

WE CONFESS OUR SINS AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS

 

We bow before your majesty, O God, and confess that we sin.  Most of the time, our intentions are good. Still, we mess-up by doing things our way and not your way. Please forgive our foolish sins in Jesus Christ's name. Set us again on the right path that brings honor to your holy name. Thank you for your mercy. Amen.

 

 

 

(Google Image)

 

 

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE           2 Corinthians 9:6  (NIV)

 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will

also reap sparingly, and whoever sows

generously will also reap generously.

 

 

 

MESSAGE      "Make Your Soul's Garden Thrive!"

 

Every soul possesses fertile ground for a garden. Take care of it and you will enjoy a strong spirituality. Ignore it and you will suffer from a sorry spiritual life. The choice is yours to make.

 

(Here is a special note for my Native American sisters and brothers. Our ways demand a mature spiritual orientation. Our ancestors and today's elders work overtime to ensure our connection with the Great Spirit, God, or whatever our tribes calls this loving and life-giving energy. You know what I mean. While I prepare Wednesday Church as a Christian pastor, you know that our soul gardens have lots of red soil. Let's tend them together.)

 

If you are still with me, I assume that you join me in wanting the best faith experience possible. The challenge is nurturing the soul's garden according to the Creator's way in order to reap a magnificent harvest.

 

The following practices are ways that I have enriched my soul through regular usage. 

 

1. Through prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop your spiritual garden. The Holy Spirit is God's presence in our lives 24/7. It works for our spiritual benefit. Just ask!    

 

2. Embrace silence. God speaks to us on a regular basis. It's too bad that many lives are so loud that God's voice cannot compete. Regular periods of silence are essential for a vibrant spirituality.

 

3. Seek to live with the same attitudes that Jesus exhibited. Read Philippians 2:5 for instruction on this matter. We must have a Christ-style of living.

 

4. Study the Scriptures with a good commentary book. Don't try to know everything. Just remember and employ the few highlights that speak strongly to your life.     



 



5. Be kind to self and others. Some Christians are so judgmental that I am repulsed by their attitudes and demeanor. You cannot force someone else into God's Kingdom. You can only walk with them hand-in-hand. Along your "together path," they may learn - like yourself - to love God, self, and others as Christ loves everyone.

 

Well, this is all for now. These are a few of my ideas. If you have a faith practice with special spiritual benefits, please send me (mefonfara@gmail.com) a short description of this meaningful activity, ritual, or rite. I will try to work it into a future Wednesday Church blog. Make sure to include your name as I am a stickler for giving credit. Thanks!

 

Pastor Mike

 

 

 

A PRAYER FOR COMMITMENT

 

God of all life,

 

I have gathered everything necessary for my soul's garden. With thankfulness in my heart, I ask that you bless my plantings of goodness. May the fruits of my efforts highlight your magnificence and bring glory to your daily presence in all life.

 

Amen.

 

 

 

BENEDICTION

 

Let's go through life sowing seeds of

goodness with these inspirational words.

 

READY ... SET ... GROW IN CHRIST!

 

 

 

(Google Image)

 

 

SACRED MISCELLANY ...

 

 

1. Did you know that one of the fastest growing Christian ministries is church sponsored gardening? That's right. Congregations around the world are using idle church property for gardens tended by church members and community volunteers. Harvests go to nearby hungry neighbors, local food banks, and the gardeners themselves. Due to this ministry, some un-churched locals are attending Sunday worship. Gardens are seen as evangelism in action!

 

 

2. Enjoy this daily prayer from the Lakota Native Americans.

 

Let us give thanks for this beautiful day.

Let us give thanks for this life.

Let us give thanks for the water without which life could not

be possible.

Let us give thanks for Grandmother earth who protects and

nourishes us.

 

(This prayer found in Helen Exley's book The Song of Life.)

 

 

  Bless you, nice folks! That is all for this Wednesday Church. 

  

 

 

Thanks again for joining today's Internet congregation. Please visit again next week when new material will be posted by Wednesday, June 12th at 5 a.m. Remember, this social media Wednesday Church is your mid-week power surge. Encourage your friends to join us at the blog address, www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com. You could share this blog to Facebook. Let's grow this ministry together. Thanks again for your participation!

 

 

Rev. Mike Fonfara

       mefonfara@gmail.com      

 

 

 

(African Violet Beauties by Pastor Mike)