STANDING STONE BIBLE

WEEKLY

March 31, 2025

A Point from pastor

You've no doubt heard of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday. It was followed by a 6.4 aftershock minutes later. The death toll is over 1,700 already, with many tens of thousands suffering. Myanmar is somewhat closed off from foreign travel - civil unrest and armed conflicts are ongoing. Yet, relief agencies are being allowed to travel there (e.g. Samaritan's Purse). Our response should be to pray for those suffering. Perhaps even money support to Samaritans.

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is very Buddhist in belief. There are some Christians as it was one of the first nations that missionaries were sent to in the modern missionary movement. Adoniram Judson was originally sent from the US to Burma, spending almost 40 years there. He translated the Bible into Burmese. Christians today are persecuted there. Again, be in prayer for those suffering. Be in prayer for relief agencies that share the gospel. Be in prayer that hearts would be receptive during this time of tragedy to hear of the gospel.

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April brings the celebration of the Cross and Resurrection. Because Easter falls on the first Sunday after the firs full moon following the spring equinox, it can be as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. We get a later one on April 20 this year. Sunrise service at 7:30 at the Gerdes' property south of town... join us. Should be beautiful! (Yes, we have had cold and snow even that late... I can go quickly if need be).

You'll see a list below of the various special services these next weeks. Join in. . . make this a special time. There is no greater week in history than what transpired during that final week culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Take time to glorify the Lord! Take time to sow the Word of the Kingdom to others at this time. . . they will listen! Ask them, "Do you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?"

Church Notes...

THIS WEEK

Here are the highlights of classes and events THIS week

Men's Shed Event - This Friday. This is always an exciting event. Matt is excited to show off his "shed." If you'll recall, it was not that many years ago that he was a special guest speaker at one of our shed events. For the competitive men, consider bringing a chili as we will have a contest for best one. You might instead bring some cinnamon rolls. At least bring a friend, son, brother, etc.... We have a special guest speaker who will share of God's grace through the midst of sudden tragedy. If interested, you can carpool from church (plan on being at SSB to leave by 5:45). The shed is at 1496 County Road O, Colon, NE.

Palm Monday Kidz PRACTICE - The annual Saturday program practice is THIS Saturday from 10 to 11:45 am. Note: This is a week earlier than normal.

upcoming events

Make note of the classes and events available in the near future

Interested in Knowing the Word? - The next class on memorizing God's Word will begin on April 9th (postponed one week) - talk to Ken Begg if interested.

Art of Marriage - Mark your calendar for this couples event on April 11-12 (Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon). You may register HERE. Registration is for a couple (cost per couple that pays for the set of workbooks). We will provide free childcare and lunch on Saturday. Please register soon so we can ensure we have books.

Palm Monday Kidz - The annual program with our Sunday school kids presenting will be on Palm Sunday, April 13 during the worship service. Parents - your kids likely have practice sheets... please help them as you can. Again, practice is on Saturday, April 5 from 10 to 11:45am.

Men - Two simultaneous opportunities to help coming up: After the men's breakfast on Saturday, April 19, we would like to have a work time for guys at church (So about 8:30ish to maybe noon). At the same time, we'd like to get a couple of guys to head south of town to help clean up at the Gerdes property for sunrise service.

Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!

- Psalm 99:3

O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.

- Isaiah 25:1

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

- Hebrews 13:15

the Lord's day

Our youth shared up front and behind the scenes. Our fifth Sundays are where we let our youth take more of a leadership role. As Pastor Tim is fond of saying, there is no such thing as "Lite Christianity" for the youth group. They must own their faith and lead as believers, letting no one despise them for their youth but setting an example (1 Tim. 4:12). I am blessed to be served by our youth! Several led in music and vocals on stage - it was delightful!

Pastor Tim brought the message from Joshua 9. The deception of the Gibeonites. How convincing are those who come from distant countries (ideas). . . we are prone to deception if we do not let go of our right thinking and, instead, go to God. What does He say? We are complete in Christ! Wisdom for evaluating others: Be devoted to God's Word. Stay in fellowship with the church. Serve one another. Pray.

View Past Worship Services

Did You Know?

Life Groups are your connection to a smaller group of SSB believers. These usually meet twice a month for prayer and Bible study. This is so important as a means of serving one another in small pockets of prayer and ministry. These help you to stay accountable and give you an opportunity to serve a few in a very meaningful way. Reach out to Pastor Ken W to visit on different LG's available (or maybe we start a new one?).

A Joyful Heart

Several years ago, I worked for a brokerage company and got a call one night from Robert Hayes, the actor. He was best known for his role as the disgraced pilot Ted Striker, who landed the plane in the 1970s spoof movie Airplane! We probably had a 30-minute conversation; it took me a few minutes to realize that this was the Robert Hayes. I confirmed this after as he shared that he grew up in the Omaha area. He went to Bellevue High School (now Bellevue East). We talked business for a bit but then talked religion and politics. He said he was surprised that his high school mascot was still the Chieftains… that they had not been forced to change their name for political correctness. Robert and I talked about how you can't even mention God anymore without someone being offended.

As we wrapped up the phone call, Robert said to me, “Oh, one other thing.” “Yes?” “God bless you.” I said, “God bless you too.” And we hung up. Bellevue East is still the Chieftains. And no Christian should ever aspire to be “politically correct.” Why should I be politically correct? I’m not a politician! That being said, as Christians, although we should not to go out of our way to offend others, we must remember that the truth of Christianity is offensive. Paul speaks about the cross being offensive (Gal. 5:11). Even more so, the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Cor. 1:18). Are we willing to offend another for the sake of Christ… and for the sake of their lost soul?

“Eating, exercising, and sleeping are more spiritually relevant than we think. Find a way of life that enables you to use your mind and your five senses as effective partners in seeing the glory of God and that you be so satisfied in Him that you are willing to risk your health and your life to make Him known.”

- John Piper

Prayer Prods

Joyce's family as they mourn her.
Nancy S at Methodist - had emergency surgery for knee infection.
Tami N's cancer journey
Joyce N, Ron M, Kathie P, Peggy O, Joe R - Cancer
Passion Week celebrations
Becky, Steve, and Mike as they continue recovering
Gerald B is more tired and weak these days - Joanie and Gerald are moving to Symphony Pointe in Elkhorn
Ladies' retreat - contemplative time on the back-end
Men's Shed event - impactful to guys

Weekly Prayer Prods