May 5, 2010

A Message from Mike

Hey Overlake Friend,

You’re a player…so am I.

Win. Lose. Draw - it’s the Game of LIFE.

But we don’t play alone – we have a Father who “fathers” us through all life’s stages.

So what does that look like and how does it work?

The front end of life’s journey can be rough for many of us. Countless grow up fatherless…or with a dad who simply checks-out out emotionally from his family. That’s why it’s so hard for some people to picture being “fathered” by God; and once we hit adulthood, how important is fathering anyway? We’re grown-ups, and on our way.

But humans don’t live in this world unscathed. There are hits to the heart and wounds we endure while playing this Game of Life and oftentimes, we get stuck where things get messed up: grown-up on the outside…a wounded child on the inside.

But our Father knows that – walks with us – directs, guides and counsels through the power of the Holy Spirit – and heals what’s broken…making us whole and helping us live free as we grow through all stages of life.

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)

We aren’t meant to figure out the Game of LIFE on our own. God wants to father us. The truth is, He’s been fathering us all along -- we just haven’t had the eyes to see it, much less welcome it in our lives. For us to receive his fathering, we need a fundamental reorientation of how we look at life and our situation in it. So don’t miss this Sunday (MOTHER’S Day!) when our focus is the FATHER who alone can give us LIFE in this Game of LIFE.

And be SURE to join us tonight at 7 pm as Pastor, er, DOCTOR Gary Gonzales continues his FAITHOLOGY series and shows us the biblical picture of what we cannot see ourselves – the forces of light and dark that wage war all around us: TONIGHT – ANGELS & DEMONS at First Wednesday – 7 pm – Chapel (nursery/Kids’ Ministry provided through 6th grade).

See you tonight AND Sunday (Mom’s Day)!

Mike Howerton
Lead Pastor

PS If you missed LAST Sunday, May 2, PLEASE take a few minutes to check-out my OPEN MIKE message. I think you’ll be as pumped as I am about what God is doing at and through OCC and our OCC 2012 Vision Campaign.

NEWS // EVENTS // ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUNDAY MORNING TRAVEL ADVISORY: Possible Minor Detours to OCC //

Kirkland’s annual Half Marathon and Mother’s Day 5K run/walk takes place this Sunday, May 9, from 6 am – noon. CHECK NOW to see if you may encounter a minor detour on your way to OCC this Sunday.

VBC REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

July 19-22 // Monday - Thursday
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Age 4 – 4th grade

When you REGISTER your kids, please register to volunteer. THANK YOU for helping make SUPERHEROES a life–changing experience for hundreds of children this summer!

RECRUITING FOR THESE VOLUNTEER ROLES:

Questions? Contact Karrie Wright in Overlake’s Children’s Ministries office: E–mail / 425.895.5938

MARRIEDLIFE LIVE Date Night Friday, May 14 – 7 pm //

REGISTER now for this relaxing and fun event with teaching by author and composer Terry Esau on two of "TheSIX" Essentials of Marriage:

• Hurry Home / prioritize time together
• Finish Together / commit to work things out

FABULOUS desserts and GOOD coffee. Optional "after hours" dance class / 9 - 10 pm. Nursery/Kids' Ministry provided until 9 pm (newborn - 6th grade).

OCC 2012 VISION NIGHT - Wednesday, May 19 – 7 pm //

What’s OCC 2012 all about and how is it making a difference in our world? If you’re new to OCC or have yet to become part of our OCC 2012 Vision Campaign, this event at 7 pm in the Chapel on Wednesday, May 19 is for YOU. Learn more/register now. Nursery and kids' programs provided through 4th grade.

SERVE THE WORLD

"TEE OFF AGAINST TRAFFICKING" Golf Tournament // VIDEO

Eastside Women of Purpose hosts its third annual charity golf tournament and auction to fight human trafficking on Saturday, May 22 at The Golf Club at Echo Falls (between Woodinville and Monroe). There's a GOLFER’S option (includes tournament, banquet and auction) AND a NON-GOLFER’S option (banquet and auction only). This VIDEO shows you the mission of Eastside Women of Purpose and its efforts in Thailand. Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating? Please e-mail and let us know.

LEARN HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH - Sunday, May 23 //

We’ll show you how to share your faith in a relational way with friends or strangers (and we’ll practice in class, too). We’ll also cover making a cross-cultural connection. Join us Sunday, May 23 in Room E-120 at 11 am. RSVP to Kara, 425.895.5902.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE EVENTS TO HELP FIGHT HIV/AIDS:

More details on these events coming soon. To help with any or all of these events, e-mail Jaci Reed.

LOVE PEOPLE // Classes – Events – More...

"BIBLE for DUMMIES" Class //

Of course you’re NOT a dummy...but do you sometimes feel like one when you open the Bible? You're not alone! We’re working on a class to start this fall. Let us know your thoughts as we work to set a class dates/times and curriculum. E-mail Elaine Morse / 425.895.2427.

BEFORE YOU GET MARRIED...

Attend OCC’s pre-marriage class (required for couples being married at OCC or by an OCC pastor). $150 per couple for OCC members/$175 for non-members. To find out about the next session (dates TBD), e-mail Lori Dilio/425.941.9180.

KIDS BAPTISM CLASS – Age Six through 6th Grade //

If your child would like to be baptized at Overlake, please attend this required class: Thursday, May 20 from 7 - 8 pm in OCC room E-117. No need to register but please e-mail Karrie Wright / 425.895.5938.

OCC PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN now registering for fall //

Overlake’s awesome weekday preschool/kindergarten still has a few classes with space available for the 2010-2011 school year. LEARN MORE/DOWNLOAD the registration form. E-mail Stefani Rice / 425.284.2517.

OCC KIDS' MINISTRY COLLECTING "LABELS FOR EDUCATION" //

Please bring labels from Campbell’s products to OCC collection boxes in the Nursery and behind the Mallway Information Center. These labels will generate money for OCC craft supplies. READ the complete list of participating products.

WAYS TO HELP AT OVERLAKE

HELP SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS (age 3 – 13) Sundays at OCC //

If you or someone you know has specialized training and a heart to volunteer, please e-mail Karrie Wright / 425.895.5938.

RECEPTION VOLUNTEERS //

Any time Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm. Reception at Overlake includes answering the phone, greeting guests and other small tasks. Training provided. E-mail Penny Smay / 425.702.0303.

FINANCE OFFICE VOLUNTEERS //

Monday mornings, 9 am until around 11 am. Finance volunteers must be OCC members and undergo a background check. Computer and 10-key experience is helpful though training is provided! E-mail Vikki Donelson / 425.284.2537.

OCC CHILD CARE POSITIONS (PAID) //

Part-time child care workers are needed for newborn through elementary age children some weekday evenings at OCC. Also open, twice-a-month Tuesday morning positions from 8:45 to 11:45 am during OCC’s Mothers of Preschoolers program (MOPS). Applicants must be age 18+ and an OCC member.
E-mail Aurora McKinley / 425.895.5924.

 

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