Fasting as a Disciple of Christ

On March 5^th, we at Bethel will begin our annual 40 day preparation for Easter. This 40 day period of time from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday is known as Lent. From the time of the first century of church history, the Church has used this time to focus upon Jesus and what He did for us through His death and resurrection. This has been historically a time of special prayer accompanied by fasting.

Fasting is not something that you hear much about today, but it is a discipline in which Jesus expected us to participate.

Fasting was an accepted part of religious duty among the Jewish people in Christ's day. They had practiced it continuously from the time of Moses. Both the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted regularly. The people were surprised that they did not see the disciples of Jesus doing the same, and they questioned Him:

John's disciples and the Pharisees sometimes fasted. One day some people came to Jesus and asked, "Why do John's disciples and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?" Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests fast while, celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can't fast while they are with the groom. But someday he will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. " -Mark 2:18-20

This answer of Jesus is given in the form of a simple parable. It is important to interpret the parable correctly. The bridegroom, as always in the New Testament, is Christ Himself. The wedding guests, are the disciples of Christ (about whom the question had been asked). The period, while celebrating with the groom, corresponds to the days of Christ's ministry on earth, while He was physically present with His disciples. The period, when he will be taken away from them, commenced when Christ ascended back to heaven, and will continue until He returns for His church.  In the meanwhile the church, as a bride, is awaiting the return of the bridegroom. This is the period in which we are now living, and concerning, which Jesus says very definitely, "and then they will fast." In the days which we now live, therefore, fasting is a mark of true Christian discipleship, ordained by Jesus Himself.

Fasting is endorsed not merely by the teaching of Jesus, but also by His own personal example numerous times in scripture.

Then, in John 14:12 Jesus says,' "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works,... ".

By these words Jesus opens the way for His disciples to follow in the pattern of His own ministry. However, in John 13:16 Jesus also says, "How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them." This applies to the preparation for ministry. If fasting was a necessary part of Christ's own preparation, shouldn't it play a part also in the disciple's preparation?

The Christians of the New Testament did not merely practice fasting individually as a part of their personal discipline. They also practiced it collectively, as a part of their public ministry to God. This is attested by Luke's account in Acts:

Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them."  So after they had fasted and prayed, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. -Acts 13:1-3

So, it was through collective prayer and fasting that Barnabas and Paul received their calling.

This year, again, Bethel will participate with thousands of other churches world wide and use a prayer guide for the forty days beginning with Ash Wednesday, (March 5th) and ending on Palm Sunday (April 13th). This prayer guide is called Seek God for the City 2003. It is in booklet form. We will use this booklet to guide and unite our prayers with thousands of our brothers and sisters. By daily praying the same verses and topics, we'll know that we are praying in dynamic agreement with many others.

We are asking each family to pick up one of these prayer booklets at the Welcome Center. We are asking for  a donation of $2.00 per booklet. However if you do not have the money for the booklet, please take one anyway We know that there are circumstances in our church family that would preclude a family from having $2.00 for this kind of item. We will cover you on this.

Also in keeping with the Lenten tradition, we would like for everyone, if possible, to spend some time fasting during this season. If you are pregnant or have any kind of medical situation such as diabetes, please consult your physician prior to doing any kind of fasting.

Everyone can do some sort of fasting at this time. You don't have to give up all food for forty (40) days, just give up something. As a boy, I used to give up candy. Be creative and participate some way (giving up television would be great). As examples to stir your imagination, I have fasted one meal a day, two meals a day, all meals for 3 days a week; fasted all solid food and only took liquids; given up meat and sweets for the whole 40 days, and have fasted all foods except for water for a number of days. Ask God how he would like for you to participate in this fast.

Enter into fasting with a positive faith. God requires faith of this kind in all who seek Him. If you determine to seek God diligently by fasting, you have a scriptural right to expect that God will reward you. (Matthew 6:18, Hebrews 11:6) Remember that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Your fasting should be based upon the conviction that God's Word enjoins us to fast as a normal part of the Christian Discipline.

We will have a handout for everyone who is considering fasting. The handout will have some practical advice and tips on fasting. We will make them available the Sunday, March 2nd.

We will, also, be having a special time of prayer on each Friday night of Lent. The church will be opened for prayer from 7:00 to 8:00 P. M. each Friday night. Please join us. I understand that you can pray alone at home, and if you absolutely can't make it to the church then this is really good. But Jesus said that it means more when we gather together in the same place. He tells us in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather together because they are mine,' I am there among them."

Fasting as a family will really honor God. It will prepare us to be spiritually in tune with the season of Easter. Please ask God how you can honor Him at this time. -Harold Meaux

Music

The Easter season is fast approaching and we are gearing up for a great time of both reflection and celebration. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a story unlike any other. Remember what happened. The final sacrifice was hung upon a rugged tree. The price for the sins of all mankind were paid. The veil that separated us from God was torn from top to bottom. The lifeless body of Jesus was placed in a tomb and was sealed shut. The Lord descended into hell to take the keys of death and the grave. And on the third day, the stone was rolled away as our Savior conquered death and insured resurrection for all who believe in Him. Now that my friends, is a story!

But it's not a story in the sense that it is legend or fable or myth. No - this is complete and total fact. That's what makes it the "good news, " - the Gospel. And so while we are to remember what our Savior did for us, we are also to celebrate that fact that He paid a debt for us that none other could have paid. And now, He sits enthroned in heaven's glory, the Victor.

That is the heart of what we want to portray this Easter season. We are going to change pace from the Living Lord's Supper this year and present to you a dramatic musical entitled, "Once Upon A Cross." This moving musical contains original songs along with contemporary choruses, as well as beloved hymns of the church. It will be a worship experience that you won't want to miss. And you'll want to bring others as we present, "Once Upon A Cross" Good Friday evening at 7:00p.m. and again on Easter Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Christian Education

Coming up on March 1^st, we wIll be traveling to the All Church Training Conference. which is sponsored by our district. All district ministry departments have joined together and this replaces the former departmental training conferences and seminars. Workshops and training are offered for Youth leaders, Men's Ministries, Christian Education, Women's Ministries, Royal Rangers, Missionettes, Music, and Pasters. As you can see, there is something for everyone. We will be leaving the church at 6:00 a.m. and returning by 5 p.m. For more information, contact Pastor Greg,

New adult classes are beginning this month. Make sure you are involved in one. They are a great opportunity to learn more of God's Word, and also grow together with God's people. Our children's classes for all ages are in the process of learning the biblical doctrines that form a stable foundation for the rest of their lives. It is vitally important that they get these building blocks, which will help to keep them strong no matter what storm may come. Make Sunday School a priority and it will change your life-for the better!

-Pastor Greg Farmer

Student Ministries

If you pay attention at all to some of the trends in youth Ministry then you have probably heard a little about this phenomenon called the "Postmodern Shift" that is taking place in our culture. Maybe you have heard terms like the Millenials or Bridgers or Generation Y to describe today's students (they are the second largest generation in America). I am not a sociologist and I don't claim to be an expert on youth culture either, but I do try to stay somewhat informed about what the experts have to say regarding the students we work with. If you are like me, then you have also probably heard something about this generation's views regarding truth and their spiritual hunger and the influence of technology and the violence of their world and their multiracial attitude and diverse family backgrounds and their apathetic or pessimistic outlook and their sexual activity and their visual learning style and their shorter attention spans and. ..and. ..and...a whole lot more that I don't know and can't remember right now. I confess that sometimes I struggle to make sense out of all the information that seems to be flooding the youth ministry scene. I get the vague sense that if I really understood all this stuff, I would make some major, even radical changes in my approach to student ministry .

Lately, I'm asking myself, "What kind of ministry reflects these attitude and this generation?" For starters, it would be a ministry where worship is equally as important as teaching. It is in worship that we must experience the wonder and mystery of God. It would also be a ministry that doesn't try to make the mystery of God completely understandable, one that communicates the Holiness and beauty of God to the heart as well as the head. Another theme that seems to be threading its way through all the conjecture about this generation in the Postmodern era is the importance of story in communication. I do not mean simply using good illustrations in your teaching. Ask any student to give you the formulas from their last algebra class and my guess is you won't be overwhelmed by the wealth of information. But, ask them to tell you about the last good movie they saw and you will be amazed at their powers of retention. Why? Because stories touch our lives in a way that no textbook ever can. Stories are powerful because they remind us of our own story .They help us to remember that we are not alone with our fears, hopes, dreams, doubts and joys. I think this generation is crying out for more than just information from the Bible. They want to know the story! The Bible was never meant to be a textbook! The Bible is a storybook. In fact it is the most incredible story ever told and it is true! The Israelites of the Old Testament knew these stories so well because they retold them over and overlong before they were ever written down. When Jesus wanted to explain the kingdom of God, He didn't layout the three primary characteristics in outline form. He told stories; the Kingdom of Heaven is like. ..sowing seeds, treasure hidden in a field, workers in a vineyard, a wedding feast, etc. I am encouraged to know that I do not have to come up with some new method of communicating to this generation. I need only to help my students rediscover and reconnect to the great story that is ours as followers of Jesus.

Rediscovering the mystery of worship and reconnecting to the story of God. These are two simple lessons that I am (re) learning about reaching this generation. I don't know where the winds of Postmodernism will take us, but I know that these two truths must be my anchors. Which of us can say much of anything with any certainty regarding the cultural shifts we are beginning to experience? We are, after all, really just entering this thing called Postmodernism. One thing I am convinced of, I must spend more time getting to know the hearts and minds of the students in my community and maybe less time thinking about the latest news from the "experts". This is the best and most reliable research available.

So where does all this rambling leave us? Hopefully, motivated to Study deeply the students we are called to reach, to help them encounter the wonder and mystery of God and to connect them to the amazing story of God and His love for the world. It's a place to start anyway.

-Pastor Jim

PS:The E. T.C. and Student Ministries' newsletter will be sent out every other month.

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Women's Ministries

 Women's Ministries is starting two Bible Studies:

Shirley Funkhouser is leading a women's Bible study called "The Purpose-driven life" on Thursday nights, 6:30 pm, here at Bethel. The study will begin Thursday, March 6^th.

Shirley Siovaila and Sue Brust are heading up a Bible study titled, "How to Study the Bible for all it's Worth" and "The Names of God." They will be meeting Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:00 a.m., at Shirley's house (310 Chippewa, West Lafayette). This study will begin on March 11^th.

There is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center for those who are interested in joining either of these Bible studies! If you have any questions, see one of these ladies for details or call the church office!

Gal's Getaway!!!

Ladies, there are two Gal's Getaways this year: April 25^th & 26^th and May 2^nd & 3^rd! The special guest speaker will be Karen Rydwansky.

Workshops:Transforming the Hurting Into the Healthy, Transforming Trash Into Treasures, Be Transformed, and Transformed to Reach Today's Women.

For more information contact Anna Colglazier.

Prayer and Praise Reports

Young Taylor Gilmore had ear surgery, December 16^th, and is doing well.

Marion Kincade was in the hospital in December with a possible heart attack. Then the first of January he was back for pneumonia and doctors thought spots on the lung might be cancer. However, the spots began shrinking and cancer was ruled out. Marion was home a few days later! Praise the Lord.

Judy Funk had surgery on her shoulder the first of January and is back with us at Bethel again.

Bob Stewart had medical tests which had negative results. Praise God!

Daniel Pape was seen hobbling around on crutches. Seems he had a fall when ice skating but he recovered soon after.

Heather Barnard (Dave and Sherry's daughter and mother of five young children) still needs our prayers for fungus in lungs, liver and mouth. It is Histoplasmosis and the doctors have no idea how she contracted it. Please pray for this young family.

Sherry Hatke has had several cancerous spots removed form her head and leg. Doctors believe they removed all the cancer. Pray for continued healing.

Dave Hatke had shoulder surgery, February 19^th. Pray for his healing.

Josh Lee, Linda Lee's son, recently had ear surgery .He is doing well, praise the Lord!

Deb Day is having back surgery. Pray for her.

Shirley Funkhouser received a good report recently! The test showed that tumors have not grown. Continue praying for her.

Pastor Ted has some tests coming up-Pray for good results!

Dave Hatke's father, Robert Hatke, died after a tough battle with cancer. Our sympathy goes to the family.

Don Jones, Deb Conner's father, passed away in February .Please pray for the Conner family.

Donna Coon is having some health problems. Keep her in your prayers.

Although Marry Morris is feeling stronger these days, continue to pray for her. She has not been to church for months due to her health. It has been a long siege for Mary, but Mary's faith has held strong. If you need a "faith lift", just talk to Mary. She will inspire you and convince you that life is good even when times are bad. Getting to Know You

Praise Report-from Glenda

One Sunday in January, Pastor Greg obeyed the Holy Spirit and halted the worship service for a time of prayer at the altar. He asked people who needed healing to come forward, and asked that we stand in for anyone who needed healing.

My daughter, Julie, who lives in Indianapolis and is a Christian, had foot surgery nearly a year ago. (Many have prayed for her) She is extremely flat-footed and had a tendon clipped. For almost a year she has suffered with that foot. In fact, an area of the foot has been inflamed for months. The next step for Julie was another surgery.

I went forward and was prayed with for Julie's foot. Pastor Ted anointed me with oil. Jesus answered. That very Sunday afternoon, I called Julie on the phone and asked her how her foot was. She replied, "It's not too bad."

A few days later I asked her. She seemed surprised and said, "It's pretty good." That continued for several days. Probably a week later her boss at GE in Indianapolis asked her how her foot was. (She was still wearing the boot cast on her foot. Evidently she has not heard Jesus say 'Take up that boot and walk!') She replied, "Oh, it is good!" To which her boss replied, "Sure!" Julie then said, "Really, it is good." Her boss (who is not a Christian yet) asked, "To what do you credit that?" And Julie replied, "God!" Then Julie explained to her boss about her mom being prayed with and anointed with oil. Her boss replied, "I guess God does still give miracles." Yes, Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever!

News from Rachel Parsons

The following are some excerpts from a recent email from Rachel:

"Dear Friends and Family, I had some pretty amazing spiritual experiences happen to me last week, and since I know you have been praying for me, I thought I would share with you some of what God is doing in my life.

I wanted to put a whole bunch of verses from the Bible about love on the board for Valentine's Day.

I started reading through the concordance, trying to find the right verses about God's love. And, I saw over and over a phrase repeated throughout the Old Testament. It is this: God is slow to anger and abounding in love. And that was when I really felt God's presence in my life. It was as if God walked into my office, pulled up a chair across from me at my desk, rested His elbows on the arms of the chair, folded His hands, leaned forward, and said to me, "Okay, Rachel. Here's what I want you to learn today."

It really is encouraging to have an experience where you are really aware of how far God has brought you." Please continue to pray for Rachel and pray for the country of Ghana that is going through a fuel crisis which is greatly affecting their everyday life.