Once Upon a Time Craig Cooper February 5, 2012

Put On the Safety Vest! (A message on what it takes to develop a healthy courting relationship)

(Song of Songs 2:8–3:5)

Safety Vest:

Courtship:

A healthy courtship is one where:

it involves time and energy getting to know one another. (Song 2:8–9)

there is a growing sense of developing between a couple. (Song 2:10–13)

Dove:

Foxes:

there is a commitment by the couple to face

and resolve . (Song 2:14–15)

Mutual Ownership:

a is made as to whether or not the couple ought to get married to each other. (Song 2:16–17)

We move from a poem expressing yearning for each other’s presence to fear of loss or abandonment and eventual relief.

Woman’s Dream:

We also see a wise warning. Passion will grow naturally in courtship. But so must restraint. The Bible treats sexual desire as normal, expected, and good. But there is a divine time and place for it.

is allowed to grow naturally within the parameters described in the Bible. (Song 3:1–5)

Return to the Safety Vest:

A few questions and thoughts:

To those single: When do you know you have built trust in a relationship?

To those married: In what ways are you continuing to develop a “we” and “us”

perspective?

To everyone: It’s important that relationships display consistency, a willingness

to communicate appropriately, and a willingness to commit.

• • • Welcome Newcomers • • • If you are considering making First Wes your church home,

we’d love to meet you and give you a gift. Please come to the INFORMATION CENTER located in the lobby.

• • • Information about the ministries and events at First Wes available at:

www.firstwes.org INFORMATION CENTER; MINISTRY BOOTHS

BACK OF YOUR WEEKLY BULLETIN

Awana

Building & Grounds

Café Wes

Children’s Ministries

Congregational Care

Connections Team

Housekeeping

Missions

Music Ministries

Office

Prayer Team

Student Ministries

Tech Team

I want to serve on the following team:

My Next Step

I would like to talk with someone about having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I made a decision to give my life to Jesus Christ today.

I would like to talk with someone about my next step as a Christ follower.

I would like more information on:

Baptism

Children’s Ministries

Discovery World (Birth-Grade 5)

Awana Clubs (Age 4-Grade 6)

Milestone Events (Baby Shower, Child

Dedication, Pajama Party, Salvation & Baptism)

Groups

Small Groups #________________

intoIT Groups (Recreational)

Recovery Groups

Giving (Online Giving; Tithe Envelopes)

Membership

Outreach & Care

Missions (2nd Saturday, Mission Trips, etc)

Pray, Give, Go

Congregational Care (Prayer, Visits, etc)

Student Ministries

JV STATIK (Grades 6–8)

High School STATIK (Grades 9–12)

Young at Heart (Age 60+)

• • • Daily Reading • • • Pick up the weekly extended take-home study “Bringing it Home”

from the kiosk in the Lobby. Day 1: 1 Thessalonians 4:5 Day 5: Philippians 2:3–4 Day 2: Psalm 85:10 Day 6: Romans 14:17 Day 3: Psalm 34:14 Day 7: 1 Peter 2:16 Day 4: Psalm 111:10

• • • Prayer • • •

If you need prayer, our team is available up front following each service. If you need prayer during the week, call our 24 hour prayer line at

(269) 579-4543

Communication Card February 5, 2012

8:15am 9:30am 11:15am

Name: _______________________________

Address:_____________________________

City: ________________________________

State: __________ Zip:__________________

Home Phone: _________________________

Cell Phone: ___________________________

Work Phone: _________________________

Email: _______________________________

Date of birth: _______ / _______ / ________

Male Female Married Single

Student: ______ grade

What is the best way to contact you? ________

Are you:

A first time guest

A regular attendee / member

Looking for a church home in the area

Just visiting/out of town visitor

Praises & Prayer Requests

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Confidential Prayer Request

• • • Celebrating Generosity • • •

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” —2 Corinthians 5:17

Our desire is to see lives, families, and relationships transformed through the power of a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you, church family, for your prayers and your generous giving towards the ministries of First Wes as we work together to see lives renewed.

• • • Giving Information • • •

Weekly Need ................................................ $44,679 Received last week ....................................... $39,814 Needed to date ....................................... $1,563,765 Received to date ..................................... $1,479,220

Fiscal year: June 1–May 31. For more information on giving, please contact Kathy at

962-6644, ext. 125, or krominger@firstwes.org

If you consider First Wes your church home, offering baskets are

located at the back as you

leave the service.

Online giving is also available at firstwes.org

02.05.12

INFORMATION CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

VISIT TODAY’S MINISTRY BOOTHS