Text Box: If you wish to contribute toward the recovery in Haiti or Chile, please consider UMCOR. Fisher House needs diapers (all sizes) and cash donations. Contact Dee Spellings. Other local organizations that need your help include—the Lamb Center. FACETS, Our Daily Bread and Rising Hope. The need never ceases, please give blood . Text Box: Christie Johnson’s lesson is entitled: “The Importance of Praising God.” Being a task oriented person, Christie’s relation with God is often integrated into her everyday activities. God is her resource, particularly when faced with difficult tasks. She works with school children who have special needs. Many of these children are withdrawn and reluctant to interact or communicate. With her experience and training some kids respond quickly, others are difficult to respond. She feels a special connection with God in meeting this challenge presented by the difficult children. She gave an example of a student who was not responding to her at all. “Clearly he did not like me.” She continually asked God for guidance. “Show me how to serve this student so that he can be what you made him to be. After a year of working with him and seeing no results at all, I walked in one morning and, for the first time, he waved at me with a smile on his face. He came over and took my hand and directed me to a place where we could sit together. I felt tears in my eyes and so thankful that God had given me this gift.” Christie’s relationship with God is such that she expects these gifts and recognizes them when they occur. They provide encouragement for her to continue to work hard and keep God involved. “I write down these moments as ‘memorial stones.’ I also write down special moments with my kids. David did a special writing assignment in 45 min. which was not typical at all. It got written down. I encourage you to do the same—particularly during Lent.” This is another way to praise God. I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders. I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I'm singing your song, High God. You took over and set everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge. —Psalm 9:1,2 & 4 (MSG) Her complete lesson is available on the Christian Encounters’ website. Text Box: For the next two Sundays Kerryn and Ed McMeans will teach on “Understanding the Book of Revelations.” Their lesson description follows— We took a 3 day seminar at Billy Graham's Cove re Revelation and have been teaching Revelation in our Monday night Bible Study for about 3 months.  Revelation is unquestionably 'the' most difficult book in the Bible to understand. For example of the 400 or so verses, almost 3/4s of them track to the OT.  On the other hand, the descriptions of the NT Jesus in Revelation exceed any other books in the NT.  The focus of our lesson will be on 'understanding' Revelation. We plan to address in Part I the background of Revelation, the author, historical significance, and the critical keys to understanding and interpreting the book.  In Part II, we will cover the Revelation timeline and a high level synopsis of what each of the 22 Chapters tell us and wrap-up with the wonderful message 'God wins in the end'.   Bring a friend and share your faith with others who care. The class is always better when you’re there. Text Box: Libby Holland asked to thank the class for checking on her and let us know she is OK, but waiting for the snow to go away and weather to improve before she ventures out. Text Box: The family of Libby Allen who died this past week. Jean Godwin; Joseph Scanlin, Christie Arthur, Virginia Brown; Jane Johnson; Hornbeck’s son Mike; Tom Scibilia; Jeanne Gaddy; Karla Curran’s sister; Lynnette; Leanne; Jessica; Matt Brian; Scott; Helen Downs; Sharon Hibarger’s niece Kristen; Jane Johnson’s son’s mother-in-law; Theresa DeFore; Chris & Trish Purvis; Jeanette Bridge; Cindy Hayworth; Earthquake victims in Haiti & Chile; and those adversely effected by the economy.

Our class (with help from UMW) will sponsor a reception at FUMC after the 11:AM Libby Allen funeral on Thursday, Mar 4th. Jane Johnson is coordinating.

Class Christmas Party (now Spring Party) rescheduled at Fairfaxes 6:30 PM, March 13th. Bill asked that each family bring an unwrapped White Elephant (gag) gift from home to exchange.

 
Text Box: Thanks to Beth Eltinge for leading the music; Marsha Ficken for recording attendance; Dorothy Purvis for morning prayer; Mariellen Combs for announcements; and Beth Eltinge for providing the devotion. A devotion on the subject of Praise is available on the website. Text Box: Would you like to add someone (perhaps a shut-in or potential member) to our email recipients? Or if you would like your name removed; please contact Ron Purvis at rpurvis@cox.net. You are also encouraged to provide cares-and-concerns type information for inclusion in the next weekly report. The deadline is Monday evening. Forward this to someone as an invitation to join us next Sunday. Blessings to All Website Editor– Ron Purvis _____________________________________ Back to top of page About Us Faith Message Lesson Schedule Weekly Report Prior Lessons Class Logo Past Coordinators Committees Text Box: link to Fairfax United Methodist Church Text Box: Announcements

Not everyone can attend Christian Encounters class every Sunday. Hopefully, these weekly reports help bring us together in spirit. This and other class information are available on our Website (updated weekly) at http://christianencounters.org/. (Click on underlined text for more information)

Text Box: Celebrations Text Box: Next Week’s Lesson Text Box: This Week’s Lesson Text Box: Greetings this Sunday, Feb 28, 2010 Text Box: CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTERS weekly report FAIRFAX UNITED METHODIST CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTERS Text Box: Cares and Concerns Text Box: Opportunities for Outreach Text Box: This Week’s Class Information