Fellowship News: Bixby Knolls Christian Church (A Disciples of Christ Church) (562) 426-0428
Fellowship News: Bixby Knolls Christian Church (A Disciples of Christ Church) (562) 426-0428
Fellowship News: Bixby Knolls Christian Church (A Disciples of Christ Church) (562) 426-0428
It started simply enough, Pastor Danny invited the congregation to join him for a Lenten Bible study. The foundation of
the time would be built upon Martha Grace Reese’s book Unbinding Your Heart. This would enable the Lenten Bible
study to parallel the study being undertaken by the Elders. On the first Sunday in Lent a small, but determined group
joined Pastor Danny on the beginning of a remarkable journey. While Pat Cohen, Marlene Kobel, Margo Morales, Bar-
bara Peebles and Bobby Smith started the journey thinking their hearts didn’t need unbinding, they quickly found their
hearts opening to new experiences.
The 40 days of guided prayer and faith sharing were at times challenging (finding quiet time), enlightening, joyous, and
transformative. In addition to six chapters on the importance of prayer and evangelism the book provided daily scrip-
ture readings and suggestions for ways to focus prayer. One day the participants were encouraged to take a walk and
look for things that they could to pray for. Another day encouraged setting aside time to sit in a public place and listen
or observe strangers and then pray for them. Often the guided prayer suggested a bible passage and encouraged sit-
ting quietly and opening your heart to God’s message.
On Sundays the group would meet after church to share experiences from the prior week, pray for our congregation
and encourage each other in moving forward the next week. The meetings were filled with laughter, tears and fellow-
ship. On the first Sunday each member shared a story of when they were most aware of God’s presence. After each
member shared their story Pastor Danny explained they had just practiced evangelism and it wasn’t as hard as each
had imagined.
In closing the study each participant was asked what they had most enjoyed or learned during the study, they re-
sponded as follows:
• Marlene found a deeper meaning of what change prayer can bring.
• Pat learned that evangelism can be as simple as inviting someone to attend church with you.
• Barbara found one hour of dedicated time for inner peace and discerning God’s messages.
• Pastor Danny enjoyed the sharing and fellowship before prayer each Sunday, as it provided an opportunity
to get to know each participant in a different light.
• Bobbie discovered how deep and meaningful prayer can be.
• Margo learned to slow down and listen for the direction God has for her life.
If you find yourself thinking, darn I missed a great opportunity you would be wrong. The spirit has so moved the partici-
pants that they have agreed to lead small groups if other members are interested in taking this journey. If you feel
moved to try 40 days of guided prayer, please speak to Pat, Marlene, Margo, Barbara, Bobbie or Pastor Danny, they
would be more than happy to share more of their experience with you or start another group. In closing, here is the
prayer the group would like for you to start with; Lord, help me to care. Open my eyes. Unlock my heart. Direct my
steps toward whomever you need me to love, to care for. I want to help others because I love you. Amen.
Your contributions for coffee hour are 1. What prized animal was killed for food when the
truly appreciated and have been enjoyed prodigal son returned home?
by many. Luke 15:23
2. What did Moses do to make the bitter waters of
We would ask that anyone wishing to Marah drinkable?
donate towards the coffee hour with a Exodus 15:25
hot or cold dish to please check with the 3. In what village did Jesus have his first dinner after
designated hostess so they will know the his Resurrections?
number of tables needed for set-up or to Luke 24:30
accommodate your donation. 4. What was mingled with the wine Jesus was offered
on the cross?
We have many open dates that need coffee hour host- Mark 15:23
esses. You are encouraged to “spread the wealth” and 5. What dreaming ruler gave Joseph his own ring?
sign up for your very own Sunday! We still need host- Genesis 41:42
ess for the following dates: 6. What two cities of the plain were destroyed by God
for their wickedness?
April 18, 25 Sept 12, 19, 26 Genesis 19
May 2, 16, 23, 30 Oct. 10, 24 7. What city was the home of Peter, Andrew and
June 6, 13, 27 Nov 9, 11 Philip?
July 11 Dec. 26 John 1
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 29 8. What Christian woman worshiped with a group that
met by a river?
If you would like to sign up but need assistance, just Acts 16:13-14
ask. 9. Who found a baby while down by the riverside?
Exodus 2:5
Every month, a group 10. What sign did God set in the clouds to indicate that
of young* Disciples he would never again flood the world?
Genesis 9:13
from the Pacific
Southwest Region AND HOW MANY DID YOU GET RIGHT?
embark on a hike.
This month, they will
2010 Quadrennial Assembly—a gathering
venture out on a mod-
for all women of the Disciples of Christ
erate, six mile hike Church and their friends and family—will
on Saturday after- be held in
noon, April 17, in Crystal Cove State Park. Let Greensboro,
Pastor Danny know if you are interested in at- North Carolina
tending. (*Note: when asked what “young” June 23-27th.
means, hike organizer Jae Hyung Cho replied,
“all ages!”)
April 25 - no one
BIXBY KNOLLS
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Adults
10:15 a.m. Morning Worship and Children’s Church
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday closed