Heritage Weekly – November 30, 2008

Dear Family,

**Reminder: This Sunday’s service is at Chapel on the Green in Yorkville at 10 a.m.**

This Sunday we will be studying the suffering of Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. His suffering is our victory in that He suffered in our place. This is a wonderful truth and the source of our hope as Christians. However, we still suffer ourselves at times and this suffering has a purpose. We won’t have time to talk about the suffering of the saints, but I will share the following devotion with you:

The school of suffering
(J. R. Miller, “Ministry of Comfort” 1898)

“Before I was afflicted I went astray—but now I keep Your word.” Psalm 119:67
Most of us need the chastening of affliction. Pain is wonderful revealer. It teaches us many things we never could have known, if we had not been called to endure it. It opens windows through which we see, as we never saw before—the beautiful things of God’s love.

Many of the finest things in character, are the fruits of pain. Many a Christian enters trial—cold, worldly, unspiritual—and emerges from the experience a little later, with spirit softened, mellowed, and spiritually enriched.

Sanctified afflictions soften the harshness and sharpness of one’s character. They consume the dross of selfishness and worldliness. They humble pride. They temper carnal ambitions. They quell fierce passions. They show to us the evil of our own heart, revealing our weaknesses, faults, and blemishes—and making us aware of our spiritual danger. They discipline the wayward spirit.

Sorrow draws its sharp ploughshare through the heart, cutting deep and long furrows—and the heavenly Sower follows with the seeds of godly virtues. Then by and by, fruits of righteousness spring up.

Sorrow has a tenderizing influence. It makes us gentle and kindly toward each other. In no other school, do our hearts learn the lessons of patience, tolerance, and forbearance so quickly—as in the school of suffering.

“It was good for me to be afflicted–so that I could learn Your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

><>><>><> 11/30 LORD’S DAY<><<><<><

Sermon
The Suffering of the Son – Mark 14:26-52

Hymns
Man of Sorrows, p. 54
We Gather Together, p. 71
Whole Hearted Thanksgiving, p. 78
Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah, p.32
Doxology, p. 80

><> OTHER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS <><

Announcements

* Hymn Sing Refreshments – Please bring one of your favorite appetizers, desserts, or snacks to share with family and friends following the Hymn Sing on Friday, December 12!

* Please remember to pray for our missionaries.

Upcoming Events
11/27 – Give thanks! God is good.
11/30 – WCC CLOSED – Service at Yorkville – 10 a.m. (no teaching time)
12/10 – Elder/Head of Household meeting – 7 p.m.
12/12 – Hymn Sing at Yorkville Chapel on the Green – 7 p.m.
12/25 – Merry Christmas!
12/28 – WCC CLOSED – Service at Yorkville – 10 a.m. (no teaching time)
12/28 – Sunrise of Naperville North – 3 p.m.
12/30 – Wayside Cross Chapel service – 7:30 p.m.
1/4/09 – WCC CLOSED – Service at Yorkville – 10 a.m. (no teaching time)