Joining God in Your Resolution?

Even though nothing mystical will occur at midnight on December 31, the celebration of New Year’s Day always seems to bring with it a sense of a fresh start and an opportunity for a new beginning. As we come to 2009, for many of us our thoughts turn to New Year’s Resolutions. Most resolutions focus on improvement of our physical selves and our fiscal selves; stop smoking, start exercising, save money, cut up the credit cards, and the ever popular – lose weight! For some of us, our resolutions turn more toward the spiritual; pray more, read the Bible every day, attend church services more often.

All of these are worthy and admirable goals, but generally our New Year’s resolutions fail more often than not. Why is this? Well, one reason is that there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. In fact, in and of ourselves, simply resolving to start or stop an activity or behavior is short-lived at best. Jesus explained why this is so on a very practical level in John 15:5 when he said “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” (The Message)

At Westwood, we constantly remind ourselves that we are to “Join God in His Work.” Well, this year, I challenge you to “join God” as you make your New Year’s resolutions. How do you do that? First of all, pray for his wisdom regarding what, if any, resolutions he would have you make this year and how he would have you fulfill those goals (James 1:5; 3:13-17). Next, rely on God’s strength, not your own, to help you fulfill the commitment he places in your heart (Philippians 4:13). Then, share with a Christian friend, who will pray with and for you, your sense of God’s will and your intent to follow his will (Matthew 18:19). Finally, guard your heart and mind against both discouragement and pride by trusting God to work in your life to enable you to keep your promise to him (Philippians 4:6-7).

I believe by taking this Christ-centered approach to our New Year’s resolutions, as Christians we accomplish at least two things. First of all, we grow our faith by trusting God to be the initiator of change in our lives and the motivator of implementing that change according to his will. And secondly, we honor God instead of honoring ourselves. Then, as God gives us the victory, we can say with the Psalmist, “Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.” (Psalm 149:1; NIV)

My prayer for you and your family is that you’ll have a happy and blessed New Year in 2009.

In His Love,

Mike

Weekly Activities

Minister on Call

 

If you have a ministerial need over the weekend please contact the minister on call:

3rd & 4th Mike Eddinger
Home: 469-4174
Cell: 805-1022

10th & 11th Michelle Anderson
Home: 481-6673
Cell: 368-6508

17th & 18th Caroline Allen
Home: 467-8692
Cell: 522-3046

24th & 25th Mike Eddinger
Home: 469-4174
Cell: 805-1022

31st & Feb. 1 Michelle Anderson
Home: 481-6673
Cell: 368-6508

*Look every month in the West Wind for the
schedule.

 

January Sermon Topics

Theme: The Words of Jesus: Building A Christian Life

4th - Jesus on Blessing: Building Happiness
Matthew 5:1-12

11th - Jesus on making a Difference: Building Your Witness
Matthew 5:13-16

18th - Jesus on Sin: Building Righteousness
Matthew 5:17-48

25th - Jesus on Hypocrisy:
Matthew 6:1-18

 

Mission Statement

A community of believers
worshiping God, making
disciples and sharing
Christ’s love

Mike Eddinger, Pastor
Caroline Allen, Minister of Music
& Worship
Michelle Anderson, Minister of Youth
Becky Bullock, Administrative Assistant
Sandy Dennis, Secretary
Rob McLain, Deacon Chair
Diane Owens, Pianist
Kim Taylor, Organist

Jan. 4 ~ NO YAC

Jan. 11 ~ 4:00-8:00p.m. Special YAC “Knowing Your Bible” led by Pastor Mike. Free dinner in between sessions.

Jan. 18 ~ 6:30-8:00p.m. Fun YAC

Jan. 25 ~ 11:30a.m. Chili Fundraiser Lunch
NO YAC

Jan. 31 ~ Middle School Hockey Night. Leave church at 7:00p.m. and return by 10:30p.m.
*For Westwood Youth ONLY. Only 14 tickets available so
email or call Michelle today to sign up!

Wednesday Schedule

On Wednesdays we have a missions study
from 6:00-7:00pm and Praise Band practice
from 7:00-7:30pm. Those youth not involved
with Praise Band may fellowship quietly or
work on homework in a side room.

A thank you note has been received from Gail O’Dekirk, Spurgeon & Sara Cooke, the Cottingham family, Lisa McCall & family, the Duncan family and Otho Shepherd.
Please stop by the bulletin board in Hall A to read their words of appreciation.

Senior Adult Banquet

February 28th, 6pm

 

Wednesday Evening Pastor's Bible Study

The Old Testament is full of what seem to be larger-than-life faith stories. Sometimes, these great men and women of faith can be intimidating for those of us trying to live for Christ in our ordinary, everyday lives. That's why we need the story of Gideon. His is certainly a story of faith and spiritual leadership, but Gideon also felt abandoned by God, struggled with his faith, and even succumbed to pride. We can relate to his struggles and learn a lot from his example. During the month of January on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 until 7:30 in the Fellowship Hall, Pastor Mike will lead a four session study featuring the story of Gideon found in chapters 6-8 of the book of Judges. Come be a part of this study and see what you can learn from this flawed biblical hero.

 

Youth Chili Lunch Fundraiser & Quarterly Business Meeting

January 25, 1130am

Chili, Salad, Dessert & Drink
Price: $5.00 per meal

Join A Saltshaker Group!

January 25 Deadline

Saltshakers are small groups of families, couples or singles that meet once a month for 4 months. You meet in each others homes or in local restaurants. It’s a time of fun, fellowship and getting to know your Westwood family better. The spring group will meet February through May. The sign up sheets will be posted on bulletin boards throughout the building. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, January 25th. Any questions, call Pam White at 467-9058 or email her at pwhite62@mindspring.com. See you at Saltshakers!

Women's Bible Study

“Finding Balance: Loving God with Heart
and Soul, Mind and Strength”

Starts Wednesday, April 1st, 6:30 p.m.
6 Week Study ~ Room 109
Bettie Rabb will be the facilitator.

First Friday

January 2
6:30pm ~ Covered Dish Dinner
7:30pm ~ Comedy and music by
Renea Henderson Ministries

January is Join A Choir Month!

Westwood Choir

Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, Basses Meet 7:40-9:00pm Wednesdays - Middle/High Schoolers/Adults are invited to participate.

Orchestra

Middle/High School/ Adults who play strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion are invited to play Sunday mornings 8:30-9:00am. Contact Markey Edwards 362-1065 or Caroline Allen 467-8692 for more information.

Praise Band

7th—12th graders - Contact Greg Glover for more information 481-4022, 7:00-7:30pm Wednesday night rehearsal.

Handbells

Children ~ Tuesdays, 4:00pm
Youth ~ Mondays, 4:00pm
College ~ TBA
Adults ~ Mondays, 7:15pm
Contact Dubba Lucas for more information 467-2025.

Back Porch String Band

Bluegrass group, Contact Marc Gilfillan for more information 469-3165, Sunday 6:30pm rehearsal.

Preschool and Children’s Choirs

Wednesdays 6:00-6:45pm
Sally Dixon, 387-1052, ages 2-3
Lagray Wells, 678-0968, ages 4-5
Ginger Duncan, 319-3878, K-3rd Grade
Cindy Thompson, 467-2739, 4th-6th Grade

Ensemble

Contact Jody Hutto, 303-0320, by audition only.
Please share your talents with us!

 

Collection for Serviceman

The single adults are collecting items to send to Will Baumgartner in Iraq. Will is a member of the Singles Class. His latest email indicates that he may be in Iraq until March 2009. A box has been placed in Rm. 209 if you would like to put candy, cookies, mints, calling cards, books, crossword puzzles or other similar books, etc. in it. It will be shipped to him at the end of each month through Jan. 31.

 

Red Springs, NC Mission Trip

January 10

A group from our church will be going to Red Springs, NC on Saturday, January 10. Red Springs is a new “Mission Work Camp” similar to Grifton, NC that has been established by NC Baptist Men. Much of the equipment that was in Gulfport, Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina disaster relief work has been moved to Red Springs. Eddie Williams, who was in charge of the Gulfport operation, is heading up the work in Red Springs. Red Springs is located in Robeson County southwest of Fayetteville.

Men, women and youth can all participate. No special skills are needed - just willing
workers. We will meet at the church parking lot and depart for Red Springs at 6:00am. We will work until 4:00pm and return to Cary by 6:00pm Saturday evening. Sign up sheets are posted in Hallway A & B. Jim Bridges is the team leader. Contact Jim Canterberry (388-3855) for details.

Winter Bible Study

Sunday, February 8th
Dr. Roger Nix, Guest Speaker

The Book of Acts
10:30am ~ Worship
4:00-5:15pm ~ Session 1
5:15-6:00pm ~ Dinner
6:00-7:00pm ~ Session 2

CBFNC
Missions Initiative
Weekend

has been rescheduled for
March 27-29, 2009

The cost for the weekend is $25 per person not to exceed $65 per family. Please sign up in Hall A, B, or in the Children’s area. If you have questions, see Mike, Michelle, or Caroline or call the church office.