MPPC Impact Community

John 8

2012-01-18T09:25:00.001-08:00

Verses 1 - 11

1. Cite at least one lesson relating to the story of the woman caught in adultery. What could you do differently in your life to put that lesson into practice?

Verses 12 – 20; also skim I John 1-2

2. What do we have to do to walk in darkness? What do we have to do to walk in the light? How has Jesus been the light of your life?

Verses 21 – 30

3. Compare John 8:24 with Exodus 3:14, Deut. 32:39, Isaiah 43:10, John 8:58. Who does Jesus claim to be? Who do you say He is? Why?

4. Verse 24 contains the primary reason for Jesus’ conversation with the religious leaders. How would you explain the significance of this verse to someone?

5. What might change in your personal, family, business, or church life if you had Jesus’ attitude in verse 28? In verse 29?

Verses 31 – 59

6. From verse 32, how do you define truth? How do you define freedom?

7. What condition does Jesus place on freedom and truth? Have you been set free by the truth of Jesus Christ in some particular thing? What freedom are you asking God to give you today?

8. Jesus’ opponents also claim to have both Abraham and God as their father. According to Jesus, how does their conduct contradict their claim (vv. 39-47)?

9. Why is our conduct the truest test of our beliefs?

New Year's Eve PARTY!

2011-12-26T11:14:00.001-08:00

While the old year passes and the new year beckons, join me and other single Christians on New Year's Eve for a festive night of dining and dancing. The last time I threw this party more than 100 people attended and we all had a fabulous time!

The who, what, when, where, why and how about the party are as follows...

Who? You...dressed to impress!!! { Ladies typically wear dresses, either short or long. Men most often wear slacks with a jacket, suits or tuxedos. }

What? A Very Merry New Year's Eve Party

When? Saturday, December 31st - 7:30pm till 1:00am { Dinner will be served at 8:00pm }

Where? MPPC's Open Door Church, 1667 Miramonte Ave in Mountain View { Located at the corner of Cuesta Dr. & Miramonte Ave. }

Why? Because every year should be greeted with a joyful heart and celebration!

How? Soberly. There will be NO ALCOHOL at this event and we ask that you do not bring any with you.

SEATING FOR DINNER IS LIMITED so register ASAP!!!

Pricing is as follows...

$30 for dinner and dancing { pre-registration required by end of day Dec.27th }

$15 for dancing only after 9:30pm { with pre-registration by end of day Dec. 27th }

$20 for dancing only after 9:30pm { when paying at the door }

Refunds are not available...but if you cannot attend you may transfer your reservation to someone else.

*****TO REGISTER to go : http://tinyurl.com/7qf6rh6 for DINNER & DANCING

OR go to href="http://tinyurl.com/8yehvje for DANCING ONLY

Contact Lisa Carlson at mppc-impact-events@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

John 6:22-71

2011-12-07T23:18:00.000-08:00

1) Why were the people that ate the loaves and fish searching for Jesus? What was Christ’s answer?

2) In verses 25-27 what two-fold command did Jesus give to the people?

3) Considering that “food” which satisfies hunger for spiritual things, give examples of “food that spoils” and “food that endures to eternal life.”

4) What kind of sign did the people want Jesus to give them when they connected Moses with Him? How do people approach Jesus or God the Father in the same way today? (6:30-33)

5) When Jesus gives you material gifts, what is your response—immediate and long-term? Share an example where you received a material gift and were able to recognize its spiritual counterpart.

6) Verses 28-29 talk about work. The people wanted Jesus to give them a list of works. What is the difference between these “works” and the one work Jesus described? (See Romans 10:1-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:17-20). If you are employed today, why do you work?

7) What do the promises in each of the following verses mean to you personally? John 6:35. John 6:37-38

8) How can you be certain you are one of those whom God the Father has given to Jesus? What promises are offered in verses 35-37?

9) What did Jesus say about fulfillment of life and personality in John 35-40? In what specific ways is Jesus satisfying your need for security and fulfillment?

10) What do you learn about Christ in John 6:46 and John 14:6-12, and how does it encourage you?

11) Jesus spoke to these people as the Passover feast drew near (6:3). Skim through Exodus 12. What verses show that God used the blood of the Passover lamb as a symbol? How did the blood protect people from God’s judgment?

12) According to Exodus 12, for what purpose was the flesh of the lamb used? How does this symbolize Jesus’ promises to believers in John 6:52-59?

13) Why did many disciples leave Jesus after the events in this chapter? (6:60-71) Have you ever found similar teaching offensive to you? If so, why?

14) Why was what Christ taught so hard to accept then and now?

John 6:1-21

2011-11-29T23:19:00.000-08:00

John 6:1-21

You may also want to read

Matthew 14:13-36
Mark 6:30-44

Luke 9:10-17

Jesus feeding the five thousand is one of the events that's found in all 3 synoptic gospels as well as John. In the synoptics, Andrew is not identified. In Mark, Jesus asks the followers to go and look for bread, but that command is not listed in the other books. Thus, there are 4 different accounts of this event. Does it matter that we have more than one record of this event? Why?

Who do you think constitutes the five thousand? Are these followers? Seekers? Rivals? What might be some of the reasons they have come to hear from Jesus? What verses support this?

Assume you are Philip. You have seen Jesus do amazing acts. What would be your answer to the question, 'Philip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" Why do you think Philip answers the way he does?

Philip's answer is worldly (or at least financial.) 'It would take a small fortune to feed them.' (NLT) Could Jesus have followed the apostles advice and created a basket of money and 'sent the crowds away to neighboring towns.' Why or Why not?

According to John 6:8, what resources are found? Who found them? What does he do with them once discovered?

Jesus has everyone sit down. Would you sit? Why? What would you expect to happen? (Remember, this is a 'remote' place, it's getting dark, and you may not have food or water.)

In verse 14, we learn the crowds believe Jesus to be the 'prophet we have been expecting.' (NLT) What were the people expecting? What was the political climate of the time? Do we have expectations today? Is there a time line for these expectations?

In Matthew 14:22 we learn Jesus 'constrained' (NIV) or 'made' (NLT) the disciples enter the boat and go before him to the other side. Why would they resist? According to verse 15, what was the attitude of the crowds?

In Mathew 8 the disciples find themselves on a boat with Jesus asleep during a storm. Here in John, the disciples find themselves in a storm but Jesus does not appear to be with them; in fact he sent them away. What might they have said to one another about their situation? What would you have said?

When they see Jesus his response is 'I am here, don't be afraid.' Why should the proximity of Jesus reduce fear? What does Jesus' words mean to you personally?

What does the word miracle mean to you? How would you explain the above narratives to a young child? To a close friend? To a non-Christian? To a loved one in crisis?

John 5

2011-11-15T22:47:00.000-08:00

1. Why do think Jesus asked the invalid man if he wanted to get well in the Gospel of John Chapter 5, verse 6?

2. In John 5:14 Jesus says, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” What do you think the man was doing?

3. According to Jewish law, what was the prescribed punishment for doing work on the Sabbath? Exodus 31:12-15. Why do you think the Sabbath law is so strict? What is it actually about?

4. List 2 things from the Gospel of John Chapter 5, verses 17-27 that God the Father has given the Son or authorized the Son to do.

5. Read Matthew 12:1-14. Why do you think Jesus healed on the Sabbath?

6. Do you think that we should observe the Sabbath today? If so, how? What do you do on the Sabbath?

John 4

2011-11-09T09:01:00.001-08:00

1.) Reread verse 36 in chapter 3, is there a connection between this verse and the content of chapter 4?

2.) Why did Jesus have to go to Samaria?

3.) Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for a drink, is this a rhetorical question or is he really thirsty?

4.) Do you think the Samaritan woman knew she was talking to the Messiah that was prophesied before Jesus announced who he really was to her?

5.) Jews did not associate with Samaritans because of a deep dislike for them, but Jesus went out of his way to talk to this woman, who is it in you life that you should be associating more with and don't? What do we learn about the nature of Christ in his interactions with the Woman at the well?

6.) Jesus tells the woman at the well that if she drinks of the water he is offering, she will never thirst again, do you find that you are never thirsty? How is your walk with God in this respect? What are the things in life that keep you needing to go back to the well and accept the eternal water that Christ has to offer?

7.) What do you think Jesus means in verse 23 when he says worshippers will worship in "spirit and truth?"

8.) It is clear from the encounters Jesus is having with people in John, that each message is personal to the individual. What is Jesus saying to you through this chapter?

How to Become a Stephen Minister

2011-11-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the "How to Become a Stephen Minister" event that was discussed at Impact: Click Here!

Monday, Novemeber 7th at the Menlo Park Campus Library

Impact 11-3

2011-11-02T22:32:00.001-07:00

Questions for John 3:

In Middle East, where Jesus lived, it is often quite warm in temperature. Discuss your own experiences in living in a hot climate. Where were you? Did you prefer mornings, afternoons, or evenings? What kinds of activities did you do there?
Nicodemus’ visits Jesus to try to find His true identity, John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus to get confirmation about His identity as well. If you had a chance to visit Jesus late at night what question(s) might you ask him?
Nicodemus came to see Jesus to clear up some questions he had regarding Jesus and his ministry. In his dialogue with Jesus he uses plural forms in his statements (“we”). Do you think that Nicodemus came to see Jesus alone or did he bring others with him?
Jesus’ disciples are not directly mentioned in the dialogue with Nicodemus. However, because we have an account of the story in the Gospel of John we know that at least one disciple was there. What do you think this disciple made of the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus?
As Christians we believe that God is all knowing, all powerful and all present. We also believe that Jesus was all God and all man while on the earth. When Jesus came to Earth he chose to enlighten people about just a few issues related to Him, eternal life, salvation, etc. What else could Jesus have told people about?
In the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus there is a big misunderstanding between them. Nicodemus doesn’t understand what Jesus means when he said he must be “born again”. Share about a time you misunderstood someone during a conversation.
John the Baptist wondered if Jesus was the Messiah. Talk about a time you were not sure if your investment of time and energy were going to pay off.

Impact - Oct 13

2011-10-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

Scott Palmbush will be speaking on John 1 verses 29-51.

Read John 1:29-34
1. Read John 1:29-34 List all the statements John makes about Jesus in these verses.

Read John 35-51
2.
a.) List each of the steps taken in v35-39 that resulted in two of John's disciples meeting Jesus.
b.) How can you apply this to your life, so you might help others come to know Jesus?

3.
a.) What name did Jesus give Simon upon meeting him?
b.) Digging deeper: For those who know of Peter's journey as a Christian, why was this new name so significant?
c.) Do you believe Jesus has a new name for you? What new name/s is your heart most longing for?

5.
a.) What invitation did the following disciples extend to those they were close to?
Andrew:
Philip:
b.) What invitation did Jesus extend to those who came seeking Him?
c.) What reassurance do you receive from this regarding Jesus' command to share the Good News with others?

Impact - Oct. 6

2011-10-03T22:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings Impacters!
Study: John
Speaker: Grant Kim
Location: 700 Santa Cruz Blvd., 6/9/11 7:00 PM

This week we are studying John 1 verses 1-18. This passage is the prologue to the Book of John and it is not an overstatement to suggest that these words may be the most significant and profound in the entire Bible.

John 1:1-18 questions

1. Why do you think Jesus Christ is called the Word? List 5 aspects of Jesus Christ we learn from studying the Gospel of John Chapter 1 verses 1-4.

2. Jesus is referred to as the Light. List 5 truths you learn about the Light from reading the Gospel of John Chapter 1 verses 4 though 9.

3. Why do you think the world did not recognize Jesus Christ? What do you think are reasons that the world today does not recognize Christ? What makes it hard for you and I as individuals to recognize Christ?

4. How do we become children of God? What benefit do we receive by being children of God?

5. What does it mean when verse 14 says, "the Word became flesh"? Why did the Word become flesh?

Next Impact, Thursday September 29th

2011-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Impact will start our study of John this week! We'll have open table seating this Thusday - bring your Bibles and be prepared to embark on a great study of John!

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, but many churches are represented by our community here at Impact! You are welcome to come and check us out, this is a great Thursday to see what we're all about!

Fay And Felix Book Study - The Language of God

2011-07-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a book study Wednesday nights by Fay and Felix! The following information was provided by Felix:

Book: The Language of God - A Commonsense Approach to Understanding and Applying the Bible - by David Crabtree, Ron Julian, Jack Crabtree

When: Wednesday July 13, 2011

Time: 7:00-8:30pm

Where: 363 North Rengstorff Ave. #11, Mountain View, 94043

Fay and I realize people may not have enough time to get the book in time so here is the introduction that we will start the first week.

Introduction: A Call to Commonsense (David Crabtree)

It has often been noted that common sense is not as common as the term would lead us to believe. This has been particularly true in recent decades, it seems. Many have begun to question whether we can know anything about the world with real trustworthiness. That philosophy results in skepticism and despair. Others, to the contrary, argue that our Creator made us to be knowers—that our senses and minds were designed to provide us with reliable information about the world. Theirs is a call to return to common sense. This book is a similar call.

In our time people approach the Bible in a variety of ways. In academic circles the Bible is viewed as a collage of different oral and written sources. In this view, study of the Bible is the exclusive domain of highly trained experts, who are the only ones equipped to deal with it competently and responsibly. Such experts are so focused on their search for different sources within the biblical text that they can see no coherence. Because they are working with a disassembled text, it is not surprising that the results of their academic labors are often meager and sometimes patently nonsensical—hardly something on which to build one’s life.

At the other end of the spectrum (if approaches to the Bible could be so arranged) is the perspective that the Bible ought not to be studied but merely meditated upon. In this view, serious study of the Bible is discounted as intellectualizing and runs the risk of missing the simple meaning within it, whereas one can gain immense benefit from merely meditating on the words of the Bible. But because the message that one finds by meditating is not derived from the meaning of the text itself, many different and even contradictory messages could come from the same text. Using this approach, how can one ever proclaim with confidence, “Thus saith the Lord”?

In the view of the authors of this book, both of these perspectives are wrong but both have something right. In order to make good sense of the Bible, it must be the object of serious study, but one need not be a trained expert. God chose to put His message in a form accessible to virtually every human being. If you can talk and think, you can understand the Bible. Good Bible study is basically just the application of common sense to the words of Scripture. God made the Bible to be understandable to man. God made man to be a knower, capable of understanding His revelation. It takes work (a lot of work!), and some are more gifted at it than others, but in principle anyone can learn to interpret the Bible, even if only to learn to distinguish a correct interpretation from an incorrect one. As you will see, the principles of interpretation are not difficult to grasp—you use them every day. However, the application of those principles to some passages of Scripture can be extremely difficult. By appealing to your common sense, this book is an attempt to cut through much of the confusion about how to interpret the Bible. We hope that what we present strikes a chord and that you will gain a renewed confidence in the ability of the Bible to speak meaningfully and authoritatively.

To demonstrate how this approach to interpretation is applied to a passage of Scripture, we have chosen to use James 5:13-20. We hope that our treatment of this passage is a helpful and instructive example. Space did not allow us to include a fully developed commentary on this section of James that would address all of the interpretive issues. However, such a commentary exists on our Web site. If our discussion of the passage raises further questions regarding our interpretation, please consult our Web site: www.mckenziestudycenter.org.

Every chapter concludes with a list of study questions. The authors of this book have written their own responses to these questions as a way of expanding upon some of the points of this book at greater length. You can find these answers on our Web site as well. We encourage you first to try to answer these questions yourself and then to look at our Web site to see how we would respond to the same questions.

This book is the product of a team effort. The seminal elements of this perspective were developed by J. A. (Jack) Crabtree during his years as a pastor at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California. They were further developed as a result of discussions that have taken place over the past twenty years at McKenzie Study Center, where all three authors work and teach. Although Jack did the trailblazing, it is fair to say that every staff member of McKenzie Study Center has played a role in forging the ideas presented here. The authors share common perspective on biblical interpretation, but each articulates that perspective differently—this accounts for the differences in style that can be seen from one chapter to the next. In the pages that follow we hope, if not to persuade you of the soundness of our approach, at least to stimulate your thinking about the important topic of biblical interpretation.

Discussion Questions:

How much effort do you think it takes to study and understand the Bible? Do you agree with the author’s of this book? Why or why not? Or do you totally disagree with the author’s of this book?

What is your perception of other bible studies you’ve been in concerning the study and understanding of the Bible?

These discussion questions are just starter questions. We encourage people to ask questions and to discuss anything pertaining to understanding and applying the Bible. All perspectives concerning this topic are welcome. Just be prepared to discuss about it.

Impact Breaks for the Summer!

2011-06-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters!

Impact is taking a break for the summer! Be sure to check the events blog for summer events and send me an email if you're interested in other ways you can get information about events!

Christian@cjmillerengineering.com

Please be aware that I only check email on Wednesdays!

Have a great summer!
Christian

Impact Thursday June 16th

2011-06-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6

1. Why do you think Paul says, “Fathers do not exasperate or anger your children”? How do parents anger their children in ways that are not good for them?

2. "In 6:12, Paul seems to make a distinction between 'principalities, authorities, and rulers'. Is this distinction important? Is it a rhetorical device used to encompass all people and organizations in authority? Is there another option? How does this change your understanding of the passage, if at all?"

3. Knowing some of the Bible’s other names for the devil can help us figure out his schemes. Have you encountered any of the ones mentioned in the following passages?
            Matt 12:24                                                            Rev. 12:9
            Matt 13:19                                                            1 Thess. 3:5
            John 8: 44                                                            1 Peter 5:8

4. What is the difference between “the day of evil” Paul mentions in 6:13 and when he says, “the days are evil” in Chapter 5:16?

5. Why don’t we as Christians pay more attention to spiritual matters? (Spiritual warfare specifically?)

6. How does a believer “put on” the armor of God?

7. What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? How can we pray in the Spirit on all occasions? How’s this spiritual discipline going for you?

Impact Thursday June 9th

2011-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings Impacters!
Study: Ephesians 5
Speaker: Jeff Finger
Location: 700 Santa Cruz Blvd., 6/9/11 7:00 PM

Events at a Glance:
Prayer Night: Friday June 17th, 7:00 PM at Grant's
Study Questions:

1. According to 4:32 – 5:2 how can we be more like Christ?

2. Have you ever been deceived by empty words? How did you realize they were empty?

3. Living like “Children of the Light” means . . .

4. According to v. 15-20 what does living wisely look like? Are you becoming wise in these ways?

5. What does it mean to “be subject to” or to “submit to one another”?

6. Think of the best Christian marriage you know of, how does it reflect God’s relationship with the church?

7. As a group of mostly unmarried people how does this description of a Christian marriage and Christ’s relationship to the church apply to us?

Impact Thursday June 2nd!

2011-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters!

Happy June! This week we'll continue in our excellent study of Ephesians with Ephesians 4 as Paul continues his message about unity and Christian living. Please read Ephesians 4 and review the questions below. We'll meet at our normal time and place, 7:00 PM at 700 Santa Cruz Blvd, Menlo Park.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does Paul use the metaphor of a body when trying to describe the relationship of Christians to one another?
2. How have you helped preserve the “Unity of the Spirit”?
3. Read Psalm 68:18. What is the grace Paul is referring to in verse seven?
4. What are your spiritual gifts? Where do you feel called to use them?
5. How does speaking the truth in love promote maturity in Christ?
6. How is being mature in Christ different than being a mature person?

7. What does verse 30 reveal about the Holy Spirit? How can the Holy Spirit be grieved?

Impact Thursday May 26th

2011-05-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters! This Thursday we'll be studying Ephesians 3. Please read the chapter and review the questions below. Impact will meet at their normal time, 7:00 PM in the normal place, 700 Santa Cruz Blvd., Menlo Park CA.

Questions:
1. What is the Biblical context of Chapter 3?

2. Where was Paul when he wrote this letter to the Ephesians?

The Mystery of Christ Eph 3: 1-7
3. Define what is the Mystery of Christ?
Share how you are currently experience this
revelation from Heaven

The Riches of Christ Eph. 3:8-13
4. What does Paul mean when he speaks of
experiencing the riches of Christ ?

The Love of Christ Eph. 3:14-21
3. What progress are you making by the help of the Holy Spirit
in understanding that your current life is
rooted and grounded in the Love of Christ?
Share a few examples.

4. What does Paul mean when he speaks of the "fullness of God
in Christ?

Are you at this time in your life experiencing the
Fullness of God in Christ?
Discuss an example of that gift from God

5. What does Paul mean when he speaks of experiencing the
riches of Christ ?

How did he experience the riches of Christ?

6. Can you explain in your own words "The mystery of God"

Impact May 19

2011-05-19T12:43:00.001-07:00

Impact will meet tonight at the normal location, 700 Santa Cruz Blvd., Menlo Park and at the normal time: 7:00pm. See you tonight!

Study Questions:

1.) What connection exists between chapters 1 and 2? Is there a connection worth noting?

2.) At the end of verse three what is meant by the statement "we were by nature objects of wrath?

3.) "Do you feel you were made alive with Christ??" How is your walk with God right now?

4.) Verse 4 talks about this great love that God has for us. Is there a time that you felt this love personally? Where in scripture can you find other examples of God's great love?

5.) What is the difference( or is there a difference) between the works talked about in verse 9 and doing good works in Christ in verse 10?

6.) What does it mean that circumcision was done "by the hands of men"? Why is this important for Paul to bring up?

7.) In verse 21 Paul talks about a temple, is this an earthly temple or a spiritual one?

Impact Thursday May 12th

2011-05-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

This Thursday we will get into Ephesians Chapter 1, Joanie Tankersely will be our teacher, she is the Pastor of Adult Spiritual Formation at MPPC. As always please be sure you spend time in the Word and be prepared to participate in the discussion. Please review the questions below. Have a great week and see you Thursday.

--Alisa

We’ll meet in our normal place, 700 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park CA at 7:00 PM.

Discussion Questions

Ephesians Chapter 1

1. Identify the particular spiritual blessings Paul enumerates for those who are “in Christ” in chapter 1. Share with each other 1-2 of these blessings that has particular meaning for you in your life right now and why this is so.

2. Read vs. 4-5 alongside vs. 11-12 and compare with Paul’s comments in Romans 8:28-30. These are the 4 occurrences in the New Testament that contain the word “predestined”. Discuss your understanding of this concept. How does this concept of being “predestined” impact your life?

3. Paul prays an impassioned prayer for believers beginning in v. 15. With the knowledge that God wants to speak personally to each of us whenever we come to his Word, what aspects of Paul’s prayer might represent something you need from God and share how that part of Paul’s prayer applies to your life currently.

4. Vs. 19-23 indicate a shift in Paul’s focus. To what does Paul now turn his attention and of what importance is that focus to us?

Questions by Joannie T.

Impact Thursday May 5th

2011-05-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

This week we’ll start a new series in the book of Ephesians: we'll be studying the background of Ephesians and then study Ephesians chapter by chapter. If you'd like to get started, the background reading is Acts chapter 19 which describes the Apostle Paul's visit to Ephesus.

Here are the discussion questions for this week from Grant K.:

Assignment: Please read Acts 19. Wait a minute; that’s not Ephesians? Acts 19 is the story of Paul’s visit to Ephesus many years before he wrote the letter to the Ephesians. Also read all of Ephesians—it’s not that long; you can do it.

Ephesians Introduction

1. Imagine you only had a short time to live. Imagine writing a letter describing what it means to be a follower of Christ. What would be in your letter? In other words, what are the essential beliefs or actions required?

2. In Paul’s time there was often tension between Jews and Greeks. This was not merely a racial issue, but frequently it was an issue between people who had grown up knowing the Hebrew God and people who were newcomers. What can we do today to improve connection between “old-timers” and newcomers to the Christian faith? What are the sins of “old-timers” that make it difficult for newcomers to integrate?

3. What does it mean to submit to a parent/spouse/boss when that person has a minor flaw? What does it mean to submit to a parent/spouse/boss when that person has a major flaw? (ethical failure, substance abuse, violence, incest) Describe how you submit to the people in your life?

4. Do you believe in angels, demons? Can you describe an experience of spiritual warfare in your life? How did you respond?

Impact April 28th

2011-04-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

This week we will have worship and Shannon Peckary will discuss his East Palo Alto ministry. We’ll meet in our normal place, 700 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park CA at 7:00 PM.

Next week we’ll start a new series in the book of Ephesians: we'll be studying the background of Ephesians and then study Ephesians chapter by chapter. If you'd like to get started, the background reading is Acts chapter 19 which describes the Apostle Paul's visit to Ephesus.

Impact Thursday April 21st - No Meeting

2011-04-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

We will not be meeting this week for Impact, but you are invited to attend a Maundy Service at one of the MPPC Campuses: Jeff Finger will be doing a Maundy Service in our normal location at 700 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, starting at 6:45 PM (Ceder Meal – make reservations: http://www.mppc.org/calendar/holy-week-services).

After Easter we will have worship and sharing on April 28th, and then we’ll start a new series in the book of Ephesians beginning May 5th: We'll be studying the background of Ephesians and then study Ephesians chapter by chapter. If you'd like to get started, the background reading is Acts chapter 19 which describes the Apostle Paul's visit to Ephesus.

Schedule:
Thursday, April 21: No Impact. Maundy Services Available:
http://www.mppc.org/calendar/holy-week-services
Thursday, April 28: Worship and Shannon P.
Thursday, May 5: The Background of Ephesians by Grant K.
Thursday, May 12: Ephesians Chapter 1: Joannie T.
Thursday, May 19: Chapter 2: Alisa D.
Thursday, May 26: Chapter 3: TBA
Thursday, June 2: Chapter 4: Scott P.
Thursday, June 9: Chapter 5: Jeff F.
Thursday, June 16: Chapter 6: Simona K. (maybe)
Thursday, June 23: Potluck, Final Impact of the Season

Happy Easter!!!

Impact Thursday March 24th

2011-03-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

This week Impact will continue a series taught by Jeff Finger titled: "What is God Trying to tell Us?"; this week's topic will be "Life Together". Jeff Finger is currently on staff with MPPC.

Jeff Finger graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and has fifteen years of teaching experience in churches as well as recently led the Saturday Morning Men's Bible Study at MPPC where he also taught this series.
"What is God Trying to Tell Us?" steps back to explore the big picture of the Gospel message looking at six major themes as listed below. This study is great if you are seeking to know the overarching themes of Scripture as well as wanting to go deeper in your understanding of God's message to us through His Word. All are welcome to come and join us for this multimedia, interactive and dynamic study that will encourage and challenge you.

We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.

Remaining Series Schedule:

March 24 - Life Together
March 31 - The Crucible of Love
April 7 - The People We Become
April 14 - Our Pursuit of Others

Study Questions - Not Available - Check Back Soon!

Impact Thursday March 17th

2011-03-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

This week Impact will continue a series taught by Jeff Finger titled: What is God Trying to tell Us?; this week's topic will be Our Choice to Follow. Jeff Finger is currently on staff with MPPC. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and has fifteen years of teaching experience in churches as well as recently led the Saturday Morning Men's Bible Study at MPPC where he also taught this series.

What is God Trying to Tell Us? steps back to explore the big picture of the Gospel message looking at six major themes as listed below. This study is great if you are seeking to know the overarching themes of Scripture as well as wanting to go deeper in your understanding of God's message to us through His Word. All are welcome to come and join us for this multimedia, interactive and dynamic study that will encourage and challenge you.

We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.

Session 2: Our Choice to Follow

Question Cluster 1:
• Describe some ways in which you may have “hedged your bet” or put off decision in the past when it comes to your relationship with God.

Question Cluster 2:
• What are some of the ways you hear colleagues and friends characterize the “choice” for “Christianity?”
• What are your obstacles to following Jesus?
• In what ways have you grown in your own understanding of what you have “chosen” in following Jesus?

Question Cluster 3:
• Can you recall and describe the way in which you initially chose to be in relationship with Jesus?
• What were some of the challenges to that first step?
• How did the choice begin to take effect practically? How does it have practical effect now?
• What are some ways that you have yet to choose to follow Jesus in your life? What areas of life still present a challenge to you when it comes to trusting Jesus?

Scripture References
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 • Joshua 24:15
Mark 1:16-20 • Luke 3:10-14
John 6:66-67 • Revelation 3:20

Questions by Jeff Finger

Impact Thursday March 10th

2011-03-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

This week Jeff Finger will kick off a six week series titled What is God Trying to Tell Us?. This series is meant to go deep and to be challenging for everyone, and you are highly encouraged to come and bring your friends as well. This series is designed to be helpful for those who are seeking as well, so please feel free to invite anyone you know who is curious about God. I am really looking forward to going through this series with you!

Study questions below--

Blessings,
Christian

6 Week Series Schedule:

March 10 - April 14: "What is God Trying to Tell Us?", taught by Jeff Finger

March 10 - God's Pursuit of Us
March 17 - Our Choice to Follow
March 24 - Life Together
March 31 - The Crucible of Love
April 7 - The People We Become
April 14 - Our Pursuit of Others

Session 1: God’s Pursuit of Us

Question Cluster 1:

• In what ways have you sensed God creating a space for you to…be?
• Where have you seen God provide for you so that you could flourish?
• If it’s your desire to follow God, how might you reflect Him by creating space for those around you?

Question Cluster 2:

• What are some of the ways you’ve essentially run from God?
• Describe ways you have sensed that God has invited you…to relate to Him directly?
• Describe ways you have sensed that God has invited you…to consider following him in His ways?

Question Cluster 3:

• What are the ways you’ve seen God remain in your life despite your instinct to remain distant from Him?
• What was the oddest, most unlikely context where you’ve sensed God reaching to you?

Scripture References

Genesis 3:8-9, 24; 12:1 Exodus 2:1-10
Judges 1:1ff 1 Samuel 8:1-8
2 Samuel 12:1 Exodus 13:21; 3; 31:18
Daniel 5:1-6 Numbers 22:22ff.
1 Kings 18:20, 19:9-13 Psalm 139:7-12
Hebrews 1:1-3

Questions by Jeff Finger

Questions from Psalm 126

2011-03-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

Here were the questions from Psalm 126 that we studied a few weeks ago:
Psalm 126 -- A song of ascents.

1. Many scholars agree that Psalm 126 describes the Israelites when they were set free from Babylonian captivity and allowed to return to Jerusalem. From the first three verses, what kinds of things did they feel and experience?

2. Share a good time remembered from your own life when you knew God was at work.
3. How did Peter’s experience in Acts 12:3-11 parallel the exiles in Psalm 126:1-3? Have you ever experienced something almost too good to be true? Describe a situation when God did something that you could hardly believe and knew you didn’t deserve.

4. Reading through the rest of the Psalm, share something you’re hoping God will yet accomplish in your life.

5. Looking at verses 5 and 6, what does God promise and what are the conditions for each promise?

6. Read Luke 8:11-15. What is the seed? Why don’t those in verse 12 produce a crop? Verse 13? Verse 14? Why do those in verse 15 produce one?
7. How does Galatians 6:9 convey the element of time in the process of the harvest? How could you apply this verse to situations you’re facing right now?

Questions by Virginia R.

Impact Thursday March 3rd

2011-03-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

This week we'll be studying Psalm 90 and Mark Kahn will lead our discussion time. Please read Psalm 90 and review the questions below. I look forward to studying with you!

We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.
Impact is a ministry of MPPC under Adult Spiritual Formation for those in their 30's and 40's, both single and married, to connect and build authentic and transformative Christ-centered relationships, explore the Christian faith, and live out our faith in action. For more information regarding other ministries and service opportunities at MPPC go to www.mppc.org"

Psalm 90

1. What does Psalm 90 teach us about God?
v1.
v2.
v3.
v4.
v5.
v8.
v11.
v13.
v15.
v16.

2. What do we learn about the human condition from Psalm 90?
v1.
v3.
v5.
v7.
v9.
v10.
v12.
v14.
v17.

3. Psalm 90 divides into six sections. How would you title each section?

vv1-2:

vv3-6:

vv7-10:

vv11-12:

4. What verse or thought in Psalm 90 stands out most to you and why?

Impact Thursday January 27th

2011-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

This week Adam Hampson will lead our discussion with Psalm 51. Please read Psalm 51 and review the questions below!

Impact is a ministry of MPPC under Adult Spiritual Formation for those in their 30's and 40's, both single and married, to connect and build authentic and transformative Christ-centered relationships, explore the Christian faith, and live out our faith in action. For more information regarding other ministries and service opportunities at MPPC go to www.mppc.org"

Please email Christl Kirchner at christlclear@gmail.com if you want to be placed in a weekly small group. If you are unable to attend regularly (80 % or more) we welcome you at open tables which are available every Thursday night.http://www.mppcimpact.blogspot.com/

PSALM 51 Preparation:

In addition to reading Psalm 51 during the week, it would be a good idea to read 2 Samuel 11:1 – 12:25 on your own. The Samuel passage will give you the background to why David wrote the psalm.
Background:

When reading Psalm 51 it is important to understand the context in which it was written. In 2nd Samuel 11 and 12 we learn how David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged to have her husband killed in battle. David was unrepentant of this sin and it festered for at least 9 months. The Lord sent Nathan to confront David about this. Nathan confronted David about this sin and told him what the consequences of his actions would be; the child who was born out of his adultery was going to die. David acknowledged his sin and pleaded with God for mercy. This is the context in which the psalm was written.
Questions:

1. How would you sum up Psalm 51 in a single sentence? What words would you use to describe the emotion of the psalm?

2. David uses words like clean and wash frequently in the psalm. Why do you think David is emphasizing cleanliness? What other patterns do you see?

3. There is a progression in Psalm 51 as David acknowledges his sin and seeks God’s forgiveness. Look at the Psalm as a whole. How would you describe the different parts?

4. In verse 4 David says “Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight….” How do you reconcile this statement with what David did, i.e. murder and adultery? In your own life, can you think of a time where a sin you committed affected another person. Did you see that sin as against God or just the other person?

5. Repentance implies both confession of and a turning from sin. In verses 7-9 we see David asking for God’s cleansing for what he has done. In verses 10-12, David makes several requests of God for the future. What are these requests? Why are these requests important for David and for us?

6. Read Luke 18:9-14 and verses 16-17 in the psalm. After reading these passages what do you think true repentance means? What does it means to have a broken spirit and contrite heart? Have you experienced a broken and contrite heart in regards to your sin before? If you are comfortable please share a time. If not, do you have any thoughts on how to develop a broken heart toward sin in our lives?

7. Does God just want us to feel bad? Why are the qualities we discussed in the previous question important?

8. Psalm 51 is all from David’s perspective; this is David’s prayer to God as he seeks God’s forgiveness. For comparison, and a look at the Father’s perspective, let’s read a portion of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-24).

8a. What words would you use to describe the Father?

8b. Compare the repentance of the prodigal son with David’s repentance in Psalm 51.

Impact Thursday January 20th

2011-01-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Impact will be starting a new study in Psalms this week with Psalm 19. Mimi McDowell will lead our discussion this week: Mimi is a former BSF teaching leader and elder at MPPC. Please read Psalm 19 and review the questions below. We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.

Questions for Psalm 19

1. In what ways has creation spoken to you of the existence of God? What have you learned about Him from being out in His creation?

2. What is your response to David's words describing the law and the precepts of the Lord as "more precious than gold" & "sweeter than honey?" Have you ever thought of His commands in this way? Explain.
3. What do you think God's motives are in giving us His commands?
4. Share a time when God warned you from the Scriptures to turn away from taking a relationally destructive path, AND/OR a time when you kept God's will and what was the outcome for each of these?

5. We all have hidden faults, for the Bible says that "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jer. 17:9. How willing have you been to allow God's Spirit to show you a hidden fault? If it's comfortable, share with the others in your group a previously hidden fault that you now recognize. How has God met you in the process of discovery and release?

Impact Thursday December 9th

2010-12-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Impact will be continuing our Ruth study with Ruth chapter 4 this week! Please read Ruth chapter 4 and review the questions below. We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.

Ruth Chapter 4

1. There are many blessings given in the book of Ruth. List the blessings given in Ruth. (Not just Ch 4, the entire book) Which of these blessings were fulfilled? Why is it important to speak blessings into the lives of people around us?

2. Why does Boaz talk to the kinsman-redeemer?

3. Why doesn’t the kinsman-redeemer want to marry Ruth and acquire Naomi’s land?

4. What will happen when Boaz agrees to marry Ruth? What is Boaz’s reward?

5. Why are Boaz’s actions considered righteous? Do you think there are rewards for righteousness? What are they?

6. What sacrifice are you willing to make for God?

Impact Thursday December 2nd

2010-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Greetings! This Thursday Impact will continue with Ruth 3! Here are the questions:

RUTH 3 Questions

1. While Ruth was winnowing in the fields during the two harvests (barley, wheat,
from mid April to early June), what do you think Naomi was doing?

2. What might have been Naomi’s agenda behind her comment of verse one?

3. How do you think that Ruth felt when her mother-in-law asked her to take the
actions of vv 2-5?

4. Do you think that there was anyone else at the threshing floor besides Boaz? Why
or why not?

5. How did Boaz know that “all my people in my town know that you are a woman
of noble character?” v11

6. Do the events of vv 7-14 affect your assessment of Ruth’s character?

7. Kinfolk in the Ancient Near East were expected to perform various civic and
judicial duties (don’t forget there were no police, banks, or government). Check
out the verses for these three important roles in early Israelite society:
(1) The avenger of blood. In the case of murder, kin had the family responsibility to
avenge a wrongful death. Num 35:16-28
(2) The redemption of land. (Jer 32:7) Farming was the basic means of survival and
prosperity, and thus land was essential. Land passed down from one generation
to the next, staying within the family. Because of poverty (e.g. in times of famine
or warfare), a family might have to sell its land. Kinfolk had the right to buy back
the land so that it remained within the extended family, and the original family
had the right to buy it back from those kin when times improved. Theoretically
every 50th year, the Year of Jubilee (7x7,+1) the land would revert back to its
original family ownership.
(3) Marriage to a sister-in-law. Deut 25: 5-10. If a married man died childless, his
brother had the obligation to marry his widow in order to perpetuate the family
name. To refuse this responsibility was shameful.

8. How many different story lines do you observe in the book of Ruth?

9. What other observations do you have and what of personal worth do you learn
from this chapter?

Impact Thursday November 18th

2010-11-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

Impact will be continuing our Ruth study with Ruth chapter 2 this week! Please read Ruth chapter 2 and review the questions below. We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.
Please contact Christl at christlclear@gmail.com if you are interested in being placed in a table group. We are looking for those that can commit to 80 % attendance at Impact. Otherwise, we have a place for you at open tables.
Questions for Ruth 2:

1. What is Ruth doing gleaning in fields that are not hers? (See Lev. 19:9-10; Deut: 24:19)

2. These are laws given by God. What does this tell you about God?

3. What seem to have been the risks for women who did this kind of work? (See v. 2, 9, 22) How could the fact that Ruth was a foreigner from Moab have made the situation even more difficult?

4. Whose field did Ruth happen to work in? (2:3) Is there any indication that this was a setup on Naomi’s part or that Ruth even knew about Boaz before this?

5. Can you describe an experience where you thought something in your life happened by chance and then discovered that it was part of God’s bigger plan for you?

6. List facts about Ruth from chps 1 and 2. What does chp. 2 reveal about Ruth’s character?

7. List facts about Boaz from chp. 2. What are some character traits you can infer about Boaz from chp. 2?

8. In what way did Boaz do more than what the law in Q. 1 required? What can you learn from Boaz’s actions?

9. How do you respond to “outsiders?” New people? People who are going through a hard season of life? Is it any different if their circumstances are a result of their own actions?

10. What is one way you can actively give dignity, respect, and kindness to someone in need of it this week?

Impact Thursday November 11th

2010-11-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Impact will be starting a new study in Ruth this week! Please read Ruth chapter 1. We will meet in our normal place this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park.

Please contact Christl at christlclear@gmail.com if you are interested in being placed in a table group. We are looking for those that can commit to 80 % attendance at Impact. Otherwise, we have a place for you at open tables.

Questions for James 5

2010-11-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Questions for James 5 taken from “Be Mature-Growing Up in Christ” by Warren W. Wiersbe

(from James 5:1-6)

1. How does a mature Christian respond in times of trouble?
2. Why does James admonish the rich to weep and howl?
3. What are the sinful ways the rich use their wealth? How do you use your wealth? (personal)
4. What are the consequences of misusing riches?
5. Where do you draw the line between enjoying what God gives you and living a life of luxury?
6. Is it ever okay to have more material wealth than other believers, or should equality be the goal? Why or why not?

(from James 5:7-12)

7. How can Christians find patient endurance as they wait for Christ to return?
8. What three examples of patience does James give? Which of these resonates with you? Why?
9. How are we like “spiritual farmers”?
10. As we read of the prophets, what encouragement do we gain?
11. Why do faithful witnesses to God often undergo suffering and persecution? Where is their reward?
12. What should you do (or not do) when you find yourself in the midst of suffering?

(from James 5:13-20)

13. What were the specific circumstances surrounding the prayer offered for the sick in James 5:14-16?
14. What does it mean to “backslide”? How have you struggled with this in your own life?
15. In many Christian churches today, confronting a Christian brother or sister about sin is the last thing to be done, if it is done at all. Why do you think this is the case?
16. What have you learned from this book that you can take with you as you continue to grow in Christ? Pray and thank God for these things.

1

Impact Thursday November 4th

2010-11-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Impact will continue this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park. We will continue our study in James with James 5.

Impact Thursday October 21st

2010-10-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters! We will continue this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz Ave. Building Menlo Park. We will continue our study in James with James 4. The questions are below:

These are the questions for James 4. There may be some small changes but for the most part these are it.

James 4

1. What causes us to fight and quarrel (4:1-2)

2. When we ask God for things, what is one reason we may not get what we want? (4:3)

3. Describe a time in your life when you have done and experienced something James describes in 4:1-3

4. From your experience and knowledge of Scripture, what are some of the symptoms of friendship with the world?

5. Why is friendship with the world equivalent to hatred toward God? (4:4) (Optional: See Luke 16:13; Rms 8:5-8)

6. God provides grace to us to overcome our envy, craving for pleasure, and quarreling. Why does He give us this grace only if we are humble? (4:6)

7. How can you actively submit to God in your circumstances today or tomorrow? In what ways do you need to resist the devil today? (4:7)

8. Have you ever wondered why you didn't feel God near to you? What does it look like to draw near to Him? Describe an instance when you knew He was near. (4:8)

9. To slander or judge a fellow believer is to criticize and judge God's law. Why? (4:11-12)

10. What is a person saying about God and self when he makes plans w/o consulting God? (4:13-15)

11. Is it wrong to make plans for the future? If so, why? If not, what kinds of planning are wrong and what kinds are right? (See Luke 12:16 - 20)

Impact Thursday October 14th

2010-10-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters! As usual we'll meet this Thursday at 700 Santa Cruz., Menlo Park 7:00 PM. This Thursday we'll be studying James Chapter 3 about taming the tongue and wisdom. We'll study topics like how James reminds us that we should not both praise and curse with our mouths, since we praise the Lord with our mouths and the Lord created the people we curse.

Discussion Questions:
1.) Who are the teachers that James is talking about in verse 1?
2.) What are the qualifications for being a teacher?
3.) Why do you think it is so hard to tame the tongue but "easier" to stay away from other sins?

4.) How do the "sins" of the tongue corrupt the whole person? What do you think James means when he says the "whole course of his life is set on fire"?
5.) What do you make of verses 11 and 12 and the analogies James presents us with?
6.) Who do you think is wise? What does wisdom look like to you?
7.) In our Bay Area culture, where intelligence is prized as a virtue, how can we show "wisdom" to the unbelieving world?
8.) How can earthly wisdom lead to bitter envy and selfish ambition?
9.) Here is an easy question...What wisdom does James hope we as Christians can obtain?
10.) Now that you're at the end of the chapter, who do you think James would have us emulate, teachers or peacemakers?

Teaching will be by Alisa D. this week

Impact Thursday October 7th

2010-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

Here are the questions for our James 2 Study on October 7th. We'll meet at our usual spot at the usual time: 700 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park at 7:00 PM.

Favoritism James 2:1-14

1. Who is the recipient of this letter? How does James address the reader in verse 5?

2. What are the three charges that James brings against the reader?

3. Why is favoritism a sin? What are ways that we show favoritism today?

Faith and Deeds James 2:14-26

4. Why is faith without deeds dead? What are some real life examples of deeds we can do today? Why is it so hard to do the deeds?

5. In the book of Romans that we are saved through faith not works, how do we reconcile this with James 2:14?

6. James is a different author than the apostle Paul. James uses the word “works” very differently than Paul. How would James define “works?”

Questions By Simona K.

Bible Study Methods

2010-10-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

by Mark Kahn

A. [The purpose of this blog is] to give an overview of several methods that can be used to study the Bible.

B. Here are four methods that I think would be suitable:
1. Verse and Chapter Analysis (this is the method made famous by Irving Jensen).
2. Paraphrase & Summary (Peterson’s ‘the Message’ uses this method).
3. Personal Application oriented questions (the method used in the Serendipity Bible).
4. Word analysis and Word study (a lexical method used by the Thompson Chain Reference Bible).

C. Here is a brief description of each of these methods. Note, in teaching I would not give these descriptions; instead I would show by example How to Do Each One of Them. I am giving you these descriptions in case you need them.

Verse and Chapter Analysis systematically takes all the verses in any given passage of the Bible (for instance a whole Chapter, or a Paragraph), and seeks to make sense of that passage. The passage is broken down into its thought segments, and the themes that run through the passage are written down and collated together. When the overall theme has been determined, then all of the parts of the passage (e.g. each verse of a chapter, or each chapter of a paragraph) are shown in relation to the big themes that have been detected.

In Paraphrase and Summary, the reader rewrites portions of Scripture in his/her own words, and then summarizes what that portion of Scripture is saying (e.g. with a key phrase). This can take a very long time and is better suited for shorter sections of Scripture. In concluding the summary the reader can respond with a prayer of thanks to God, or with a renewed conviction, or with a specific life burden.

Personal Application Questions are a standard set of questions that the student of the Bible applies to each of the sections being studied. The sections are usually predetermined by the paragraph divisions.

The questions are for example:

1. What does it say?
2. What does it mean?
3. What will I do?
Or:
1. Who are you Lord?
2. What shall I do Lord?
Or:
1. What is the context?
2. What is the meaning within the context?
3. What is the application to my life?

Using Word Analysis and Word Study the reader sets him/herself to dig deeper. Questions are asked of every verse such as: Why does the writer use these words? Why does Jesus say this to these people? Why does this idea follow that idea? What is the full meaning and significance of this word? How does the idea expressed here correlate with the same or a similar idea in another passage of the Bible? The key is to pursue the meanings of the words in the text as thoroughly as the reader has time for, and to comprehend the meaning of the ideas that are voiced in God’s Word.

This is not an exhaustive list of Bible Study methods; it is just a selection. The number of approaches to studying the Bible is only as limited as our creativity.

I hope that this is useful to you, and your comments and feedback are welcome. One last word: I would give this overview in a dynamic, hands-on, and enthusiastic manner.

This posting was written by Mark Kahn and posted at the request of Christl Kirchner

Impact Thursday September 30th

2010-09-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

This Thursday we will be starting our study of James with James 1. I am pleased to announce that our long time friend Laura Long will be leading the discussion this Thursday. Please read the chapter and bring your Bible's.

We'll meet at 7:00 PM: 700 Santa Cruz, Menlo Park (around the back of 700 Ace Hardware).

Blessings,
Christian

Schedule:
•September 30th - Begin Bible Study - James 1

•October 7th - James 2

•October 14th - James 3

Impact Thursday September 23rd

2010-09-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Impact will continue this Thursday, September 23rd by discussing Bible study tips. We'll meet at 7:00 PM: 700 Santa Cruz, Menlo Park (around the back of 700 Ace Hardware).

September 23rd - Bible Study Tips
September 30th - Begin Bible Study - James 1
October 7th - James 2

Events at a Glance

You are strongly encouraged to host an event. If you would like to host an event like lead a hike or hold a pie-eating contest, simply fill out the form on our blog:
http://www.impactevents.blogspot.com/
then click "Request Form" under "Request Event or Announcement"

Homeless Outreach, Saturday September 25th (evening)
Monday Night Hikes - Last Hike of the Year! Monday September 27th
Impact Prayer Night, Friday Oct 1, 7-9pm
Fleet Week Hike to Sausilito - Saturday, October 9th

Events
Last Monday Night Hike - September 27th

Where? Rancho San Antonio

When? 5:30 PM

Questions? Contact Alisa:

Homeless Outreach, Saturday September 25th (evening)

You are invited to participate in the next homeless outreach in San Francisco. We will meet at the commuter lot at the intersection of Page Mill Road and 280 at 4:30 pm and together travel up to Haight Street in San Francisco.

For this outreach we'll participate in an outdoor worship event and give out pizza and socks. If you'd like to donate new socks or a sleeping bag that would be great!

We will drive as a group to Haight Street in San Francisco.

Questions: Call Grant Kim 650-520-0879 or email grant@freedominchrist.name

Impact Prayer Night, Friday Oct 1, 7-9pm

Each month we will gather and pray for different needs. This month we willpray for our new year at Impact, the James study and for our serviceprojects.

Although the group will be meeting monthly, our goal is to be in prayerthroughout the month. At the end of the evening we will try to make asummary list so that we can all pray regularly. We believe that prayer empowers all other ministries!

In October we will be meeting at JoAnna Quan's house. We will try to rotate our location and would love for you to be the host! There will be some light snacks available for those coming directly from work.

2233 Samaritan Drive, San Jose, 95126
JoAnna 408-775-5774 Cell

Fleet Week Hike - October 9th
You and your friends are invited to join us for a difficult but fantastic hike from Powell street to Sausalito Saturday, October 9th. We'll hike right in the midst of Fleet Week: the Blue Angels and the like will be flying over head the whole way.

More Details: http://impactevents.blogspot.com/

Impact Thursday September 26th

2010-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters!

Impact will continue this Thursday, September 16th by looking into ways we hear from the Lord. We'll meet at 7:00 PM: 700 Santa Cruz, Menlo Park (around the back of 700 Ace Hardware). We'll also have Alfred Jude and Nancy Epling share about their experiences at Signs of Hope Camp, and Janet Somes will share about her move to help plant a church.

Small Group Signups
This is the last week for small group signups! You are encouraged to join a small group because participating in a small group increases your sense of belonging to a community and allows you to grow with a few consistent brothers and sisters on your journey to better know the Lord. You may sign up for a small group right now by sending Christl Kirchner an email:

christlclear@gmail.com

Calendar:

September 16th - Sharing; Ways to hear from the Lord
September 23rd - TBA

I want to share a way that has worked for me in hearing from the Lord. My pastor a couple years ago (Scott Simmerok from Church on the Hill) asked us these questions:
What is the Lord doing with you in the word lately, what is He teaching you? What is it you're doing to grow your faith?

I drew a blank because I wasn't really in the word. I was reading once a week right before Impact started, more focused on how I could look good and answer the questions than I was really feasting on the spiritual milk that is God's word.

Scott really believes that the life we experience with Jesus is proportional to the amount of time and emphasis we put in His word. He compared reading the Bible to a meal, referring to scriptures like Hebrews 5:11 and 1 Peter 2:1-3. He continued by telling us that God will speak to us through His word, but we have to read it. The Bible is a gift to you. It is your meal, a meal that will feed your soul daily. He continued to compare scripture to a meal: When you eat lunch, you feed yourself by going out and getting food. If you're not being fed spiritually, some of the places you can go to find food is to your Church, to your brothers and sisters and to the Bible.

How do you read God's word?

There are many methods and systems to study God's word. Scott proposed the S.O.A.P.S method, which is identical to the method we used to use at Impact. I usually read in small portions, like a chapter or less.

1. Start with Prayer - invite Jesus to be with you

2. Review your previous 24 hours - What are you thinking about? Use a notebook/Journal to write down some of the things that are coming to your mind - even your distractions, so you can ultimately focus on being with the Lord.

3. Use the S.O.A.P.S = Scripture, Observations, Applications, Prayer, Sharing

Scripture - write down a few things that stood out to you
Observations - (don't use words like I, me or my), write down what the writer was trying to say or what you see in the text.
Application - Write down how this scripture applies to your life. You could write "I should..." but this is where God's word becomes transformative. Try writing "I will..."
Prayer - (A.C.T.S adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication)
Sharing - This is where Impact comes in really handy! If you have a table group that is deeply committed to doing a method such as this, you will have the opportunity to share your answer to the question above: What is the Lord doing with you in the word lately?

for references, click here
Scott Simmerock, Church on the Hill, Services 10/12/08 and 3/1/09

Blessings,
Christian
Events
You are strongly encouraged to host an event and make announcements! If you would like to host an event like lead a hike or hold a pie-eating contest, simply fill out the form on our blog:
http://www.impactevents.blogspot.com/
then click "Request Form" under "Request Event or Announcement"

Monday Night Hikes - Next Hike September 27th
Fleet Week Hike to Sausalito - Saturday, October 9th
Details coming soon

Announcements:
From Tim Walters:

As most of you have probably heard, my mom passed away suddenly last Wednesday night. The overflowing love and support that I have been receiving from everyone has been so comforting during this time. Please let everyone know my heartfelt appreciation for each and everyone who has showered us with prayers and thoughtful words of sympathy. I'm so blessed to have such a Community through Impact. I miss everyone and hope they can all come to the memorial service to celebrate with me my mom's life. She was an incredible woman who has touched so many lives in a unique and special way. I'm so blessed to have been her son and have her as my mom.

Below is family's home address and information on the memorial service that you can pass onto the Impact Family or post to the blog:

Memorial Service for Audreanna Walters:
Date: Friday September 17, 2010 at 7:00pm
Location: Bridges Community Church (fka First Baptist Church of Los Altos)
625 Magdalena Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024

Walters Family
10141 Parlett Place
Cupertino, CA 95014

Impact Starts September 9th

2010-09-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Impact will be starting up again this Thursday, September 9th. We'll meet in our normal place at 7:00 PM: 700 Santa Cruz, Menlo Park (around the back of 700 Ace Hardware).

September 9th we'll have a potluck (see below for what to bring) and continue sign-ups for new small groups. We'll also have worship and sharing from Alfred Jude, Nancy Epling and Sara McMinn who would like to share about how the Lord has been working with and through their lives.

You may sign up for a small group right now by sending Christl Kirchner an email:
christlclear@gmail.com

I am sad to report that our dear friend Tim Walters' mom passed away last week. Please keep him in your prayers. There will be a memorial service Friday September 17th at 7:00 PM. I've included Tim's touching letter to the Impact Leadership Team with the details of the memorial service below.

Potluck Schedule (no worries if you are not able to bring an item, please come and have dinner with us)
Potluck Last Name:

A - F Drinks
G - M main or side dish
N - Q fruit or dessert
R - Z Veggies or Salad

Schedule at a Glance

September 9th - Potluck & Worship

September 16th - God is Speaking to You, How Do You Hear Him?

September 23rd - Begin Bible Study - James 1

Announcements:
From Tim Walters:

As most of you have probably heard, my mom passed away suddenly last Wednesday night. The overflowing love and support that I have been receiving from everyone has been so comforting during this time. Please let everyone know my heartfelt appreciation for each and everyone who has showered us with prayers and thoughtful words of sympathy. I'm so blessed to have such a Community through Impact. I miss everyone and hope they can all come to the memorial service to celebrate with me my mom's life. She was an incredible woman who has touched so many lives in a unique and special way. I'm so blessed to have been her son and have her as my mom.

Below is family's home address and information on the memorial service that you can pass onto the Impact Family or post to the blog:

Memorial Service for Audreanna Walters:
Date: Friday September 17, 2010 at 7:00pm
Location: Bridges Community Church (fka First Baptist Church of Los Altos)
625 Magdalena Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024

Walters Family
10141 Parlett Place
Cupertino, CA 95014

Impact Starts September 9th!

2010-08-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Impact will be starting Thursday, September 9th! We'll meet in our normal place at 7:00 PM: 700 Santa Cruz, Menlo Park (around the back of 700 Ace Hardware).

September 9th we'll have a potluck and continue sign-ups for new small groups. We'll also have worship and sharing from a few of our brothers and sisters who would like to share about how the Lord has been working with and through their lives.

You may sign up for a small group right now by sending Christl Kirchner an email:
christlclear@gmail.com
Potluck Schedule (no worries if you are not able to bring an item, come and have dinner with us!)
Potluck Last Name:

A - F Drinks
G - M main or side dish
N - Q fruit or dessert
R - Z Veggies or Salad

--------------------------------------------------
I recently had a chance to go to Nicaragua for a short mission trip. I was struck by the amazing community of brothers and sisters we have there in Chinandega and the Bonetes, and was reminded that we too have an incredibly good community of brothers and sisters. One of the many ways I've been blessed by you is your participation at events. Thank you for that.

Christian

Check out new events here:
http://www.impactevents.blogspot.com/

Impact's Summer Study starts on Tuesday, July 6!

2010-07-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Please come and join members of Impact as we meet at the Open Door Campus in Mountain View on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer months. If you are wanting to grow deeper with Christ and have a chance to connect with others as well as serve the community, this summer program is for you! Newcomers are welcome!

Location: Open Door Church Mountain View (1667 Miramonte Avenue, Mountain View, 94040) in the Fellowship Hall. (Note that Open Door Church Mountain View is located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Mountain View at the corner of Miramonte and Cuesta.) See ODCMV.org for more information about Open Door Church Mountain View.

Time: Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., July 6 - August 24

Sign Up: See below for details on what each of our four groups will be studying. If you are sure that you are coming and know which group you’d like to be a part of, please contact the facilitator before the first meeting to let them know so they can plan accordingly. (The facilitators’ emails are listed below with their group's description.)

If you’re not sure about whether you're coming or which group to join, please feel welcome to just show up on the first night and select a group at that time. For the sake of continuity, people are encouraged to stay in the same group throughout the summer.

NOTE: The study on the topic of "Money" has been canceled for this summer's session. Those of you who expressed an interest in that study are encouraged to consider joining in on one of the other studies below.

Group 1 – Bible Study
Applying God’s word to our daily lives for the purpose of His glory and our transformation

Facilitator: Dave Gutierrez
Email: dbgutierrez@yahoo.com

Details: During the eight weeks of our study we will review and discuss designated Bible passages from both the Old and the New Testaments. Each week an assigned chapter or a set of verses will be reviewed and discussed in effort to learn how we, as individuals, can apply God’s word to our daily lives. The goals and discussion topics of each week’s designated passage will include asking how this Word from God enables us to:

Receive God’s love?
Show our love for God?
Serve God and others today?
Apply it to our daily lives for the purpose of sanctification and transformation?
Dedicate our lives and our actions to God and his glory?
Mature and enable us to grow in Christ in our walk as Christians and children of God?

Study Resources: Bible, commentaries, personal insights

Prepare Ahead: Reading, pondering and praying over the selected passages ahead of time will enhance our discussion time. Week 1, July 6: Philippians 4:4-9 and James 4; Week 2, July 13: Psalm 37.

Group 2 – "I told me so"
Self deception and the Christian Life

Facilitator: Andrea Kwan
Email: andrea.kwan@gmail.com

Details: This group will read and discuss the book, "I told me so" - Self-deception and the Christian Life, by Gregg Ten Elshof, philosophy professor at Biola University. Topics for discussion will include:

How self-deception manifests itself in our lives
Why we engage in it, how it prevents us from experiencing the fullness of the Gospel
What we can do to better manage it

Study Resources: "I told me so" - Self-deception and the Christian Life, by Gregg Ten Elshof, available for $10.20 (new) at Amazon.com.

Prepare Ahead: You are encouraged to purchase the book and read chapter 1 prior to our first meeting.

Group 3 – Spiritual Formation
Insights from history on deepening your relationship with Christ

Facilitator: Gennaro Kukonu
Email: gennaro.j.kukonu@alumni.upenn.edu

Details: The great endeavor of the Christian life is to pursue God simply with the intent of knowing Him. When we simply seek to know Jesus, not for His benefits, but to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we begin to know the infallible character of the mighty God we serve, and to value what is most important to Him. Then, when we share the Lord Jesus with others, we do not come to them with empty religion, but have the authority to testify about the Jesus we already know.

This study will challenge and inspire us to deepen our relationships with Jesus, through a series of brief studies focusing on the insights of spiritual leaders from different eras of history, representative of the great spiritual traditions, which collectively form a balanced Christian life.

July 6: Preparing for the Spiritual Life
July 13: The Prayer Filled Life (Contemplative Tradition)
July 20: The Virtuous Life (The Holiness Tradition)
July 27: The Spirit Empowered Life (The Charismatic Tradition)
August 3: The Compassionate Life (The Social Justice Tradition)
August 10: The Word-Centered Life (The Evangelical Tradition)
August 17: The Sacramental Life (The Incarnational Tradition)

Study Resources: Adapted from Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryant Smith. (Study materials will be provided at each session, and do not require the purchase of a text.)

Prepare Ahead: You are encouraged to pray for our study time together, that God’s Spirit will be present; guiding us as we seek His wisdom for living the abundant life Jesus came to give us.

Group 4 – Servant-hood
Who wants to be a servant, anyway!?

Facilitator: Mark Hanson-Kahn
Email: markhk1@yahoo.com

Details: Most of the time, if we’re honest, we prefer the idea of serving ourselves rather than being a “servant” to someone else. But both our spiritual reality and the reality of much of our daily activity is that we are servants. In the Bible, the word servant or slave is used almost 1,000 times! The concept of “doulos,” or “bond-servant,” is prominent in the Scripture. Jesus spoke of himself as a servant. Paul called himself a servant. The Bible refers often to being God’s servant. In this group we will discuss “Being a Servant as a Way of Life” and will practice this by planning the Carnival for Signs of Hope camp. The eight week syllabus is as follows:

July 6: Introduction - Should we really think of ourselves as slaves?
July 13: Domestic Doormats or Equal Partners? - Servant-hood and your family for single adults
July 20: Self Assertion vs. Humble Servitude - Servant-hood and work
July 27: Giving and Taking: How much and to whom? - Servant-hood and Christian community and friends
Aug 3: To Sacrifice or not to Sacrifice, that is the question! - Servant-hood and mission
Aug 10: How to work with foster kids
Aug 17: Finalization of Signs of Hope Camp Carnival
Wednesday, August 18: Carnival at Signs of Hope Camp
Aug 24: Summer Impact Celebration

Study Resources: Bible. (Study materials will be provided at each session, and do not require the purchase of a text.)

Prepare Ahead: You are encouraged to pray for our time together, that God’s Spirit will be present, guiding us as we seek His empowering presence in our lives, enabling us to follow His example in serving others as He serves us.

We hope to see you there!

Impact Tonight

2010-06-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters! Join us for our final Impact before summer: Impact's End of the Year Celebration tonight, June 10th. We'll have worship, sharing and Appetizers*. If you're a table leader please do not bring anything as we would like to thank you for your service to Impact.

Tables 1-3- Bring Drinks.

Tables 4-7- Bring Appetizers

Tables 8-11 and Open Tables- Bring Desserts

Summer Small Group Topical Series at Open Door Mountain View Campus starts July 6 and runs for eight weeks. Meet together at Open Door Church MV and then split into small group topical studies. Specific information and contact info for the small groups to follow on the blog and shared at Impact this Thursday, June 10th.

Why? Because summer for some is the best time to get together and connect with others, learn through interactive study and apply God's Word in new ways.

When? Tuesdays, July 6th- August 24th. 7pm- 9pm.

Where? Open Door Church in Mountain View. Fellowship Hall, 1667 Miramonte Avenue, Mountain View. ODCMV.org

What? Review the blog for the latest descriptions and contact information of the groups led by members of Impact to be posted later this week. Come to Impact this Thursday to hear from the group facilitators what each group will be doing.
(Christl Kirchner)

Camp Volunteers Needed!

I want to encourage you to volunteer for Help One Child's Signs of Hope kids camp this year. It is a fantastic break in our everyday lives to be a counselor or volunteer at camp. Every time I've participated in this camp I come back with memories of children who had a week that allowed them to be a kid--these children are in deep need of feeling accepted and valued and your time will speak this loudly to them.

Click HERE for more information
Questions? contact Lisa Carlson at lisa@signsofhope.net

Blessings!
Christian

*If a group wants to meet for a quick dinner before Impact, join Anne Taddey AT 5:45: Café Borrones at Menlo Station in Menlo Park before tonight’s Impact meeting.
Manresa Retreat Signups:
http://www.mppc.org/calendar/impact-retreat

-----------------------------------
Impact Events at a Glance
-----------------------------------
Indonesian Satays and South East Asian Cuisine Cooking Class

Dinner for 8! Saturday July 10th

Impact Footprints - Saturday June 12th

Monday Night Hike - June 14th at Rancho - 6PM

Impact Beach Retreat Manresa - Signups have started!

Beach Bonfire - Saturday June 12th - canceled

Paul and Shu's Wedding - Saturday, June 26th

-----------------------------------
MPPC Events
-----------------------------------
Prayer Classes - Sally and Bill Russ

Divorce Recovery-- Boundaries June 1st through July 20th

-----------------------------------
Impact Event Details
-----------------------------------
Monday Night Hike - June 14th at Rancho - 6PM

You are invited to join us for Monday night hiking (Every Other Monday) throughout the summer at Rancho San Antonio. Hikes will be a few miles long, nothing treacherous, and we’ll be back by dusk. Be at least a few minutes early – parking can sometimes be a bit tight in there. Carpooling is recommended. Meet Alisa by the restrooms/drinking fountain.alisadietz@yahoo.com

Contact Alisa for more information:

----------------------------------
Dinner for 8! Saturday July 10th

Hi Ya's! You are invited to a summer table for 8 in Adah's new location! A lovely cottage just mere blocks from her previous lovely cottage.

When? Saturday 10 July at $35 per head

Where? 590 Latham St, Mountain View. Ca 94041

If you're interested, RSVP to Adah Lee:
doodah65@juno.com or call (650) 988-8959
---------------------------------

"Indonesian Satays and South East Asian Cuisine Cooking Class"

This is it, gang! You're opportunity to learn how to cook Tine Lo's famous satays and South East Asian cuisine! If you're interested, contact Tine Lo and she'll give you the details.

Summer Cooking Class will be held on:

Sunday June 27 at 2:00PM

Saturday July 24 at 2:00PM

Please contact Tine Lo, ph# (408) 826-1040 or email: tinelo@hotmail.com

---------------------------------
Impact Footprints - Saturday June 12th (morning)

Impact Footprints will meet at 8.45am at Shoreline this Saturday. You are welcome to join us.
Details: Mark HK (650-996-7141: pls note my new phone no)

------------------------------------
Paul and Shu's Wedding (Saturday, June 26th)

Everyone is invited to attend Paul and Shu's wedding ceremony to be held at MPPC on Saturday, June 26th, 2010 from 12:30pm - 3pm. Light reception at the church will follow immediately after the ceremony. Feel free to rsvp for refreshment planning purposes:

Official Wedding Site
Facebook Event

------------------------------------
Manresa Beach Reatreat - August 27th-29th

Sign ups have begun

You are invited to Impact's annual Beach Retreat! If you haven't experienced one of our famous beach retreats, don't miss out this year! We'll have food, fun at the beach, hikes and amazing fellowship with friends. Please sign up as soon as you can!

Sign Up:

Either sign up through Impact's website at
http://www.mppc.org/connect/impact

or directly at
http://www.mppc.org/calendar/impact-retreat
When? August 27th - 29th
Where? Manresa State Beach

What to bring? Detailed List coming soon - Sleeping bag, tent, stove

Carpool Arrangements:
Because parking is limited, everyone must carpool to the retreat:
Before August 13th

Contact Michelle Brown:
michellebrown2005@sbcglobal.net
After August 13th
Contact Cindy Cooley
cindycooley@gmail.com
-----------------------------------
MPPC Events Details
-----------------------------------
Prayer Classes

If you would like more help with learning to hear God speak, Sally and Bill Russ will hold a one night class for 10-14 people on a weekday evening of your choice at their home near the church from 6:45-9pm. For more information contact Sally Russ at s.russ@sbcglobal.net

-----------------------------------
Divorce Recovery -- A ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

presents Boundaries: An eight week video series by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Monday Evenings, 7 p.m., Garden Court at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, June 1st through July 20th
In this seminar series you will learn:

• What boundaries are,

• Why you need boundaries,

• How to get others and yourself to recognize and respect your boundaries,

• When to say yes,

• When to say no,

• How to take control of your life,

• And how to do all this from a Christ-centered perspective.

You don’t have to be in the process of a divorce to participate in this seminar series, but only interested in having better, more Christ-like relationships. Come and bring a friend. No registration, no cost, just drop-in.

Monte Fisher
Coordinator, Care and Recovery Project
Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
650-323-8659

Signs of Hope Camp 2010

2010-06-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Opportunities to Serve and Support foster children at Help One Child's Signs of Hope Camp 2010

Signs of Hope Camp is a one-week residential summer camp, August 15th-20th, ministering to foster children ages 7-12 from San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties and the surrounding areas. Our camp extends Christian love and care, with adults modeling a positive way of life as an alternative to many of the negative situations which foster children have faced. This year, SOHC will partner with Mount Hermon’s Redwood Camp, utilizing their experience and facilities to help us provide a camp environment where the children Signs of Hope Camp serves can thrive and flourish. Each counselors is responsible for just 3 campers, allowing the campers to receive plenty of individual attention from compassionate and supportive adults.

How can one week make a difference?
We offer them a healthy dose of HOPE. Hope that they can triumph over their past, have victory over their circumstances and look forward to their future. We impart to them that they are a wonderfully-made treasure...uniquely GIFTED, exceedingly CAPABLE, absolutely VALUABLE and truly LOVABLE!

How can you make a difference?
• Serve for the week of August 15th at camp. Volunteers are still needed to fill the Breakfast Club Leader, Counselor, Crew Member roles. Each counselor position filled means 3 more campers can come to camp!

• Serve one evening at the SOHC carnival on Wednesday, August 18th. Volunteers are needed to set up, run each carnival station and clean up afterward.

• Support the camp financially. The camp is free to the foster children we serve, but the cost for Signs of Hope is $350 per child. Consider sponsoring all or part of a child week at camp or think about doing a fundraiser! You can donate online at the website below or mail at check to Help One Child. ***Please note in the comments section online or note on your check that you heard about the camp via Impact!!!

• Support the camp with prayer. SOHC volunteers and campers desperately need your prayers before and during the week of camp! As a member of the prayer team you will receive a weekly prayer focus via email.

For more information contact Lisa Carlson, Camp Director at (650) 995-6202 or lisa@helponechild.org or check out the Signs of Hope website at www.signsofhope.helponechild.org

Lisa Carlson
Camp Director
Signs of Hope Camp
A ministry of Help One Child
650-995-6202 (cell)

Impact Tonight, June 3rd

2010-06-03T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hello Impacters! I am pleased to announce that tonight we have Sally Russ speaking on faith! Also, just a reminder to sign up for the Impact Beach Retreat at Manresa if you haven't already. Our retreat will start Friday August 27th and go through Sunday the 29th (see details below).

Manresa Retreat Signups:
http://www.mppc.org/calendar/impact-retreat

Blessings!
Christian

-----------------------------------
Impact Events at a Glance
-----------------------------------
Impact Footprints - Saturday June 5th

Hike - Saturday June 5th
People's Court - Friday June 4th

Impact Beach Retreat Manresa - Signups have started!

Beach Bonfire - Saturday June 12th - details coming soon!

Paul and Shu's Wedding (June 26, 2010)

Yard Sale at Adah's - June 4th - 6th.

-----------------------------------
MPPC Events
-----------------------------------
Divorce Recovery-- Boundaries June 1st through July 20th

Parent's Night Out - A Night of Respite for Foster Parents - June 5th
-----------------------------------
Impact Event Details
-----------------------------------
Impact Footprints - Saturday June 5th (morning)

change of plan for Impact Footprints:

Impact Footprints will meet at 8.45am at Shoreline this Saturday. You are welcome to join us.
Details: Mark HK (650-996-7141: pls note my new phone no)

-----------------------------------
Hiking This Saturday, June 5th
Details: Hiking at Tenessee Valley in Marin (just over the Golden Gate Bridge)

When: Saturday, June 5, 9:30am
Carpool meeting place: meet at the Park and Ride off of 280 and Page Mill Road (Los Altos)
What to bring: Bring your lunch, water, suncreen and hat.

Questions? Email Cindy at cindycooley@gmail.com or call 415-999-6520

-----------------------------------
People's Court - Friday June 4th

People's Court:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123992200966060

What? Join us for "People's Court"!
Whether you are USTA 4.5 or just learning the difference between Penn #3 vs. #5 balls, come out and smack some felt with us. This is tennis for the masses - meaning all skill levels are welcome, including complete beginners. If you don't even own a racquet, we'll have extra ones for you. Invite anyone you like. If you get lost, call Paul at 408-568-1217.

When? This Friday, June 4 starting at 5:30pm

Where? Rengstorff Park.

------------------------------------
Paul and Shu's Wedding (June 26, 2010)

Paul and Shu are opening up their wedding ceremony at MPPC on June 26, 2010 from 12:30pm-3pm to all of us as we are a part of their community. They will be hosting a light reception at the church after the ceremony. Please rsvp if you plan to attend:

http://www.paulandshu.info/
------------------------------------
Manresa Beach Reatreat - August 27th-29th
Sign ups have begun

You are invited to Impact's annual Beach Retreat! If you haven't experienced one of our famous beach retreats, don't miss out this year! We'll have food, fun at the beach, hikes and amazing fellowship with friends. Please sign up as soon as you can!

Sign Up:
Either sign up through Impact's website at
http://www.mppc.org/connect/impact

or directly at

http://www.mppc.org/calendar/impact-retreat
When? August 27th - 29th

Where? Manresa State Beach

What to bring? Detailed List coming soon - Sleeping bag, tent, stove

Carpool Arrangements:

Because parking is limited, everyone must carpool to the retreat:
Before August 13th
Contact Michelle Brown:
michellebrown2005@sbcglobal.net

After August 13th
Contact Cindy Cooley

-----------------------------------
MPPC Events Details
-----------------------------------

Parent's Night Out - A Night of Respite for Foster Parents

Saturday, June 5, 4:15-9:00 p.m.

On Saturday, June 5, we will partner with Help One Child, a local ministry to foster and foster-adopt families, to provide a fun evening for foster children so their parents can have a night of respite. This is wonderful way to make a difference for families who are dedicated to serving foster children.

Opportunities to volunteer include:

Set up of tables and chairs in Fellowship Hall
Registration check-in for parents and volunteers
Crafts with the children (project instructions and materials provided)
Playing games with the children (games provided)
Leading the children through the events and sitting with them at dinner
Serving dinner to the children and volunteers
Help with clean-up
Some volunteer positions only require an hour and half of time (such as set-up, registration, serving dinner, or clean-up). For new volunteers, there is an optional one-hour training session on Tuesday, May 25 at ODCMV. To volunteer,

contact Bonnie Clark at bonnclark@yahoo.com

-----------------------------------

Divorce Recovery -- A ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
presents Boundaries: An eight week video series by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Monday Evenings, 7 p.m., Garden Court at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, June 1st through July 20th

In this seminar series you will learn:

• What boundaries are,

• Why you need boundaries,

• How to get others and yourself to recognize and respect your boundaries,

• When to say yes,

• When to say no,

• How to take control of your life,

• And how to do all this from a Christ-centered perspective.

You don’t have to be in the process of a divorce to participate in this seminar series, but only interested in having

better, more Christ-like relationships. Come and bring a friend. No registration, no cost, just drop-in.

Monte Fisher

Coordinator, Care and Recovery Project

Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

650-323-8659

------------------------------------
Bulletin
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Yard Sale at Adah's: June 4th, 5th and 6th

Adah is having a yard sale: 8am-4pm, Fri, Sat, Sun (June 4nd-6th)

Support Adah by helping her sell 14 years of accumulated treasure. 1590 Latham St, Mountain View.

Impact Thursday May 27th

2010-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Impacters! This Thursday we'll be studying the last chapter in Romans, Romans 16. Please read the chapter and review the questions below.

Romans 16
Greetings And Lessons

1. List the characteristics Paul felt noteworthy when describing the people the Romans were to greet. How many of these characteristics do you possess?

2. What does Paul say about divisive and deceptive Christians? How are you supposed to treat them?

3. What does it mean to be wise about what is good but innocent about what is evil? How would you apply this to your own life?

Summary Romans

4. What is the most significant verse or passage from the book of Romans in your life? Share this with your group and explain why?

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact Email Contents

2010-05-20T00:22:00.001-07:00

Impact will meet this Thursday to study Romans 15! Please read the chapter and study the questions on the blog. I look forward to seeing you there!

Questions are here

Blessings,
Christian

Impact's summer program

June 10th is our last Impact meeting until the Fall. The core leadership team will take a break from leading during this time. However, if you have a passion to continue to meet we have access to Mountain View Open Door campus on Tuesday nights and can continue to meet during the summer months. In order to do so we will need a team of four to six people to plan and organize this time which will most likely start the first week in July and run through August. We are interested in helping this team get started but then will leave the responsibility for running the program with them. If you are interested in helping organize this time please email christlclear@gmail.com or call her at 650-968-4266. Otherwise, we will continue to have informal gatherings announced through email but no formal meetings on Thursday nights until the Fall.

-----------------------------------
MPPC Events
-----------------------------------
Divorce Recovery-- Boundaries June 1st through July 20th

Parent's Night Out - A Night of Respite for Foster Parents - June 5th

-----------------------------------
Impact Events at a Glance
-----------------------------------
Impact Footprints - different location this week

Impact Prayer Night - Friday May 21st

Monterey Kayak Trip - May 22nd

Homeless Outreach, Saturday May 29th (evening)

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MPPC Events Details
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Parent's Night Out - A Night of Respite for Foster Parents
Saturday, June 5, 4:15-9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, June 5, we will partner with Help One Child, a local ministry to foster and foster-adopt families, to provide a fun evening for foster children so their parents can have a night of respite. This is wonderful way to make a difference for families who are dedicated to serving foster children.

Opportunities to volunteer include:

Set up of tables and chairs in Fellowship Hall
Registration check-in for parents and volunteers
Crafts with the children (project instructions and materials provided)
Playing games with the children (games provided)
Leading the children through the events and sitting with them at dinner
Serving dinner to the children and volunteers
Help with clean-up

Some volunteer positions only require an hour and half of time (such as set-up, registration, serving dinner, or clean-up). For new volunteers, there is an optional one-hour training session on Tuesday, May 25 at ODCMV. To volunteer, contact Bonnie Clark at bonnclark@yahoo.com

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Divorce Recovery -- A ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
presents Boundaries

An eight week video series by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Monday Evenings, 7 p.m., Garden Court at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, June 1st through July 20th

In this seminar series you will learn:

• What boundaries are,

• Why you need boundaries,

• How to get others and yourself to recognize and respect your boundaries,

• When to say yes,

• When to say no,

• How to take control of your life,

• And how to do all this from a Christ-centered perspective.

You don’t have to be in the process of a divorce to participate in this seminar series, but only interested in having better, more Christ-like relationships. Come and bring a friend. No registration, no cost, just drop-in.

Monte Fisher
Coordinator, Care and Recovery Project
Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
650-323-8659

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Impact Event Details
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Impact Footprints - Saturday May 15th

Footprints will run this (and every) Saturday, meeting at 8.45 am.
This Saturday we will not be at Shoreline but will run a trail in San Jose.
Pls email/phone Mark for details: 404-406-5054.

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Impact Prayer Night, Friday May 21st

Grant Kim will be leading a prayer time for Impact at Christl's this Friday from 7-10pm
All are welcome.

If you need the address or directions to Christl's place in Mountain View please email her at christlclear@gmail.com or call at 650-968-4266.

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Monterey Kayak Trip - May 22nd

RSVP To Lisa if you haven't already!
lisa.cochrum@sbcglobal.net

For beginners and experienced kayakers alike!
Leaving Kohl's parking lot (Hwy 17/880 & Hamilton) at 9:00

Kayaking between 11:00-1:00
Lunch in downtown Monterey
open deck kayaks (sit on top- not closed- no skirt)
$30- includes all equipment (wet suit, paddle jacket and kayak)
Single, double and triple kayaks available (you can figure out who to share the larger ones with before signing up or contact Lisa & she can arrange this)

If interested please resister & pay on the Monterey Bay Kayak website:
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/

"Go Kayaking," "rentals," scroll down to "open deck kayak/sit-on-tops" & make a reservation inMonterey Bay, Then send Lisa an email so she can add you to the group list.
A list of what to bring is also shown on this page
SIGN UPS were to originally close MAY 17th, but you may still have time. Who knows.

Any questions, contact Lisa Cochrum: lisa.cochrum@sbcglobal.net

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Homeless Outreach, Saturday May 29th (evening)

You are invited to participate in the next homeless outreach in San Francisco. We will meet at the commuter lot at the intersection of Page Mill and 280 at 4:30 pm and together travel up to Haight Street in San Francisco.

For this outreach we'll participate in an outdoor worship event and give out pizza and socks. If you'd like to donate new socks or a sleeping bag that would be great!

We will drive as a group to Haight Street in San Francisco.

Questions: Call Grant Kim 650-520-0879 or email grant@freedominchrist.name

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Bulletin
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1. (Female)

Available starting in early June 2010

I am a christian professional female working in high tech in Silicon Valley, and I'm looking for a christian female housemate to share a 2 bed / 2 bath condominium in Santa Clara. Professional, single female preferred. No pets, smoking or drugs.

I live in Mission Terrace which is located in the nice & quiet Rivermark area of Santa Clara off 101 and 237. It is at a short distance to Great America, Intel, Cisco, and Yahoo, Rivermark Shopping Center and Mercado AMC movie theater, Lake Santa Clara Drive / Agnew next to Baylands / San Tomas Aquino bicycle trail for walking or jogging. About 10 minutes from Great mall and Santana Row/Valley Fair mall.

About the Place:

- full private bedroom
- spacious walking closet- private bathroom

- washer and dryer in the house
- appliances included
- clean & furnished house- parking spot in gated parking garage

As a resident of Mission Terrace, you will also have access to the following complex facilities:
-fitness center
-heated pool and spa
-meeting room
-cabana area
-tot lot area
Rent: $900 / month + utilities
If interested, contact Marie Eyoum @ 510-684-3087

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2. (Female)

Many of you are aware about the intentional community that formed earlier this year in East Palo Alto (EPA). It is a group of us--including myself [Seth], a few other people from Highway (Mark, Guyhee, Gaby) and Sarah, our friend who is on staff at another church in Palo Alto--living together in a house in EPA. We're now looking for another housemate to join our community because Gaby will be leaving us at the end of June to move to New Zealand!

Details:
We're looking for a female to share the master bedroom/bath with Sarah.
Ideally, the new housemate would be able to move in at the beginning of July and commit for a year.
Rent is $425/mo.; we also have a monthly contribution to a common purse (for food, utilities, etc.) of $100 each (this amount may change somewhat in the future...we're still figuring it out!)

A few words about our intentional community:
We are *intentional* about sharing in a common life together.
This means we have weekly house meetings, share meals and economic resources with each other.

We are *intentional* about growing spiritually.
This means we commit to practicing certain spiritual disciplines and we support/encourage each other in them.

We are *intentional* about developing relationships with the people of EPA.
This means we take time to learn what life is like for our neighbors, and reach out to them, so that their concerns become our own.

This is a great opportunity for you, or anyone you know, to be a part of group committed to loving the people of an under-resourced community like EPA.

If you are interested or have any questions, please reply to this email!

"Seth Dickson" , seth@highway.org

Impact, Thursday May 20th

2010-05-19T23:57:00.001-07:00

Impact will study Romans 15 this Thursday. Please read the chapter and review the following questions:

Return to Email Contents
Bearing With The Weak, Romans Chapter 15:1-13:

1. What does it mean to be weak here in these verses? Hint: The first six verses here are actually a continuation of Chapter 14. Paul is not talking about weakness in general.

2. What do you feel Paul means to bear with the failings of the weak? What ways do you feel your Christian fellowship could do better at this?

3. Do we accept any behavior from our neighbor? Where do we draw the line? If there is a line, what happens when that line is crossed?

4. How do you feel Christ became a servant of the Jews?

Paul's Ministry Plans, Romans Chapter 15:14-33:

1. What do you feel was Paul's mission in Christ?

2. This chapter and the last deal with unity and division in the church. Why is unity important?

3. The issue of homosexuality is a divisive issue in our churches. Today we will not discuss homosexuality itself, but how we deal with division. If Paul were with us today, how do you think he would address the issues that divide our churches and our country?

4. Why do you feel Paul cited the signs and miracles as a credential to the Roman Christians?

5. Paul intends to go to Spain, but his plans are thwarted. What does Paul do when his plans are changed?

6. Why would Christians in Macedonia owe support to Christians in Jerusalem? Are there any modern parallels today?

7. How can praying for someone be joining them in their struggle?

Click here Return to Email Contents

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact May 13th

2010-05-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Impact will meet this Thursday to study Romans 14. Scott Palmbush will be our guest speaker this week! Please read the chapter and study the questions below.

Romans Chapter 14
Law Of Liberty, Romans Chapter 14:1-12:
1. In your opinion, how should we treat Christians with weak faith?

2. For a Christian, what matters do you feel Paul regards as indisputable?

3. How does Paul say we are to treat Christians who disagree with us on disputable matters?

4. Paul describes a liberty in Christian life denied by many Christians, even today. Paul uses dietary rules and the Sabbath as examples where faithful Christians can differ in their walk with God, yet remain brothers obedient to Christ. What are some examples you see as disputable in today's Christian practices?

5. Can you think of ways Christians today judge and look down on other Christians of different practices?

6. Describe some ways in which you have looked down on other Christians for their practices? I'll get you started by sharing one of my own. I used to judge people who claimed to be Christian but didn't attend a church.

Law Of Love, Romans Chapter 14:13-23:
1. In the first half of the chapter, Paul described a liberty we have in Christ that many still fail to recognize. Why do you feel Paul is telling us to restrict that liberty in verse 13?

2. Give some examples of how verse 14 defines sin.

3. How would you apply Paul's idea that sin is in the eye of the beholder to specific situations in your fellowship with other Christians? In your relationship with God? Drinking alcohol? Tithing? Church attendance? Attire? Cussing? Dancing?

4. Having sin be relative leaves much responsibility for sound judgment with each Christian. Will this make us more or less dependent on an active relationship with God? Explain!

5. Apply Paul's Law of Love, to not do anything that makes a Christian brother stumble and question God, to the following example:

Your Christian brother believes drinking an alcoholic beverage is a sin...you believe it is no sin, and can cite Biblical references proving your position, answer each question and then explain your answer:
a. Would you try to prove that your brother was wrong by showing him the Scriptures on the matter?
b. Would you dismiss his concern as the actions of someone with weak faith?"
c. Would you use real wine in communion?
d. Would you drink a beer in front of him at a fellowship dinner?
e. Would you continue to drink in your own home when this brother is not around?

6. What do you feel Paul means by verse 23? Apply it to issues in your own life.

Impact Thursday April 29th

2010-04-29T07:50:00.001-07:00

This week Impact will continue studying Romans with Romans 13. Please read the chapter and review the discussion questions below.

Romans 13 Study Questions

Read verses 1-7.

1. To what governing authorities is Paul referring in verses 1-2? Are these religious
authorities, civic authorities, or both? Why does Paul command believers to obey
authority? Consider I Tim 2:1-2, I Peter 2:13-17.

2. Consider Gen 1:28, I Cor 14:33, and I Cor 11. How might these passages relate
to the teachings in Romans 13?

3. Read Acts 23:1-5. What does Paul do in this instance? Is he holding to the standards
he later lays out in Romans 13:1-7?

4. Consider Romans 13:5. How would our behavior differ if we acted based on our conscience
rather than based on potential consequences?

5. How should a Christian respond when he/she disagrees significantly with the policies of a
government, or when that government is corrupt and/or dysfunctional? Do Paul's instructions
in this chapter apply to such governments? Why or why not?

6. What do you think would have been Paul's personal view of the Roman government based
on his own experiences? Would he have seen it as a just or unjust institution?

Read verses 8-14

7. In verse 8, what does it mean to owe nothing to any man?

8. In verse 14, what does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ?

Impact Thursday April 22nd

2010-04-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Impact! This week we will continue our study in Romans with Romans 12. Gary Sumner will return to speak to us about Romans 12 after we study the following questions.

Romans Chapter 12

Living Sacrifices, Romans Chapter 12:1-8:
1. What is "therefore" there for?

2. According to Paul, why should we present our bodies as living sacrifices?

3. What do you feel it means to do this?

4. When Paul says, "renewing of your mind," what do you feel Paul means?

5. Why do you feel renewing your mind is necessary before you can know God's will?

6. In verse 3, Paul tells us how to think of ourselves. What role does faith play in how you should think of yourself?

7. Think of Paul's analogy of the body. What are some examples you've seen of one part of the "body" not doing it's part? What are some examples of one part doing the job of another part? Have you ever seen one part try to say how another part should function? What is your part? Are you doing it?

8. Verses 6-8 have been described as "ministry gifts". Why do you feel these gifts would be less desired and preached about than the other Spiritual gifts (see I Cor 12)?

9. How do you feel each of these gifts serves and builds the "body"?

Living Love, Romans Chapter 12:9-21:
1. What do you feel it means to honor one another above yourselves?

2. What are some examples you've seen of Christians practicing hospitality? What are some ways you did it?

3. What are some examples you've seen of people following verse 15? What are some examples of Christians doing the opposite? Which do you find yourself doing most often?

4. How do you feel you could do what is right in the eyes of everyone?

5. Take verses 17-19 and blend them into one sentence in your words, with no contradictions.

6. What are some ways you see evil being overcome with good in the world, in your church or home group, in your family, in your actions?

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact Thursday April 15th

2010-04-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

We will resume our study of Romans with Romans 11 on April 15th. We'll meet at our usual location at 700 Santa Cruz Blvd, Menlo Park.

Discussion Questions:

Romans Chapter 11
The Remnant Of Israel, Romans Chapter 11:1-19:
1. By now, you know the history, how Israel rejected Jesus, so, do you feel Paul is writing about people of the Jewish faith, when he refers to a "remnant?"

2. What do you feel Paul means in saying this remnant is chosen by grace?

3. What do you think it means to be hardened by God?

4. Can you think of times in Jesus' life when He confronted "hardened" people?

5. If people were hardened by God, do you feel they are responsible for their actions? Why/why not?

6. How do you think Israel's transgression brought salvation to the Gentiles?

7. What does the olive root represent in Paul's example?

8. Have you ever known someone who "boasted" about their salvation? Have you boasted?

God's Kindness and Israel's Future, Romans Chapter 11:20-36:
1. Why do you feel Paul is telling boastful Christians to be afraid?

2. Paul is talking about God's kindness to we who were "grafted" into His family. What do you feel he means by saying, "if you continue in His kindness?"

3. If we were to live in His kindness, how would we feel about those who have not yet been grafted in? How would we feel about the branches who have been "broken" off?

4. Considering how often Paul is warning against Christian boasting, arrogance and conceit, do you feel God is trying to tell us something? What are some examples you've seen of this kind of behavior by Christians, or by Christians "leaders?"

5. According to Paul, Israel's branches were "broken off" because of unbelief, claiming to have earned the gift of God by their behavior. How is Christian boasting similar? How is it different?

6. By saying, "God's gifts and His call are irrevocable," who is Paul writing about? What does Paul mean with the words gifts and call?

7. If, as some claim, God's gifts and call are irrevocable to Christians, how would you reconcile this with Jesus' parable of the talents?

8. List the differences and similarities between Christians and Jews in Romans chapter 11.

Impact Thursday February 11th

2010-02-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

Impact will meet this Thursday to study Romans Chapter 10. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Paul continues to proclaim the Good News that we are saved by faith through Jesus Christ. It is in our mouths and hearts: we confess that God raised Jesus from the dead and believe this with our hearts--we are saved. Jesus is our savior and we all have feet to proclaim this good news to everyone. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Please read Romans 10 and review the questions below.

Discussion Questions:

Romans 10:1-4
1.Describe in your own words why the Israelites (Paul's fellow Jews) were "missing the boat" when it came to saving faith?

2.Do you think God accepts people of non-Christian faiths because He sees they are zealous, sincere, deeply committed, and worship God according to what they believe? Defend your answer.
Romans 10:5-15
3. Describe the contrast Paul set up in v5-8 between what is required to obtain law righteousness as compared to faith righteousness.

4.Explain what each of the following phrases means to you:
     a. Confess with your mouth
     b. Believe in your heart
     c. Jesus is Lord

5.How do the promises in v11-13 speak to you?

6.From v14 &15 what steps are essential for a person to be able to call upon the Lord?What part are you playing in this chain of events that enables a lost person to know how he or she can be saved?

Romans 10:16-21
9.Describe Israel's fault in her unbelief from these verses.

10.What do you learn about God's heart from the final verse of this chapter?

Impact Thursday Feb. 5th

2010-02-04T08:46:00.001-08:00

Tonight at Impact we will study Romans Chapter 9. Please read the chapter. Questions will be provided at Impact.

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Impact Thursday January 28th

2010-01-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

Impact meets this Thursday--we will break from our normal study of Romans to hear three groups of speakers share about how the Lord is working in their lives: Shu and Paul, Felix, and Dick Desautel. Come and join us to hear their stories!

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Impact Thursday January 21st

2010-01-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

Impact will study the second half of Romans 8:18-39 this week on Thursday, January 21st. Please read the chapter and review the questions below.
Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Discussion Questions
1.) Why is creation subjected to frustration? How does verse 21 (“bondage to decay”) help you understand this? What does it mean in your life personally when creation is frustrated?

2.) What does it mean to have the first fruits of the Spirit?

3.) In verse 23, there is a strong emphasis in the original language on “we ourselves.” The verb “wait eagerly” is repeated from verse 19; the verb “groan” is repeated from verse 22. What was “groaning” and “waiting eagerly” in the earlier verses? How is our groaning and waiting similar? How is it different? Describe ways in which you've experienced the Spirit interceding for you with groans words cannot express?

4.) Do bad things happen to those who love God? Why and how is God working for good? What are some ways you've experienced God taking something bad and working it for the good?

5.) What is the “No” in verse 37 referring to?

6.) Do you think Christians are supposed to experience victory on earth? Have you experienced victory in your life? What are some examples of victory in your life?

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact Thrusday January 14th

2010-01-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

This week Impact will be studying the first half of Romans. Please read Romans 8:1-17 and review the questions below. Also, I'd like to encourage you to continue doing daily pages (SOAP pages). If you're feeling like you haven't been hearing from the Lord lately but you are earnestly seeking to know His will and His path, reading the scriptures daily and reflecting upon what you've read and upon your own life while centered upon the Lord in some way is one almost sure way to hear from the Lord. SOAP pages may not be the best plan for submerging into this time of centering, but for me SOAP pages are certainly better than my other plan, which was no plan at all.

One thing that may help is to do your SOAP pages in a nice notebook, but if you prefer the handouts or would like a copy of the format to transfer to your notebook, click here.

One more word about SOAP pages: I am continually asking God for guidance but I've been feeling spiritually dry, aimless and out of touch with Him. I wasn't reading the scriptures daily and certainly not centering myself daily upon the Lord. I have felt convicted for not reading the scriptures daily but after starting on a 1.5 chapter a day plan, I have felt some of my deepest thirsts quenched because I am more likely to turn to Him for help rather than my own ways: His living water is freely available and tremendously satisfying.

Jeremiah 2:13
"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

John 7:37-38
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

Click here for Reading Plans or you may email me for the reading plan I'm using, which is a two year plan mixing Old and New Testament scriptures: christian@cjmillerengineering.com

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Note that Romans 8 is the longest chapter and we will be breaking it into 2 pieces. The second half will occur next week.

Discussion Questions
Who Are The Sons Of God, Romans Chapter 8:1-17:

1.) The word guilt has two meanings. It can mean the feeling or emotion of guilt. It can also mean an objective legal status. Describe what it feels to be guilty. Define the word, guilty, in objective legal terms. Do the same for the word condemn: Describe what it feels to be condemned. Define the word, condemned, in objective legal terms. Do the same for the word forgive. Do the same for the word free.

2.) Does this mean that, even if Christians sin, we will not be condemned? Why/why not?

3.) What do you feel Paul means in verse 5 by having our "minds set?"

4.) Do you feel it is our mind set or our action that is the deciding factor? Explain.

5.) It is possible for somebody to be not guilty in the legal sense, but still feel guilty. Why do you think this happens? Is the feeling of guilt ever a good thing?

6.) In your own words, how does Paul's testimony of himself and analysis of the Christian experience help us in our walk today? Are there areas in which you feel guilty or condemned?

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact Resumes Thursday January 7th!

2010-01-05T10:20:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year! Impact will start again this Thursday and we will be studying Romans Chapter 7. Please read the chapter and review the questions below.

The Law Of Sin And Death, Romans Chapter 7:1-13:
1. What do you feel Paul meant when he said the Law is only over us while we live?

2. How is it that we "died to the Law?"

3. What does Paul mean by "sinful nature?"

4. Give some examples of how a law can arouse sinful passions.

5. Do you feel Paul is saying we are no longer bound by the Law? Why/why not?

6. How does this section of Scripture compare with what you've been told about Christians obeying the Law (10 commandments, etc)?

7. Do you feel Paul is saying the Law brought about sin? Why/why not?

8. In your own words, say what you feel Paul believes is the purpose of the law.

Who Will Rescue Me, Romans Chapter 7:14-25:
1. Compare vs 14-15 with I John 1:8 and Acts 15:5-19.
a. What do you feel Paul, John, James and Peter believed concerning Christians and sin?
b. How is this different from what you've been told about Christian behavior?
c. What do you feel Paul, John, James and Peter believed concerning salvation?

2. Was Paul admitting he couldn't avoid sinning? Why/why not?

3. How does this compare with what you've heard about the Apostles?

4. Name as many Biblical leaders as you can that the Bible says did not sin.

5. If your list has more than one name on it, please share with us your Scripture reference.

6. How is it that sin can still live in someone who belongs to Jesus?

7. Explain the difference between the inner being and the members of the body?

8. Describe some situations in which your inner being and your body are at war.

9. In your own words, state who it is that saves us from this body of death and explain how He has done it.

Ring in the New Year with Impact!

2009-12-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Who?
You and your friends. Please invite others to join us. The more the merrier!

What?
Join us for Dinner, Worship, Dancing and Fellowship

When ?
New Year's Eve

Thursday, December 31st
Doors Open at 7:30pm
Dinner 8pm
Party till 1:00am

Where?
Open Door Church Mountain View
(at The First Presbyterian Church
on the corner of Cuesta and Miramonte)
1667 Miramonte Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94040

Why?
It will be the best party ever! (Well...better than watching the ball drop on TV.)

How? {This is the important part!}
Tickets are $25 and RSVP is required by Dec. 26th

RSVP to impact2010party@yahoo.com
You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

Please be aware since MPPC / Impact is unable to cover the party's cost your RSVP is a commitment to pay $25 whether or not you are able to attend!

Payment will be taken at the door in the form of CASH or CHECK (made out to MPPC). Sorry...credit card payment is not available.

If you are unable to join us for dinner, please join us after 9:30pm. Entry after 9:30pm is just $10.

Please include a piece of trivia about yourself with your RSVP. e.g., I have a large pet rock collection, or I was a competitve tap dancer in junior high school.

Questions? Want to Help?
Contact Lisa Carlson at impact2010party@yahoo.com

Help is still needed for set up and tear down!

*SLIDE SHOW PHOTOS NEEDED*

Michelle Brown has graciously agreed to put together a slide show for us. Please send your high quality photos to Michelle at michellebrown2005@sbcglobal.net as soon as possible!

Christmas Celebration - December 17th

2009-12-15T22:31:00.001-08:00

Come and celebrate Christmas with us this Thursday at Impact! We'll have a great potluck with singing and sharing. And! We'll have open seating and share what we're thankful for or how we've been an impact or how we have been impacted this year. Be thinking of things you're thankful for!

Potluck Last Name:
A - F Drinks
G - M main or side dish
N - Q fruit or dessert
R - Z Veggies or Salad

Also, if you are interested in helping with the New Year's Eve party, in any way but specifically with a slide show, send us a message at:

impact2010party@yahoo.com

Impact Thursday December 10th

2009-12-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Impact will be meeting this Thursday, December 10th, to study Romans 6. Please read the chapter and review the questions below.

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Discussion Questions
Alive In Christ, Romans Chapter 6:1-14:

1. What do you feel it means to be baptized into His death? How do these Scriptures relate to what you've been taught about baptism?

2. What do you feel Paul means by our "old self' being "crucified" with Christ?

3. Describe "dead to sin" "alive to God."

4. What does it mean to be an instrument of righteousness?

Slaves To Righteousness, Romans Chapter 6:15-22:

1. Since we are not under law, does that mean we're free to live in lawlessness? Explain!

2. Describe what the phrase "slave to sin" means to you. Describe what the phrase "slave to righteousness" means to you.

3. Paul refers to things we offered our bodies to, we are now ashamed of. What are some things you did in the past that now you are ashamed of?

4. What benefits did you think you would receive by doing those things? What benefits did you actually receive?

5. Try to list the benefits you have and will reap from being a slave to righteousness.

Doctrine Of Salvation, Romans Chapter 6:23:

1. What are wages and what do you have to do to get them?

2. What is sin?

3. What is death?

4. What is a gift and what do you have to do to get it?

5. How does Jesus Christ make it possible for us to receive the gift of eternal life?

6. What are some reasons why people don't want to accept the gift of eternal life immediately?

In this one verse, Paul sums up the entire doctrine of salvation and powerfully concludes the first 6 chapters of Romans. The above questions about this verse are a simple way to share Jesus if someone shows interest in knowing about your faith. Remember 3 things about sharing Jesus: Your motivation and life should reflect His love for them. If the Holy Spirit is in it, you won't need to convince them of anything. If they are not ready, you have not done anything wrong. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase.

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact December 3rd

2009-11-30T16:17:00.000-08:00

Impact will be meeting this Thursday, December 3rd, to study Romans 5. Please read the chapter and review the questions below.

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Study Questions
While We Were Sinners, Romans Chapter 5:1-11:

1. What do you think "therefore" is there for?

2. How do verses 1-2 refute the popular image of a judgmental God, just waiting for us to slip up so He can slap us down? Do you have peace with God?

3. How do you feel verses 6-8 reveal how much God values us?

4. What attitudes do you still hold that prevent you from accepting how important you are to God and how much He loves you? Spend some time praying about this one!

Adam 1 and Adam 2, Romans Chapter 5:12-21:

1. What do you feel "therefore" is there for?

2. Paul says sin entered the world through one man (Adam), how does this compare to other understandings of the Garden of Eden story you've heard?

3. Using Romans 5, can you answer the following questions: a.) Why do people die? b.) Why is there so much suffering in the world?

4. Do you really believe that you will die? If a person really believes that people will die without Christ, what kind of actions should be visible in his or her life.

Impact Thursday November 19th

2009-11-18T08:43:00.001-08:00

This week we will be studying chapter 4 of Romans. This chapter discusses Abraham's faith and gets us thinking about faith versus works. For the deepest understanding of Romans 4, Read Genesis 15-17, Genesis 21-22, Romans 4 and James 2. I am looking forward to this Thursday to study with you!

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Official Questions:

The Important Stuff
1) If you have any questions on Romans 3:31-4:25 or any
comments/observations you think is important, share or discuss about it.

2) If Romans 3:31-4:25 sparks something that is significant to you in terms
of how God's word applies to you, share it.

The Other Stuff
3) What would it look like to earn God's blessing and eternal life instead
of condemnation in our culture today?

4) Do you struggle with this at times? During the times you struggle with
this, is there anything that helps you get out of that mode of thinking?
During times where you are not struggling with this, what is your mode of
thinking?

5) Do you struggle in believing God's promises for you? Especially when life
deals you a difficult circumstances from what you were hoping or expecting
in life, what keeps your hope alive?

Questions by Felix C.

Questions to ponder while reading Romans 4
Note that the following questions are not the official Impact study questions for Thursday.

0. Who was Abraham [0]
1. Compare Romans 4 and James 2 [1]
2. Why is Circumcision so important to the church in Rome in Paul's day? [2]
3. What do you learn about faith from Romans 4:18-21? [2]
4. What does it matter to you--practically or emotionally--whether a right relationship with God is a gift to be received or a prize to be earned? [2]

[0] Engineers are allowed to start at 0.
[1] Question found here at http://www.biblequestions.org/
[2] Serendipity Bible for Groups, Third Edition(c) 1998 Serendipity House, Zondervan Publishing House Grand Rapids, MI

Impact Thursday November 12th

2009-11-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

This week we will be studying chapter 3 of Romans. Please read the chapter and review the study questions below. We are memorizing Romans 1:16-17 as a group. If you would like to recite the verse up front, you may receive a prize!

Also! We are making boxes for Operation Christmas Child:
click here for more information!

Romans 3
Discussion Questions

v. 1-8
1. Why were the Jews entrusted with the words of God?

v. 9-20
2. What evidence can you think of to support Paul's claim that no one is righteous?
v. 21-31
3. What does it mean for God to be just? How did God demonstrate his justice through his son Jesus Christ?

4. How is it possible that God is both just and gracious at the same time?

5. How do we uphold the law by faith? What does faithfulness look like in your own life?

Operation Christmas Child - Homework

2009-11-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Greetings Impacters! This week we are participating in Operation Christmas Child. We’ll take time this Thursday to pack the boxes together and pray for the children who will be receiving our boxes. If you would like to participate, come to Impact with your items to pack and $7.00 for shipping. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Some small groups are making one box and have already designated each person to buy something.

2. Other small groups are doing one box per person.

In either case, here are some suggestions for your box:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Other tips:
1. Find or buy a shoe box to send.
2. Not everyone has to bring wrapping paper, but there should be a few.
3. Wrap the lid separate to the box.
4. Have one item that is of some quality, like a little Lego set (Bionicles) or a doll.
6. Have some items that give one something to do, like crayons for drawing or origami paper.
7. Other fun stuff from a place like Diddams.

Ideas from Samaritan’s Purse website:

GIFT IDEAS
TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Impact Thursday November 5th

2009-11-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

Impact will meet this Thursday to continue our study in Romans with Romans 2. I am pleased to announce Joanie Tankersley as our guest speaker this Thursday. Joanie is pastor of community life at MPPC. Please read the chapter and bring your Bibles. There may be a prize for the first three people who can recite Romans 1:16,17.

Our speaker, Joanie Tankersley, has suggested the New Living Translation as
useful for understanding this week's text. It can be found at:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/romans/2.html

Discussion Questions:

God's Impartial Judgment, Romans Chapter 2:1-16:
1. Who do you think Paul is writing to?

2. Since Paul didn't use chapter divisions when he wrote the letter, review 1:29-32 and discuss what he is referring to when he says "therefore" in 2:1. What is the "therefore" there for?

3. What are the issues around judgment that Paul is concerned about?

4. How would you compare Paul's declaration in 1:16-17 with his comments in 2: 7-11?

The Jewish Law and True Circumcision, Romans Chapter 2:17-29:

5. What is Paul arguing with his invisible opponent about in regard to the Jewish understanding about the Jews' status before God and how they think it should influence God's judgment?

6. What is Paul driving at in his challenging questions in v.21-23?

7. Paul quotes, about Israel, "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." How have you seen the name of Jesus blasphemed today among non-believers because of Christians? In your own life?

8. How do verses 28-29 apply to Christians, today...to you?

Impact Thursday October 29th

2009-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Impact will be starting the Romans study this Thursday. As usual we will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to studying with you!

Please read Romans 1 and review the following questions:

Romans 1:1-17

1.) What is Paul’s purpose in writing Romans? Who is Paul writing to? Why do you think Paul is so specific about who Jesus is, if he's writing to Christians?

2.) What is the evidence Paul cites for Jesus to be the Son of God?

3.) What do you feel Paul means by using the term "saints"? How does it differ from the meaning of saint, today?

4.) In verse 16, what does Paul say is required for someone to receive salvation? List some other things people have told you are "required" to be saved?

5.) Why do you feel Paul said, "first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"?

6.) What do you feel is meant by the phrase, "The righteous will live by faith"? Is Paul expanding the meaning in any way?

Romans 1:18-32

7.) How do you feel God's eternal power and divine nature are understood from creation? What does this say about people who have never been told about God or Jesus?

8.) Paul is referring to idolatry, but, can you think of any modern applications for the same teaching?

9.) In the list of wicked and evil behavior, does Paul refer to any of these "sins" as being more evil than the others? Does this mean that gossip is as sinful as homosexuality or murder...equally deserving death? Explain!

10.) Is pornography a sin? If so, why or why not?

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact Thursday October 15th

2009-10-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Impact is blessed to have Neil Mammen come back and give one final talk. Topic to be announced soon!

If you have not already signed up and would like to join a small group for the upcoming Imact Bible study in Romans, you may do so by clicking the following link:

http://www.mppc.org/connect/impact

Impact Thursday October 8th

2009-10-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Guest speaker Neil Mammen is returning to Impact this Thursday to give a talk titled "Proving Jesus Really Rose from the Dead".

We'll have worship, discussions and teaching. As always, feel free to bring your friends as well.

Homework: Come up with some hard questions to ask Neil and he'll answer them next week, October 15th.

You may find out more about Neil at his website:
http://www.noblindfaith.com/

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park.

Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Impact: Thursday, October 1

2009-09-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Guest speaker Neil Mammen is returning to Impact this Thursday to continue his apologetics series. We'll have discussions and teaching. Even if you are not planning to attend Impact regularly I highly recommend coming for this series. As always, feel free to bring your friends as well. Come with tough questions about Christianity, bring your Bibles and be prepared to interact!

You may find out more about Neil at his website:
http://www.noblindfaith.com/

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park.

Impact is a ministry of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. We are a community where single and married people in their 30's can connect with each other, explore the Christian faith, and grow on a deep level around the issues we face at this stage of our lives.

Impact--Thursday September 10th

2009-09-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about this Thursday! We are having guest speaker Neil Mammen come to Impact to start his series "Is Christianity a Blind Faith?" We'll have worship, discussions and teaching. Even if you are not planning to attend Impact regularly I highly recommend coming for this series. As always, feel free to bring your friends as well. Come with tough questions about Christianity, bring your Bibles and be prepared to interact!

You may find out more about Neil at his website:
http://www.noblindfaith.com

Impact meets Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park.

Impact Begins Thursday, September 3rd

2009-09-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join Impact for the start of a new year. Our meetings will be on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz building, Menlo Park. The first meeting will be this Thursday, September 3rd and we’ll have worship, sharing and an introduction to Impact this year.

Schedule

September 3rd
First meeting – Worship, Mission Testimonies and an Introduction to Impact

September 10th
Guest Speaker Neil Mammen will begin his mini-series on Apologetics

Gonzaga's Memorial

2009-07-13T17:26:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to Gonzaga's memorial:

Gonzaga DeGama

Last Impact before Summer Break - July 9th

2009-07-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

This Thursday we'll be hosting a special event of worship and open mic sharing on what we've learned through our study of the book of I Samuel. If you're looking for an opportunity to serve your fellow members at Impact this Thursday is your chance to dive in!

God tells us in I and II Corinthians that He has equipped each believer with a ministry. And one very easy way we can minister to each other is to share what God has revealed to us through the study of His Word. With that in mind, take some time over the next few days to reflect on what you've learned thorugh your time at Impact over the last 12 weeks, and how you're applying it to your life. Then come prepared on Thursday to bless others with your knowledge and be blessed in the sharing.
--Virginia

We'll also have an Ice Cream Potluck:

groups 1-3 ice cream
groups 4-5 sherbet or sorbet
group 6 whip cream and nuts
group 7-8 stawberries, bannanas or other fruit topping
group 9 drinks
group 10 hot fudge or caramel toppings
group 11 paper or plastic bowls

If you already made a pot roast due to last week's incorrect info, bring it anyway.

Special Announcements:

A memorial blog has been started for Gonz. You may contribute any of your thoughts you'd like to share with all his extended family, friends, and associates by sending in an email to: gonzagamemorial@gmail.com.

Here is the blog site: http://gonzagamemorial.blogspot.com/
A memorial service is tentatively set to take place in Mountain View, CA on Saturday, 7/18. More details to be announced later on this blog.

Finally, please send us any pictures of Gonzaga you have that you would like included in a slideshow / video montage that is being prepared. You may email the photos to gonzagamemorial@gmail.com.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Donatation Request: Travel-Sized Toiletries

Jennifer is collecting travel-sized toiletries for an upcoming mission's trip: If you have any she would greatly appreciate them at Impact this Thursday.

Thursday, July 2nd

2009-06-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, July 2nd, we'll study 1 Samuel 28, 30-31. I encourage you to read the chapters and look over the discussion questions below.

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. See you soon!

Discussion Questions:
I Samuel 28,30-31
Saul and the Witch of Endor; Finding Strength in God; Gratitude in Action

I Samuel 28
1. Why did Saul expel spiritists and mediums from Israel ? (See Lev. 20:6, 27; 19:31) Why then does he consult one? And why covertly?

2. When God does not appear to answer your prayers, what does His silence make you want to do? (28:6)

I Samuel 30
3. When harm comes to you, your family, or prize possessions, how do you initially respond? With bitterness and fixing blame, or by finding strength in God? What does it mean to find strength in God?

4. How can David’s response in 30:6 help you the next time you are discouraged or facing a big trial? Where could you use God’s divine strength today?

5. What encouragement could you share with someone who’s going through a valley right now?

I Samuel 31
6. Why did the people of Jabesh Gilead retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons? (see chp 15)

7. Think of some specific kindnesses shown to you and sacrifices made by people in your life. What ways could you express your thanks to them?Why did the people of Jabesh Gilead retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons? (see chp 15)

8. Think of some specific kindnesses shown to you and sacrifices made by people in your life. What ways could you express your thanks to them?

Questions by Virginia R.

Impact--Thursday, June 11th

2009-06-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, June 11th, we'll study 1 Samuel 21-23. I encourage you to read the chapters and look over the discussion questions below.

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. See you soon!

I Samuel 21-23

Discussion Questions:

I Samuel 21

1. Why is it wrong to eat the special bread? In 1 Samuel chapter 13, King Saul made a sacrifice that should not have been done. Saul loses his kingdom. In Chapter 21, David also breaks the law, but suffers no punishment. Why is this?

I Samuel 22

2. What is the change in David's behavior comparing before and after he enters the cave of Adullam.

3. What do you think was going on in the cave? See Psalm 57, 142.

I Samuel 23

4. What does it mean to be a man after God's own heart? What would it look like to be a man (or woman) after God's own heart today?

Questions by Grant Kim

Impact--Thursday, May 28th

2009-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, May 28th, we'll study 1 Samuel 16-17. I encourage you to read the chapters and look over the discussion questions below.

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. See you soon!

I Samuel 16-17

Discussion Questions:

I Samuel 16
=========

1. Consider 16:1-3. What does God instruct Samuel to do? Is this deceitful? If not,
why not? Consider also Psalm 18:26 and Matthew 10:16.

2. Consider I Sam 16:12-13. When did the Spirit of God come upon David, and for
what purpose(s)? Did it come to stay? Consider also Psalm 51:11 and John 14:16-17.

3. Read I Sam 10:1, 10:10, 11:6, and 16:14. Did the Spirit of God come upon Saul
when he was annointed ruler over Israel? When did it come upon him, and for what
purpose(s)?

4. Read Hebrews 6:4-6. Do you think King Saul knew the Lord? What role do you
think the Spirit of God played in Saul's life?

I Samuel 17
=========

5. Consider verses 17:26-30. Did David's brother Eliab have a high regard for him? What does
this say about David's life before his anointing?

6. Consider verses 17:43-47. What is Goliath's taunt to David? What outcome does Goliath
want from the battle? What is David's taunt to Goliath? What outcome does David want from
the battle? How did David's victory impact the Israelite army?

7. What has the Spirit of God empowered you to do (Eph 1:18-20)?

Questions by R Sackman

Impact--Thursday, May 21st

2009-05-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

This week we'll be studying 1 Samuel 13-15. We're going to have an interactive study this week and request that each person bring a question according to the following schedule:

Each table group will take one chapter:
1 Samuel 13 (Tables 1-3 + Open Tables)
1 Samuel 14 (Tables 4-7)
1 Samuel 15 (Tables 8-11)

For your chapter, come up with at least one good question / answer to share with your group.

As you think of good questions, please consider these goals of scripture study:
* Goal IS to teach us about God, His divine attributes and character.
* Goal IS to teach us something about ourselves in relation to God's kingdom and the world.
* Goal IS to motivate us to action that demonstrates Christ's resurrection power in us and our transformation in Christ.
* No need to focus too much on Bible trivia.

Impact--Thursday, May 14th

2009-05-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, May 14th, we'll study 1 Samuel 9-12. Israel has demanded a King, and though disappointed, God will give them one. We'll study how the Lord's hand directs a series of events to bring Israel their leader and how He uses common people like you and me to do His work.

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. I also encourage you to do a SOAP page: a form may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

I Samuel 9-12: Long Live the King!

Discussion I:
1 Samuel 9-10

Ice Breaker: Tell about a time when you were called to lead others.

1. What are some of the events that lead to Saul becoming king? Which ones seem like a coincidence?

2. Have you ever had a series of coincidences in your life that lead to something you later felt was the Lord’s leading?

3. What was Saul's level of respect among Israel as a Benjamite? Why does God choose ordinary people of low position to fulfill His purpose? Give some examples of ordinary people God has chosen from the Bible.

4. How did Saul react to his call to lead others? How might his reaction have helped his acceptance as king? Has God ever called you to lead others? How are you reacting?

Discussion II
1 Samuel 11-12
5. One recurring theme in these chapters is God's deliverance of His people. Discuss some of the ways God is delivering the Israelites from both internal and external evil or harm in these chapters. Share a recent time in your life when you have seen God deliver you from physical, emotional or spiritual harm?

6. Saul seems to start his kingship out strong. What makes Saul a good leader in this war against the Ammonites and in the victory party afterwards? What are some of the results of his good leadership at the beginning of his reign? Be specific and point to verses if possible.

7. Samuel's farewell speech in Chapter 12 starts by him defending his life to the Israelites and then warns them against a life of disobedience which will lead to their destruction. If Samuel were speaking to the church at large, the followers of Christ, what might he warn us about today? What do you personally need to take heed of from this chapter?

Questions by C Miller & C Kirchner

Thursday, May 7th

2009-05-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

This Thursday, May 7th, we will be discussing 1 Samuel 8. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. I also encourage you to do a SOAP page: a form may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

I Samuel 8 – Keeping Up with the Canaanites

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever wanted the right things for the wrong reasons?

(v 1-9)
2. Why do the elders of Israel ask for a King? What is wrong with their request? What is right about it?

(v 10-18)
3. According to Samuel, what are the consequences of having a king?

4. Do you think God was against giving Israel a king? If so, why would He go ahead and give them what they asked for?

(v 19-22)
5. In spite of the warnings they received Israel still demands a king. Have you ever wanted something you knew wasn’t good for you? What were the consequences?

6. In verse 20, the Israelites ask for a king because “Then we will be like all the other nations…” In what ways do we as Christians today try to be like the world around us? How can we be mindful of our motives and avoid compromising God’s standards?

--questions by Simona P.

Impact, Thursday April 16th

2009-04-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

This week Impact will be meeting at a different location. The address is 950 Santa Cruz Ave. in the Fellowship Hall. For a map of the campus visit http://www.mppc.org/ .

We'll be studying 1 Samuel 1-2:11. Here are the questions:

1 Samuel 1:1-28

1.) What are some other examples of women who experienced barrenness in scripture? What do these stories have in common and how do they compare to Hannah? c.f. Genesis 18:1-16, Genesis 25:21, Judges 13:1-31, Luke 1:5-25.

2.) How do you deal with unanswered questions in your life? How do you explain unanswered prayer?

3.) In 1 Sam 1:18 Hannah’s face is no longer downcast. What has happened and why is she no longer sad?

1 Samuel 2:1-11

4.) There are several “songs” in the Bible. How does Hannah’s song compare to Mary’s Song (Luke 1 46-55)

5.) What does it mean “It is not by strength that one prevails” in 1 Sam 2:9. c.f. Zechariah 4:6 Are there examples in your life where you have seen this demonstrated?

Questions by Grant Kim

Maundy Thursday Service at Menlo Park (not Mountain View)

2009-04-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Please note that the prior blog post indicated Impact would meet at Mountain View church location for tonight's Maundy Thursday service. Note that this is incorrect. The details sent via email to the Impact distribution list are correct. Here they are repeated:

We welcome you to join fellow members of Impactin attending the service at the main sanctuary on Santa Cruz Avenue. If you want to sit with the group, meet over at 700 Santa Cruz no later than 7:15 PM. From there we’ll walk over to the main sanctuary to attend the service, which begins at 7:30 PM. Or drive to the main campus and find us inside the church.

Maundy Service This Thursday, April 9th

2009-04-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, April 9th, Impact will be attending Menlo Presbyterian's Maundy Service hosted at Open Door Church Mountain View. Impact will not meet at the regular place!

When? Thursday April 9th at 7:00 PM

Where? Open Door Church Mountain View: 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040

Directions: Click Here

If you missed last Thursday or would like to see Paul's powerpoint slides and discussion notes, click here!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Introduction to 1st Samuel & Potluck - April 2nd

2009-03-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

This Thursday Impact is starting a new series: 1st Samuel.

If you're thinking of joining Impact, this is an excellent time to come! Paul Baty will be giving an introduction to 1st Samuel and we will have a Potluck. If this is your first time, just come and enjoy the fellowship and have dinner with us!

Potluck Last Name:
A - F vegetables or salad
G - M main or side dish
N - Q fruit or dessert
R - Z bottled water or drinks

Handouts may be found here.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact, Thursday March 19th

2009-03-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is my pleasure to announce that Karl Miller will be guest speaking at Impact for the next two weeks. Please join us this Thursday to hear Dr. Miller’s first session, Time of Your Life, where he’ll discuss our life cycles and how we may grow “in statue with God and man” at each stage of life.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact, Thursday March 12th

2009-03-06T00:16:00.000-08:00

This Thursday we’ll complete the Spiritual Formation series (the last email said we would start 1 Samuel, but we will not start 1 Samuel until March 19th.

If you need a workbook we’re sold out, but you may order one online: “A Spiritual Formation Workbook” by James Bryan Smith with Lynda Graybeal.

More information on the book may be found online here.

Handouts may be found here.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday January 29th

2009-01-27T22:33:00.000-08:00

This Thursday we’ll continue in the Spiritual Formation series with session three, “Practicing the Virtuous Life”.

If you need a workbook we’re sold out, but you may order one online: “A Spiritual Formation Workbook” by James Bryan Smith with Lynda Graybeal.

More information on the book may be found online here.

Handouts may be found here.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact, Thursday January 15th

2008-12-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

Impact will be starting up again with a new 8-9 week series this Thursday. We’ll be studying from a workbook titled “A Spiritual Formation” and we feel this book will be an excellent resource for developing a deeper walk with the Lord.

Come a little early to get your book (cost is $10) and then we’ll start at 7:00 PM with Steve R’s slide show from New Years Eve! I look forward to seeing you there!

More information on the book may be found online here.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, December 11th

2008-12-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

This Thursday we will continue studying 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 and Ron Sackman will discuss the questions from last Thursday.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday December 4th

2008-12-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group. Potential questions are below.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

The Significance of the Resurrection

Read verses 1-19

1. How does Paul define the gospel in the early verses of chapter 15? Does the term
"gospel" mean the same thing everywhere it is used in the New Testament, or does its
meaning depend on the context of a passage? Primarily, to what is the gospel referring
in chapter 15?

2. What evidence does Paul give for the resurrection?

3. In verse 12, Paul mentions that some people in the church had been saying
there is no resurrection of the dead. What are the ramifications of this teaching?
Do you think their disbelief was due to intellectual considerations (see Eph 4:17-18)?
How do we guard ourselves from such disbelief?

Read verses 20-58

4. To what does the term "first fruits" refer in verse 20?

5. What contrast does Paul make between Adam and Christ in verse 22? What
comparison does he make between Adam and Christ in verse 45? Specifically,
why is Christ called "the last Adam?" (Hint: Consider the following verses: Gen 1:28,
Psalm 8:6).

6. What examples of sowing and reaping does Paul give in verses 36 - 45? What is the
point of these examples?

7. From this chapter, what is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Is the
main point of the resurrection that it validates the factuality of Jesus' identity and teaching,
or is there more to it?

8. In light of the resurrection, what words of exhortation does Paul give in verse 58?
How can we apply these words in our lives?

Questions by Ron Sackman

Impact, November 20th

2008-11-15T14:51:00.001-08:00

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 14. Paul asks that we pursue the ways of love and he asks that we desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophesy. What does Paul mean by prophesy?

I look forward to seeing you there!

I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact, November 13th

2008-11-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. I look forward to seeing you there!

I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, October 30th

2008-10-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

This Thursday Impact will be studying 1 Corinthians 11. In this chapter Paul discusses conduct in worship and we'll discuss how this applies today in the Church. Then Paul talks about what a sacred thing we're doing when we come together and eat the Lord's Supper. I look forward studying this with you this Thursday!

Christian

Here are the questions we'll be studying:

Questions by Grant Kim

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

1.) What does it mean for the man to be head of the woman?

2.) Very few of us attend churches today where women wear head coverings. Why do we disobey Paul’s directive? What makes some laws “out of date” and some laws still applicable today?

3.) Is there such as thing as equal but different? If so, are there differences between men and women?

4.) Is Paul a male chauvinist? Do you believe that Paul teaches different roles for men and women?

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

5.) In the 21st century we would never make another group sit at a table with lesser food, but what are some subtle ways we make some people feel first-class and second-class? Are there things we do in Impact or in our circle of friends that make people feel second-class?

6.) Every church has richer and poorer members. Usually richer members donate more money and usually end up in higher positions and make more decisions. Is there anything wrong with this?

7.) Why do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper?

Impact - Thursday October 23rd

2008-10-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

This Thursday Impact will continue studying 1 Corinthians. We'll read 1 Corinthians 10 and discuss it in our small groups. Here Paul reminds us of warnings from Irael's history and tells us to stand firm: God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and He always gives us a way out. Paul also talks again about our freedom, but how we should seek not our own good but the good of others. We'll dive into studying about what is meant by this freedom and more on Thursday. I can't wait to study with you!

Blessings,
Christian

Impact - Thursday October 9th

2008-10-08T18:36:00.001-07:00

This Thursday Impact will continue studying 1 Corinthians. We’ll read 1 Corinthians 8 and discuss topics like knowledge, food sacrificed to idols and warnings about causing others to stumble. I look forward to studying with you!

Impact meets from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday October 2nd

2008-09-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

This Thursday Impact will be having a praise and worship night. You and your friends are invited to join us worship the Lord and share our praises!

Impact meets from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday September 25th

2008-09-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 where Paul discusses marriage. We’ll study questions about Paul’s view on marriage and how God is calling us to use our time, energy and efforts. I look forward to seeing you there!

I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!