“There should be priests to remind men that they will one day die—and poets, to remind men that they are not dead yet.”–GK Chesterton

Sunday begins a class (during the 10:30 hour, led by Stephen Addcox) looking at poetry. As a lifelong non-artist, I am wowed and delighted that we have folks in Christ Community who create. It is such a beautiful thing to experience a well-done flower arrangement, meal, poem, painting, guitar lick, etc.

These resources are offered in honor of our artists.

Makoto Fujimura, an artist who serves as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), in his book 

 

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“We just finished up “Gospel in Life” during our Thursday morning Men’s bible study.  Our group really enjoyed the study. Keller is incredibly gifted at explaining the differences between religion, irreligion, and the gospel as applied to everyday life.  It challenged us all on many levels.  I personally had never strongly associated the broader community as a vehicle for biblical change and I really enjoyed the section on Work.”  –Mark Sheplak

Meet in Room 124, last classroom on the right at the end of the hallway.

 

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Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you invited me in…whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”   Matthew 25:35, 40

On July 16th thru August 2nd Chinese students ages 10-12 will be traveling to Gainesville to participate in an English Language Study Program coordinated by Education First (a non profit dedicated to encouraging international awareness).  The students are coming here to improve their English language skills while experiencing American life and culture.  Staying with volunteer host families who open their hearts and homes for a few weeks to these excited youths is a vital aspect of this program.

 
The students are occupied Monday thru Friday with English classes in the mornings and fun activities in the afternoons.
We ask our host families to provide:

–a bed for their student (it’s not necessary that they have their own room),
–an extra plate at the table, and a warm loving environment.

These students come fully insured and bring their own spending money.

The local Education First (EF) staff will be available 24 hours a day; 7 days a week while the students are here and for every new host family who participates from your church, youth group or organization EF will donate $25.00. Host family high school students can also earn up to 60 hours of community service.

Act quickly and you will have time to begin building a relationship with your student through letters, emails or Skype before they arrive.  Training and orientation will be given for you and your student.  You will have 4 weeks to share the love of God with a student from another part of the world, 4 weeks to influence a life for a lifetime and perhaps even affect international relations in the future!

What could these weeks in July mean?  Only God knows what wonderful things may happen.  But, isn’t it exciting to imagine the possibilities?  A loving Christian home could be the place where our world becomes a better place!

If you are interested or have any Questions, please call:  

DEBORAH GOMES, Program Leader 352-870-1241 or 352-328-4216