February 21, 2012 by Chris Goins
New to a2? Have some questions? Want to learn more about who we are and what we’re about?
Make plans to join us on Sunday afternoon, March 4 in the a2 foyer at 5 pm. We’ll share the mission, values and ministry of a2! Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Sign up using your Connection Card on Sunday morning or by emailing us at info@a2church.org.
New Comer’s Reception
Sunday, March 4, 5 pm
a2 Church Foyer
February 21, 2012 by Chris Goins
a2 Observes Ash Wednesday and Lent
Ash Wednesday Worship Experience
Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 pm
(Child care provided for children age 6 weeks – age 5)
Ash Wednesday is a day set aside by many churches for prayer, repentance and fasting. It is also the first day of Lent, a 40-day period that begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22 and culminates on Good Friday, April 6.
The observance of Lent offers us a great opportunity to deepen our commitment to Christ and grow in our relationship with God… During Lent believers step back from the busyness of life, turn off the noise, see through the superficiality, reflect on how we got here and re-focus our attention on Christ and what He accomplished on the cross.
Many writers see the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness (Luke 4) as being a model for what Lent is all about…. During His wilderness experience Jesus prayed, fasted, was tempted, but ultimately emerged with power!
Lent is a time for 1) focused prayer, 2) intentional fasting, 3) personal repentance, 4) and random acts of kindness (Isaiah 58:5-12). And just as Jesus stepped out of His desert experience in the “power of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:14), we make ourselves available to be filled with and empowered by the same Holy Spirit. We also prepare ourselves to more fully experience the miracle and power of Jesus’ victorious resurrection on Easter Sunday!
Lent represents a great time for us to:
1) Focus on all that Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Sometimes the busyness and superficiality of our world keeps us from really thinking about all that Jesus accomplished on the cross. That’s why throughout Lent our weekend worship experiences will include the opportunity to worship by receiving Holy Communion.
2) Pursue God for the freedom and deliverance made available at the cross.
Perhaps there are self-defeating, sinful habits that have held you in bondage for years. When Jesus stepped out of the wilderness, He stepped out with an announcement of “freedom for the captives” (Luke 4:18). The next forty days could represent a defining moment for you to believe God for complete healing and total freedom! Your complete freedom really is possible!
3) Finally, Lent represents a great time to seek God for personal direction and guidance.
Sometimes we can’t hear God simply because we don’t get quiet and still enough to listen. Lent is a season to “be still and know that [He} is God” (Psalm 46:10).
We really believe Lent can represent one of the most meaningful church-wide experiences in the short history of a2 Church, and a strategic opportunity for spiritual growth and breakthrough.
Make certain you check out a2’s special Lent devotional blog with daily devotionals (Monday – Friday) from members of the a2 family. It’s our prayer that these devotionals help our church family to focus on Christ and believe God for breakthroughs in every dimension of life.
February 21, 2012 by Chris Goins
Once a person admits that he or she is a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says that a person should proclaim the life change that has occurred. The watching world needs to know. Baptism has always stood as a public testimony for people who have moved from being a “seeker” to being a “believer” in Christ.
Believers are those who have realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.
If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings, you should also want to show the world, through baptism, of your union with Christ. Let the miracle that has happened in you show through the sacrament He ordained for you.
What Baptism Symbolizes:
Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. When you are lowered into the water, that’s a picture of Jesus’ death and Him being buried in a tomb. When you come up out of the water, that’s a picture of His mighty resurrection. Baptism doesn’t just tell your story – it tells the story of Jesus.
It illustrates new life as a Christian. When you go under the water, it’s a picture of your old self being washed away. As a Christian, your old life is gone, and you’re a brand new person.
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer. It shows that you already are a believer. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that we are saved by faith through grace, not by any action on our part. Baptism isn’t required for salvation, it’s a symbol that it’s already happened.
What’s The Process? How Can I Be Baptized At a2:
If you are ready to get baptized, you will need to complete the following two steps:
STEP ONE: Complete The Baptism Registration Form
If you intend to be baptized at a2 Church, please complete the a2 Church Water Baptism Registration form. We can email you the form. Shoot us an email at info@a2church.org.
STEP TWO: Get Baptized!
After receiving your completed registration form we will contact you about the next available opportunity for water baptism. (We’ll be conducting water baptisms throughout the Summer, so you won’t have to wait long…) We look forward to celebrating your new life in Christ! Our next scheduled opportunity for water baptism is this Sunday, February 22 at 9:45 am. Email us today to register for baptism.
February 1, 2012 by Chris Goins
In an effort to provide a safe and secure environment on the a2 campus, a2 is launching our own safety and security ministry. Jeff Rush, Criminal Justice Professor and Law Enforcement Pro, will be leading this ministry. We need you! If you are interested in serving, make plans to attend the info meeting!
When: Sunday, February 19
Time: immediately following worship
More info: asipowicz@earthlink.net
January 31, 2012 by Chris Goins
a2 is launching an ESL ministry. ESL is a ministry that teaches English to speakers of other languages. Our curriculum allows us to teach English through the Gospel and equips your “Average Joe” English speaker to teach- no degree/ previous training required!
Canvasing Day: Saturday, February 11, 2 pm
Meet at a2 Church
Launch Day: Tuesday, February 21
For More Info: Contact Jessica Hands: 317.331.6174 or jhands330@gmail.com
January 24, 2012 by Chris Goins
Join us for a2′s high energy, church wide, family worship experience. It’s a fun experience will all kinds of families in mind!
FX features music, video and a creative message from God’s Word!
FX rocks! Make plans to attend! Pizza lunch to follow!
Sunday, January 29, 9:45 am
For more info, contact Mary Elizabeth Goodrich
(a2′s Director of Children’s Ministry) at megoodrich@a2church.org
January 10, 2012 by Chris Goins
A great wedding is important, but it’s the last day of marriage that really counts.
Don’t miss this important series on marriage, friendship and sexuality. You can build a marriage that goes the distance. Discover important principles from God’s Word.
REAL MARRIAGE hits a2 Church
Sunday, February 5, 9:45 am
FAQ’s:
Who is this series designed for? This is a series for married people, unmarried people and singles. It’s for adults, young adults, seniors, students and kids eleven years of age and above! That’s right! We believe the principles we’ll share from God’s Word relate to every relationship.
Should my kids attend? Practically every week of REAL MARRIAGE will be fitting for people of all ages. The first few weeks will be about families, friendship and relationships.
The topic of sexuality will be covered in later messages, but we will always attempt to honor parents by letting you know in advance the subject material we will be covering… We will also attempt to deal with every topic tactfully and with grace…
Finally, if your children are 11 years of age or above, they’ve likely already heard about sex. It’s crucial they hear what God’s Word says about this important aspect of life. We always want to partner with parents in laying a spiritual foundation that will lead every child into a relationship with Jesus and a life lived to honor Him.
Should my unchurched friends attend? You bet! We see REAL MARRIAGE as a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends, co-workers and family members to check out a2 Church. They’ll be special music every week and the messages will be life-related and practical.
Will Chris be covering or using material from a specific book during this series? While we have borrowed the title, REAL MARRIAGE from Mark and Grace Driscoll’s latest book, the series at a2 Church will not specifically cover material from the Driscoll’s book. We will include insights from their book, as well as several books Chris has read. But most importantly we will seek to focus on what God’s Word has to say about marriage, friendship, sex and the Gospel during this series…
REAL MARRIAGE Resources
Take your relationships to the next level with these resources:
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller with Grace Keller
Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship and Life Together by Mark and Grace Driscoll
What Did You Expect by Paul Tripp
January 10, 2012 by Chris Goins
Interested in being a part of a2′s first official “international” missions trip?
Planned Departure: June 22 or 23
Length: 7 days
Who is leading: Pastor Chris Goins and Missionary Isa Bajalia
What will you be doing: Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in Cuba
Estimated Cost: $1600.00
Information Meeting: Want to learn more? Join us for a brief informational meeting on Sunday, February 12 immediately following the morning worship experience at a2 Church. Location on the campus will be announced during the morning worship experience.
More info: Email us at info@a2church.org
January 3, 2012 by Chris Goins
The new semester of Small Groups has launched! Check out out the new Small Groups Brochure and find a small group that’s right for you!
Small groups at a2 Church are about:
December 31, 2011 by Chris Goins
There’s no doubt about it! It’s the amazing grace of God and God working through incredible people like YOU that make a2 Church click! We want to celebrate YOU — ALL OF YOU who partner with us in helping a2 Church pursue the mission God has given us! Volunteers and Donors!
Regardless of what area you’ve served in during the past year — (Nursery, Children, Student Ministry, Guest Services, Cleaning Crew, Special Events, Worship, Graphics, financial partner, you name it…) — we’re inviting YOU to an incredible ITALIAN FEAST and special evening of appreciation, encouragement and inspiration!
Reservations are required! Make your reservation via the Connection Card this Sunday or by emailing us ASAP at info@a2church.org. Please indicate the number of people attending with you. Childcare for children age 6 weeks – age 4 will be provided. Childcare reservations may also be made via the Connection Card or email us at info@a2church.org.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT
Sunday, February 12, 2012
5 – 7 pm