DRC Values

Dear Deep Rivers Church Friends and Family,

I want to start by saying “thank you!” for your patience as we have tried to figure out how to navigate these unique and interesting times. Over the past year there have been many “firsts” at DRC – now there are many “firsts” for every church to figure out. 

As we plan for the weeks ahead, we want to balance the biblical value of the importance of the church meeting together, along with the wisdom needed to protect ourselves and everyone in our community. 

There are 5 C’s to remember

• be Careful (follow the guidelines for hygiene and social distance)
• be Confident (remember Jesus’ command, “Do not be afraid” – it’s not a suggestion, but a command to follow)
• be Caring (look for ways to serve your friends and neighbors or maybe even the community at large)  
• be Calm (don’t be shy about telling others the peace of God is available to everyone)
• be Connected (please don’t just retreat to your basement and wait this thing out – stay connected with others)

We have 3 ways to help you stay connected

1. We will video record the service and stream it on-line for you to watch on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. This week we hope to have it posted on Sunday morning by 10:00a.m. (This week it won’t be a “live stream” – but it may in the future. We need some tech help with this endeavor, please let us know if you have any interest in helping facilitate this).
2. We will post a daily “Truth to Ponder” every morning on Instagram & Facebook. You’ll have a chance to interact with it by asking questions or sharing your comments. It’s just one small way to stay connected. 
3. In light of last week’s sermon on “Embracing the Spiritual Discipline of Solitude” we want to challenge everyone to take the extra down-time you may be experiencing to intentionally connect with God – and then share with us how it went. 

Last Sunday we proposed a “2 Hour Challenge” where we encouraged everyone to carve out 2 hours to pursue and connect with God in a more deliberate and premeditated way. (Below you will find various suggestions to give you some help and some structure with this.) 

Then, please mail me at mattgiven@hotmail.com and share how it went. With your permission, I will be able to share how these experiences are going for everyone. 

Please call with any questions.

Pastor Matt

(717) 673-9205

mattgiven@hotmail.com 

Below are various scripture passages and 4 suggestions to give you some structure and help you with this challenge.

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
• Psalm 23:1-6
• Genesis 1:1-31
• John 3:1-21
• Ephesians 5:1-20
• Psalm 91:1-16
• Matthew 5:1-16
• Ephesians 1:3-14   
• Matthew 6:1-27
• James 1:1-18
• John 14:15-31
• Romans 12:1-8
• Philippians 4:4-9
• Psalm 1:1-6
• Psalm 139:1-18
• Ephesians 4:1-16
• Romans 1:18-32
• Romans 8:1-30
• John 1:1-18
• Philippians 2:1-18

Suggestion #1 – S.O.A.P. Method

• S – Scripture: Write out the passage. If you read a large section, write out only the verses that spoke to you the most. 
• O – Observe: What do you see?  What stands out?   What didn’t you notice before? Is there repetition, comparison, contrast, or figurative language at use? 
• A – Apply: How does this apply to my life?  What is God saying to me?  What changes do I need to make?   What actions do I need to take?
• P – Pray: Ask God to work His Word into your life.  Ask Him to make the truth now comprehended in your head into a truth that is now realized in your heart. 

Suggestion #2 – Navigators Inductive Bible Study Questions

1. Background & Setting: Who is the author?  Why was it written?  Learn the historical background, dates, key people, (etc.).  (Some Bibles have summaries of each book that provide this information. Online Bible resources and commentaries are also very helpful.)
2. Paraphrase: Write out each verse or section in your own words.  This helps you grasp each verse in wording that makes more sense to you.
3. Questions & Answers: Write down and then answer any questions you have about the passage or any confusing terms. (Consult reputable online resources or ask trustworthy friends.)
4. Cross References: Make a note of any similar or related passages that come to mind while you’re reading or asking questions. (Consult a concordance, study guide, or included footnotes to read any related passages.)
5. Insights: If you have any spontaneous thoughts about the passage, write them down. Consult a Bible commentary or other reputable resources for additional insight.
6. Applications: How does this apply to my life? What is God saying to me? What changes do I need to make? What actions do I need to take?
7. Summarize: After completing a section, give it a title and identify a key verse(s). Write a short summary of each chapter. 

Suggestion #3 – Answer these 10 Questions about a Passage 

1.  What do you learn about God the Father?
2. What do you learn about Jesus?
3. What do you learn about the Holy Spirit?
4. Is there a promise to claim?
5. Is there a command to obey?
6. Is there a sin to avoid?
7. Is there an example to follow?
8. What principle can you draw from something you read?
9. What practical application can you practice this week?
10. How are you prompted to pray from this reading?

Suggestion #4 – A Dedicated Respite 

1. Read and Meditate on God’s Word  (read entire book in one setting)
2. Read an instructional/encouraging book 
3. Ask God questions 
4. Write letters of thanks to people
5. Reflect on His blessings
6. Reflect on His character
7. Write out your prayers 
8. Pray for 9 Big Issues starting with the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I
   1. Arts, Entertainment & Media: Pray for “Salt & Light” influence in these three areas of culture & society.
   2. Business: Pray for local & regional employers & employees to honor one another. Pray for businesses to thrive & succeed.
   3. Churches & Christian Ministries: Pray for Scripture to be the final authority for our local churches, national ministries & overseas missions’ work.
   4. Dignity of Life: Pray for the issues of abortion, slavery, human trafficking, special needs individuals, (etc.)
   5. Education: Pray for students, staff & administrators at our local schools. Pray for healthy environments and God honoring relationships. 
   6. Family: Pray for healthy marriages, parents to fulfill their proper roles & children to respect their parents.
   7. Government: Pray for those serving in our Local, State & Federal government to make wise & God honoring decisions.
   8. Healing: Pray for God to bless this place with emotional, relational & physical healings.
   9. Intercede: Pray for God to reveal Himself to family & friends who are not yet walking with Jesus.