- Ralph Weitz Interviewed on Janet Mefferd Show
- Wounded Warriors Update
- Found Money
- Effects of the Fall
- Christian Fellowship In Action
- Good Deeds – What Good Are They?
Ralph Weitz Interviewed on Janet Mefferd Show
February 22, 2010 by IBC
On February 17, Stewardship Pastor Ralph Weitz was interviewed on the Janet Mefferd Show heard on Salem Radio and XM Radio.
Ralph serves on the Board of Advisors at the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, a coalition of clergy, theologians, religious leaders, scientists, academics, and policy experts committed to bringing a balanced Biblical view of stewardship to the critical issues of environment and development.
The Cornwall Alliance fully supports the principles espoused in the Cornwall Declaration on Environmental Stewardship, and is seeking to promote those principles in the discussion of various public policy issues including population and poverty, food, energy, water, endangered species, habitat, and other related topics.
Pastor Weitz joined Janet to give his perspective on the climate change debate. You can hear the interview at this link.
Wounded Warriors Update
January 4, 2010 by IBC
The Wounded Warriors Ministry here at Immanuel has had a great impact this past year, not only on wounded soldiers and their families, but also on the members of Immanuel and those who have had the opportunity to participate. John Sperling writes:
Thanks so much of all for what you have done to support those who have served our country so faithfully. You have touched many with your Christian Fellowship and kind words of ‘THANK YOU’. At each event, the service members and their families have expressed deep appreciation for your outreach and want everyone in the church to know how much it means to them that we are reaching out to our Wounded Warriors.
We ended the year with two very special events. First, with the support of one of our Community Groups, we had a most joyful Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration at the Ft Belvoir Community Center during Christmas week. More than 50 soldiers and their families got a wonderful Famous Dave’s BBQ dinner, heard the Christmas Story as told by Dr. Jones, had a visit from Santa, got lots of Christmas presents and AFFES gift cards while sharing dinner and baked goodies with someone from Immanuel Bible Church.
As they departed the Christmas Party, not only did we hear words of appreciation and thanks, we had many say thanks for putting Christ back in Christmas.
On Christmas Day, we had a large group of IBCers help serve breakfast, distribute IBC Christmas Cards of thanks, help Santa distribute Christmas presents and gift cards, provide stringed background music during the entire breakfast period, sing Christmas carols and play Christmas music while offering spiritual encouragement. Our Christian Fellowship filled the room while the soldiers and their families relaxed on Christmas Day.
At both events, we distributed copies of the New Testament. His word has touched many during these events and will have a positive impact on all. All of the IBCers were touched with their words of appreciation.
Thank you for your outreach for it ‘Made us alive in Christ’.
Found Money
December 9, 2009 by Ralph Weitz
An Immanuel family member handed me a check payable to the church for $70.00. She said she found $140.00 through a state’s “Found Money” service and wanted to give the church half of it. How did the she find the money? I had given her some basic information that assisted in the search.
You have probably seen the “found money” promotions on TV talk shows or as an infomercial. You may have questioned how can they do that and is it legitimate. Yes, for a fee you can have these companies search for “found money” for you. Actually it should be considered “lost money.”
Where does the money come from? Here are a few examples: class action proceeds, courts, credit balance, debt security, time deposit, dissolution distribution, insurance/annuity, money orders, retirement accounts, safe deposit box contents, stocks, travelers’ checks, wages, commissions, utility deposits or refunds and many other sources.
Banks, utility companies, employers and other institutions have a legal responsibility to hold deposits, refunds, wages and other funds. After a “dormancy period” which has been shorted in recent years due to the mobility of our society, they turn the funds and goods such as safe deposit box contents over to the state. The states hold it centrally usually through the state treasury and some states even provide interest on the funds held.
There is a do-it-yourself way to search for these lost treasures through each state’s Website. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers and the Council of State Governments. The mission of NAUPA is to promote and support excellence and professionalism among those individuals charged with the responsibilities of unclaimed property administration and compliance. The NAUPA represents all fifty states, the District of Columbia and several Canadian providences. They manage at least $32.877 billion which is currently being safeguarded by state treasurers and other agencies for 117 million accounts. In 2006 they dispersed $1.754 billion! 
The found money is often located in a state where you lived and then moved. Each state has a web site and unique process. You will need to prove you are the person related to the funds through a utility bill or some other documentation. You can also make a claim for a deceased relative.
So far I have found money for two cousins, a friend and me. My cousins and friend have to file their claim for the money.
Happy treasure hunting!
NAUPA operates two web sites:
http://www.unclaimed.org/default.asp This site provides links to every state.
http://www.missingmoney.com/ This site is a compilation of many state sites.
Effects of the Fall
December 7, 2009 by IBC
I’ve had a reoccurring daydream lately, a nightmare actually. I am walking through the snow, down the driveway to our mailbox. Without warning I am off my feet. My left knee has given away, as it has done in the past, and now I am falling slowly to the ground. In my dream this takes some time and I feel my left arm go out to steady my body for what will eventually be a rough landing.
But I don’t land the same way this time.
This time my arm rolls under me, crushed by the weight of my falling body. I hear a loud Thwack! as I hit the ground. I am lying there, left arm slung across the back of my body at a perplexing angle. I shouldn’t be able to see my hand from there, I am thinking. And then I start screaming in pain, tears filling my eyes, mixed with the snow that continues to cover me. “Help me!” I am crying out. “My God, help me!” And soon I hear a voice, comforting, reassuring: “You are going to be OK.”
The Apostle Paul writes in Galations that “when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” In Romans he explains “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
At just the right time…when we were powerless, powerless to help ourselves.
At Christmas we celebrate the “God sent His Son” part of the scriptures. We remember the adorable Christ-child in the manger, the animals gathered round, snow softly falling perhaps. But the Child in the manger is also ”the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” He is the innocent One Who gave His life as a ransom for many.
Have you fallen? Scripture tell us that “all have fallen short of the glory of God.” We all need to hear, “You are going to be OK.” Cry out to Him. Through your tears, through your pain, He hears you. He answers, “I am with you.” This Christmas as we celebrate “The Word Became Flesh,” call out to Him, to the One Who can truly save you.
Christian Fellowship In Action
November 9, 2009 by IBC
John Sperling continues to update us with the remarkable work being accomplished through the Wounded Warrior Ministry.
Christian Fellowship in action is the best way to describe the witnessing our Immanuel youth accomplished during our last outreach ministry to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Our youth were able to assist the soldiers and their families where possible during lunch, thank them for their service, listen to their stories of heroic actions, distribute books and DVDs, and witness their love of Jesus Christ. The distribution of our Famous Dave’s BBQ and homemade baked goodies is always a big hit with these most special individuals.
Given that the average stay for many of these soldiers at Walter Reed is 18-24 months from initial surgery to fitting of prosthetic devices, our Christian Fellowship has been greatly appreciated. To date, Immanuel has served nearly 6,000 meals while thanking our service members and families for the freedoms we enjoy each day. From the first person who came through the serving line to the very last, each said ‘THANK YOU’ for what IBC and our youth were doing for them and their fellow service members at Walter Reed.
Due to our Christian Fellowship, we have been asked to help out during their Christmas Day Breakfast Celebration. We have a limited number of slots on Christmas Day – so if you and your family are interested in helping serve breakfast at 7:00AM, distribute Christmas gifts, and witnessing to the soldiers and their families, please let me know as soon as possible.
Our next event will be on Sunday, November 15. Please let us know of your attendance on Sunday and if you are planning on bring baked goodies. We also ask that you gather up those nearly new books and DVDs for distribution during our outreach ministry.
If you are interested in participating with the Wounded Warrior Ministry, Contact: John Sperling, jrsperling@aol.com, or Bill Law, wlaw@cox.net
Good Deeds – What Good Are They?
October 28, 2009 by Ralph Weitz
Recently I received a compliment on doing a good deed for a friend. She said, “My family could never thank you enough for all that you have done for us.” I responded with, “Oh, no one is keeping track.”
“God is keeping an account.”
“God is not checking on our accounts. He’s checking on our hearts.”
Many people, even though they understand grace, want to add good works to God’s salvation. It is impossible to add anything to God’s plan for our salvation. “But if [salvation] is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.” Romans 11:6
So what good are works? Some people do not embrace the idea that you have salvation permanently. They state “then just go on and sin, because it doesn’t matter.” Well, it does matter, and there are many reasons why it matters. Here are just three!
First, good deeds show that we are a part of God’s family. They reflect what God has done in our life. They are one of the evidences that we have salvation (James 2). Good deeds done to God’s glory are the antithesis of sin in the believer’s life. They help others understand that we are in God’s Kingdom. Although the non-Christian can and will do good deeds, they are not a statement of salvation for them. In fact, before God they are not of any eternal value.
Secondly, good deeds reflect a changed life. Although not a Christian example of conversion, I love A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It mirrors a powerful change in one’s life.
“A merry Christmas, Bob,” said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. “A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year. I’ll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob. Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another i, Bob Cratchit!” “Scrooge was better than his word.” A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
“Scrooge” (now a word for those who do not know how to be givers) had experienced a great change in his life. How much greater the change in a new believer’s life? “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” II Cor. 5:17
Finally, God wants to present to us rewards. Randy Alcorn’s little book, The Treasure Principle, brings a heavenly perspective to giving and by extrapolation to good deeds. His principle is, “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” One of my favorite cartoons is one of Ernest of Frank and Ernest. Ernest is before the heavenly gates holding a bag of money. He’s addressing an angel who is reviewing the books, “I know I can’t take it with me, but I’d hoped you’d have lockers.” We laugh at Ernest for his apparently naïve thought, but he’s actually speaking a biblical truth. No, there are no lockers in heaven, but there are great rewards which can be sent ahead.
“Now if any man builds on the foundation [of Jesus] with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.” I Cor. 3:12-14
There are many reasons for good deeds but these three are foundational – “proof” of salvation, a demonstration of God’s great work in our lives, and our life in Jesus produces heavenly rewards. I’m constantly asking, “How am I reflecting God’s work in my life, today?” For me that means that where ever I’m located, at home with neighbors, across town playing a softball game, visiting my family in PA, on vacation or attending a conference in a far-away city where no one knows me, right, I cannot stop reflecting Jesus in the good deeds “…which God prepared beforehand so that [I] would walk in them.” Eph. 2:10b
We have great opportunities to be involved in good deeds in the community. Check out a few on the Immanuel Web Site http://immanuelbible.net/community/community-service/index.php
Wounded Warrior Ministry Update
September 28, 2009 by IBC
Mologne House at Walter Reed Army Hospital
John Sperling heads up our Wounded Warrior Ministry here at Immanuel. Here is an update we just received from him.
Wanted to say ‘thank you’ for everyone who participated in last Sunday’s event at Walter Reed’s Mologne House. It was great to have five new families become involved in this life-changing event. So many young IBCers, new to this ministry, were able to witness and say thank you for the service and sacrifices that our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have given for the freedoms we enjoy each and every day. We heard many heartwarming stories how our IBCers were able to sit, talk, help and support these most special individuals and their families. What a wonderful event.
Last Sunday’s BBQ was impacted by two bus-loads of service members who departed earlier on Sunday to take advantage of free tickets and transportation to the Redskin’s football game. Other good news is that the books and videos that we collected have proven to be a real hit with the service members and their families. Thank you and keep up the good work.
You all continue to ask what else can you and your families do for the troops — well Christmas is coming. GIFT CARDS! Perhaps your office, community group, family or friends might consider collecting money for you to purchase gift cards for the troops and their families. Often, wounded service members arrive at Walter Reed with little or nothing but their medical records. Then their families arrive and their few needs become many, and they must purchase them on the economy. Gift cards help fill that void. They also allow the service members/family to purchase those special gifts for the holidays. We will be sending out a letter with more details shortly.
Are you and your family available on Christmas Day? Got your interest? Details to follow. Looking forward to seeing you all at the next Walter Reed outreach ministry. Thank you for your outstanding support.
Wounded Warrior ministry will be serving again October 18, November 15, and December 13. If you are interested in serving, contact John jrsperling@aol.com, or Bill Law, wlaw@cox.net
Building construction update
September 24, 2009 by Ralph Weitz
Ralph Weitz, Chairman of the IBC Building Committee, updates the congregation on the construction status.
As chairman of the Building Committee I want you to join us in celebrating the beginning of construction. This is a great celebration and I invited some friends to help us celebrate. It has been over 7 years since the elders appointed the Building Committee, and frankly, we thought we would be out of a job by now! We can blame the delays on the county, funding, etc., but the reality is that we are on God’s schedule.
In order to design the building and meet the needs of the congregation, we surveyed all the ministry leaders and conducted two sets of ministry leader interviews. The committee visited churches and schools in order to see how new construction was being used to meet the changing needs.
Our committee selected the firm Helbing/Lipp – Engineering and architects. Helbing Lipp is one of the top architect firms inNorthern Virginia. We also selected Jack Bays Inc. as our general contractor. Jack Bays Inc. is one of the leading contractors in the Northern Virginia area.
After the Jack Bays Inc. bid was accepted, they went to their subcontractors and said, “Let’s review all the bids to make sure everything is covered.” They examined the bids line-by-line. They reduced their bid by about $1,000,000. Lynn Bays said to me, “Ralph, that never happens. It always goes up.” I said, “This is God’s timing.”
David Lipp, principle with the architecture firm Helbing/Lipp, and Lynn Bays, President of Jack Bays Construction
Both our architect and our contractor will tell you this is a very complex project. Pray for the safety of the workers and also the children attending Immanuel Christian School.
The other great celebration is that the One Life funding has passed $4,000,000 mark. In spite of the current recession we are ahead of our giving schedule. When we finish construction we will have a construction loan which was communicated to you when we started the process. We thank God for what He is doing through you.
We have an opportunity to give now which means that for every dollar we give, we will eliminate a dollar of future interest. Due to the high turnover at IBC I’m asking you to consider what would God want you to do? In the ministry of Immanuel we all stand on the shoulders of those who have given before.
The question is, “What is God asking you to do?” He will show you.
Joel Benson, Ron Urice, David Drum, and Ron Hilbig are members of the Building Committee
Saturday Night Worship begins at Immanuel
September 18, 2009 by IBC
Tomorrow night opens a new season of ministry here at Immanuel. With the inauguration of our Saturday Night Worship Service, members and visitors to Immanuel will have the opportunity to experience family worship together in a way that we haven’t seen here in many years. Our Children’s Ministry team lead the way recently with their Union Station productions on Friday nights last year.
But it has been six years since we have had a regularly scheduled evening service (2003). This will be our first evening service featuring band-led worship, a contemporary look and feel, and the same message series as taught on Sunday mornings. With the extended format (75 minutes), we anticipate having more time for worship, message, and a congregation response time for communion and prayer each week.
Bring your children to Union Station this Saturday at 5pm and plan on staying for Saturday Night Worship at 6:30pm. We appreciate your comments. And let us know what you liked, areas we can improve or enhance. If you have friends who are looking for a new church home, invite them too. We”ll see you tomorrow night.
A New Season of Ministry
September 12, 2009 by IBC
Immanuel Christian School students are back, Student Ministries held their “Going Bananas” Fall Kick-off event Wednesday evening, and Music and Worship are in Carlisle, PA for their music retreat working on Christmas music. Fall at Immanuel!
Have you found a ministry to call your’s yet? are you new to Immanuel and looking for a place to plug in and begin serving? With this week’s publishing of the 2009-10 Ministry Handbook, our ministry year officially gets under way. With over 120 ministry opportunities listed, this year’s handbook has much to offer. From adoption resources (Woven Family Adoption Resources), to opportunites with World Missions (ESL teachers and helpers), we have a place for you. This Saturday evening we begin our Saturday Night Worshp. There are volunteer openings for AVL, communion preparers, children’s ministry workers, prayer counselors, and guest reception. Let us encourage you to take a look around and find your place at Immanuel.