10 a.m. Christian Education for adults and CRASH for youth
Reflections
Forgive My Enemies? Matthew 5:43-48
Enemies, by definition, have it in for you. They stand against your progress and work toward your defeat. You’re the protagonist and they the antagonist. If you’re the friend, then
your enemy is the foe. Your enemy seeks to oppose, confound, frustrate, inhibit, restrain, corrupt, and overthrow you and your efforts.
So why would anyone choose to forgive an enemy? Understandably, if a foe actually mutates into a friend or a confounder becomes a comrade, it would be a natural part of the
reconciling process. If, on the other hand, the enemy remains the enemy, it seems outright nonsensical and insanely illogical to forgive your enemy’s efforts toward your defeat.
As insanely illogical and nonsensical as it might truly seem, however, there appears to be two reasons in support of forgiving the fiend who is your foe. The first reason has to do
with your health. Forgiving someone, even your worst enemy, is one of the healthiest choices you can make. Allowing the memory of your enemy’s mistreatment to wiggle, writhe, and
worm around inside your brain empowers the original hurt to keep on hurting. It darkens your psyche and impedes your freedom to experience peace and joy. When you choose to forgive,
however, you take power away from the original wound. It might not happen overnight, but the days, weeks, and months after choosing to forgive bring brighter days—for you!
The other reason to forgive an enemy has to do with God. God has stated that we’re to forgive the way he forgives. Romans 5:8 states that while we were still at odds with God,
Christ died for us. Forgiving people who are even at odds with us is one of the ways we show friends and enemies alike just how amazing God is.
Is it easy? Often no. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Forgiving an enemy, however, does not necessarily mean that your foe becomes your friend. True reconciliation and friendship require all participants to be active and committed to
healing. Additionally, forgiving isn’t automatically followed by trust and respect. These highly regarded and necessary-for-friendship characteristics are typically earned through
a pattern of demonstrated trustworthiness. For many, the act of forgiving an enemy will never result in adversaries becoming allies. Forgiving will, however, defeat your enemy’s
original intentions. For in forgiving, you definitely win.
– Dr. Bob Jordanr
Latest News
Calling All 3 year-olds!
Families of 3 year-olds are invited to participate in the 3 year-old Faith Milestone Recognition at the 9:00 service on Sunday, September 12 as we celebrate entry of
your child into our Sunday morning Pre-School program. Please contact Doug Stewart at 558-2330 Ext. 23 or dstewart@dpcomaha.org.
Parents, Children and Youth
Sign up as a family for the Children & Youth Ministries Family Pot Luck Supper & Fall Program Overview on Wednesday, September 8 at 6:00pm. Bring a dish of any variety
to share, meet teachers, leaders and staff and enjoy an evening of fellowship as we kickoff the Christian education year. RSVP to church office at 558-2330
or dstewart@dpcomaha.org.
Habitat Restore Donation Drive
Please bring any building materials or home improvement related items that are in good usable condition to the Carpenter Crew Coalition donation drive on Saturday,
September 18 from 9:00am - 1:00pm. The drive will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Dr. - just south of 144th and Maple. All donations
will directly benefit our Coalition and Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.
Bible Delvers
The Bible Delvers will start up on Sunday, September 12, the Sunday after Labor Day, in the Parlor. We will start the year with a study of the Book of Jeremiah.
So much of what Jeremiah wrote could be addressed to us today. Come see what God said then (and today). All are welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities - Our Kids Need Your Help!
Lend your experience and join us in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders. Commit either 2 or 4 times a month.
Children’s Ministry:
• Co-teachers for 11am Kids Own Worship on Sundays
• 1st/2nd grade co-teachers for FISH program on Wednesdays
• 3rd/4th grade co-teachers for FISH program on Sundays
• CLUB56 (5th/6th) adult male co-teacher on Wednesdays
Youth Ministry:
• Jr & Senior High leaders for Wednesday night program
• Leader for NEW Senior High girls small group study
• Leader for NEW Senior High boys small group study
For these or other children & youth ministry volunteer opportunities, contact Doug Stewart at 960-2203 or dstewart@dpcomaha.org
Wednesday Class
This year’s Wednesday evening class will begin on October 6. We will study in detail the well-known, but little studied, Westminster Catechism, which deals with all of the
basic tenets of our faith. The class will run from 6:30 to 8:30pm each Wednesday evening. As in previous years, the class will be led by Jerry Hertzler. You must be signed
up to attend this popular class. Call Jerry at 397-5673, or e-mail him at jerryhertz@cox.net
Coalition to Protect Aging Adults
On Tuesday, September 14 at 4:00pm, in the dining room, Dr. Helen Chapple, PhD. Resident Faculty, Center for Health Policy and Ethics at Creighton University, will present
“No Place for Dying: Hospitals and Ideology of Rescue” (end of life issues as they relate to hospital care). CEUs will be provided for nurses and social workers, but the
content should be of interest to the general public. Pre-registration requested, but there is no charge for attending the presentation. RSVP to feelhaver@tconl.com by
September 13. This is being sponsored by Dundee’s Care and Wellness Committee, the Coalition to Protect Aging Adults, and AARP.
Homebeginners Café
Calling all coffee addicts! Join us on Sept. 12 at 10am in the Homebeginners Room (3rd floor) for coffee, espresso, and conversation. We’ll have a latte fun!
Church Officer Recommendations Requested
The Nominating Committee will be looking for members to lead the congregation forward. Please submit your recommendations for Elders, Deacons and Trustees by August 29.
Each of the members of these boards are vital to the mission and life of Dundee Church. Nomination forms are available on tables outside the sanctuary. Return the completed
forms to Barbara Ford, Becky Means, the church office or drop in the offering plate. Thank you for your input!
Sermons are aired on radio the week following their live date.