Feb 8: Mark Begins a New Message Series: Seven Paths to Darkness. This week’s message is: 
The Pursuit of PleasureEcclesiastes 2:1-11
Time for a change – five weeks of Baptism related messages has been good and satisfying – now, on to Seven Paths/Choices that Lead to Darkness.  That sounds ominous, even scary!  

Before you decide to skip out on church for the next 8 weeks, consider how much of the Bible references just this series of topics.  Traditionally, these ‘paths’ have been described by the following realities: Pride, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, and Anger (The Seven Deadly Sins). Wisdom literature in the Old Testament writings, Jesus teachings in the Gospels, and every one of the Letters written to the early church is packed with guidance, teaching, and references to these seven paths/choices.  

Do not fear!  We will be juxtaposing these seven paths/choices that lead to darkness with seven overcoming paths/choices that lead to light.  We will begin this 8 week series with a message from the heart of wisdom literature in Scripture, Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.  The Pursuit of Pleasure in on the schedule for Sunday.  In reading the passage for Sunday ask yourself what paths/choices the writer makes in his pursuit of pleasure.  What does he say about them?  How does he approach engagement in these paths/choices?  Where do these paths/choices lead him?  

Good stuff!  Can’t go wrong with the Bible – great material to work with!  Think its because its Holy Spirit inspired or something like that, :). 

Chili dinner at church on Saturday at 5:00pm. Community movie to follow: Disneys Penguins!

Pastor Mark