SANCTIFY!

Beginnings, Genesis 1-12
Israel, Genesis 12-Malachi
Christ, the gospels

to be done at at later date:
[Church, Acts –Jude and church history
Endings, Revelation and other passages]

----------------------------------------------------
September 6: NEW STUDY—The Revelation of Jesus Christ!

=============================
TUESDAY GATHERING: Coming In September—Revelation!

Teacher: Laura Springer
September worship leader: TBA

On Tuesday, September 6, we’ll begin our reading and discussion of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Book series, television movies, and more have looked at the events prophesied in this last book of the Bible. Do they have it right?

Does the book of Revelation intend to tell us the future, or is it about something else?

Do you know a person who is asking tough questions about God and the mess of life? Great! Invite them to the Tuesday Gathering for our Revelation discussion. Pick up a flyer in the college room.

Questions are exactly what we’re looking for…

=============================
SUNDAY GATHERING: Coming September 18—TFB College: who we are and why we are here

Teachers: Jonathan Pribble and Laura Springer

Know the Story-Be the People-Expand the Kingdom

What do we mean when we say that? Starting September 18, we’ll take three Sundays to investigate what the bible says about our identity and purpose, and to think together about how we—tfbcollege—live out that identity and purpose. In the process we’ll dream together about 2005-2006 and create media projects to communicate our dream to those outside the college ministry.

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SERMON NOTES—Myths That Make Us Miserable - Part 3--The Truth About Stress
Charlie Rice
August 28, 2005

MYTH: “Other people cause my stress.”
TRUTH: How I choose to respond creates the stress.

JESUS’ PRINCIPLES FOR HANDLING STRESS

IDENTIFICATION: Know Who You Are. John 8:12; Mark 14:62; John 14:6; John 6:35; John 8:18

DEDICATION: Know Who You Are Trying To Please. John 5:30; Luke 16:13

PRIORITIZATION: Know What You Want To Accomplish John 8:14; Luke 4:43

CONCENTRATION: Focus On What Is Important. Luke 9:51; Luke 9:62; Luke 10:40 42; Matthew 6:33

DELEGATION: Let Other People Help Mark 3:14

MEDITATION: Make A Habit Of Praying Luke 5:15 16; Mark 6:31; Matthew 11:28 30

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=============================
REGULAR HAPPENINGS

SUNDAYS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
Intergenerational worship gathering with indy-folk-rockish music and good preaching… too fun!
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish
Coffee, conversation, and donut holes in the TFB Courtyard.
COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Collegial teaching time led by collegians

TUESDAYS
TUESDAY GATHERING @ 7:15-9:00 pm— TFB College Room
Hangout and conversation, guided by a teacher-facilitator; often resembles Mr. Toad’s wild ride, but with bibles.
Currently: Writing a screenplay for the Story of God media project

DAY varies…
WEEKEND GATHERING (contact Pastor G for details)
Hang out, talk, bring your friends.

=============================
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: College Briefing: September 2-5

College Briefing: September 2-5—Forest Home
The Church has Left the Building—Ministry at the downtown Torrance flea market: September 25, 11 AM
Beach Bonfire @ Dockweiler: date TBA

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=============================

Beginnings, Genesis 1-12
Israel, Genesis 12-Malachi
Christ, the gospels
Church, Acts –Jude and church history
Endings, Revelation and other passages

The Problem: Rebellion against the rule of God and the mind-body-spirit-world results of that rebellion.

The Solution: Jesus Christ. Everything before Christ points toward Christ and everything after Christ points back to Christ. In the end, everything is returned to God’s original design in Christ.

August 23 Ezra, Nehemiah, and the time between the testaments...preview

Last night was a bit random... and HOT! (our concentration level was extremely low)

So, after a prayer challenge from Josh, we took a jet tour through biblical history, dipped our toes into Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Maccabees, and decided to carry over to next Tuesday.

To that end, those who are not yet in school: HOMEWORK!

(oh, stop groaning...)

Take a quick read through Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Maccabees

----------------------------------------------------
August 30 Ezra, Nehemiah, and the time between the testaments and WRAP!
September 6: NEW STUDY—The Revelation of Jesus Christ!
=============================
TUESDAY GATHERING: Coming In September—Revelation!

On Tuesday, September 6, we’ll begin our reading and discussion of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Book series, television movies, and more have looked at the events prophesied in this last book of the Bible. Do they have it right?

Does the book of Revelation intend to tell us the future, or is it about something else?

Do you know a person who is asking tough questions about God and the mess of life? Great! Invite them to the Tuesday Gathering for our Revelation discussion. Pick up a flyer in the college room.

Questions are exactly what we’re looking for…

=============================
SERMON NOTES—Myths That Make Us Miserable - Part 2: The Truth About God
Pastor Charlie
August 21, 2005

MYTH #1: “GOD IS UNREASONABLE.” Genesis 2:17; 3:1

THE TRUTH: GOD IS A COMPASSIONATE FATHER. Psalm 145:9; Lamentations 3:22; Psalm. 37:4; 1 Tim. 6:17; Romans 8:32; Psalm 84:11; Matthew 7:11

MYTH #2: “GOD IS UNRELIABLE.” Genesis 3:3 5

Temptations: Phase #1 – Doubt Phase #2 – Deception

THE TRUTH: GOD IS A CONSISTENT FATHER. Romans 11:29; Psalm 59:10

MYTH #3: “GOD IS UNCONCERNED.”

THE TRUTH: GOD IS A CARING FATHER. Matthew 10:29-31; John 14:23; Matthew 6:31-33

MYTH #4: “GOD IS UNPLEASABLE.”

THE TRUTH: GOD IS A CHARITABLE FATHER 1 Corinthians 6:1; Ephesians 1:4; Romans 3:22

=============================
=============================
REGULAR HAPPENINGS

SUNDAYS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
Intergenerational worship gathering with indy-folk-rockish music and good preaching… too fun!
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish
Coffee, conversation, and donut holes in the TFB Courtyard.
COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Collegial teaching time led by collegians

TUESDAYS
TUESDAY GATHERING @ 7:15-9:00 pm— TFB College Room
Hangout and conversation, guided by a teacher-facilitator; often resembles Mr. Toad’s wild ride, but with bibles.
Currently: Writing a screenplay for the Story of God media project

DAY varies…
WEEKEND GATHERING (contact Pastor G for details)
Hang out, talk, bring your friends.

=============================
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: Ministry, EAT! and Bonfire: Sunday, August 28

Ministry and EAT!: Sunday, August 28— Torrance flea market ministry at 12 noon; lunch around 1 pm
Beach Bonfire: Sunday, August 28—Dockweiler Beach
College Briefing: September 2-5—Forest Home: cost $155

=============================
=============================

Beginnings, Genesis 1-12
Israel, Genesis 12-Malachi
Christ, the gospels
Church, Acts –Jude and church history
Endings, Revelation and other passages

"You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
And you have caused them to become God's Kingdom and his priests.
And they will reign on the earth."

This is who Jesus ramsomed us to be.
This is who we are.
We ARE a kingdom. We are the rule of God made flesh.
We ARE priests. We—each and together—bring those we touch into God’s presence for worship and in prayer.
We WILL BE co-rulers. We grow in wisdom and take our responsibilities seriously.

So, the question is not “Do I want to be God’s kingdom-priest-co-ruler?” The only question is “Will I be who I am or will I be someone else? Will I follow God or will I follow myself?”

Choose.

----------------------------------------------------
August 23 Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Maccabees
August 30 The Church Age
September 6: NEW STUDY—The Revelation of Jesus Christ!

=============================
TUESDAY GATHERING: Coming In September—Revelation!

On Tuesday, September 6, we’ll begin our reading and discussion of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Book series, television movies, and more have looked at the events prophesied in this last book of the Bible. Do they have it right?

Does the book of Revelation intend to tell us the future, or is it about something else?

=============================
STORY-CONNECTING STORIES—My College Ministry Journey

I, Laura, am living proof that God uses messy people. After some utterly ineffective angling, I stumbled into college ministry in January 2000. During that month, I substitute taught in the weekday bible study. Next thing I knew, I was in charge. Eek! The past five and one-half years have been a messy journey. One thing I’ve noticed: in those times when I am most sure of myself, I am usually ineffective. In those times when I feel utterly clueless, I am usually quite effective. It continues to be a bumpy road; I do and say clueless—sometimes stupid—things. The best thing I am learning as I do this ministry is that God has called ME—with all my quirks and mess—to do THIS ministry. God uses me best when I am most aware that I—like all humans—am a mixture of brokenness and glory. By myself, I’m toast. With God… I don’t think I can dream that big (Ephesians 3:20-21).

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SERMON NOTES—MYTHS THAT MAKE YOU MISERABLE, Part 1: It does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.
Pastor Charlie
August 14, 2005

Your beliefs are your choice. Romans 1:25

Your beliefs determine your behavior. Proverbs 4:23

The world has taught you many false beliefs. 1 John 4:1

Your false beliefs are the cause of many problems and unhappiness. John 8:32

The only source of absolute truth is god. Romans 3:4; Luke 21:33; Hebrews 6:18

Building your life on the foundation of God’s truth is the key to a healthy and stable life. Matthew 7:24

A key to stability is a personal commitment to the truth. Romans 12:2

- Commit yourself to seeking the truth. 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 3:15

- Commit yourself to living the truth. Ephesians 4:14-15; 2 Corinthians 4:2

- Commit yourself to believing the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; John 14:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:10 11

=============================
=============================
REGULAR HAPPENINGS

SUNDAYS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
Intergenerational worship gathering with indy-folk-rockish music and good preaching… too fun!
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish
Coffee, conversation, and donut holes in the TFB Courtyard.
COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Collegial teaching time led by collegians

TUESDAYS
TUESDAY GATHERING @ 7:15-9:00 pm— TFB College Room
Hangout and conversation, guided by a teacher-facilitator; often resembles Mr. Toad’s wild ride, but with bibles.
Currently: Writing a screenplay for the Story of God media project

DAY varies…
WEEKEND GATHERING (contact Pastor G for details)
Hang out, talk, bring your friends.

=============================
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: Ministry and EAT!: Sunday, August 28

Ministry and EAT!: Sunday, August 28— Torrance flea market ministry at 12 noon; lunch around 1 pm
College Briefing: September 2-5—Forest Home: cost $155

=============================
=============================

Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom

If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com

A fresh eNews is posted each Monday and updated on Wednesday

=============================
IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK

SUNDAY COLLEGIUM— Prayer: The Widow
THE STORY OF GOD—What we’re up to…
TUESDAY GATHERING: Coming In September--Revelation!
STORY-CONNECTING STORIES—My College Ministry Journey
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: Silent Movie Night (The Tramp, Nosferatu, and Metropolis)

tfbcollege pix on flikr
NOTE: you must have a free flikr account to download

Staff:
Pastor G (TFB Youth Min Pastor) gbenjamin49@gmail.com
Laura (teacher, AKA the mad tangent rider; eNews editor) lkspringer@gmail.com

Leadership team:
TBA

=============================
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM— Prayer: The Widow

Luke 18:1-8
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Study:
List the phrases that describe the widow.
What sort of person was she?
How are we like the widow?
How are we not like the widow?

Apply:
Name an everyday need.
Assume that God is exactly like the widow and write a prayer about that need.
Assume God is nothing like the widow and write a prayer about that need.

Thinking back on your prayer journaling this past week, where do they fall?
1 = My prayers last week show that I am exactly like the widow.
5 = My prayers last week show that I am nothing like the widow.

Last words:
1- God will answer our prayers if we give him prayers to answer.
2- Pray as you can, not as you can't (source unknown).

August 14, 21, 28: Picture It! (in the TFB gym)

=============================
THE STORY OF GOD—What we’re up to…

As the leader of the first rebellion against God’s rule and the Adversary who has now officially lost the war, Satan fights a desperate, losing battle against God’s rule. Deluded by twisted memories of personal glory and haunted by piercing visions of his own demise, this dangerous enemy recklessly takes advantage of the pervasive corruption caused by humanity’s rebellion, warring against the inevitable completion of God’s rule in Jesus Christ.

Movements:

Beginnings, Genesis 1-12
Israel, Genesis 12-Malachi
Christ, the gospels
Church, Acts –Jude and church history
Endings, Revelation and other passages

What came before… The story of Israel. Tuesday, August 9:

Wife Swapping (Genesis 20): Abraham introduces his wife as his sister; Abimelech happily took Sarah into his harem, thinking she was Abraham’s sister (she was his half-sister); God intervened, saying he would kill Abimelech if he didn’t return Sarah to her husband; he returned her and compensated Abraham.
Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech (Genesis 21:22-34): Abimelech recognizes that God is on Abraham’s side in the dispute over the wells, so they make a covenant and exchange cattle.
The Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19): Abraham fears God enough to sacrifice his son, Isaac, the son of promise.
Isaac and Abimelech (Genesis 26:1-11): Isaac gets caught sleeping with his wife after he had told Abimelech that she was his sister (he lied).
Jacob versus God (Genesis 32:22-32): Jacob wrestles with God until daybreak; God is unsuccessful, touches Jacob’s hip (putting it out of joint), and blesses Jacob.
The sons of Jacob Get Medieval (Genesis 34): Dinah get raped by Shechem, and Jacob’s sons deceive Shechem into getting circumcised; the sons slaughter Shechem and company while they are still healing.
Joseph Sold Into Slavery (Genesis 37:18-36): Joseph’s brothers gang up on him, rip his clothes off, throw him in the well, and sell him into slavery.
Joseph Made Ruler of Egypt (Genesis 41:37-57): Pharaoh makes the dream-interpreting, former-convict Joseph to be the ruler of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

August 16 The Story Today summer mission trips (Josh, Dylan, Micah, and Jeff)
August 23 Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Maccabees
August 30 The Church Age
September 6: NEW STUDY—The Revelation of Jesus Christ!

=============================
TUESDAY GATHERING: Coming In September--Revelation!

On Tuesday, September 6, we’ll begin our reading and discussion of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Book series, television movies, and more have looked at the events prophesied in this last book of the Bible. Do they have it right?

Does the book of Revelation intend to tell us the future, or is it about something else?

=============================
STORY-CONNECTING STORIES—My College Ministry Journey

I, Laura, am living proof that God uses messy people. After some utterly ineffective angling, I stumbled into college ministry in January 2000. During that month, I substitute taught in the weekday bible study. Next thing I knew, I was in charge. Eek! The past five and one-half years have been a messy journey. One thing I’ve noticed: in those times when I am most sure of myself, I am usually ineffective. In those times when I feel utterly clueless, I am usually quite effective. It continues to be a bumpy road; I do and say clueless—sometimes stupid—things. The best thing I am learning as I do this ministry is that God has called ME—with all my quirks and mess—to do THIS ministry. God uses me best when I am most aware that I—like all humans—am a mixture of brokenness and glory. By myself, I’m toast. With God… I don’t think I can dream that big (Ephesians 3:20-21).

=============================
=============================
REGULAR HAPPENINGS

SUNDAYS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
Intergenerational worship gathering with indy-folk-rockish music and good preaching… too fun!
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish
Coffee, conversation, and donut holes in the TFB Courtyard.
COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Collegial teaching time led by collegians

TUESDAYS
TUESDAY GATHERING @ 7:15-9:00 pm— TFB College Room
Hangout and conversation, guided by a teacher-facilitator; often resembles Mr. Toad’s wild ride, but with bibles.
Currently: Writing a screenplay for the Story of God media project

DAY varies…
WEEKEND GATHERING (contact Pastor G for details)
Hang out, talk, bring your friends.

=============================
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: Silent Movie Night (The Tramp, Nosferatu, and Metropolis)

Silent Movie Night (The Tramp, Nosferatu, and Metropolis): Date TBA
Ministry and EAT!: Sunday, August 28— Torrance flea market ministry at 12 noon; lunch around 1 pm
College Briefing: September 2-5—Forest Home: cost $155

=============================
=============================

[UPDATE: Bonfire has been postponed to August 28 due to the China Team Report on August 6]

Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom

If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com

A fresh eNews is posted each Monday and updated on Wednesday

=============================
IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK

SUNDAY COLLEGIUM— Prayer: The Judge
THE STORY OF GOD—What we’re up to…
STORY-CONNECTING STORIES
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: China Team Report: Saturday, August 6

tfbcollege pix on flikr
NOTE: you must have a free flikr account to download

Staff:
Pastor G (TFB Youth Min Pastor) gbenjamin49@gmail.com
Laura (teacher, AKA the mad tangent rider; eNews editor) lkspringer@gmail.com

Leadership team:
TBA

=============================
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM— Prayer: The Judge

Luke 18:1-8
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Study:
List the phrases that describe the judge.
What sort of person was he?
How is God like the judge?
How is God not like the judge?

Apply:
Name an everyday need.
Assume that God is exactly like the judge and write a prayer about that need.
Assume God is nothing like the judge and write a prayer about that need.

Thinking back on your prayer journaling this past week, where do they fall?
1 = My prayers last week show that I believe God is exactly like the judge.
5 = My prayers last week show that I believe God is nothing like the judge.

August 7: Prayer 3 of 3—The Widow, led by Stef M
August 14: TBA

=============================
THE STORY OF GOD—What we’re up to…

As the leader of the first rebellion against God’s rule and the Adversary who has now officially lost the war, Satan fights a desperate, losing battle against God’s rule. Deluded by twisted memories of personal glory and haunted by piercing visions of his own demise, this dangerous enemy recklessly takes advantage of the pervasive corruption caused by humanity’s rebellion, warring against the inevitable completion of God’s rule in Jesus Christ.

Movements:

Beginnings, Genesis 1-12
Israel, Genesis 12-Malachi
Christ, the gospels
Church, Acts –Jude and church history
Endings, Revelation and other passages

Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-15; c1446 BC): Moses speaks to a burning bush that says, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exo 3:14).
The Fear of God (Exodus 20:18-21; c1445 BC): The Israelites fear God after the 10 commandments are given.
Balaam and the ass (Numbers 21-22; c1446-1406): Balaam is stopped by an angel that he is unable to see (but that his ass can see) and he beats his ass in response (archaic use of term “ass” courtesy of Megan… UPDATE: an increased number of hits to the eNews requires a reference to the biblical use of "ass": Numbers 22:23 KJV "And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.").
Victory by God’s Grace (Deuteronomy 9:1-7; c1406 BC): God promises to destroy the giant Anakites because of his grace and despite the Israelites’ continual disobedience.
Rahab protects the spies (Joshua 2:1-24; c1406 BC): Joshua sends scouts to Jericho; the king of Jericho want to kill them, but Rahab the prostitute hides them (she’s on their side) and the scouts promise to spare her and her family; the spies then report back to Joshua.
The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6; c 1406 BC): The people of Israel march around Jericho six times with trumpets blazing. On the seventh day they are silent and the impenetrable walls fall down!!!

Next: Tuesday, August 9
Genesis 12-50… Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph

=============================
STORY-CONNECTING STORIES
When tragedy comes, knowledge, religious activities, and emotional experiences are not enough. A decision to trust God, no matter what, is enough. This past week tragedy hit TFB. A young mother took a nap and never woke up. She was healthy. Now she is dead. What in the world do we do with that?

The children of Israel had knowledge—God gave them his covenant on Mount Sinai. They had religious activities—God gave them the tabernacle and the Levitical law. They had emotional experiences—God gave them amazing signs of his person and presence. Yet the generation that God delivered from Egypt was unable to enter the Promised Land because they failed to trust God. Of the thousands and thousands that left Egypt, only two entered the land: Joshua and Caleb. Not even Moses entered the land. Joshua and Caleb entered because they decided to trust that God would give them the land despite apparently insurmountable opposition from the inhabitants. When life took an apparent nose-dive, Joshua and Caleb acted out of their decision to trust God.

Question: Have you decided to trust God? Not just “going forward and praying the prayer”, but really trusting God. Take a hard look at your decisions and responses. Then go to God, tell him what you have seen in yourself, and decide to trust him.

=============================
=============================
REGULAR HAPPENINGS

SUNDAYS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
Intergenerational worship gathering with indy-folk-rockish music and good preaching… too fun!
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish
Coffee, conversation, and donut holes in the TFB Courtyard.
COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Collegial teaching time led by collegians

TUESDAYS
TUESDAY GATHERING @ 7:15-9:00 pm— TFB College Room
Hangout and conversation, guided by a teacher-facilitator; often resembles Mr. Toad’s wild ride, but with bibles.
Currently: Writing a screenplay for the Story of God media project

DAY varies…
WEEKEND GATHERING (contact Pastor G for details)
Hang out, talk, bring your friends.

=============================
UPCOMING EVENTS—Next: China Team Report, Saturday, August 6

China Team Report: Saturday, August 6, 7 pm (TFB)
Beach Bonfire: Sunday, August 28—details TBA
Ministry and EAT!: Sunday, August 28— Torrance flea market ministry at 11 am; lunch around 12:30 (location TBA)
College Briefing: September 2-5—Forest Home: cost $155

=============================
=============================

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