New Members - September 2008

Welcome to all the new members of Destiny Church! On the 3rd Sunday of September we presented these precious people to the congregation and prayed a prayer of blessing over them.

They've completed Discover Destiny, our 3 week membership course, and believe this is the church home God has placed them in. We sincerely believe in the biblical teaching that covenant membership in a local church is important for every believer and we are grateful to God for adding these families to Destiny.

It's our prayer and our goal to see each of these families and individuals find their place at Destiny both relationally and in service to God. The pastors have had an opportunity to meet with these families and discover their unique stories. God has truly blessed us with some remarkable people that we are pleased to call friends. Our new brothers and sisters in Christ!

In the coming months and years we anticipate God using these individuals in miraculous ways. We believe God has given each Christian spiritual gifts and called each member of Destiny to minister. We would like to encourage all the members of Destiny, as well as, ministry department leaders to reach out to these new friends. Let's show ourselves friendly and help them find a place to serve in the church.

You do such a wonderful job of making Destiny a loving, caring, giving place. Let's keep up the great work we're doing to the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

Blessings,

Destiny Church Pastoral Team

written by Ted Thevaos (Children's Ministry Pastor)

Back to School Sunday 2008

Ted Thevaos, our Children's Ministry Pastor, spoke a message entitled "The Blessing Exchange: God's Generational Promise" and then we had a time to bless our children and young people as we sent them back to school for the 2008/2009 year. It was a rich time of rediscovering God's generational promise for us and our families!

Children ages 6-12 joined the adults in the Family Life Center for this service as a new change to our children's ministry schedule. Recently several parents expressed a desire for their children to join them occasionally for worship and communion. This became a point of discussion among the pastors and a decision was made to have children ages 6-12 join their parents on the first Sunday (Communion Sunday) of every month. As you can see and hear from the video, the congregation applauded Ted's announcement of this new change. God has spectacular plans for the next generation as we lead them with love and blessing.



written by Ted Thevaos (Children's Pastor)

67th Anniversary Picnic

We had a great turnout at the picnic. People began arriving around noon and stayed until late afternoon. There were hamburgers and hot dogs compliments of Chuck Cantu and his team, and many side dishes and desserts that everyone brought. Of course we had to wait until the 2nd Annual Pie Baking Contest was officially judged and a winner chosen before we could devour the pies, but trust me there were only crumbs left. Speaking of the contest, Robin Gross took home the grand prize for her butter pecan pie. Way to go Robin!

Beyond the food, we had a wonderful time of catching up with friends and enjoying some good fellowship. The children moved between the playground, catching baby frogs and minows, the pinata bash, and the games. There was lots of fun for the whole family. You can see from the pictures all the fun we had. The children and young people even cooled off toward the end as we had water balloon fights. I think even some innocent onlookers may have gotten just a little wet. That's what picnics are for, right?

Thank you Rick and Cynthia Vela for leading out with this event. You did a great job! We thank God for the unique and rewarding history he's given us at Destiny Church. We plan on continuing the celebration until he returns and then we'll have it in heaven. Glory to God! PICTURES!

written by Ted Thevaos (Children's Ministry Pastor)

67th Anniversary Service

Our recent Anniversary Service was memorable as David Hartley, one of Destiny's previous youth pastors, spoke on Living in Overflow, and Not Overload. He took us through excerpts from the book of Acts to remind us of the simplicity of the early church and how we need to return to the simplicity of loving God and loving people. He called it "Simple Church."

We also enjoyed a journey back in time while reviewing the history of Destiny Church by way of video. In addition to that movie we also watched another video of Dave Bell interviewing his father John Bell. John speaks of his call to ministry and tells several compelling stories of how he dicerned the will of God for his life. Check out these videos by selecting the more link below.

It was just an inspiring day and weekend all the way around. God's been good and faithful to this local body of believers and the churches we've been blessed to be in relationship with. Let's stay faithful to the call of God for this church as others who have gone before did. Glory to God! PICTURES!






written by Ted Thevaos (Children's Ministry Pastor)

Simply Beautiful Bible Study

Our current Simply Beautiful Bible Study on Thursday mornings features an in-depth study entitled Stepping Up by Beth Moore. With the study book in hand, a dynamic video of Biblical teaching right before our eyes, and a heart hungry for God's Word, we are taking this journey through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134) one step at a time. Beth encourages us to "say it, work it, and pray it" in regards to the Word in our lives, and that a new level of relationship and intimacy with God will unfold. Each time we meet, we are challenged to journey through life in greater fellowship and greater worship, honoring Him.

As one women stated, "I came to this study because I needed something from God. I recently went through something very devastating in my life. I hadn't planned for this, but it happened. I know Scripture and I know God will never leave me. I have hope! In thinking about all the things I have been facing, I am realizing that all this "stuff" happening in my life just doesn't matter. I am on a pilgrimage...a journey just passing through! I am making progress too, one step at a time. I see that life is short and I am determined to make my life count for something."

Ladies, no matter where YOU are in life, this journey through the Psalms of Ascent is for YOU. Whether it be studying at home, memorizing Scripture, or laying face down on the floor in a whole-hearted time of prayer and worship, this journey begins in the center of the heart and will overflow into all that you do as pilgrims traveling though life bringing glory and honor to God.

Come join us as we continue the final three weeks of our Thursday morning study at 9:30 am (Oct. 9 - Oct. 23) or come to the Thursday evening study at 7 pm (Oct. 9 - Nov. 13). Come join us for this 7 week journey of a life time! For more information contact the church office at 349-2295.

written by Cynthia Vela (Women's Ministry Director)

Wipeout Graffiti Day 2008

On Saturday, September 27, volunteers participating in the "Wipeout Graffiti Day 2008" met Councilwoman Diane Cibrian at her District 8 office. She welcomed us and thanked us for volunteering for this effort to eradicate graffiti. "Graffiti is a crime and of major concern for the city of San Antonio," stated Councilwoman Cibrian.

The volunteer team of Destiny Church was ready to get the job done. Enthusiastic, energized, and empowered, we got up early on a breezy Saturday morning to do what we had to do! About fifteen of us were decked out in our work clothes. Some wore their best worn-out work clothes! These clothes were creatively designed (with paint blotches and rips galore) while volunteering to build with Homes for the Homeless in Mexico.

Before we departed to our assigned areas for clean up, we received our tools which included a map, gallons of paint, paint pans, short paint rollers, and paint rollers on extended poles. Those using the extended poles had to make sure no one was poked by their rigorous efforts while painting inside the drainage ditches.

"This was great that Destiny got involved in this community effort," said one of the Destiny volunteers. Someone else mentioned how this effort has caused more awareness of the need to keep our district clean.

Councilwoman Cibrian acknowledged that she was impressed with Destiny's involvement in the community. Cibrian was presented a plaque last year at the Arise2Pray 2007 event which was held at Destiny Church. She mentioned that she had been inspired to see hundreds of men gathered to pray for our community. She also expressed a desire to have Dave Bell pray before one of the upcoming City Council meetings.

Thank you Destiny volunteers for making a difference in our community! You are the greatest! PICTURES!

written by Rick and Cynthia Vela (Community Care Pastor)