OCTOBER! K N O W - G R O W - S E R V E!

2012
! As leaders of the different
areas are beginning to be contacted for
the initial organization of this years
Noel Acadien au Village, we need you
and your family to sign up and come be
a part of what The Open Door is doing
this Christmas season. There are many
opportunities for everyone. The date is
December 21st. You dont want to miss
it! You can sign up on our website,
www.opendoola.org, or on the bulletin
board in the back of church. Planning
on heading out of town for the
holidays? Make arrangements to leave
the day after. What a great opportunity
to tell others at Christmas how you
were able to be a part of this wonderful
event and how Jesus used our church
body to bless our community!
Noel Acadien au Village- Light the Night 2012
PICS OF ACADIAN VILLAGE AT
CHRISTMAS TIME
THE OPEN DOOR
BIRTHDAYS AND
ANNIVERSARIES
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Moore Oct. 13th
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hegwood Oct.18
Ben Davis Oct. 2nd
Doug Dugas Oct. 4th
Alice Avery Oct. 6th
Mike Davis Oct. 6th
Oliver Carmichael Oct. 8th
Will Mills Oct. 11th
Betsi Doherty Oct. 14th
Fred Davis Oct. 15th
Pat Buckley Oct. 16th
Katherine Segura Oct. 21st
Cong Vo Oct. 27th
Chris Riggs Oct. 30th
Lilly Watson Oct. 30th
RA FALL
CAMPOUT
THE ANNUAL RA CAMPOUT IS
SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 2ND
& 3RD FOR BOYS FROM 1ST
GRADE THROUGH 6TH. WHAT A
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR
FATHERS AND SONS TO GET
TOGETHER WITH OTHER GUYS IN
THE GREAT OUTDOORS! CONTACT
JONATHON DUPUIS OR BART
HIDALGO FOR MORE INFO.
LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED.
HALLELUJ AH
CHORUS
PRACTI CE
BEGI NS
6:30 P.M.
OCTOBER 11TH
AT THE OPEN DOOR
COME BE A PART OF THE
HALLELUJAH CHORUS FOR NOEL
ACADIEN AU VILLAGE.
ACADI AN
VI LLAGE
MEETI NG I I
WEDNESDAY EVENING OCTOBER
10TH WILL BE OUR NEXT CHURCH-
WIDE MEETING IN PREPARATION
FOR OUR SPONSOR NIGHT AT
NOEL ACADIEN AU VILLAGE!! WE
NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET.
THERES A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
TO SERVE.
Contact Stuart Amidon at samidon@opendoorla.org.

Note:
The Childrens Christmas
Program Practice Begins
Sunday October 7th. All
children that are committing
to be involved will go upstairs
after Worship Service during
the service.
Spears. Slingshots. Fires. Karate.
Adventure courses and
swimming.
! What more could a boy
want? September 14th and 15th
proved to be a weekend that 16
boys will not be forgetting
anytime soon. Survivor Man
Camp offered an opportunity for
a father-son weekend where the
men and boys were able to bond
through the above activities and
learn safety skills for surng the
internet, being in the wilderness,
and handling bullies. Many
churches from around the state
were represented as they, too,
gave their young boys a chance
at adventure. Overall,
approximately 200 boys were in
attendance.
! The boys were taught, by
an individual with a background
in parachuting, that Jesus is
always with them, and that no
matter how many times they fall,
Hes there to help them up.
Friday afternoon was packed
with activity until late into the
night. The boys nally turned in
around 11:30 and were early to
rise at 6 a.m. Thank you to
Jonathon Dupuis, Gene Segura,
Paul Hernandez, Seth Birch, and
Jon Hammons, who all came out
and chaperoned our boys. And
thank you to those who offered
scholarship money to assist with
the cost of this camp. You made a
wonderful weekend possible for
boys that otherwise would not
have been able to learn how to
be a Survivor Man.
--M --' || -~,
THE GANG
WI PED OUT! !
LESSONS BEI NG TAUGHT.
LEARNI NG TO FI ND THEI R
WAY.
MAKI NG FRI ENDS.
MEN-TO-BE LEARNING TO
SURVIVE!!
2012
40 Days of Prayer - Calendar
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn
from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. II
Chronicles 7:14.
Join us for 40 days of prayer for our nation from September 28th to
November 6th (election day).
"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone
you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be
quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our
Savior God wants us to live." (1 Timothy 2:1-3 MSG)
Oh, my... Thank you for your generosity
in this project for the month of
September! We were able to ship 15
boxes for Captain Nathan Whites
storehouse. Please continue to pray for
those who receive these gifts that God
would use them to turn hearts toward
Him. May He alone receive all the glory
and may those soldiers see His hand of
protection, provision, and salvation in
every day! Our focus for October will be
to do our part to make sure our soldiers
stay warm in the mountains of
Afghanistan, and have refreshment for
their basic physical needs. The four
items we are asking for our body to
specifically focus on providing in
October are: tube socks, Kuerig single
serve coffee containers (they love
these--and help in the chaplain's coffee
house ministry), baby wipes and snacks,
snacks, snacks. Examples: nuts of all
kind (individual bags and small cans),
hot chocolate mix, jerkies, microwave
popcorn, crackers (peanut butter,
cheese, etc.), hard candies, raisins,
sugar/Splenda packets, coffee creamer,
etc. Sometimes our soldiers miss meals
or just need a break from the usual.
Lagniappe--throw in some games,
cards, etc. Above all, keep them all in
your prayers for safety. The basket for
these items is located in the back of the
church. We will send out another group
of boxes by mid-October. Thanks again
for participating in this ministry!
Octobers Army Chaplain Project-
Serving Those Who Serve Us
According to the Lafayette Parish
Registrar of Voters Ofce: The
deadline to register and be eligible to
vote in the Presidential Election is
October 9th (caddy-corner from
the parish courthouse), 1010
Lafayette Street, Suite #313,
Lafayette, LA 70501.
Phone: (337) 291-7140. Fax: (337)
291-7143.
They are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
M-F; or, you can register online at
either of the two websites below:
www.sos.la.gov
www.geauxvote.com

The deadline for registering online

is October 9, 2012, at 11:59 p.m.

As I consider this
months article, I am reminded
of what we have been studying
on Sunday mornings and
Wednesday evenings. On
Sundays, we have been
looking at Malachi and
especially Mal. 2:10, Have we
not all one Father? Has not
one God created us? Why
then are we faithless to one
another, profaning the
covenant of our
fathers? (ESV) As we have
learned, we can miss
experiencing Gods presence
in our worship because of our
failure to consider one another
and our covenant relationship
to each other. Likewise, on
Wednesdays, we have been
studying the book of Ruth, and
especially looking into the
character of the three
prominent personalities,
Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Each
of the three speaks loudly as
to how we should live life in
light of our confession of
being followers of God
through Jesus Christ. Are we
missing the joy and fullness of
seeing God move in our
individual and corporate life
because we are not doing
that which we have been
called to do?
My own life is
convicted! Am I really doing
the work of ministry God has
called me to do? Or, am I just
on cruise control, avoiding
those things which are
inherently evil, and resting on
the character and actions that
I have developed over the
years? It is a question that I
am constantly forced to look
at and answer. I hope you ask
yourself the same type of
questions and that we are all
seeking God for further
understanding and application
of what it means to walk in
good works that He has
prepared for us to do. (Eph.
2:10)
It may help to look at
our lives like concentric
circles, with each successive
circle taking us further into
ministry unto others. The first
circle is our personal
relationship with Christ. This
is where we repent of sin and
place our faith and confidence
in His sacrifice and atonement
being sufficient to cleanse us
from all that defiles us, thus
making us pure or holy unto
the Lord. This is where we
practice spiritual breathing,
the inhaling of the Holy Spirit
for life and power and the
exhaling of our sins in
confession. We maintain
health as we continue to rely
upon the Holy Spirit within us
to give us life, lead us into
truth, and convince us of sin.
We release our sin, doubts,
and fears to the Lord in
repentance and confession
and breathe in again the
fullness and joy that He offers.
This is also the circle in which
we hear Him speak and direct
us in the actions that He would
have us move, our personal
marching orders, so to speak.
This is the circle where we find
strength and power through
His word to walk in the good
works He has ordained for us.
This is also where we come to
understand our true identity as
believers - something that is
imperative for us to really
move forward in life. This is
where we hear Him speak of
our forgiveness, acceptance,
and standing before Him as
holy, blameless and above
reproach. (Col 1:22) This is
where we find the peace and
freedom that Jesus promises
to His followers. (Jn 14:27; Lk
4:18) Many have found the
peace and freedom that Christ
Jesus offers while some
others are still struggling with
sin, acceptance, and worth
before our Lord. Our strength
in this first of circles
empowers our ability to move
outward into the next circle.
The next circle
represents our closest
immediate relationships.
These would include spouse,
parents, family, close friends,
and those within the body with
whom we worship. This is the
circle where we are most often
tested and in which our true
growth is measured. These
are the relationships that
reveal who we really are in
action and not just in words.
This is where our real
character is seen and known
by others. I believe this is the
challenge of Malachi 2:10, our
covenant relationships. It
begins with our spouse,
The Pastors Page
A SPECIAL THANKS
TO OUR AUDIO/
VIDEO AND SOUND
TECHNICIANS:
DAN GABUS AND DON AVERY
THANK YOU BOTH FOR ALL OF
THE TIME AND EFFORT YOU
PUT INTO CREATING SMOOTH
TRANSITIONS AND CLEAR
SOUND AND VIDEO FOR OUR
SERVICES. WE APPRECIATE
ALL OF THE BEHIND-THE-
SCENES WORK AND THE EARLY
AND LATE HOURS YOU
DEDICATE IN YOUR SERVICE
TO THE BODY.
moves through our entire
family, out into the body of
Christ, and into our close
personal relationships with
others. The questions to be
asked are, Does my spouse
see fruit of my relationship
with Christ in my relationship
with him or her? Do my
children see fruit of my
relationship with Christ in how
I deal with them? Do others,
outside of my family, see fruit
of my relationship with Christ
in my dealing with them? We
are given two great
commands: to love others and
to serve others. In doing so,
not only am I to be living the
truth, but I am to be speaking
the truth in love. I am to be
serving others and not
demanding that they serve me.
This is where our spirituality is
demonstrated, laid out for
others to see and test the
reality of the fruit in our lives.
This is the arena of ongoing
sanctification and testing.
This is also an area of great
stumbling and offense. We
must learn to forgive and ask
forgiveness. Much is taught
by Jesus concerning
relationships, too much to
expand upon here. Suffice it
to say, we should examine
ourselves before the Lord (the
first circle mentioned) and be
sure we are walking the walk
and not just talking a talk.
The next circle is where
we move out into the world to
minister the Gospel of Jesus
to those outside the realm of
the Church. This is where we
go into all of the world and
make disciples, teaching them
all that Jesus has taught us.
This is where we learn to meet
the needs of others in a life-
giving way, where we learn to
forgive and pray for our
enemies, and become all
things to all men that we might
win the more. This isnt just
organizing aid, bringing food,
starting a ministry, or
volunteering occasionally.
This is learning how to take
the Gospel into all arenas of
life and society. Truly, we may
organize to meet practical
needs, but the heart of
ministry is to take the Good
News of Jesus Christ to the
heart of people in all walks of
life and all areas of need. This
is where we learn how to take
a stand in society, in
government, politics,
education, media, business,
law, and among any other
arenas that God may show us.
This is the Church visible and
active amidst a lost and dying
world. This is where
Christians are trained and
equipped to move into areas
of life and be salt and light,
speak truth in love, and serve
others so they, too, may live
life abundantly. This is where
we will also be persecuted,
laughed at, and dismissed as
ones who are ignorant and
unlearned. This will also
drive us back to Circle One
again and again as we
constantly seek His grace,
power, forgiveness, and favor
to continue in fulfilling our
calling in the world. It will also
drive us into deeper worship
and fellowship with Him and
those who call on His name.
It is my desire that our
studies are not just intellectual
exercises, but that they are
driving us to find answers to
the myriads of questions that
arise. Is our life grounded in
Christ Jesus? Are our
relationships what they should
be? Are we ministering in the
world around us? Are we
doing these things in a way
that brings glory to God and
life to people? Where are we
in our development? Are we
working primarily in Circle
One, trying to establish an
ongoing relationship with
Jesus that is both real and
liberating? Are we working in
Circle Two, dealing with
relationships and trying to
gain victory and peace so we
are authentic in belief and
actions? Have we stepped
into Circle Three, ministering
to others in the world?
Wherever we are, we must be
willing to let the light of truth
and the searching of the Holy
Spirit establish us as ones
who rightly divide the Word of
Truth and walk in holiness and
obedience. May we not grow
weary in doing well and
seeking answers to these and
other questions. May we not
be lured into complacency, but
not buried under
condemnation. His grace is
sufficient. His calling is for
life. Let us take heed to His
word and move forward into
action.
Blessings!!
Pastor Sam Brooks

Wedding Bells Have Been
Ringing!
Congratulations to Judy Melancon
& Tony Deshotel as they were
married and she was pronounced
Mrs. Tony Deshotel on August
25th at The Open Door. May all of
your days together be blessed!
Congratulations to Jimmy and
Bree Tarbell, who said I do on
Friday evening, September 21st.
May you seek the Lord in all
things, committing all of your days
to Him and be blessed by His
great plan for your lives together.
Looking for family friendly acti vi ties? Look no
further...
2012 Pumpkin Patch
September 30 - October 31
Patch Hours
Sundays: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Mondays - Saturdays: 9:00am - 7:00pm
FREE ADMISSION EVERY DAY
Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for sale!
Straw, hay, Indian corn & gourds, too!
Live Animals! - Fun Jumps!
Decorated picture area for your special
"pumpkins!
Field trips available for Pre-K to second-
grade groups by appointment.
Includes fun & educational storytelling,
hayride & more.
Special Activities Every Saturday
Located & Sponsored by: Covenant
United Methodist Church, 300 East
Martial Avenue, Lafayette, La
All proceeds go to local & regional
mission projects.
How about a matinee?

Last Ounce of Courage is a new release that tells the story
of Bob, a decorated war veteran and mayor of a small
mountain town. Bob reconnects with his grandson, Chris,
when Chris moves back into town. Chris tries to connect with
memories of his father, who died in the war. Meanwhile, first
Bob and then the whole town become involved in trying to
restore Christmas, which has been forbidden. However, they
must face the wrath of the ACLU. Bob is thrown in jail and
stripped of his office. Only a miracle can bring Christmas back
to this small town. This is a PG movie that would be sure to
strike up some family conversation afterwards.
Roller Praising... Roller Skating to
Christian music only.
! The week of November 14th marks the nal week of
Operation Christmas Child for us at The Open Door. Until then,
preparations are being made to receive 500 boxes, which is our
goal for 2012. That doesnt sound so moving, until you look at it
from a different angle; 500 children receiving Christmas gifts,
possibly for the rst time, and having the Gospel of Christ shared
with them, possibly for the very rst time. We have sent out
letters to the neighborhoods surrounding The Open Door asking
the residents to partner with us for Operation Christmas Child
by preparing boxes that we will pick up from their doorsteps on
Wednesday, October 24th between 6:15 and 7:30. For
this round up of boxes, we will be needing adults chaperones and
transportation. You can contact Mika Hernandez to be a part of
this exciting evening.
! Though we may not be sending extravagant electronics,
games, or the newest of American fads in our boxes, they are being sent with the greatest gift of all, the message
of Jesus Christ. So as you prepare your boxes for donation over the months to come, pray that the Lord would
be preparing the heart of the recipient to receive His Word and to receive Him as Lord and Savior. Pray that the
childs decision to repent and believe would have a domino effect on his family and his community. This project is
more than hygiene products and small toys. Its a tool and an avenue for others to go and make disciples in the
uttermost parts of the world and we get to be a part of it. While you are seeking the Lord, pray about making a
nancial donation to help offset some shipping and handling costs. On Sunday, October 7th, we will take a
special offering specically for this cause.
! You can pick up a shopping list in the back of church on the bulletin board as well as a yer to share
with your own family, friends, and neighbors. In general, small toys, school supplies, stuffed animals, hygiene
products, caps, t-shirts, sunglasses, candy (please double bag), toy jewelry, & hair clips make great gifts. Please do
not include used or damaged items, war-related items, chocolate or food, out-of-date candy, liquids or lotions,
medications or vitamins, breakable items or aerosol cans. Thanks so much for being a part of such a wonderful
ministry to children! We look forward to seeing how the Lord multiplies our efforts.
Open Door Family,
This past year has been a
year full of growth and life for
our family, all ordained by our
good, sovereign God. There
were really hard and sad
times, and there were really
joyous and exciting times.
Through all of them, we were
VERY blessed by you. You
sent us meals, prayed for
physical and emotional
healing, sent a HUGE new
baby package home with Stu
to celebrate Cindy Grace's
birth, and ministered to other
various needs. Thank you for
being Jesus' hands and feet.
Thank you for loving Jesus
and loving us. You blessed us,
our extended families and
gave our onlooking neighbors
a picture of the body Christ.
We love and appreciate you!
Stuart, Rachel, Marie, and
Cindy Grace Amidon
With a Grateful Heart-
HEY! DID YOU
KNOW THAT
OCTOBER IS
PASTOR
APPRECIATION
MONTH? TAKE A
MOMENT IN ONE
WAY OR ANOTHER
TO LET OUR
GREAT PASTOR
KNOW HES
APPRECIATED!!
What - Helping Paul and Mika with jobs around their
house before baby number 7 gets here
When - Saturday, October 13th from 9 a.m.- until
***We will complete as much as we can in one day
Where - The Hernandez Home
Next to the Brooks home
247 Robert Daily Drive
Sunset, La
Lunch and Dinner to be provided
**Instead of bringing a traditional baby gift, be
prepared to pitch in for the paint and building
supplies that will be purchased. Checks can be made
out to Cash or Open Door with the memo of
Hernandez Shower. Money can be given to Rachel
Amidon or Kathryn Beasley.**
Manual Labor Shower
for the Hernandez Family
Student Ministry Campout
All 7th- 12th grade students are invited
to participate
in a campout at Chicot State Park!
November 17th - 18th (Sat. - Sun.)
Cost: $5.00
Register at church in the Student Building or online at www.opendoorla.org
Departure: 10 a.m. on Saturday from The Open Door
Return: 2 p.m. to The Open Door
Students should bring: warm clothes, an extra, change of clothes, toiletries, ashlights,
bug spray, Bibles, notebooks, and any snacks they should want. Dinner and breakfast will
be provided. Students should also bring money for lunch on the road on the way home.
Student Ministry
Oct 14th - The Open Door
Parents Meeting
(for parents of youth)
2:00 p.m.
at The Doherty Home
9324 Forest Road
Abbeville, La 70510
Talking vision, purpose, current and
future opportunities for the youth
program (etc).
A New Study has Begun!!
! ! Seeing Jesus
in the
Old Testament
Come check it out on Wednesday evenings at
6:15 p.m. in the Student Building and join us
before for dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Yout Litrature Night
Saturday, November 24th
5:30 p.m.
The Lab Coffee Shop in River Ranch
Discussing the book Revolution in World Missions
by K.P. Yohannon
PENNIES 4 PILLS
Have lots of pennies laying around? These days those little copper coins dont get us very far in the
supermarket, but combined with everyone elses loose change they can make a difference. Pennies 4
Pills is a fundraiser for the Lafayette Community Health Care Clinics Community Pharmacy. The
Community Pharmacy provides prescription & limited over-the-counter medications at no cost to
insured and underinsured low income residents of Acadiana (working & non-working). The clinic is
located at 1317 Jefferson Street in Lafayette and meets the needs of many Acadiana residents. Last
year, with a minimal budget, the Community Pharmacy provide 20,722 prescription medications
valued at nearly $2,000,000. There will be a collection jar conveniently located on the Guest
Services Counter near the front entrance of church. If you are interested in contributing to this
cause, feel free to deposit change, cash, or checks into the jar.
As Always...
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