• Message: “Why are you not full of Joy” from Pastor Joe

  Why Aren’t You Joyful Lesson Objective:  To understand the pursuit of happiness is not necessary. Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Galatians 5: 22-23 Introduction: One of the greatest tragedies in this world is the number of people who go throughout life without knowing (feeling) the thrill of joy. Happiness Definition-  external, materialistic, fleeting, worldly pleasures-  can  be easily defined Joy Definition- internal, cannot be easily explained, an extension of happiness. Romans 15: 13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit 1 Peter 1: 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy Analyze scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18  16 Rejoice evermore. JOY - CHARA. Joy (chara) (and rejoice) is Greek noun which describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing 17 Pray without ceasing. Luke 18: 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. John 16: 24  Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Phil 4:12  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Hebrews 13: 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Psalm 107:1 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Summary Suggest that we stop looking for happiness and seek joy Pursuit of Happiness by definition means that one has to actively do something to find happiness Steps to seeking Joy Stop looking at what others have Stop comparing ourselves with others Stop seeking instant gratification Stop using the world’s definition of success to measure what we think of ourself Stop allowing others to get in the way of your joy Vacation Bible School School Song I got the Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart Where!!! Down in my heart to stay Old Spiritual This JOY I have the world didn’t give it to me The world did’t give it the world can’t take it away       , “If you can’t be happy where you are, it’s a cinch you can’t be happy where you ain’t”…  Charlie Tremendous    

• Message: “Why Are You Not Joyful” from Pastor Joe

  Why Aren’t You Joyful Lesson Objective:  To understand the pursuit of happiness is not necessary. Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Galatians 5: 22-23 Introduction: One of the greatest tragedies in this world is the number of people who go throughout life without knowing (feeling) the thrill of joy. Happiness Definition-  external, materialistic, fleeting, worldly pleasures-  can  be easily defined Joy Definition- internal, cannot be easily explained, an extension of happiness. Romans 15: 13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit 1 Peter 1: 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy Analyze scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18  16 Rejoice evermore. JOY - CHARA. Joy (chara) (and rejoice) is Greek noun which describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing 17 Pray without ceasing. Luke 18: 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. John 16: 24  Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Phil 4:12  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Hebrews 13: 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Psalm 107:1 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Summary Suggest that we stop looking for happiness and seek joy Pursuit of Happiness by definition means that one has to actively do something to find happiness Steps to seeking Joy Stop looking at what others have Stop comparing ourselves with others Stop seeking instant gratification Stop using the world’s definition of success to measure what we think of ourself Stop allowing others to get in the way of your joy Vacation Bible School School Song I got the Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart Where!!! Down in my heart to stay Old Spiritual This JOY I have the world didn’t give it to me The world did’t give it the world can’t take it away       , “If you can’t be happy where you are, it’s a cinch you can’t be happy where you ain’t”…  Charlie Tremendous    

• Message: “Excellence Series May 30” from Bro Alex

  Notes from the presentation EXCELLENCE AS A CHRISTIAN ENTREPRENEUR Contents 1. Introduction 2. What excellence is and what it's not 3. The believer's mandate to excel 4. My journey of excellence 5. Q & A INTRODUCTION • Prayer • Thanks for hosting me • Covid has shaken the world, many lives lost, world economy shaken, many have lost hope • Yet we have learnt that there's more we have in common as humans - tech has played the part of bringing us together - the 'miracle of zoom' - here I am preaching in China • Topic - Excellence as a Christian entrepreneur couldn't be more timely - business is one key sphere that will yield solutions to a world that's slowly losing hope WHAT EXCELLENCE IS OR ISN'T • Excellence connotes highest quality/maximum potential/ Superior standard • Excellence is not a gift. It is an attitude generated by a spirit - Daniel 6:3 (NKJV) • It's not a destination or finish line but a commitment to constantly improve • It's not your performance compared to someone else but a comparison with your past/previous performance - hence the reason to constantly improve even if you are seemingly the best THE BELIEVER'S MANDATE TO EXCEL • 1 Pet 2:9 (English Standard Version) - excellence is why we are saved • Mathew 5:14-16 (ESV) - it's a must not a suggestion for us to shine (Lampsado); the goal is that God is glorified MY JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE 1. Growing up, I aspired to be the best version of me - the challenge here was comparison with others (academic system) 2. Later, the desire to glorify God - God is excellent - He saw all He created and it was 'very good' 3. Starting law firm work early exposed me to how law firms are set up (to make money and not mind how it's done (no value system) or who is impacted (owner not client centered) - this wasn't me • In 2nd year, I was about to give up - but God reminded me that light is relevant in darkness 1. Starting Signum • Had to have partners - something beyond an individual so the client wouldn't suffer • Partners selected based on value system - integrity/trust • Awards have come pointing to excellence with integrity - God's instruction was shine the light - UCU, Africa Legal, Legal 500 ranking, WTR ranking, East Africa Law Society Leading Law Firms & invitation to speak based on regional surveys • Leading at Uganda Law Society - Training & Development Committee Chairperson now launched Mentorship program using the leadership platform • Future Plan - Setting up Law Academy for Running Law Firms as a Business Speaker Bio Alex Matovu is a practicing commercial Lawyer and Managing Partner at Signum Advocates, a Ugandan Law firm he co-founded in the year 2014. In March 2018, the Law firm received the Legacy Award from the UCU Law Society for soaring higher, and doing so with Integrity & Excellence. The Firm was also recognized at the Africa Legal Awards in Johannesburg - South Africa, as a Highly Commended Law Firm (2018). He sits on boards of organizations such as International Needs Uganda, Shine Leadership International, Imagine Me Africa, Credo Management Limited and JIK International Ministries. He is a member of International Christian Camber of Commerce (Ugandan Chapter) and a member of the steering community of the Young Professionals at Watoto Church. Alex is happily married and the marriage is blessed with two sons, Elishama and Eliada.

• Message: “Fellowship Together or Alone” from Pastor Joe

  Fellowship --- Together or Alone? Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of coming  together while still having some alone time. Scriptures: Romans 12:5 A,  Why the need to fellowship? An opportunity to see God’s - handi work--- Romans 12: 4-6 Understand the importance of worshiping  together  -Matthew 18: 19-20 Provides encouragement -  Hebrews 10:  24-25 We are never alone – 1 Kings 19: 8-10 Learn from each other - 1 Corinthians 14:26 We are a part of a body,,,not the body – Romans 12:5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it 12: 27 Christ went to Church -  Luke 4: 16 Following tv/internet evangelist cannot take the place of a true fellowship Assemble and not just gather together ( all on one accord) What happens when one stops fellowshiping Run the risk of stopping your spiritual growth Begin to fall for teachings that are not true Not using your spiritual gifts – 1 Peter 4:10 We need each other We all need encouragement,    1 Thessalonians 5:11 Two are better than one Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Alone time Christ spent time alone Romans 12: 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) Renewing is a continued process through prayer and meditation Christ prayed alone Matthew 14:23 Mark 1:35 Meditation Psalms 19: 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer Psalm 104:34 Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord. Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night Challenges to Fellow shipping together Time constraints Online service challenges Take notes Remove distractions such as other tabs open Open Bible and mark passages for further study Summary Fellowship is very important but one must set aside some “self’ time.

• Message: “Mother’s Love” from Pastor Joe

  Mother’s Love Lesson Objective:  To look at several examples in the Bible of mothers and how they demonstrated love. Scripture:  Proverbs 31: 28-29;  Proverbs 6: 20-22 Jochebed Exodus 2:2-4   And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. Did she know what would happen to Moses? Why was Miriam there to watch Moses? How did she show her love for Moses? Hannah 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Did Eli know of her desires? What does this teach us about prayer ( reference Christ warning about prayers in Matthew) Verses 17-18 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. What does this say about the faith of Hannah? 1 Samuel 1: 27-28 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there What does this say about the character of Hannah? What do we do when God grants us our request in prayer? Naomi Ruth   When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. 8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.” What does this say about Naomi and how she must have treated her daughters-in-law?  “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her What does this say about Ruth one of the mother’s of Christ. Eunice and Lois 2 Timothy 1:5  I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Conclusion Proverbs 31: 30  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Question for Women:   How do you demonstrate God’s love to the children around you. In America we called it the Kool Aid House. Question for Men:  What do you do to provide the resources and environment for the mothers in your life to demonstrate the love of God.      

• Message: “Servant Leadership Part 4” from Pastor Joe

  Servant Leadership Part IV Using the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to fulfill our purpose Lesson Objective: To continue our discussion on Servant Leadership and how to prepare ourselves to be the best leaders by using the special gifts provided to us by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our perceived purpose. Scripture 2 Peter 1:3 Introduction. Scriptures:            Romans 12: 3-8 Ephesians 4: 7-13 Isaiah 11: 2-3 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10 Gifts: The Gift of Wisdom - the gift to make choices and give leadership that is according to God's will. The Gift of Knowledge - the gift to have a comprehensive understanding of a spiritual issue or circumstance. The Gift of Faith - the gift to trust God and inspire others to trust God, no matter the conditions. The Gift of Healing - the wondrous gift to use God's healing power to cure a person who is ill, wounded or suffering. The Gift of Miracles - the gift to display signs and miracles that give credibility to God's Word and the Gospel message. The Gift of Prophecy - the gift to declare a message from God. The Gift of Discerning Spirits - the gift to recognize whether or not something is truly from God or in accordance with righteousness. The Gift of Tongues - the gift to communicate in a heavenly language or known foreign language that you do not have experience with, in order to converse with those who speak that language or to exalt God The Gift of Interpreting Tongues – the gift to interpret what is being said in a heavenly language or to interpret the speech and writings of a known different language and translate it back to others in your own. The Gift of Administration - the gift to keep things ordered and in agreement with God's principles. The Gift of Helps - the gift of a desire and capacity to always help others, to do whatever it takes to get a task achieved. Five Fold Ministry             Offices that uses gifts from the Holy Spirit to uplift the Kingdom Apostles--   Responsible for spreading the gospel and planting Churches, Prophet- Deliverer of special words from God Evangelist-  Goes out to deliver unbelievers Acts 21:8  Pastor- Shepherd of a Church Teacher- Spread the knowledge   Purpose and Purpose Statement Purpose Statement gives one a road map to follow that provides direction Purpose is a more specific place on the map at a particular point in time. Purposes may change but the overall purpose statement does not change Purpose and Passion- What do you do even when you do not get paid for it Conclusion God has assignments for you.  See them with your heart and carry them out with your heart. You will never go wrong.      

• Message: “Servant Leadership Part III”

  Servant Leadership Part III Lesson Objective: To continue the discussion on servant leadership and the need to exemplify the servant leadership traits in and outside of the Church. Again much of this comes from Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges Scripture Matthew 20: 28 Review: Leadership happens anytime we influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person Effective leadership begins on the inside, with our hearts As Rick Warren observed in The Purpose Driven Life, “Your character is essentially the sum of your habits Followup from last week Develop a vision for your life the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom this is more than just a dream but a plan for action Purpose           1 Corinthians 10:31 1 Corinthians 9:16 Steps in the process: A: List attributes that you think may define who you are.  Ex:  physically strong, energetic, creative, patient, teaching ability, discerning, problem solver,  List how you interact with people Ex: Inspire, manage, motivate, encourage, sell, write  Develop a statement of the perfect world  Combine the 3 and develop a draft of your purpose in life Then give it to a few friends for their comments and or suggestions  Ken Blanchard's Purpose statement: Ken’s life purpose is to be a loving teacher and role model of simple truths who helps and motivates myself and others to be aware of the presence of God in our lives and realize we are here to serve, not to be served.  Where are you going Romans 6:23 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth What is the end for you? How do you want people to see you? Core values that guide you Philippians 4: 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" Take the time to identify those values that are most important to you List no more than 5 if possible Put in order of importance Add value statement like “I value ________, and I know I am living by this value anytime I . . .” Take the time to compare your actions to your stated values and make adjustments where necessary Conclusion What does this have to do with servant leadership and being a good leader? Effective leadership begins on the inside, with our hearts    

• Message: “Lead Like Jesus Being Habits” from Pastor Joe

  Lead Like Jesus – Being Habits Lesson Objective:  To continue the discussion on the attributes of a good leader. Scripture Matthew 20: 28 Introduction Leadership happens anytime we influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person. Jesus is the greatest leadership role model of all time. Servant leadership is the only approach to leadership that Jesus validates for His followers. Effective leadership begins on the inside, with our hearts   Review: The attributes are the 4 Hs Head Romans 12: 2 Hands James 2: 17-18  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without [a]your works, and I will show you my faith by [b]my works. Habit 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16- Rejoice always Heart Acts 13:22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’   Being Habits As Rick Warren observed in The Purpose Driven Life, “Your character is essentially the sum of your habits. Accepting and Abiding in God’s Love Central for the other 4 being habits 1 John 4:16 Ephesians 3: 17-19 Knowing and applying scripture 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 Hear the word Mark 4:23; Romans 10:17 Read Revelations 1:3 Study Acts 17:11 ( cautious of those who do not provide scripture references when speaking) Memorize Psalm 119: 9,  11 Meditate Psalms 1: 1-2 Practicing Ptayer Disciples understood the importance of prayer and asked how to pray Luke 11: 1 Matthew 26: 36-39 Where did he pray How did he pray What did he pray Luke 22: 43 ACTS Adoration Confessions Thanksgiving Supplication Experiencing Solitude Mark 1:35 1 King 19:12 Psalms 46:10 Maintaining supportive relationships Eccle 4:12 Proverbs 27:6   So what!!!!!!   Develop a vision for your life   Purpose Where are you going Core values that guide you

• Message: “Man God Uses” from Min Oluleke

  TITLE: THE SEARCH CONTINUES (The Man God Uses) 1 Samuel 15:22-23 22 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” (1) Lessons from Saul's Life # It appears to me that the moment Saul fell from grace, a word came out from heaven that he had been "deposed", and the CV/qualities of the man who would replace him were also announced. In particular,  heaven wanted "a man after the heart of God." But for more than 20 years, the Lord searched all of Israel for such a man, but never found one. Yet, he remained patient. # David was not yet born when Saul became king; he was born after Saul had been king for 10 years. Then, he was anointed by Samuel among his brothers around 15 years old. God waited for more than 20 years to anoint the next king. And he declared: "I have found a man after my heart" (Acts 13:22), meaning that he had been searching for many years. # You see, although God accepts us the way we are at salvation, he cannot use us just the way we are. When it comes to the choice of whom to use for His work, God is very selective, and he has high tastes/standards. # It is apalling that out of millions of Isrealites, and note that most of them were very religious and carrying out the customary religious rites regularly, God did not find anyone "after his heart" for decades. # This calls for caution: among the multitude, it's possible that only very few people are sincerely seeking God. Dear folks, God is still searching for men! There are several needs and problems in our world today that require divine intervention. Yet, the Lord usually constrains himself to reveal his power, might and manifold wisdom through human vessels. God does not have a shortage of power, but a shortage of men. He cannot use just anyone because he has high requirements for those he will use for his glory. (2) The Man/Woman God Uses 1) Humble Humble people are aware: of their sinfulness and the grace of Jesus; of their inadequacy and their total dependence on Jesus; “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. And he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). 2) Obedient or a Teachable Heart King Saul was engaged in serial disobedience. He never did things as he was instructed. He usually obeyed partially, or not at all. Either is not desirable. He never truly repented when corrected: he was sure to repeat the fault soon afer. 3) Has a Heart for People Jesus was a great role model of this: “when He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Compassion is being touched with the feelings of others and being considerate of what others are passing through. It is different from pity: pity does nothing. Compassion makes a move to help. 4) Available They are available to serve others. They make talents and gifts are available to meet the needs of others. E.g. the little boy with five loaves and two fish. 5) Faithful They are faithful with the little committed to them and do it excellently well, giving it all they've got.   Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 6) Holy and Pure 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. Psalm 24:3-4 a) Clean hands: free from guilt, wrongdoing and sin. Does not practice sin habitually. b) Pure heart: clean, open, clear conscience before God and men. Conclusion It all boils down to the state of the heart. God is looking for people who are after His heart. humble quick to repent forgiving ready to obey God's word hatred for sin tender conscience love for people The human heart has a void; it was created with a vacuum Don't fill yours with junk: busyness, materialism, lust, sexual perversion, romantic relationships/fantasies, drugs, alcohol etc. Fill it with God; invite Him to fill it up for you, and He will! Luke 1:53 Those who hunger for him will always be filled, but the smug and self-satisfied he will send away empty.

• Message: “Christ is Risen Lesson and Concert”

  Choir concert and lesson link