Community Update from Dr. Bob: 6/12/2024
We are off to a great start at Friday Night Church. We had children and youth and whole families. Everyone was all together in the same room, so it really had a family feel to it. We were all hearing the same thing, but the children had activities all related to the theme. It was fun to enjoy a slice of pizza on the patio and get to know some people. (Food starts at 6:00pm, then we start putting our discipleship into practice at 6:30pm.
We hope you enjoyed the new summer format of Friday Night Church and a Sunday Morning Service. Friday night is designed to be more interactive and relational, while Sunday morning is a more traditional church service. Yet in both cases, we reflected together on how we can be good listeners to those around us—and to bless others through our listening. As we go out this week and do that, here is a prayer we can pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, give us the ears to hear what others are saying. Give us the eyes to discern the concerns that lie beneath their words. Give us the heart to care about their perspectives, hopes, and hurts. Give us the generosity to take the time to hear them out. Give us the love to ask follow up questions that we might understand them more fully. And help us avoid the temptation to make the conversation about ourselves instead of others. Amen
As summer comes, you’ll be doing fun things—so as you have fun, do it with purpose. Include those who don’t yet know Jesus and get to know them. Practice listening well: Give your undivided attention, summarize what you’re hearing them say, and invite them to say more. As Pastor Brett said this last weekend, three of the most helpful words are “tell me more” as you seek to understand.
Also, as summer heats up, be aware of the following dates:
- Pray for the leaders from ASPIRE, who will be with us on June 21 and 23 during Friday Night Church and our Sunday morning service, that we would build a good working relationship with them.
- On June 28 and 30, we will have a vote for congregational partners on our budget—again at both service times.
- And stay tuned for summer opportunities for kids, youth, and camp—coming soon!
