Community News – 09/11/2024
A disciple is a person who hears from God and does what He says.
As a church, that’s our singular objective as well. We want to be a people close to God’s heart and responding to what is near to His heart. So we love the overlooked and hurting. We care about our neighbors and show kindness to everyone. We share God’s heart for the lost and prioritize His mission. We are a people who flee from sin and pursue God’s presence. We are a people of prayer because God meets us there. We are disciple-makers because that’s Jesus’ own heart.
I think that we can hear from God in so many ways in the life of our church right now:
(1) We just wrapped up our Jonah series this past Sunday. I’d encourage you to go back this week and dwell on the themes of repentance, God’s relentless pursuit of runaways, and sharing God’s heart for the lost. There is so much for us in this short book!
Check out the sermons from the Jonah series HERE.
In your prayer time this week, reflect on what you’ve learned about the heart of God in Jonah – and ask God to show you how you’re being called to respond to His heart. What’s your next step?
(2) We also had a Townhall meeting after our Sunday service this past week. We reviewed where we’ve been over the past 18 months and our priorities in this present season. There were probably no big revelation or a-ha moments, but it’s still a powerful reminder to see that there is a plan and we’re working the plan. As one of my mentors used to say, “Plan the work, and then work the plan.” And that’s what we’re doing.
Miss Sunday’s Townhall? Check it out here. https://vimeo.com/1008585434?share=copy
Yes, we can even hear from God at Townhall meetings. As you review the plan and timeline of our current work, remember: God is sovereign, God is good, and God is with us. Let’s walk forward in that confidence!
(3) This coming Sunday (9/15) we’ve got a very special opportunity: Doug Meye of the Aspire Network will be with us to help us process where God is at work and how we can join in. As we’re coming out of Jonah, we’ll wrestle with how to apply those themes of surrender, repentance, and renewal as a church. God has been working those themes into my heart over the past few months – and I’m excited to respond together as a church. I have no question that this will be an opportunity for us to hear from God and do what He says.
After our Sunday gathering, we’ll host another Townhall. We’ll be able to share more details about the search process, our partnership with Aspire during this season, and how our board is leading by example. This is open to everyone (guests, regular attendees, etc.), but if you’re a partner, I strongly encourage you to make this Townhall a priority: Sunday, 11am.
(4) The following weekend (Sept. 20 & 22), we’re launching a new series in James – Faith Alive. James is one of the most practical, concrete books in the Bible. He is providing practical next steps to live and love like Jesus. It’s not theory or speculation. It’s hearing from God and doing what He says! This is the work of discipleship. So join us as we kick-off this new series. As we dive into a new book of the Bible, this is a great weekend to invite a friend.
If we could be known for one thing, Community, may it be said that we are venturing to hear from God and do what He says. I can say this: He will meet us in that pursuit! And there won’t be a dull moment in our lives when we are living like this.
May it be.
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
P.S. I can’t forget Start Party. Come meet some other folks moving in the direction of Jesus! If you’re new, new(ish), or just ready to take a next step with Jesus, this is for you. Sunday at 5:30pm in the north lawn. RSVP here
