Community News – 09/18/2024
Community –
“New wine must be poured into new wineskins” – Jesus (Luke 5:38).
Doug Meye offered a powerful message about surrender and new life on Sunday. If you missed it, I strongly encourage you to watch it online (HERE). In order to move into a new lifecycle as a church, Doug encouraged us to embrace the “new wineskins” of new vision, methods, and heart. Please give it a listen. I heard from many of you that it was a convicting and moving message.
Our board has been wrestling with the theme of “surrender” for several months now. They’ve sought God’s lead and listened for His voice. They’ve prayed, reflected, and discussed diligently. I can confidently say that this board simply wants to do God’s will and help Community thrive! Seeking to take the first step towards surrender to Christ and as a sign of embracing these new wineskins, the board announced on Sunday that they would be resigning in order to make way for a transitional team to lead us through this next phase of our pastoral transition. The transitional team is made up of three partners from Community (Jeff Johnston, Robin Zamora, and Riley Wells) and three leaders from the Aspire Network, all of whom have experience with churches in transition (Willie Nolte, Dana Aaker, Doug Meye).
I love the faith and applaud the courage of our board. Their heart is singular: Lord, have your way! If you weren’t on campus on Sunday, let me encourage you to read the board’s statement (shared during the service) HERE. I think that you’ll hear their heart and desire to lead by example. We held a town hall meeting after the service to process together and clarify some leadership details. It also includes an introduction to our pastoral search team. Things are moving forward! You can watch the town hall HERE.
This whole season invites us to seek God like never before. On Sunday, I invited you into an extraordinary season of prayer (take your ordinary prayer life and do something extra – a next step towards seeking God on behalf of Community). We’re calling this prayer journey “Renewed,” from Isaiah 40:31, where we are reminded that those who hope in the Lord will have their strength renewed. Yes, Lord, we need that! Come renew your church; renew our hearts; help us to seek you anew! Our hope is in You alone!
Would you consider how you can join the church family in this season of prayer? Commit to praying for Community everyday between now and Nov. 30. Sign-up for weekly “prayer prompt” text messages. I really want to encourage folks to join a “prayer huddle” – a group of 3-4 same-gendered folks who will pray together for each other and the church. Check out some of the ways that you could take a next step in praying for Community HERE.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I have a distinct sense that God is at work here in a special way. Let’s continue to ask Him for renewal and breakthrough. Let’s do our part in becoming a church that honors God and blesses our city. Let’s come to our worship gatherings with expectancy – excited to see God at work and join Him in it! Let’s be a people who say, “Yes, Lord, have your way: in my heart, in my home, in this church.”
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
P.S. We’re kicking off our series in the book of James this weekend. I can’t wait to jump in together. I’ve put together a new tool for you. Grab a “series guide” on your way in this weekend. In this small notebook, you’ll find background info, notes, resources, questions, and practices that will help you engage with God in James – and put it into action.
