e-news for week of 8/31 -9/6

We start a new sermon series this Sunday called, “Gone Fishing.” There’s a lot of fun and adventure when one goes fishing – luring the fish, hooking the fish, trying to think like a fish, and the exhilaration of reeling one in. Christ, the master of metaphor, calls us to fish for men. As we head into this spring, let me encourage you to be on purpose and on mission when it comes to this aspect of God’s purpose for your life.

Over my lifetime I’ve heard catchphrases like, “Each one reach one” and “If everyone wins one person and they in turn reach one person, then the whole world will know Jesus.” And while I agree with the sentiment and while it is true – being purposeful about reaching people with the message of Jesus is not about catchy clichés or well worded sentiment. It starts when you simply walk across a room and meet someone new and get to know them. It happens when you look someone who you love dearly in their eyes and let them know you love them and that you pray for them. It happens when, by your service and lifestyle, you demonstrate Christ in your home to your children or perhaps a spouse who is not a believer.

Let me continue to remind you that on November 9 we will have a special offering and time of commitment that is to be over and above your regular tithes and offerings that will go toward the second campus. In order for us to do this with excellence, we need to raise $150,000 over and above our regular giving. My encouragement to all of us is to make some personal sacrifices and give from those sacrifices. We put out a brochure that we handed out a couple of weeks ago about where God has led us in terms of our efforts to “fish” Columbia. Trust me when I say it is far from “fished out.” God truly wants us to reach people – and I’m on board – hope you are too.

Here are some of the upcoming events that I’d encourage you to get involved in:

Elder and Deacon nominations are due this Sunday. Nomination forms are available at the Information Center.

· Fall children and youth programs are in full swing. Pre-K through 5th grade will start off with a Kickball Camp this Sunday night at 5:30 and will have another session next Sunday, the 14th. Jr. High “Synergy Sundays” begins this Sunday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in room 211. High School “Synergy” happens on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the FLC.

· If you still haven’t become part of a Life Group, please contact Ted Mountjoy. This is a great way to form some lifetime relationships.

· September 21st Ben Merold – one of the all time legends where church growth and preaching are concerned will be preaching in all three of our services. The Harvester Christian Church that he ministered to entered into a multi-site ministry several years ago. Should be a great time of challenge.

· Girlfriends Bible Study will begin on Tuesday, September 23 at 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. or Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a MOMs (Mothers of Miracles) group that will meet on Tuesdays from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. beginning September 30.

· A Forum Forum on October 2nd will be a gathering in the middle of the week for information sharing. It’ll happen in the auditorium from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

· Our Annual Church Picnic will be October 5th at Twin Lakes Park. We’ll fill you in on the details soon.

· There will be a Men of Impact Retreat on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. Watch for more details.

See you Sunday -- Scott