e-news for week of 5/24/09

I recently read this statement from one of our mega-church pastors out west from his monthly article in connection to our efforts toward world evangelism:

“I’m wondering who will reach Post-Christian America…will the American Church be able to carry out its mission on its own soil?”

Coming from a minister in what most would consider a thriving, growing ministry – this is quite a haunting question. The American church stands at a multicultural, pluralistic, non-propositional truth crossroads. As an individual within the church, let me help you to know what you can do about it on a personal level:

You can live intentionally for Jesus Christ. Here’s an example of some of our church body who are living intentionally for Jesus: I spoke at the north campus on May 24. A woman attended for the first time on that Sunday. She recently relocated with Menards. When asked how she found Forum she said, “Well, I just work right there and 3 different people invited me to come to this church. Sometimes it takes God hitting me upside the head, but I said to Him, ‘Okay, I get it – I’ll be there Sunday.’” Way to go gang – that’s intentionally helping connect someone.

As a church, we are striving to be more and more intentional. It’s one of the reasons we will upgrade our children’s and youth areas in the facility. We will continue to improve, upgrade, reach out, get more connected to our community, and strive to get more people connected to God and connected to one another. We want to live the verse, “Love God…Love one another.” That defines the intentional connection we work toward.

Some great things happening this summer. Here are some upcoming options:

Salvation Army Day – June 7th at both campuses. We will be helping Harbor House (a family shelter) by collecting clothes, laundry soap, and adult bikes. There will be collection locations at both campuses. Here’s a great opportunity for a late spring cleaning and helping others at the same time!

Vacation Bible School — June 9 – 12 from 6:15 to 8:30 each night at the South Campus. This is a family event for ages 4 through 5th grade. The theme is Worship Is… and each night will focus on a different form of worship. Friday will close with Seeds Family Worship. You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to learn and sing songs straight from scripture. You can preregister on our Web site or at either of our campuses.

Youth Mission Trip luncheon — June 14 right after 3rd service at the South Campus. This annual spaghetti dinner helps provide our youth with the needed funds to make a trip to Memphis to help out with Mid-South Bible College and with Memphis Union Mission homeless shelter. Please support this mission trip and enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner as well.

Adult Mission Trip to Arizona Reservation Ministry — June 14 right after 3rd service at South Campus there will be an informational meeting in room 212 concerning this trip. The trip is scheduled for October 10 – 23. If you would like to participate in the mission trip, please make it a point to attend this meeting.

Habitat for Humanity work day — June 20. If you would like to help out, you can go to our Web site and register.

Summer Life Groups — We have several opportunities for summer life groups. You can pick up a information card at the Information Center at South Campus or in the fellowship area at North Campus. You can also register on our Web site.

Outdoor Movie Family Night for K – 5th Grade — Friday, June 26, 7 p.m. at South Campus. Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and plenty of bug spray! Contact Katelyn if you have any questions.

A lot of great options – throw in and get involved when you can. We know summer is busy but simultaneously, serving the Lord is not a chore. It’s a joy when you do things out of choice – not compulsion.

This Sunday we continue in the “Real life…” series talking about the ability to see and have the vision of God. What a great opportunity to grow to be like Jesus. Hope you are here — Scott