e-news for week of 9/13/09

Being filled with the Spirit of God stands at the core of “8”. As I read deeper, I become vividly reminded and alerted that God’s Spirit is alive and well. God transacts the business of life with us on a daily basis via His Spirit. We have more power than we realize. Often that power goes untapped. The element that gives me the greatest pause is this: how often do I (you, us, everybody on the planet for that matter) miss opportunities that God places right in front of us?

One of my friends and I have recently been intentionally making eye contact with people, saying, “Hi,” “Hello,” etc., and then watching reactions of people. As cars pass us, as we are in a visible place, we’ll wave to see reactions. It’s kind of a social experiment on levels of friendliness. It’s turned quite humorous for a lot of reasons. The main reason, I believe, is people don’t know what to do with an unexpected encounter (either that or we are freak shows). So…let’s say God nudges you with His Spirit – it’s an unexpected gesture, push, leap of faith, or challenge to, “Talk to him/her…ask them what’s going on in their lives…see if there’s a need you can pray about…tell them you’ll pray for them….” But your mind and your flesh say, “Nooooooo….that’s embarrassing…you’ll overstep a boundary…this isn’t for you.” Growing in the ability to discern and follow God’s Spirit will occur as we interact together in Romans 8.

Thanks for the great feedback connected to the beginning of “8.” This section of scripture is going to truly energize you. I also want to give a shout out to Tarry Koutz and Stephen Walton for all the work they did in getting the stage ready for this series. It looks great at both campuses.

Got some great opportunities coming up:

Workday – October 3rd, begins with donuts at 7 a.m. then we’ll work outside to get our south campus read for winter. Bring your yard tools and join us as we mulch, trim, weed, etc. We’ll have jobs for everyone.

Parables – This new series for 4-year-olds through 5th grade meets at South Campus on Sunday nights, September 20, October 11, 18, and 25, and November 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Synergy – Synergy Sunday for Jr. High meets Sundays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at South Campus. High School Synergy meets on Wednesdays from 7 – 9 p.m. at South Campus.

Picnic – Sunday, October 4 at 4 p.m. we meet at Twin Lakes for our annual all-church picnic. Bring your lawn games and chairs and spend some time getting to know your church family. Dinner will be around 5 p.m. Bring a couple of side dishes to share. Meat and drinks will be provided.

Can’t wait to connect with God and you this Sunday - Scott