enews for week of 4/11/10

Homework from last Sunday

Follow Jesus.

Great Input

First, thanks to all for the affirmation connected to the decision to hire both Tarry Koutz and Tyler Morris. Both of these men are exceptional and wonderful servants within the kingdom of God. It will be exciting to see how this ministry unfolds. Thank you to those who are stepping up fiscally. One of the retired women of our church grabbed me early in the morning and expressed thanks for the vision and faith of the elders in this and she said, “I’m going to write one lump check to help…is that okay?” Oh yeah, it’s more than okay…it’s commendable. Another of our young men got with me right before 3rd service and just expressed great joy over the way the Lord brought this all together. Psalm 133:1 reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”

New Sermon Series

Next, we start a new series this Sunday called “Profiles in Courage.” In 1955 John F. Kennedy wrote a biographical book that won a Pulitzer on acts of courage that people serving within the United States Senate did in the service of their country. While the acts and lives in this book made a profound impact on my life as a young reader, our sermon series will highlight some of the great lives of the Bible and help us to all imitate their acts of faith. Over the next weeks we’ll look at some of God’s heroes, see their courage, faith, and integrity in action and hopefully grow in our faith. Genesis 36, 37, 39, 40 will be the backdrop this Sunday if you want to jump start your reading. Chapter 39 will be the primary text. We imitate Christ and draw on the faith of those who walked uprightly with the Lord.

Men’s Fitness

For the men of the church, I want to take a minute and communicate the vision that we would have for you. The goal of our men’s ministry is to help every man within our church to understand that you are called into ministry and you are a minister. If you are a husband, a dad, or if you are the sole person in your family - you are the primary spiritual leader within your home. If you teach a Bible study class, you are a minister. If you go to a workplace, you are a minister. You are called to be like Christ. To help sharpen and equip you, we are having a men’s fitness seminar on April 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s time for God’s men to mobilize and engage in ministry. God’s kingdom and its growth is depending on you. You are key to God’s plan to save the whole world. Reread that last line.

Can’t wait to fill up the auditorium this Sunday with praise and worship to the Lord. Get here early, meet some new people, ready yourself in prayer, and let’s engage. See you then. — Scott