e-news for week of 8/14/11

Game Changers: The theme

When I first heard the phrase, “Game Changer,” I liked it. It implies something that completely alters the outcome of a game.

It conjured up images of Michael Jordan or Larry Bird in the fourth quarter. Thoughts of walk off home runs (things that us Cub fans only dream about). A great closer walking to the plate in the ninth inning and just dominating. I think of Messi playing against Real Madrid. Game changers.

It also creates thoughts of people within a community who truly make impacts: A faithful school board member who helps keep a school system centered; A teacher who cares so much about students that the students learn and grow in a dynamic way; A firefighter or police officer who does such a great job that fires don’t even break out or crimes decrease due to the mindset difference the department is helping the community to adopt.

But then there are Game Changers within the church: The Sunday school teacher who faithfully teaches 5th graders for 20 or 30 years; An elder who has a “nose for the ball” when it comes to the working of the Holy Spirit; A faithful servant who facilitates others being able to worship via communion prep; A student who starts a Bible study at their school; Someone who gives so sacrificially (like Barnabas in Acts) that it helps the church grow. All of these things help to “change the game.”

What would it look like if Forum truly became a Game Changing Church? How would that elevate our great community of Columbia? God knows and desires that.

We’ll be in Ephesians 3 this week talking about how God changed the way Paul was playing the game and how he (Paul) became a Game Changer. Read ahead. Ready your heart. Let God’s Holy Spirit work on you this week.

Game Changers in Action:

This past Tuesday, John Pierce invited several of us to the Aktion Club installation of officers. Aktion Club is a civic organization of people with disabilities that Kiwanis clubs facilitate. It was great to see three of our worshipers John Pierce, Kathleen Hunker, and Rebecca Gingrich as officers and honorees in this civic club. Though they have disabilities, these people get out and serve our community. Rather than allowing some of their disabilities to keep them from service, these people choose to be Game Changers, people who make a difference. Forum hosts Aktion Club on Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.

After Third Service we’ll have a tail gate party on the grounds. Bring some side dishes but the grilling and the drinks will be provided.

We could use some help Saturday at 6:30 to get some things set up, and then Sunday afterwards with cleaning up.

Most importantly – invite some friends. You can be that Game Changer in their life.

Looking forward to a great Sunday of worship. – Scott