. . . surviving the whirlwind . . .

Wow, what a whirlwind the first week of 2020 was! I’m so glad this next week has been less eventful.

This past Friday the news blew up with news about a possible split in the United Methodist Church. What was released was a proposal and nothing more. We have nothing to fear. If you want to read about it, I invite you to read my friend Rev. Andy Bryan's blog. He knows much more than I do and comes from about 5 generations of Methodist pastors.

During this first year of the Roaring Twenties, we will be focusing on invitation.

Remember this isn't just about numbers or growing our church, this is about loving our neighbors and multiplying God's kingdom.

We live in a “new age” and inviting people into a loving community of Christ-followers is not a “one size fits all” kind of thing. We all approach the world differently and we all have varying experiences. As I’ve been preparing my sermon for this weekend, I’ve discovered that this isn’t really a new thing. I invite you to read these two very different passages in Scripture about the Disciple Philip: John 2 & Acts 8. 

See if you can see a difference in approach from the same guy! We’ll talk about it more this weekend in worship!

We are all each uniquely made in God’s image and all of us have different ways we connect to Jesus Christ. For that reason, we will have tools to help you invite people to worship, small groups, serving opportunities, and events. 

Just a heads up, the next best thing to invite someone to is The Table next Wednesday, or to the 

Pajamas & Popcorn Family Movie Night!

As we head into Sunday, think about this: who is ONE person you know who does NOT attend church or have a relationship with Jesus who you can pray for this week? If you want to think about more than one, please do – God can handle it!

Think about your “FRANK’s” 

Friends, Relatives, Associates (co-workers), Neighbors, and Kids. 

Who is your ONE?

If you are not in a Life Group right now, I highly recommend you join one or lead one. I have resources to help you start one. Small groups are my passion!

It is incredibly important to frequently talk about how God is alive in our lives. If we don't focus on our relationship with Jesus Christ, then we only know about Jesus, we don't actually know Jesus. If we don't know Jesus, then we can't talk about him with others. Life Groups help us orient our lives to God's movement in our lives. They are vital as we grow in our faith.

I'm looking forward to this year - it's going to be fantastic.

I have a feeling God is up to something good!