We’re in the middle of a series at church we’re calling “the least of these.” It’s an opportunity for us to examine how Jesus wants us to care for those who are close to his heart.
One easy way we can help ‘the hungry’ is by clicking each day on thehungersite.com. It’s easy and I’ve provided a easy link on the right side of the blog. So go ahead…click it. And help provide 1.1 cups of food to those who are hungry.
Over nine years ago I entered a world that would change the way I view and carry out my ministry life. You see, I had gotten comfortable in church. I was used to the ’stand up, sit down’ routine of Sunday mornings. I was fluent in church-talk and Christian-ese. I cared more about what those inside the church thought about what we were doing than those outside the church. Quite frankly, I had forgotten that the whole purpose of church is for those who don’t belong.
Nine years ago I entered into the church planting world…and that changed how I think about Sunday mornings and everything we do in the church. It radically changed why I do what I do.
Why do I do what I do? Because people matter to God. Because people who are far from God matter to God. And for too long, we have let church become something for those who are ’saved’ rather than a way to introduce those outside the church to meet Jesus.
And so I believe, and am convicted, that everything we do in our weekend worship services should help to bridge that gap between God and those who are far from Him. The music we play and sing…it needs to sound like, or at least close to, something they would listen to everyday in their car. The words we use…they need to make sense and not be full of unfamiliar church words. The clothes we wear…they need to express who we are as individuals because God doesn’t care what we wear…He just wants us to worship Him. The interactions and conversations we have…they need to be genuine and not rushed…people matter to God and they need to matter to us.
I desire for church to be a comfortable, inviting and safe place where people can come and explore a relationship with God and feel like they don’t stick out or aren’t welcome. A place where people can come just as they are. And a place where those who call it home can grow and minister and feel excited about bringing their friends. And I believe that’s what God wants it to be too.
With any transition/change comes some re-examining why we do things the way we do them. As I’m getting settled in to RCC, I’ve got lots of thoughts going through my head. I’ll have those together in the next day or so to share…
But until then, Scott Hodge wrote posted this and it really resonates with me. What do you think?
It’s going to be a fun election season on SNL!!!
Lynda caught these of the twins in the tub the other night. Nothing like a bunch of bubbles for a fun time!
Colin has lost, yet again, another tooth…with none coming in to fill the gap yet. So he’s got quite the grin! He asked if he was going to have to get fitted for false teeth?!
toothless
Lynda had her first Horseshoe. It’s a Springfield original (and I’m not sure it’s anywhere else!). Toasted bread on the bottom, choice of meat (I had hamburger, Lynda had grilled chicken), a white cheese sauce and then covered with french fries. Sounds completely unhealthy…but oh, it tastes good!
These are just a few pics from last weekend when Lynda’s parents visited and from around the house.
We had a great weekend…lots of time with the family. Lynda’s parents came to visit on Friday evening. The kids really enjoyed having them here.
Some highlights from the weekend:
And as this weekend marks the end of summer, it’s now on to the routine of school. Tomorrow we’ll give it our best. Hopefully, Aubrey’s is going to be happy about going to school in the morning! We can hope, right?!
Had to keep up with John Cassetto. He’s got a new blog, so I had to update my design. Wish I could be as cool as the Cassettos!
