Word From Pastor - Nov 12

It's been a while since I last wrote.  Some travel time away and a busier season than normal have kept me from writing over the past few weeks, but I want to reconnect with this brief word today.  Much has been happening for God's glory and for the good and growth of our church family in recent days, and I want to keep you informed on what is happening and testify to the Holy Spirit's movement in our midst. 

Last Sunday morning's baptism provided "a one picture tells all" moment for us as thirteen persons were baptized and expressed their public commitment of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  That's what it's all about - lives being transformed by the Gospel!  In recent months, numerous people have come to Christ and been baptized and others who already were followers of Jesus have been led to unite with our congregation as members.  Particularly among our youth, God's Spirit is moving.  The Friday Youth Nite group is growing and exciting things are happening.   

With the influx of new believers, we are also seeing a ramping up of our efforts in discipleship.  LIFE groups are set to begin soon, and Sunday morning Bible classes for all ages and the Wednesday evening "Going Deeper" study for adults are ongoing.  A Young Adult Bible study is set to launch this coming Friday evening (call the office for more information).  Our Children's ministries - Sunday School, Kids' Worship, Children's Choirs, and Olympians - are all showing strength and growth.  I want to encourage each of you to either begin or continue in your daily quiet times of Bible reading and prayer.  We offer numerous devotional guides to aid you in this "self-feeding" in the Word! 

Speaking of prayer, in this vital area we are also seeing growth.  Our first Saturday of the month early morning prayer gatherings are picking up momentum - the Spirit is drawing us together to pray.  The Wednesday evening prayer group shows a real hunger for prayer.  Numerous other small groups are meeting weekly for prayer!  Please join us in making prayer a priority and a passion of the congregation. Recently, on our Sixth Anniversary as a Congregation, we adopted our strategic plan:  "For His Glory - A 2020 Vision!"  The vision of prayer becoming more and more the mark of our church's life and ministry was shared and embraced.  We are moving forward by God's grace to see His vision for our church family become a reality.  These truly are good days for us!   

Another area which bears witness to God's activity among us is in the area of Missions. The sounds of the heartbeat of God for the nations is growing in intensity as we take steps locally, nationally, and internationally to strategically align ourselves to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with "everyone, everywhere!" Please put on your calendar the upcoming 2011 Missions Weekend, December 2-4.  The theme of the three day conference is:  "Shine His Light; Share His Love".  Our guest speaker is Dr. Paul Borthwick, a highly respected missiologist who has a passion to tell the world about Jesus!   I am urging every member of our church to participate in what is promising to be a truly inspiring and challenging weekend.  More details will be forthcoming. 

So-with all that is happening and with the obvious movement of the Spirit in and among us, let me encourage you to take your walk in the Lord and membership in this church to the next level.  As the Apostle Paul used the phrase:  "more and more", let us more and more be found faithful to Christ, loving one another, and involved in what He is doing as we live out our faith in these difficult, but exciting days of harvest.  Come tomorrow morning - come hear God's Word to us through the parables of Luke 15 and catch a glimpse of the heart of God!  You will be moved by what you "see"!  

Until then . . . love to you in Christ,  

Pastor Randy