“All eyes look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:15-16, NRSVue)
As usual, with the fall season in the church, we’ve got a lot going on! This week, a team from Ministry Architects will be here to listen to our hopes and dreams for a dynamic and sustainable youth ministry and then offer us an assessment following the 11:00 a.m. worship service (Sunday, October 8th). This meeting should last only an hour, and we hope you’ll make every effort to attend so you can hear what they say about our current reality and ask any additional questions. This assessment is the first step in a 19-month process that will strengthen how we do ministry with a generation that desperately needs help navigating life in the 21st century.
I am grateful to all of you who have offered to participate in a listening session. Your response is a positive sign about your prominence on having a vital ministry to youth in our community. Thank you!
Additionally, this Sunday begins a new series geared toward stewardship as a discipline for spiritual growth. I’ll preach on “Overflowing” as we examine God’s generosity to us in both direct and indirect ways. Having been created in the image of God, there is a need to give as God gives implanted within us. Giving back to God in response to his overflowing generosity toward us increases our awareness and gratitude, leading to more satisfying lives. I promise there will be no guilt trips or shaming—just celebrating how we can develop better lives for ourselves, our families, and others through proportional, systematic giving. Consider this a “how to” series instead of a “got to” one!
I hope to see you Sunday for worship, Sunday School, and the Ministry Architects meeting following the 11:00 a.m. worship, and don’t forget to bring your friends!