Dear Friend,
“A pastor saw Robert Schuler’s TV program ‘Hour of Power.’ One of the things that impressed him the most during the program was watching everyone turning around to shake hands with and greet other worshippers seated near them. The pastor felt that his church was a bit stuffy and could use a bit of friendliness. So, at Sunday morning worship he announced that next week they would initiate this custom of greeting one another. At the close of this same worship service one man turned around to the lady behind him and said cheerful, ‘Good morning!’ She looked back at him with shock at his boldness and said, ‘I beg your pardon! That friendliness business doesn’t start until next Sunday!’” (SermonCentral.com) The man got it right, but the lady missed the point. Loving others is more than just an action, but an attitude that stems from the heart.
This month we are going to start our “40 Days of Love” campaign. This is a Spiritual Growth endeavor based on the command of Jesus in Matt. 22:37- 39, “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.”(NLT)
This Campaign includes four ingredients: (1) The Sunday Messages, (2) Reading a daily chapter of the book The Relationship Principles of Jesusby Tom Holladay, (3) Small Group discussions, and (4) Filling out a corresponding booklet that will be based on a video shown at the small groups. We are encouraged with the response so far:
· Currently over 150 people have committed to participating in the 40 days challenge. Being a part of a small group is essential to getting the most out of the campaign. If you are not connected with a small group please talk with Pastor Ryan or sign up this Sunday.
· Many people are using this campaign as an opportunity to invite the unchurched who do not know Jesus. People are searching for answers to their relationship struggles which Jesus addressed in His teaching.
· With the 40 Day Campaign 37 people have come forward with the desire to lead a small group. Before this endeavor we only had 13 groups.
· Excitement is growing among all age groups. Close to 70 people are participating in the poster design contest.
· All the major ministries of FBC are involved in the 40 day campaign including the children programs. There is age appropriate material that corresponds to what the adults are learning each week. Please be in prayer and be with us in the following week-ends:
Date Event Message
01 Communion “What’s The Fuss?”
02 Communion “Let Us Thrive”
08 Preparation Day “It’s All About Love”
09 Preparation Day “It’s All About Love”
15 40 Days Of Love “Love Matters Most”
16 40 Days of Love “Love Matters Most”
22 40 Days of Love “Loving Like Jesus Loves Me”
23 40 Days of Love “Loving Like Jesus Loves Me”
29 40 Days of Love “Loving With Your Words”
30 40 Days of Love “Loving With Your Words”
QUESTION: What do an airplane, bicycle and a church have in common?
ANSWER: If either stops moving forward you’re in trouble.
We want to keep moving forward. Some have asked the question “Why are we staying at one service?” When we went to one service in June, we had no idea the community it would build. After the Pastors and Elders have prayed about this we believe creating community is more critical at this time than having options for two reasons:
1. It provides an environment that is encouraging and inspiring to the family of Faith Bible Church.
2. It provides an environment that is welcoming and winsome to the lost.
We would ask for your prayers and support as we look forward to a very exciting fall. Pray that God would be glorified in all that we do. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31).
Your Shepherd,
Pastor Terry F. Angles
No comments:
Post a Comment