Dear First Pres,
"I've hardly ever heard the sanctuary so quiet." That's what one person told me about worship on Sunday. Perhaps we were all a little nervous to talk about sex during Sunday's worship (I was), but I'm so glad we did. No matter how old you are or what your marital status might be, sexual wholeness is an area in which all of us have struggled. Some are in the midst of temptation; some are struggling with addiction; and some are still carrying deep wounds from the past. Praise God for His incredible grace. None of us who are in Christ are defined by our sexual choices; we are defined by our inclusion in God's covenant of grace through faith. Remember, Pastor Lana and I are available to talk through any issues that the Holy Spirit brought to your attention through Sunday's message. Just give us a call.
We continue to make preparations for the September 16 launch of WednesdayNights@FPC. Every team (women, children's, men, culinary, and youth) is hard at work to make it the best experience it can be. Of course, the youth ministry got a head start last night with a great kick-off. They were costumed, amped, and joy-filled as they launched the program year. I can't wait for the rest of us to join in the fun.
Many of you have already signed up for WednesdayNights@FPC; you've signed up to serve or participate. Others of you, I know, are intending to come, but haven't signed up. Remember, you can sign up online at any time or on the lawn this Sunday. Your sign-ups help all the leadership teams prepare effectively.
Some of you haven't signed up because you have other activities on Wednesday night. Here's my question for you: would you consider pressing pause on that activity for 10 weeks? I realize that may not be possible in every situation, but I think it's a viable option for many. Consider pressing pause on that other activity so that you can be part of what God is going to do as the church gathers on Wednesday nights. If you're in a small group that meets on Wednesday nights, consider transplanting the small group for 10 weeks. You could choose to serve in one of the ministries together, or you could send the men to the men's group and the women to women's group. I appreciate that it's not an easy adjustment to make, but I hope you will consider it for this fall season.
Blessings,
P.S. This Sunday Education Hour has two great options for adults. Larry Ingoldsby, a long time history teacher, is going to be leading a course on what the Bible teaches on end times in The Hub. And the mission team from Albania will be presenting some stories from their trip in The Corner (Youth building). Also, this week marks the end of our God's Twitter sermon series on Proverbs.
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