Dear First Pres,
Today I have a smattering of “did you know?” questions.
Did you know that we have two adult Sunday school opportunities happening every week? At 9:00am we have an online Bible study via Zoom. And at 10:45 am we have an on-campus Bible study in the Commons. Both studies are called R.A.P. classes, which means they are using a study method based on Reflection, Application, and Prayer. If you worship at 9am, I encourage you to stick around for the 10:45 class. And if you worship at 10:45am, I encourage you to join the 9am Zoom class. Click HERE for more information.
Did you know that we have about 120 people signed up for Growth Groups? Praise be to God! What a great launch. If you don’t know, Growth Groups are weekly gatherings of 5-12 folks committed to growing together in Christ. The centerpiece of the weekly gatherings is the study of the upcoming sermon Scripture, and I’ve already heard from many of you how beneficial this has been. If you’re interested in learning more about Growth Groups or how you can be part of one, click HERE.
Did you know that we’re looking for 20 - 29-year-olds to participate in next year’s Pink House Program? The Pink House Program is a 10-month residential discipleship program focused on biblical community, urban ministry, and leadership development. Pink House Interns live in the Pink House and participate in the program, but also continue going to school or working their jobs (or both). In other words, participating in the Pink House Program doesn’t mean you have to stop everything else in life. So, do you know someone who might benefit from this program? I encourage you to point them in our direction. Click HERE for more information.
Did you know that the Modern service starts at 10:45am? Of course, you did. I’m just noticing that many of us aren’t in the room until 10:50 or later. This last Sunday I made an important announcement at the beginning of the service. Then, Gannon Murray (one of our high school seniors) gave a powerful call to worship. If you weren’t in the room by 10:45, you missed that. So, please consider this a friendly encouragement to be in the Sanctuary in time for the start of the service. My encouragement is for you to plan on leaving your house at 10. Then you can not only give yourself plenty of time to make it to the Modern service, but you also can join us for the Fill Your Cup fellowship time between services.
Did you know that our Elders and Deacons are ordained just like me? No, they’re not ordained to the same tasks that I am, but they essentially take the same ordination vows. Each of us, Teaching Elders (Pastors), Ruling Elders, and Deacons are officers of the church. And, as it says in our Book of Order, “These offices are not indications of special pre-eminence by those who hold them (phew!), but rather indicate a call to service, to ministry, to special discipleship, and the evidencing of the fruit of the Spirit in every part of life” (G9-1). In other words, it’s a big deal when we ordain and install our new officers. And, that’s what we’re doing this Sunday, Pentecost Sunday. The day we remember the Holy Spirit coming with power onto the disciples, we will pray that the Lord anoints with power and love, and wisdom our new church officers.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
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