Last Saturday, staff, members of the Trustees, Deacons and Committee of Management gathered for a retreat. We enjoyed a time of worship, praying for ministries and team building. We were also encouraged, inspired and challenged by keynote speaker, Jackie Pullinger. She gave us lots to chew on and as ministry leaders we are processing and digesting.
When you think about it, what God is calling us to do as the people of God is not a mystery—it is laid out for us clearly in scripture. I think of the Great Commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:18-20. I think of the Greatest Commandment, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39. There are many texts in the Bible that give direction.
I also think of the words of James Bryan Smith in his book, The Good and Beautiful Community:
“The value of a church is not in its longevity but in its love. The success of a church is not in its size but in its service to the people and the community. Our leader just came and served and then died for the good of others. I suppose that would make a pretty good mission statement for a church…‘we exist to serve others and then die, just like our Founder’.”
We are in our final week of Stewardship and we hope you can join us for in-person or online worship.
8:45am Classic Service – By Faith: Called and Calling Forth – Monte Peterson
9:45am Traditional Service – By Faith: Stepping Out – Rev. Steve Gaultney
11:15am Contemporary Service & U-Café – By Faith: Stepping Out – Rev. Steve Gaultney
12:45pm Contemporary Service – By Faith: Stepping Out – Rev. Steve Gaultney
3:00pm Tagalog Service – Pastor Ruth
Blessings, Pastor Michele