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September 2010
Pastor's Report
"Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?" (Numbers 21:5-9)
Before it actually gets off the ground, I'd like to set an argument against establishing a "Back to Egypt Committee, excuse me, that should be 'Team.'" You know the one, it's composed of all who seem to enjoy bad news, those who with great detail love to repeat stories of failure, who live by the motto, "I knew it wouldn't work." No, I'm not looking for candidates for the Back to Egypt Team, we don't have one of those...yet.
The passage from Numbers describes how even God's patience was tried by a BTE Team. But while God's solution may seem a bit drastic (fiery serpents) it could be useful for us as we stand on the threshold of new programs, small groups, new people. You see, a back to Egypt movement is dangerous because it's contagious. It appeals to our self serving, self centered (may I suggest sinful) side. We all like bad news, especially as it involves others. Bad news sells. And, it can stand in the way of Good News.
The Israelites were to confront the cause of their pain, a bronze replica of a snake and "look up" because God told them to. In other words, they were to act on their faith. They still got bit, but the bite was not fatal. The world can still hurt and change scares all of us. But in whose name are we gathered? Whose church is this, really? John 3:14 states, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up." And we already have read, "on this rock I will build my church." (Mt 16:18). There are indeed "serpents" at our feet but we have been told to "look up." That's where the good news is. Instead of looking at a "snake-on-a-stick" we've got the PoWeR SuRGe. This is how we can act on our faith, the discipline of disciples.
I have developed a Sunday School Curriculum to help us Pray, Worship, Read, Serve, Relate and Give and invite you all to participate. During these challenging times we need each other to receive as well as give of our time, talents and treasure. Since there will always be distractions around us, it seems to me that it would be helpful for us to understand and practice our discipleship (the PoWeR SuRGe). On September 12, we begin with an introduction to the PoWeR SuRGe for all classes. Plug in and power up.
See You in Church,
Pastor
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Worship Service
Schedule |
| Sunday - 8:00 am |
Sunday - 10:30 am
Sunday School. - 9:10 am |
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Wed. -Supper 6:30 pm & Study 7 pm | |
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