Perceptions
I continue to be amazed, and awed, by the many good things God is doing through this church—the body of Christ. God is so good. I am excited, and inspired, by the many folks who will be attending Leadership Schweitzer this weekend (Friday eve and Saturday). We are blessed to have an awesome guest speaker and leader of our time together in Reverend Sue Kibbey. God calls us all to serve, and to servant leadership. We may not know or realize our own transforming potential individually or collectively. However, Sue will help us discover potential that is beyond our understanding. Please join us for this time of learning, inspiration and discovery as we enter the process of more intentionally realizing the power we possess through Christ to transform lives, our community and the world. The Alpha class is nearly half over and I continue to be amazed and inspired by this group of people who are journeying together. The teaching by Nicky Gumbel is always revealing regardless of how many times you’ve heard it. However, the genuine and authentic environment of Alpha, where any question is a good one, is refreshing and life giving. I thank God for the many persons (40+) who have heard His call to go deeper in their understanding of, and relationship with, Him. The Confirmation class is soon to “graduate” and this is an awesome group of young folks. Through Lori’s leadership and that of many young adults assisting her, the confirmands have come to understand God’s grace and will for their lives -- a relationship with Him -- as they profess their faith. I recently had the privilege of teaching this group and was reminded of the wisdom of people of all ages—and we can learn from them too. Let’s keep the confirmands in our prayers. Our youth ministry is thriving under new leadership and let’s support them by participating in Trivia Night on Sunday, April 20th. The proceeds of this fun event will support the upcoming youth trip to Beaumont, Texas. Ned Reynolds is hosting. Don’t we all possess some useless trivia that could be put to good use on this night? Talk with your friends and sign-up as a table to compete for prizes (I think a night at the Cardinal game with Bob is a prize?!) Our Life U sermon series and small group studies are engaging people to go deeper, more intentionally in their faith journey. Yes, we are learning, and learning to act, to live out the teaching of Christ in the world. We are a dynamic, growing body of Christ, possessing synergy for all things good—those things God is calling us to do. Let’s continue to move forward together in faith, Jim