September 2022 Newsletter
Last month I started going back to the gym. I’ve been focusing on resistance exercises like machines and free weights to help build strength and increase flexibility. It is so easy to justify to myself that the time could be better spent, more productive, or put off to another day. But when I get out of my “thinking” mindset and spend time embodied, it always leaves me feeling better. Plus it’s never too early to get ready for ski season!
Most of us like to resist exercises that cause too much…resistance! But when we push our muscles and bodies against what we resist, we grow and maintain health. It’s the same way with our souls and hearts, too!
Our upcoming worship series “Belong” will encourage us to resist the easy path in church life. That path often looks like sticking close to friends we already know, doing the things we like best, and doing those things at the best times and places that suit us! But Jesus always invites us to live and love for a purpose beyond ourselves – to live in authentic relationship with our neighbors and community for the sake of God’s beloved kingdom.
Join us beginning Sept 11 at 11am as we explore what it means to Belong to God’s family. We will talk about our personal stories and connections to God, how we can share faith with others through service, what it means to be an ‘Everyday Christian,” and how our church can be mindful and prepared to receive guests every single Sunday. We’ll also have a little pot luck reception gathering after church on Sept 11 for folks to share those favorite family recipes!
A small group workshop entitled “FaithLab” will happen in conjunction with this worship series. In FaithLab, we will read the book “Get Their Name” and explore how to use improv to share our faith with authenticity and a desire for genuine relationship building. Evangelism has developed negative connotations, but we will explore healthy evangelism and how to share our faith moments among ourselves and others. The small group will be in person on Wednesdays Sept 14, 21, 28 and Oct 12 at 6:30p.
See you soon!
Pastor Jared