For the past five weeks, we have been looking at words that float around our community—words like “saturate,” “feasting families,” and “telling a better story.” Words matter. They not only articulate realities, but they shape reality. From the day we are born, we are awash in a sea of words that inform us and form us. I have always watched in wonder as my seven children learned to speak with words and am still amazed as Addison tries on new words to express not only her wonder at reality, but also her displeasure.
Any community that exists—large or small, institution or family, team or club—develops a vocabulary that is unique to them and which expresses the things it values the most. If you are a stranger walking into a new gathering of friends, you quickly realize that they have a unique way of expressing both delight and displeasure—sayings, quotes, nicknames and common stories that have shaped the group. This is true of believing communities, as well—because we share not only the common vocabulary of “the great story of redemption,” but also because of our particular context and what we believe our usefulness in the world will look like.
This Sunday we are going to take the words we have talked about over the past month and put together what is called a Vision Statement—that is, what we aspire to be, what the shape of our ministry will be as we make disciples who love God, love people and love life. If you are really curious to what it is, check the website—it will be posted Sunday morning!
Also, this Sunday kicks off our regular rhythms of Fall ministry. Important stuff that helps us make more and better disciples. Check it out:
Adults
St. Patrick 101: This is our Inquirer’s Class. If you are curious about our vision and values, what we believe and why we do what we do, please join us. The first four weeks are essential if you are thinking about joining the church, then the class will continue the rest of the semester and talk about habits of grace.
Genesis: This is an adult class that will dig into the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis. Foundational stuff, first principles that form the whole story of God.
Financial Peace: If you are interested in how to better steward your money, I urge you to attend. I recently found an old ledger that has our monthly budget—every dime we spent going back to 1990 (I switched to Excel in 2012). It was a testimony to people who urged me years ago to think deeply about how to steward my resources.
Children and youth
There are age-appropriate classes for all our ‘be-gats.” Be sure to check in younger children at the desk in the children’s wing. Youth, you know where to go.
I hope to see you Sunday, and I hope you are as jazzed about the coming days as I am. They say September is the new January, so now is a good time to plug in!
Blessings,
Jim