4-3-2-1 ... Blast Off!
FOUR... Opportunities to Stretch and Grow!
#1 -- 9:23-10:17 Groups begin this Sunday, with an “Advanced Health Care” learning and planning opportunity. Why is it important? Consider the Psalms in a poem by King David (whole heart!):
“Teach me to number my days Lord, that I might gain a heart of wisdom.” -- Psalms 90:12
Understanding end of life decisions, concerns, needs, and especially emotional demands is critical to reducing stress and easing the burdens of death and dying -- for both the one suffering and all those committed to providing comfort and care. All in attendance will receive a Tennessee residents guide for advanced health care planning and choices to review with family members, as well as be encouraged to consider the role that our faith plays in the death and dying process.
#2 -- Discipleship I also begins this Sunday at 1:00PM, led by David Marcotte. The small group will meet in 4-6 week bursts to cover the fundamentals of our Christian faith. This is an excellent opportunity to gain REAL handles on the faith from a Scriptural perspective. It’s not too late to sign-up and the books cost less than $15 with the first two lessons available for “free viewing” on Amazon Prime.
#3 -- Slow Church, afternoon discussion starts Sunday afternoon / evening at the Radford / Holland home. The time will be announced Sunday morning, but will consist of an informal Q&A + discussion around the key concepts of developing a “Slow Church,” or cultivating process of church development.
#4 – Freedom! Our High Places ladies group continues to meet on Tuesday’s at the home of Laurel and David Richmond. Finding freedom in Christ is essential to experiencing the fullness of His plan and purpose in our lives – and it is a great way to build stronger relationships with fellow High Places ladies.
THREE... Great Weeks of Slow Church
Slow Church is a book that Martin turned some of us onto several months back. It’s a book so rich, we’ve had to read it SLOW to take it all in. We’ll be sharing insights from this book over the next three weeks (minimum) and following each message up with a discussion opportunity at the Radford / Holland home (described above).
TWO... Special Opportunities to Give
I mentioned the last Sunday in September that October is formally “Clergy Appreciation Month” & happens to be the month that I turn 45 years old (yikes!). That’s two chances to love on your pastor and I would be deeply honored if our church would prayerfully consider supporting two efforts that I am passionate about:
#1 Would you be willing to support me as I raise money for East Tennessee Children’s hospital? I will be playing in the “EXTRA LIFE” challenge for sick children on Saturday, October 25. The fundraiser is 24hrs of straight gaming to make a difference. My fundraising goal is $500 and I am only about 10% of the way there. All gifts go directly to helping children at East Tennessee Hospital. You can give at the following link:
David's EXTRA LIFE fundraising page
#2 Would you be willing to give to help make Thanksgiving special for hungry, lonely, or shut-in people this holiday? A group of several people are working feverishly to “Feed the People” once again this Thanksgiving. Last year, we fed over 500 people and this year we hope to do even more… but we need support. Our fundraising goal is $2,000 and with that, we believe we can feed almost 1,000 people if needed.
Also, please remember that these giving opportunities are most beneficial when they supplement (not supplant) regular giving to our ministries.
ONE... Amazing Service Opportunity!
Regarding the Community Thanksgiving Meal, you are each invited to participate as volunteers if you’re looking for a chance to give-back in person this Thanksgiving. Although this is not a formally sponsored High Places Church event, we are serving as the event’s hosts at the Grove Theater. Many of us were deeply impacted last year by the level of need and we felt the love of Christ working through us as we served. It is a great opportunity to give back and express thanks for a loving God who gives us so much.
WOW! What a great fall season we have taking shape here at High Places. As with anything however, a full calendar means absolutely nothing without full hearts. Our prayers together are that God might fill us up with His Spirit as we work and move in this community, and amongst our church family to deepen, grow, give, and serve.
“For in Him we live, move, and have our being...” (Acts 17:28)
Much love,
David