Good morning High Places,
As we wind down our current theme, “Unless a Seed Falls” we hope you’ll join us for the concluding messages this Sunday and next. Culture is so often adrift with despair, narcissism, anger, and greed that we need the re-telling of Christ’s call to take up our own cross and follow. While pick-me-up messages do our souls good at times, and all of us need to be reminded of how incredibly beautiful we are in the eyes of God, we also need to be reminded that this life really isn’t about us, nor was it intended to be. We’re here to enjoy the majesty of God, surrender to his calling on our lives, and sacrificially co-create the Kingdom of God in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
As I move in and around our community, I am forever grateful for a church that has been organized around this idea, and one that is bearing real fruit in our community, even if often unnoticed. As we consciously make efforts to “decrease” (as we saw in John’s Gospel), we see the awesome presence of God “increase” in our lives and ministries. I pray for you today, and your ministries, which I know are ongoing well beyond the boundaries of a Sunday morning attendance. And I trust that even within those I miss and haven’t seen, the abundant fruit of all you offer those in your circles day in and day out is bringing glory to God.
News and Notes for Your Prayer and Consideration –
1. Speaking of beauty, our next message series begins in March, and is based on a quote from Dostoevsky, “beauty will save the world.” I hope you will eagerly anticipate opening God’s word with us in the month of March because this theme, I believe, is not only is a perfect match for Springtime, but will also prepare our hearts for Easter.
2. Speaking of Springtime, we have a great opportunity to enjoy it for a weekend at our annual adult retreat. (Yes, we are back – covid be gone!). April 1-3 we will retreat to a house on Norris Lake for a weekend of bible study and fellowship. I need a clear count of who is planning to attend in the next couple of weeks. Please see the attached flyer.
3. On Saturday, March 5 we will host our annual “Friends of the Grove” champagne brunch for our community partners who use the theater. If you are interested in helping with that brunch, or just want to attend and meet some of our friends in Oak Ridge, please let me know by replying to this email.
4. On Saturday, April 30 we will hold our 2nd Quarter community concert with proceeds going to the “Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence.” There’s some talk about whether we call this a “Blues and BBQ Concert” or a “Bluegrass and BBQ Concert.” I think it will really boil down to who I can find to play for us. If you have any band connections in those two genres, let me know by replying to this email.
5. We have some benevolence needs that could use a little time and financial resources applied. If you have either, or both, please let me know and I can connect you to those needs.
Easter is on the way as well folks, so be in PRAYER about who God might be leading you to invite to join us on that celebration Sunday. It’s an incredible opportunity for outreach, and may God lead you precisely and His power and timing to those in your circle who are unchurched and in need of the great HOPE we have in Jesus.
Blessing to you all,
David