Pastor

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February, 2010

Greeting in the name of Christ,

Do you hear God’s voice? Strange question! But an essential question for Christians. How do you hear God’s voice? In Matthew 17:5 God says, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well please; listen to him.” If we listen to Jesus and do what Jesus does, then we are listening to God.

At a recent church council retreat we discussed where God is calling each of us individually and where God is calling us as a church. What is God’s will and way for us? How is God speaking to us?

After some activities and discussion, we decided that EVANGELISM is our top priority. But what does that mean? Evangelism is spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to all. It may mean a deepening of our spiritual communion with God through intentional prayer, worship and service. It may mean a closer relationship among the people who gather here – hearing the joys and concerns of each other and praying for each other.

There are several ways that we will enhance our evangelistic calling. We are seeking people who would be willing to serve on the evangelism committee as well as people who would be willing to serve on the Stewardship committee. Would you please ask God to help you discern if either of these is what God is calling you to do?

The Mid Week Lenten Worship will be on Wednesdays beginning with Ash Wednesday (February 17^th). Each Wednesday in Lent, we will gather for a Meager Meal at 6:15 and then worship together at 7:00. For those of you who would prefer a daytime service and meal, Birmingham will be hosting the same gatherings: Meager Meal 11:30, Worship at Noon.

As Christians we share the Good News that God can be heard, understood, and obeyed. We have scripture, history and stories of our own that speak God’s truth. Spiritual practices and disciplines increase our desire and capacity to be faithful to what we hear and know to be the voice of God in our homes, church, and community. And it seems most often the voice and message of God are heard and the presence and power of God are felt when people quietly, fervently, and faithfully pray, worship, witness and serve.

Do you hear God speaking to you? Polish up your practices of PIGS SEW (Prayer, Inviting, Giving, Serving, Studying, Encouraging, Worship) and you will be amazed at what and how often you will hear God’s voice.

See you in church

Pastor Pat