August 27th, 2020
By Pastor Mike Bill
St. John’s Family,
(Note: 2 important updates at the bottom…please read till the end!)
One of the exciting times of the year for a pastor is the very end of August and early September. After a lighter pace over the summer, you begin to look forward to the fall. Back to Church. Small groups. New Sunday School Classes. Youth Group and Wednesday night kickoffs. A new fall sermon series that I have typically read and studied for over the summer. It’s an exciting time. I love summer, but there is something about the feeling that September brings…
Normally!
I am tired of writing (and I’m sure you’re tired of reading) phrases like “these are difficult days,” “there is so much uncertainty,” or “as we walk through the ‘new normal’.” And so I hesitate to even write this! But, no surprise, this fall will be a little different than the normal “Kickoff” we are accustomed to having. What makes it harder is that every one of us is in a slightly different place.
--Our family makeup is different
--Our comfort level with crowds, masks, and public spaces is different
--Our health history and conditions are different
--Our schedules are different
As so this year, we are going to “Kickoff” the fall somewhat differently. Next week I will be introducing you to a flowchart (or decision tree) entitled PRIORITING FAITH THIS FALL. Basically, this will be a resource that will help each us as families and individuals think and pray through a customized personal plan for faith engagement this fall.
“One size fits all” will not work this year.
“Come to the church at this set time” will not work this year.
“Business as usual” will not work this year.
But, you and I face the personal challenge to own our faith, prioritize worship, carve out space for relationships, find ways to serve, and build things into our lives that grow our faith.
Begin thinking about this now: HOW WILL I PRIORITIZE MY FAITH THIS FALL? Given what is unique to my situation, my family, my health, my walk with Christ, how do I avoid drifting and make my faith central to my daily life this fall?
I’m excited about this…I can’t wait to share it with you!
Mike
Couple of notes for this week:
St. John’s Family,
(Note: 2 important updates at the bottom…please read till the end!)
One of the exciting times of the year for a pastor is the very end of August and early September. After a lighter pace over the summer, you begin to look forward to the fall. Back to Church. Small groups. New Sunday School Classes. Youth Group and Wednesday night kickoffs. A new fall sermon series that I have typically read and studied for over the summer. It’s an exciting time. I love summer, but there is something about the feeling that September brings…
Normally!
I am tired of writing (and I’m sure you’re tired of reading) phrases like “these are difficult days,” “there is so much uncertainty,” or “as we walk through the ‘new normal’.” And so I hesitate to even write this! But, no surprise, this fall will be a little different than the normal “Kickoff” we are accustomed to having. What makes it harder is that every one of us is in a slightly different place.
--Our family makeup is different
--Our comfort level with crowds, masks, and public spaces is different
--Our health history and conditions are different
--Our schedules are different
As so this year, we are going to “Kickoff” the fall somewhat differently. Next week I will be introducing you to a flowchart (or decision tree) entitled PRIORITING FAITH THIS FALL. Basically, this will be a resource that will help each us as families and individuals think and pray through a customized personal plan for faith engagement this fall.
“One size fits all” will not work this year.
“Come to the church at this set time” will not work this year.
“Business as usual” will not work this year.
But, you and I face the personal challenge to own our faith, prioritize worship, carve out space for relationships, find ways to serve, and build things into our lives that grow our faith.
Begin thinking about this now: HOW WILL I PRIORITIZE MY FAITH THIS FALL? Given what is unique to my situation, my family, my health, my walk with Christ, how do I avoid drifting and make my faith central to my daily life this fall?
I’m excited about this…I can’t wait to share it with you!
Mike
Couple of notes for this week:
- There will be no 9:45 service, beginning this week August 30th. Our numbers and spacing have caused us to reevaluate our need for a third service. We apologize if anyone has to change their plans for this week!
- I want to invite you to join me and several other pastors and churches for a time of Unified Prayer, this Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at Donio Park in Sicklerville. More info to follow…but I hope you can join us as we come together in prayer for our region as local churches.
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