I need a resurrection in my life… and you may also! With all that’s going on, I need Jesus to come alive in me and to take control! I know lots of people who are looking for the same thing in their lives and in their world. So, that is what I am praying for in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Did you know that “Easter” is the # 1 time when people who are not attending church, (those who may have fallen away or are even nominally religious), are MOST OPEN to coming back into the church? That is why we have been working on the MISSION FOCUS of:
BLESSINGS: 5 Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World
- Begin with prayer to discover your personal mission. Using these biblical practices can really change the world… and that is what we are all about!
- Listen to others.
- Eat with others and build the relationship.Serve others.
- Tell your story.
OUR APRIL GOAL: Is to begin to reach out to persons we have been praying for (or others) as we begin to “plant seeds of blessings” so that they would be open to join us on Easter Sunday – April 17th (or any Sunday).
STEP 1: Pray for them before each of the next two steps. God answers prayer and God is with us and with our neighbors!
STEP 2: Begin with sharing ONE ACT OF LOVE & BLESSING with a person on your prayer list. For example: PRAY for them and let them know you are praying for them. Write them a short note or text with a simple message from a song like, “God’s Got This and You,” God’s going to lift you up,” or “God has a New Beginning for you and me” or “You are Loved.” Send 3 notes or one each day… people need a daily reminder for it to soak in.
STEP 3: SHARE 3 PERSONAL INVITATIONS TO MAKE PLANS TO BE WITH YOU ON EASTER SUNDAY – April 17th – 9:45 AM @ MINGO UMC – Tell them that you will be waiting for them outside of the church and they can sit with you! Be an example of gracious hospitality in reaching out and being there in person and in a personal way. Continue your invitation several times each week until Easter – to plant the idea and reality of coming to worship in their lives. Send an “EATING GIFT” TO THEM WITH A NOTE! Love on them! More ideas about EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP will be coming.
God gets us ready for Easter by working through us to bring about a “resurrection” in our neighbors and others. Show love and grace and mercy like Jesus would do! Put God to the “proof” that He is able to change their life and bring about real Easter New Life for them and you.
