Back in January, we launched the year by focusing on “How we want to have grown (and become more mature) in our faith and therefore in our lives!” If you don’t have a target, you’ll never know where to aim…and you’ll miss it every time. We are done with that. We continue to learn to be resilient in our faith and people of a deeper faith fueled by the Holy Spirit working in and through us to change and transform ourselves and the world around us for God!
We have been through a lot this year and still 3 more months to go before we “check-in” on confirming our identity as genuine and fruitful followers of Christ. Beginning in January, we will be working with 8+ young adults through Confirmation as we confirm the faith within them. It will be a task for EVERYONE in our church… as we nurture and come alongside these new “confirmands.” That means that we, too, need to confirm (and re-confirm) the essentials of our faith and especially as United Methodists.
So, we are launching on a new path of growth BEGINNING October 11th through November 8th – as we look at the Five Marks confirming our identity as genuine and fruitful followers of Christ:
1. A Methodist Loves God
2. A Methodist Rejoices in God
3. A Methodist Gives Thanks
4. A Methodist Prays Constantly
5. A Methodist Loves Others
This brief book was written by Dr. Steve Harper, a friend and former professor of mine. (Maybe I can invite Steve to come up and join us!) His short, 60-page book can be read in one sitting, but we are going to do that and more!
We are going to be looking together at each of the 5 “marks” of the book, Five Marks of a Methodist: The Fruit of a Living Faith as we gain a greater knowledge and appreciation for why and how to follow Jesus. It will be an online discussion and a “live” discussion – practicing appropriate social distancing – but not distancing from God! The Pastor and a team of co-helpers will lead “touch-base” sharing that we will also enjoy putting the “5 Fruits” into practice and “taking it for a test-drive!” We will emerge with a solid foundation to keep our spiritual house standing strong as Christians marked by these five habits, that will take our attitude, our life, our living, and our character to the next level! (Guaranteed or your money back!) This will be a “gathering/listening/sharing” for anyone – young or old, a mature Christian – or a nominal, beginning Christian or those who question. The short books are available in BOOK and KINDLE FORMAT (along with an optional Participant’s Guide)
through Amazon:
• AMAZON LINK: ($9.99 or $7.55 for a newly re-shared book. In addition, you can purchase a “recycled” slightly used book beginning at $1.97. Look on the above linked page under the “Hardcover” box where these “used” options are listed in “blue.”
• KINDLE copies of this book are also available for immediate purchase and access on the same “link” above.
• An optional “Participant Guide” is available here.
Here’s a NEW IDEA… you could buy 2-3 copies of the “Participant Book”and share it with 2-3 other persons in your family or next door. Along with the Pastor and the Church Team weekly meeting, you can do your own sharing with others! Even Online – we will help you set up your own ZOOM meeting so you can meet with your other 2-3 persons each week! Free!
Join us in “getting back on the journey” to our mission and calling.
