This new year, we wanted to help our church family and others beyond to intentionally grow in our faith and discipleship by the end of 2020. We began by asking “Where would you like to see yourself in your Faith /Discipleship Journey by the end of 2020?” It mirrored a similar question that was historically asked of Methodists throughout its history by John Wesley. He was interested in asking that question and then developing groups and classes to help the people called “Methodists” to achieve that goal. He did it by meeting weekly and monthly in supporting one another and being accountable – the success is our church and the United Methodists today! We decided to poll our congregation to ask the same question and then to tally results and intentionally plan a series of programs and events that we could do together to reach our individual goal of growth in specific ways, especially in relationship to God by the end of the year 2020.
After tallying, here is the vision of a program/offering: A book or program that is short and to the point would be helpful – one we can do at home or in our vehicle or on the run – or devotionals (short and simple) that can fit into a busy schedule and lifestyle. We’d like an option for doing it alone or drop in with a simple group or coffee for an hour and listen or share so we can hear how it’s going for others. Bible verses can help center us and help meet our goals of a closer God walk by the end of the year. Maybe we can also invite a friend or another person we know to join us in it, even if they live far away or are looking for a church that has something to offer them for free. We like sharing the songs we hear on the radio that speak to us and inviting the pastor to share them in one of his sermons in coming weeks. We also want to continue to volunteer to do things in our community that will help us BE THE CHURCH and help people who are needing help! Do any of these reflect your “nudging” from God and where you would like to see yourself by the end of the year?
OUR 21-DAY CHALLENGE IS BEGINNING
Sunday, February 9th through 23rd. What should we use? What should we do? What would fit into our schedules and busy lifestyles? We will be using a great new strategy of The Wesley Challenge, built around 21 questions John Wesley encouraged the first Methodists to ask one another. The program we are going to offer is resourced from a new book called: The Wesley Challenge of 21 Questions. It calls for weekly sermons and daily reflection questions that will help us explore how we can develop the spiritual habits, practices and actions that can lead to a thriving Christian life. Here is the great new element – it allows all of our congregation, participants and our network of friends and families across the community and across the United States to receive our daily “Question of the Day” with a devotional to help you reflect. Anyone can read the devotional and write down thoughts, reflect or answer the question.
A simple study book is available (see below to order in advance). Each day raises a question and presents scripture, topics for reflection and a challenge. You can do it alone or a family member or friend who you can talk with as we encourage one another and grow with God! Anyone, anywhere can join you in this 21-Day Challenge. They can receive the questions and devotionals from us. You can grow each day!
Here is a smorgasbord of options for participation to fit your schedule and lifestyle:
You can receive the 21 questions and devotionals each day or all at the beginning of each week. You can listen the pastor’s message online at our website, follow on Facebook, or join a Sunday afternoon small group or Wednesday mid-week coffee with the Pastor or with others in their homes – or you can do it all alone (although we do know that doing coffee and talking about the questions can be so helpful when sharing with another person(s), and so much more).
Contact us for specific details and times and the 21 questions (email: phildicks@gmail.com or communications@mingoumc.org). Share your email (or anyone else who would like to participate) and we will put you on the list to receive all 21 days for the duration of the program. An optional study book is available on AMAZON for $9.93 or used books for as low at 81¢, as well as paperback and Kindle versions. Click Here
For more information, join us on Sunday morning at worship – we will be sharing the details of the program and specific dates and times – join us and feel the anticipation grow. Catch the fire! Catch the spirit! GO BE THE CHURCH!
