Each month in 2012, Pastor Jenkins will be recommending a book to the
congregation. We are encouraged to read along each month with Pastor
Jenkins. For some of our books, we will have a discussion on them as a
congregation.
In our efforts to lay a “Faithful Foundation” the first
book is a devotional. Contained within our select
readings for each day of the year is the hope that our devotional lives
might become strengthened by our efforts to meet God daily for a time of
education, edification and empowerment. The books retail price is $15.99
Book Description: Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely
inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year. After many
years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided
to listen to God with pen in hand,
writing down whatever she believed God was saying to her. It was
awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to
dialogue. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but
journaling helped her grow closer to God. Others were blessed as she
shared her writings, until people all over the world
were using her messages. They are written from Jesus' point of view,
thus the title Jesus Calling. It is Sarah's fervent prayer
that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in
ever deeper measure. PASTOR’S BOOK OF THE MONTH
During March, read “The Shack,” by William P. Young, available in
most book stores and libraries, in preparation for a book discussion in
April, date and time to be announced. It is about the abduction of a
young girl during a family vacation; later, evidence that she may have
been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon
wilderness. Four years later her father receives a suspicious note,
apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. From
the overview: “Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a
wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he
finds there will change his world forever.” May Book of the Month
This month Pastor Jenkins recommends that we read “Imagine - How
Creativity Works” by Jonah Lehrer. Amazon.com tells us that “From the
New York Times best-selling author of How We Decide comes a sparkling
and revelatory look at the new science of creativity. Shattering the
myth of muses, higher powers, even creative ‘types,’ Jonah Lehrer
demonstrates that creativity is not a single gift possessed by the lucky
few. It’s a variety of distinct thought processes that we can all learn
to use more effectively.” |
Beloved,
When I was a child, my father used to watch Dr.
Robert Schuller on most Sunday mornings before church. He would preach a
sermon and my father would be encouraged for the week ahead. Do you remember
that commercial for the Crystal Cathedral that aired back in the 90s? Robert
Schuller would say, “Don’t just sit there, do something!” In other words
it's time to get up and and be active.Last month I wrote about how important
it is to “think different.” Thinking differently is important, but thinking
is not enough. Robert Schuller reminds us, we have to do something…something
different.
Jesus did lots of things differently too. In truth, that’s why he was always
getting in trouble with the Sanhedrin. He did more than teach differently.
Jesus reached out to the least and to the lost, he ate with sinners, healed
the sick and raised the dead. He is the ultimate example of someone who was
willing to think differently and do differently. His thoughts and actions
have forever changed the world.
To do something different is about risk and hope. However, I have learned
that God honors risk and our hope is always that God will be with us and
bless us. This month, we’re going to take a huge risk together by doing
something different as we launch THE WELL worship experience. This
additional worship service will provide options for both present
worshippers, as well as new people in our community to connect with our
church. As you know we live in a world that is flooded with technology, is
constantly changing and is exceptionally busy. While it would be easy to
overlook these realities, I think it's important to take the risk and
address them head on. Hence, it is important we do our best to provide a
worship experience that tries to
engage the needs of this particular group.
At the same time, you will notice that over the last few weeks we have had
exceptional attendance at our 10:00 worship service (knock on wood). I am
committed to continue to grow this service as well. As worship is changing
around the city, and beyond, it is important that we provide an exciting
worship experience for those who prefer a traditional style. We can do this
together. We can grow a traditional worship service and a contemporary
worship service at the same time. Additionally, we can use events like Bible
Study and Fellowship Friday to unify our church. This journey may not be
easy (most good things never are), but I believe that God
is going to bless.
I hope you might help us by inviting family, friends, co-workers and
neighbors to THE WELL on March 25th. We are excited about this worship
experience and hope that you are too.Let’s “do” something different and
let’s do it together. Pastor Courtney Clayton Jenkins |