Dear Friends,
I was pleased at how many of you said Sunday’s message on Spiritual Pathways was interesting and helpful. Even a first-time visitor commented that all the people in her family were different and no one seemed just alike in how they preferred to draw close to God. If you are interested in a comparative chart of 7 Spiritual Pathways based on Gary Thomas’ book, we can send it via email or you can pick it up at the back table by the church office.
I want to emphasize two things about “discovering our soul’s path to God,” which can apply whether you heard the sermon or not. The first has to do with spiritual burn-out. Countless times, I have heard believers (including myself) struggle with feeling burned out. Usually it’s not with God, per se, but with church. Maybe it’s a combination of being overcommitted with activities or volunteering, bored with worship or learning opportunities, or just “burned” because of something unexpected or unpleasant in the congregation. The real tragedy is when we let these situations keep us from drawing close to God in the unique way in which we were created. You may volunteer in areas in which you have professional knowledge–like plumbing–or a passionate burden–like homelessness–but these may not necessarily be the areas that you most deeply and personally relate to God. If were to say you, “Go and enter God’s presence,” where would you go? What would you do? We must be careful as we offer our talents and skills, and serve in the name of the Lord that we never neglect “resting in the presence of God.” Otherwise, we become burned-out. Remain in the vine; apart from Me, you can do nothing.
The flip side is that a mature disciple is able to become aware of God’s presence in more and more settings, circumstances, and relationships. Indeed, all pathways lead to God for this follower. Psalm 139 says, “There is no where I can go and flee from your presence.” No theology book, not a group of strangers, not an unfamiliar worship service, not a drab building, or lonely hospital room can hide God’s presence to those who truly want to find Him. “Wherever I go, you are there.” Brother Lawrence urges us to “practice the presence of God.” Even if it is not way you would prefer to commune with God, God is always near and awaiting our arrival. So, come to worship, bible study, a committee meeting, coffee hour, the food pantry, even to work or the marketplace and expect to see God!
This Sunday is “Friends and Family” Day. A week before the Country Fair, we want you to ask a new or “renewed” friend to come visit us. All first-time visitors will receive a free BBQ dinner, but most of all they will be here for the start of the sermon series- A Reason for Living. This week we’ll ask ourselves, “What on Earth Am I Here For?” November 1st is All Saints Day and Daylight Savings ENDS!!! So, “Fall Back” your clocks!!! See you at 10:30 am.
Peace,
Pastor Amber
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- Are you outgoing? Never met a stranger? We need you to be a Greeter at our Country Fair. Those who are able to walk around will canvass the grounds, those who prefer to sit can work at our “Prize Drawing” table and sign up guest. Contact Pastor Amber or Gerrie McClary to help.
