He Lives
 

Easter Lily
 

King of Kings
 
PASTOR’S NOTES – MAY 1998

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.  For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.  May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

- Romans 15:1-7 (NRSV)

 

Last month I reminded you of the mission statement our church adopted in October 1991.  That statement is now printed on the mailing page of this newsletter and will probably be there from now on.  Our mission statement and church goals, especially as they are the result of prayer and obedience to the Holy Spirit, help to define us as God’s peculiar people in this corner of His world.  Though all of our Christian churches exist to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, each of us has a particular mission depending on the circumstances in which we are located. 

 

We also present a particular attitude.  No local church can represent the fullness of Christ by itself, but each of us can demonstrate at least one or two attributes of the God who gives us life.  So in addition to our mission statement and goals, several churches present a list of values, or special affirmations of their local churches.

 

Text Box: We are a church existing solely at the pleasure and disposal of Jesus Christ, and affirm His unique calling we feebly express in our mission statement and these special affirmations of our local church: 1) We are to be a church that welcomes everyone, regardless of the clothing or position in life. Here both formally and casually dressed persons are sisters and brothers, and no one need feel they cannot come because of their clothing. 2) We are to be a church of many different opinions, united by our decision to take the yoke of Christ upon ourselves. We encourage open and honest discussion and disagreement, recognizing that emotions may run high, but the next day we are back to His task at hand as sisters and brothers. 3) We are to be a church that recognizes and thrives by the power of prayer, seeking to bring prayer into every aspect of our lives together and equipping each other to bring prayer into our personal and social lives as well. 4) We are to be a church that cares enough to expect our members to lead Christ-centered lifestyles, and holds each other accountable. 5) We are to be a church that recognizes the unique spiritual gifts of each Christian, and equally affirms evangelist, teacher, helper, giver, encourager, and other gifts the Spirit chooses. 6) We are to be a church that expresses our love of Jesus Christ through hospitality to all and encouraging all to be friend-builders on a one-to-one basis. 7) We are to be a church that affirms our responsibility individually and collectively to work for God’s justice within our families, our social circles and our national citizenship. 8) We are to be a church that affirms and supports the ministry of other churches as Christ’s tools within this neighborhood and other communities. 9) We are to be a church that obediently entrusts resources through denominational and other channels to offer to the world a holistic mission program that meets the human needs of people, including the bold proclamation of Christ. 10) We are to be a church recognizing that all of us are called to be Christian leaders, and that our growth in discipleship includes the development of our friends into new leaders for His glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my attempt to begin a list.  This is not meant to be complete; and many of you would want other things included, would argue against some of these, or would have a better way of stating them.  So let me know what you think.  Some of these things we do very well already, some we may have a long way to go:

 

This is a start.  Let me know what you think.

 

Peace,

KEVIN2

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