Grow a deeper connection with God
Modern times have shown us just how innovative people can be. These times have also shown us that with the new, much of the old remains — and always will.
Encircle
In life … everything is not always fine. Amazing things do happen. The unexpected can derail anyone. Life without meaningful connections makes everything harder, the amazing less satisfying, and the unexpected devastating.
Not surprisingly then, God calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn. He calls us to Encircle one another, because when we are encircled by good, godly people, He can work in our lives in profound and enduring ways.
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
What does it mean to Encircle?
In practical terms, it means being connected to a small group with your people: others with whom you share common experiences, similar backgrounds, interests and values. Things in common contribute to shaping a small group culture that is a fit for you and your people. Culture is key in forming rich and meaningful relationships that thrive.
What would it look for you to connect to a small group with your people?
Spoiler alert: It’s less about joining a group, and more about finding your people.
Interested in joining a group?
Engage
Engagement with what God is doing in our daily lives results in spiritual growth. Through reflection, questioning, and discussion, we become more attuned to the ways He speaks to us.
Sometimes we need help to uncover the ways God is at work in our lives; the things He is calling out of us, and the things He reveals about who he is and who we are in Him.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
What does it mean to Engage?
This coming year we'll see podcasts designed to help with reflection around spiritual matters.
They’ll also be key events with pieces designed to help our volunteers understand serving God. He might have more to say to them than they realize!
We will see a continued presence with our online congregants, which will help them to remain connected and engaged while not able to be physically present.
Ready to Engage with God?
Why Encounter the Father?
Until a person has a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the rest is only theory.
Once that initial encounter has occurred, the Christian life is one of many subsequent encounters with Him.
How do we Encounter the Father?
The way we see it, the Encounter ministry is simply setting the table for meeting with and hearing from God. We do this through weekly blogs and monthly podcasts to encourage and challenge our faith; practical teaching on ways to listen for and recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice; and community times of prayer, praise and retreat.
Are you ready to Encounter the Father?
Embrace
Coming to church for the first time, or the first time in a long time, people often wonder how they will be received… “Am I going to get struck down by lightening? Get judged and hated on?” The answer is a solid No. The bible shows that God always has His arms wide open, ready to embrace whoever might come. It’s never too late to come home.
“But while he was still along way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ranto his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy tobe called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants…Let’shave a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and isfound.’ So they began to celebrate.
What does the Embrace look like?
Well, that depends on where you’re starting from. If you’re a part of our church, that means inviting someone to come and ensuring that everybody feels welcome and seen. If you’re new, it means coming and experiencing the warmth, love and hospitality of a church community, and the invitation to more… the invitation into a family.
