Dear Church Family,
I see tents on the freshly cut grass. Hmm…what must that mean? I think I know — it’s time for the Church Picnic! Better take a lint brush to your Hawaiian shirt! Sunday is the day to wear it. Lots of work and planning has gone into this picnic. As we’ve said, it’s a Picnic Plus. Yes, it’s a time to relax and eat. But it’s also a time for the Spirit to bind us together in new ways and to turn outsiders into insiders. Can you please be on mission to make meaningful contacts with the people around you?
Robyn Cooper teamed up with Pastor Thomas to mobilize a big team of volunteers to serve the rest of us. Here’s an excerpt from her prayer that I urge you to make your own:
“I pray over this picnic. I pray John 17…I pray that we would be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one…May we experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent Jesus and that you love us as much as you love Him.”
Here’s a picture that will put a smile on your face. It’s from the first MOPS gathering.
God is doing a special work in this ministry. The group — now in its second year — is multiplying. Women from just around the corner and from far-off continents have come together for an oasis experience every other Friday morning. Some know the Lord already and some are just getting to know him in this place of welcome and peace. Pick a mom-kid combo in the picture and ask God to bless them!
OK, this Sunday is special for a second reason: the teaching portion of our gathering will come from the church elders. As part of our “How it Works” series, we’ll hear from Valley’s leaders as they share what the Bible says about the joy and challenge of shepherding. Don’t miss it!
I can’t keep myself from mentioning Women’s Bible Study. I don’t have a photograph so you’ll have to imagine the scene. Picture women studying the Gospel of John during the week and then coming on Wednesday nights and Thursday mornings to share (Col. 3:16). Picture godly teachers opening up the Word and passing on the insights that God has given them from their diligent study. Picture friendships forming, burdens lifting and children learning in Thursday School and Petra. If you attend Women’s Bible Study, please send me a picture or two and we’ll try to publish it in an upcoming blog.
I’m signing off for now but looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Hallelujah and Aloha,
Darren