IF

In our churches,
WE NEED THE ABUNDANT LIFE THAT COMES FROM THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD.
We must seek after God's Spirit of Life, Love, Joy, Service, Peace, and Adventure.
IF we seek transformation and growth within the glory of God,
THEN we are empowered to move forward in unity with our mission!
IF we realize our need for God to make us a humble and loving family of God,
THEN we are able and inspired
to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world.
IF we seek to experience the good news of the kingdom of God in our midst,
THEN we can go forth together to be the good news of the kingdom of God for the world.
Jesus said "They will know you are my disciples IF you love one another."
I pray that we will be so changed by the power of God
that we will love, serve, connect deeply, and celebrate with one another
SO THAT the world will know for sure that we are his disciples.
Amen.

Sharing the Good News Stories

I was with an old friend today who is an active layperson in one of our churches. We had a nice time catching up with each others' lives. I also had the opportunity to share some of the cool ministries I've witnessed as a DS in some of our churches...ministries both inside and outside the walls of our church buildings. I was bragging on the UM Church and sharing the good news of what God is up to in our midst.

I believe that this is part of the culture we are seeking to develop in the Northwest District which by the way officially is birthed January 1, 2010. It is a culture which involves sharing the good news of the kingdom of God that is happening through our churches. It involves hearing about the many ways hungry people are being fed, churches are connecting to make a difference, people giving their lives to become like Christ, children and the youth of the community are being served, and the mission of Christ's church is moving forward.

This blog seeks to help us get our mission accomplished. Part of doing that is sharing the good news stories of God at work in our midst....stories which will inform, inspire, challenge, and keep us connected and focused on the mission.

Together, we will be mission minded in the Northwest District.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.