Though you have not seen him, you love him. 

Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8 ESV)

Omar

Omar

Jerry

Jerry

Last Saturday the Relate 2014 Conference wrapped up on the outskirts of Phoenix AZ.

There were 4 different speakers and 5 sessions during the conference. CJ Mahaney and Bob Kauflin were 2 of those conference speakers. One of the more impacting messages was given by Rich Richardson on the Christian life as pilgrims. Keep an eye out for that message to be made available at their website.

We were 1 of 13 different churches represented at the conference, so there was a great variety of young adults there.

It was a good time to sing together and to sit under God's Word together! God met us there!

Here are some more pics from the conference:

Our annual Money Management Course begins February 3rd. Registration closes this Sunday.

I’m one of those people who asks for forgiveness more than permission. I let my intuition be my guide, pursue whatever I want and jump in without a parachute. And this translates into some pretty exciting adventures.

I like to bet the farm.

The problem is that my personality also tends to make me resistant to important things like consistency, discipline, steady income, and savings. I was raised to take risks and expect rewards. But when the rewards didn’t come in like I expected, we ended up in debt.

We were struggling to pay the rent and trapped in a terrible cycle. The debt didn’t honor God and our response to our situation only made it worse. Money problems were leading to marriage problems.

Drastic measures.

We moved in with family. I got a job (ok, this one isn't so drastic). We came up with a plan. And we joined the Money Management class.

Here’s why taking the class was better than trying to fix our money troubles alone.

• I learned everyone needs grace to change.
• I learned my friends have inspiring stories.
• I learned I could enjoy Jesus more when money doesn’t get in the way.
• I learned how to talk about money with my wife.
• I learned there is no magic pill.

Money Management was a huge blessing and is still bearing good fruit in my life. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for making a boring ol' church member meeting so happy. It's hard to describe what it feels like to be part of a church that feels more "family" than it does institutional or an event.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. (Psalm 133 ESV)

1. Our pastors shared the purpose behind the 52 SUNDAYS project...more joy on Sundays, more help reaching our guests, and the correlation they've observed between Sunday attendance and a host of spiritual concerns.

2. We published our first Church Membership Roll. Pastor Eric informed us of plans to regularly update the list, to notify any member we remove (in writing), and about the unpublished "Care List".

3. Pastor Mike presented a financial update and encouraged us to be prepared for greater opportunities to give in the future. It appears we will soon have "more ministry than money."

4. Pastor Eric presented a proposal for establishing a Deaconate Ministry. We were asked to review it and provide feedback to the pastoral team by March 1, 2014. (Click here for the Deaconate Ministry Proposal)

1.  Starting Point - A course for newcomers and those who would like to explore church membership. Beginning March 1st, we will meet for 5 weeks during the Sunday School hour.  Get on-line to register and download the curriculum. The format is similar to our small groups, with discussion and dialogue rather than a lecture.

2.  Money Management Course -  Our Money Management Course is starting next month and the deadline to register is NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 19th.  Once a year we offer a course on the Biblical principles of financial stewardship. The classes are conducted in a small group setting, using a discussion format and curriculum adapted from Crown Ministries.  Meeting together for 8 classes, every other Monday night, beginning February 3.

Listen again as Pastor Eric is back in Revelation!

Tea.ology starts at 7pm tonight at the church office. Women talking like women about God.

Go here for more info.

This Sunday after the service our Worship Team will be holding auditions.

Our first auditions ever!

Each participant has been preparing a set of songs to perform and has volunteered to be assessed for skill and fitness. And for sure there will be lots of encouragement and joy as they make music together. But nonetheless, it takes courage and humility to be evaluated.

Your musically-challenged friends thank you.

Thanks for being willing to serve. Thanks for being willing to be assessed. Thanks for being willing to do something different if the worship team doesn't need you right now. Thanks for loving Jesus more than everything else. And loving us more than yourselves.

1.  Starting Point - A number of you have asked about our newcomers class and if
you watch the church calendar you’ll notice the next round is scheduled for March 1st.! !
This is a  5 week course for becoming a new member.  Small group style with a pastor leading. Everything you need to know about the church to help you know if this church is for you.  Visit the website to register!

2.  Tea.ology - Our next meeting for the ladies is scheduled for Friday, January 10th.
Similar to our men’s Theology on Tap.  A group that meets to encourage one another by wrestling with truth together. For more information check-out our Facebook page.

3.   Dustin Smetona preaches next week on prayer and then we will be back in Revelation with Pastor Eric Turbedsky.

Listen again as Jason preaches from Ruth.