Another Gazebo Challenge
I’m really grateful for where we are as a church today. There’s a lot to do, a lot to work for, a lot of future to build towards – but for today, there’s a lot to be grateful for. Let me tell you about a few such things, briefly.
First, I’m thankful that as a church, we voted to approve of removing the ‘trial’ label from the Next Generation Pastor – so that it’s an ongoing position at Central. I’m thankful that, in faith, you gave it a chance – and are continuing to support it as an investment for the future of the church, the next generation at Central, and the Kingdom of God in the Bayshore. We have already seen fruit of Rebecca’s work here, and I look forward to what God will do next.
Second, I’m thankful that we’ve journeyed successfully through 10 months in our year of “Central Steps”, with the accompanying Step Groups and discipleship book we’ve worked through. I’ve seen fruit grow because of it: personally in my own faith, and within many of you. I’m thankful that we’ve seen it through to the end (well, this Sunday is our last ‘Central Steps’ sermon) or really, as the first ‘step’ towards a new journey of discipleship as a church. I’m looking forward to seeing how God will continue to grow us up ‘in every way’ to become more like Christ.
Finally, I’m thankful that we’re launching our summer gazebo worship services next Sunday (August 3rd). I’m thankful that we took this big step a few summers ago to do something new, bold, and kind of risky. I’m thankful that you’ve been supportive of it, and have served faithfully. I’m thankful for the fruit we’ve already seen because of the gazebo services. I’m thankful that you’re praying for the gazebo services daily.
I’m thankful that God is providing us with another opportunity to be the body of Christ in the world, to share the goodness and love of God with new people, and to voice the hope that we have come to see in Christ.
So with that in mind – this summer – we’ll be inviting people to “Come & See” Jesus for themselves, just like Philip did for his friend Nathaniel (John 1). Last week, I asked you to pray for the gazebo services, and in particular, that people would actually ‘come & see’ Jesus for themselves. I trust that you are doing that.
This week, I want to issue a new challenge:
invite one person to the gazebo services this August.
At least one person…invite more than though! Think about who the neighbor, friend, co-worker, or family member is who might need to see Jesus again…be refreshed again about who he really is…hear the good news of his grace again – or maybe even for the first time. Think about who that person is and invite them. Today. Or tomorrow. This week.
Share our Facebook post with them, give them a “Come & See” card, text them a link to cbcah.org/gazebo, or just tell them that you’ll pick them up and bring them.