EXPLORING JESUS
Doubts are ok.
Uncertainty, ambiguity, or confusion about Jesus and how to respond to him are common.
All of these things are invitations to go deeper, not an excuse to shrug and walk away.
Make space for the possibility that Jesus could mean more to you than you can imagine right now. Be willing to doubt even your doubts as you explore. Suspend disbelief long enough to examine the evidence.
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here. Join us as we explore Jesus in the new year.
Here are Four Basic Steps to try:
Worship
A basic truth is we become like what we worship. If you want to change your behavior, change what you worship. Join us in practicing a weekly rhythm of worshipping the one true God of the universe, who is revealed in Jesus. For more information about our 9:00 am contemporary service and 11:00 am traditional service, visit: Sunday Worship Times
Connect with God
All relationships require communication; talking and listening, spending time together. Develop a daily rhythm of prayer and Bible reading to create space to connect to God and listen to Jesus. You can start with praying the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). If you need a Bible, ask us or download the Bible App. For more ideas, visit: Connect with God
Connect with Friends
We were made to be in community. Join a group (or start a new one!) to serve, read the Bible together, pray, or play together. We have “Nites Out” fellowship groups, numerous Bible and study groups (most of which are starting new studies now), service groups and groups that get outdoors together. For more information, visit: Fellowship Groups
Caring for Others
Jesus’ message is summed up in Loving God and Loving Neighbor. We are made to be “turned out” in love and care towards others; not turned in upon ourselves in an ever tightening circle of grasping and selfishness. Find a structured way to help out. For example, you can make and serve meals at St Vincent DePaul’s, or for the Ronald McDonald House residents, or you can volunteer with Pamela’s Closet, providing needed clothes to people experiencing homelessness. For more ideas, look at our list of ways to get involved or visit: Serving Our Community
GROWING WITH JESUS
Our faith is based on a relationship, not a set of beliefs. Our beliefs grow out of our relationship with Jesus. Like all of our relationships, the only way to go deeper is to spend time together. Starting a regular rhythm of time with the Bible (listening to God) and prayer (talking with God) is THE way to do it!
There are many, many ways to do this (and Pastor Chris and Pastor Steve are happy to give you specific suggestions), but here are a few choices:
A daily pause—just a reminder of God’s presence with you. Set an alarm to remind you to pray—something short like “Thank you God, help me to walk with you this hour.” The One Minute Pause is really a great way to stop and re-center yourself with God. Another wonderful and very short daily prayer is from Infinitum
5-10 minutes a day: Common Prayer | Common Prayer or the Daily Prayer app
Family Prayer —
Another great option, especially for families praying at various times of the day.
You can also get Our Daily Bread from the church!
~10 minutes a day: Lectio 365 This is really a wonderful daily devotional from the creators of the Prayer Course that our adult class is doing in January and February. Highly Recommended!
A similar and also great daily devotional is Pray As You Go
Both of these let you listen, read or both.
~25 minutes a day: Through the Bible in a Year—great readings and reflections from Nicky Gumbel (the creator of the Alpha Course). They are also launching an “express” version that is 10 minutes a day starting in 2021 and a youth version!
The Bible Project is also a wonderful way to explore the Bible. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the details (or download the Reading Scripture app)
If you just want a shorter Bible reading plan (maybe read one of the gospels), you can find it with the Bible App. Whether as an app or on your computer, you can read from almost any translation of the Bible and access thousands of reading plans—as long or as short as you like!
Whatever you choose, choose something! Commit to spending time with Jesus this year. Start slow and enjoy being with him.
He loves spending time with you!
May 2021 be a breakthrough year for you in your relationship with Jesus!
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