Vision - January 2010 Series
Last week we talked about sharing our faith with the people around us. We talked about engaging with them, building relationships and inviting people to join us in conversations about Jesus. We even narrowed the focus down from engaging everyone, to just Engage One.
It’s doable. And it’s not optional if we want to be people who are Living Intentionally for Christ.
Jesus said:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-- Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
What are you doing in response to God’s command? God has given you a clear directive as His follower. Are you doing your part in making disciples of all the nations by engaging one? Or are you on break? On holiday?
Arnold Glasgow gives us some needed counsel: “Make your life a mission – not an intermission.”
But some suggest that such a goal – making disciples of all nations – is so huge ... so monumental ... so world-encompassing ... that it simply can’t be done. The job is too big and we are too small.
Well, let’s not forget:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” -- 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
God is not really looking for our ability – just our availability. One person has written:
“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” -- Henry Van Dyke
This year ... if we are willing ... we can use what talents and opportunities God has given us to fill countless conversations with the sweetest sounds of the gospel. We can sing of God’s goodness and grace. We can share the gospel.
I’ve told you before, but I’ll tell you again this morning – this has been an issue that deeply burdens me. In my prayer time and in my Bible study time, I can’t get away from the burden that we must share the gospel with the world around us. We must be more intentional.
This burden has driven our staff to develop a comprehensive strategy to keep this Great Commission from our Lord before us this next year. The reality is, what we champion is what we do.
Last year we championed Engage 1000, and striving to get 1000 people engaged in serving in our community. Look how many people have responded and continue to respond as we work towards our goal of having 1000 Heights family members engaged in relationship-based ministries by the end of 2010. Look how many people have made serving a part of their consistent life with God.
This year, as we champion “share” ... Engage One ... I believe we will also see sharing become a part of our culture – a part of our life with God.
Join us this Sunday as we show you some of the strategies that will help each of us keep ENGAGE ONE on the front burner of our lives as we figure out what it looks like to live lives that SHARE. Remember to bring your ENGAGE One card this week as we have a special time during our services where we will pray for God to give us opportunities to build relationships with people and share the Gospel with them in 2010. If you did not pick up your ENGAGE ONE card, we will have more available for you this Sunday.
God Bless,
Gary
P.S. If you missed the video of John Wills giving a clear and simple presentation of the Gospel, go to www.theheights.org/share to watch the video.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery can provide a new start for you to deal with life's issues and build authentic relationships. A women's and men's STEP study began meeting weekly on January 10 at 6:00pm near the Chapel in C101 and C103. The STEP groups focus on the 12 steps and 8 recovery principles found in the Bible. For more information or to order your study book, please email Cathy Randles, catrandles@yahoo.com, or Rob Britten, rbritten1@gmail.com.
iBLAST Meets February 3, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Students in grades 5 and 6, join us Wednesday evening, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gym/West Wing for a lively discussion about “What Does Caring Look Like?” and special appearances by Bobby Bradley and Patrick Williams.
Discovery Dessert at Pastor Gary's House January 31
If you are new to The Heights and would like to meet the staff and learn more about our vision and ministries, join us for Discovery Dessert at Pastor Gary's house on Sunday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, visit the information desk in the Atrium, or contact Judy Elkins (jelkins@theheights.org or 972-238-7243).
PRIMETIME (Preparing for Life’s Second Half!)
If you are between 45-65, please join us for the first PRIMETIME of the new year on January 31 at Noon in the Gym for a Sandwich lunch and PRIMETIME workshops that will prepare you spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially for the most exciting years of your life. The cost is only $5.00. Please make your lunch reservation by contacting Pam Nicholson, pnicholson@theheights.org.
The Heights Child Development Center
The Heights Child Development Center, a weekday preschool ministry of The Heights for children 3 months old through transitional kindergarteners, will begin registration for the 2010-2011 school year on the following dates:
- Current students and siblings: Week of Feb. 2nd
- The Heights church members: Week of Feb. 9th
- The community: Week of Feb. 16th
For more information and to set up a tour, call 972-238-7289. To view our brochure and enrollment forms, check out www.theheights.org and click on 'resources' then on "child development center."
Free Job Search Workshop
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 (*New Date)
The all-day workshop will teach proven job search skills including finding your job focus, resume critique and development, effective networking skills, 30-second elevator presentation, interviewing techniques, 2-minute verbal resume, and more. Free lunch and materials provided.
Pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating. To register, send an e-mail with name, phone and e-mail address to: jobseekers@theheights.org.
Chi Alpha Host Homes
Chi Alpha weekend is coming up February 26-28, 2010. Students will stay in more than 30 host homes. There’s still a need for you to volunteer today to be a host home for a small group of students! It’s a life-changing experience! Call THSM today! 972-238-7243 x 249
THSM Beach Camp
June 20-25 will be a huge week in the life of students who have completed 7th-12th grades. We’ll be going to Beach Camp! Join us as we return to Laguna Beach! Cost is $360 and the earlybird special has been extended to January 31st. Invite your friends and visit thsm.org today to get in on the payment plan.
This Week as We Live Intentionally for Christ...
We Will:
- Worship God with Others
- Grow with Others
- Serve with Others
- Share with Others
