Peak of the Week
"Our Father in heaven, holy is your name." There is a holy boldness in reaching out to God as "Father," and this evokes memories of Israel's father God delivering his children from captivity. Too many people in our world don't know that they can approach God with this familiar, yet powerful language. In some cases, shame or a lack of understanding may prevent us from experiencing the nearness of God. May we all know and live into this truth, making prayer a part of our daily life as individuals, families, and friends.
The adult bible class on "holy listening" has been exploring how to listen with the expectation that God will speak to us through the other. Listening seems a lost discipline in our world and recovering this practice has been healing for many of us. Folks have reported changes in how they listen and have noticed HUGE differences in their lives. Keep it up! We will continue this conversation for at least a few more weeks, perhaps even with some "professional listeners" to help us explore this holy, healing practice.
The youth group is continuing to support Nevile through Compassion International with letters, prayers, and by each student bringing $1-2 per week (please help them remember!). Coming soon: a Sunday evening movie & conversation series (4-8 p.m.).
Over 70 folks from Westside and the neighborhood volunteered together to Rock the Block! Countless other neighbors drove in to dispose of items. Despite lots of scrap metal being diverted for recycling (thanks, Michael Lorian!), we filled two large dumpsters. That’s TWO large dumpsters of couches, lawn chairs, broken clay pots, and other items that are NO LONGER cluttering porches, sidewalks, garages, and closets. Hooray! We are SO thankful to more than 100 folks who made this possible, from the supportive city staff to the generosity of Metro, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Big O’s Pizza, to YOU and all of our neighbors who showed up and served! It was truly a fantastic day of connection, meeting a need, and serving in the name of Jesus. And thanks be to God for holding back the rain and even shining some sun on us!
"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." As we look forward to our time together on Sunday exploring how heaven might come near, may we continue to boldly call out to God, our father, and be willing to sit down with Jesus on the steps of our soul.