Totally radical!

This month we are on a series entitled Radical Hospitality from the book entitled, The 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase.

This past Sunday we took a look at Luke 10:1-11, 17-20. Seventy followers were sent out on a mission with nothing to take with them. They were instructed only to offer peace as they entered a house. If the household accepts and shares in that peace, remain there. Eat and drink what is offered while curing the sick and sharing with them the Kingdom of God. If they do not welcome you, basically, walk away, still sharing that the Kingdom has come near.

Motel 6 is a very welcoming place. They offer basic conveniences at an affordable price. They will provide for you what you may need during your stay. They even advertise to keep the light on for you! They truly welcome your stay. They are radical in their hospitality. This hospitality can be abused at times. A guest may feel they need an extra towel or two at home. Or perhaps since there is coffee available, one may want to fill their thermos before hitting the road.

As we seek ways to be radically hospitable to anyone we meet, we must not be surprised by rejection and abuse. After all, wasn't Jesus rejected and abused? He laid down his life for all of us who were still yet sinners. That is radical hospitality if you ask me! It is this grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers that we need to share.

As Rev. Gordon Myers put it, hospitality is a virtue. "Radical hospitality is part of our life, not and extension of our life." It is a Christian virtue, "to give of ourselves and to love our neighbor". Yes, we may be rejected or even abused, but we must not make that an issue. We pray for and let God work in those situations. Love for neighbor is still very much in order!

May you be a radical blessing to someone this week.

God has desires too

This past Sunday we looked at God's plans, desires, and purposes in our lives. What does each of those mean to us? This lesson was based on the prophet Jeremiah's experience as he watched the potter working at his wheel. (Jer. 18:1-11). The potter planned to make a pot, however, as he was working, it spoiled in his hand and he reworked it into another vessel. The word was given to Jeramiah, "Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel..."

I found in this lesson, God can change his plans. He is the Almighty and can do as he sees fit, however, in conjunction with that, I believe he looks upon us with love and compassion. It is with this love and compassion that he has for His creation, His deepest desire is to have a relationship with us. This is why He sent His Son for us.

I confess, when I have a plan, I move forward and find my only desire it to accomplish the plan. I am grateful God is not so focused on His plan that He forgets the main purpose...a desired relationship. When I find I am willing to have the same desire as He does, it is then I feel His hands forming and shaping me to be more like Him.

God's purposes are being carried out through those willing to be formed, shaped and molded into His likeness. This process can be painful as the old is removed and new things are put in place, but the freedom in being transformed is indescribable!

For me I find it refreshing not to worry so much about "God's plan for my life" anymore. I find peace and freedom knowing God has the "constant ability to take my messes and breathe in His purpose" which satisfies His desire for a closer relationship.

Where are you? Does your plan, purpose or desire line up with God's?

Peace,
Tina

What do you worship?

I recently read a blog post created by one of Rockport's own young adults...regarding worship.

This is what I choose to share this day:

http://alexwelsh.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/what-do-you-worship/

Obstacles

On Sunday, August 22 we heard a message about obstacles in our lives. An obstacle is something put in one's way to inhibit an outcome. An obstacle is sin when it replaces God. We cannot overcome these obstacles! If that were so, that would mean we can overcome sin. If we put God first, obstacles will be removed. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and stay the course, obstacles will not become an issue.

Enjoy this 1min video which may be a good parable to to this lesson and may you be blessed this week!

Moving Forward

The past few Sunday sermons have been challenging. On August 8 we looked at hope. As dreams are pursued, unexpected things happen and hope can feel lost. Dreams can seem as if they are fading away. We were encouraged to look to signs of God's movement in the community through Rockport's faithfulness in serving Christ. When we did, we saw how free ice cream brought people together. Nursing home residents are being ministered to. Stephen's Ministers offering communion. Ramps are being built to provide a way for others to attend their home church or to finally exit their home. New style of worship is meeting the spiritual needs of those in the community. A variety of trails are offered as well which are bringing people together in new ways.
It is all so exciting when we look at these things!

Aug. 15 we heard the popular hymn "Amazing Grace" in several different styles and tempo of music. We even heard it to a totally different tune! Some styles may have really spoke to you. Others, may have totally made you squirm in your seat so much you heard nothing but noise. The amazing grace here is God created each one of us and loves us all the same no matter what style speaks to us. If we are to be imitators of Christ and offer grace as He does, then we must acknowledge the different ways in which others receive the Gospel. It is our mission to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To do this is to recognize the language in which the lost need to hear the Gospel. The Gospel does not change, how we speak and present it must if we are to fulfill the mission we have been given.

EMS

Our newest worship service has been up and running since the end of May, and it has been received very well! It is named EMS. This is an acronym for Early Morning Service. Obviously, it is more well known for emergency medical service. It is with this in mind, our hope is all will find God's healing presence in these 30 minutes of guided reflection and contemplation. After all, the church is for the sick, the lost and the hurting. The service is carefully crafted by our Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, and lay speakers as well. Each service may have a different style depending on who is leading and preparing it. All that is needed from any participant, as with any worship, is an offering of one's self to be present in the presence of God. This service was birthed through much prayer and discernment as we considered those in the community who may be looking for a place of Sunday worship at an earlier time.

We offer this service at 8:30am every Sunday morning. Communion is available each week to all who wish to receive. It is held in our indoor prayer chapel. Come, check it out and most importantly, invite someone to join you!

Special Music in Worship!

If you would like to preview Marty's music you can click on

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/martymiller