Your Voice, Your Gift

    As we approach the second Sunday of Lent and study the second chapter of Rick Warren’s book “40 Days of Community,” we explore the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Mark in which Jesus feeds the multitude.  The second chapter of Warren’s book is entitled “We are Commissioned to Reach Out Together” and it celebrates the faith of the disciples to trust Jesus.  However, the trust that the disciples displayed was developed reluctantly.  

In this part of Mark’s gospel, Jesus begins by explaining that ‘a prophet is without honor in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home’ (Matt. 6:4).  This spiraling circumstance of rejection could be quite discouraging because it points out rejection on several levels—in your hometown, among your family and even in your own home.  While rejection can be difficult to handle, Jesus calls the disciples and sends them out to preach, anoint, cast out demons and to heal.  Jesus also honored the disciples as they returned and reported on all the things they’d done.

As followers of Jesus, we are also sent out in His name to provide care and to teach.  We are also sent out to encourage others to become followers of Jesus.  There are many ways that we can provide care, teach and invite others to follow Jesus.  The places where we are sent, the teaching methods that are used and types of invitations will undoubtedly change.  

We need to hear your voice and we need your gifts to help the church effectively reach the people who need Jesus.  Next Sunday, March 23, from 1:00-3:00 we will gather in the Family Life Center classroom to talk together about the ways God is leading the church in making disciples.  We are looking forward to hearing from you.  

In Christ, 
Jon McCoy