Look, I'm doing something new
Isaiah 43:19 (CSB)
19Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Celebrating with Erik Decker
Saturday morning we were able to celebrate in believer's baptism with Erik Decker! Erik, his wife Sydney, and their 3 kiddos (1 brand new!) have been attending since last fall and Erik reached out saying he needed to take this next step of joining Jesus!
Welcoming new friends as members
Some health concerns meant that the 6 people we were prepared to welcome into our body of believers only materialized into 3 up front during next steps, but we're excited to begin walking with all of them as we encourage one another to join Jesus in going out to make disciples! Abbey, Janet, Vince & Kelli, Kameron, and Kathryn - WELCOME! Now go be the church!
On Mission in Thailand
This week, Dave Sullivan is in Thailand encouraging and serving alongside of our partners from Sparrow Missions! Be praying that Dave is an encouragement, that God would help them see what he's doing there so we can continue to join him, and for traveling mercies.
Delayed, not denied + the Power of Forgiveness
The funny thing about the running joke with Ashley Murphy being that she has to use her words is that she's so gifted at doing so! She dropped another powerful one liner when she talked about how the things she was pursuing in life were delayed, not denied. Woowee! That's a truth that's at the heart of living for the city that is to come! Keep leading us Ashley!
Personally, the reminder of the power of forgiveness was challenging and compelling for me! I'm always going to talk about the need for forgiveness, but I often do it while quietly holding grudges. To be reminded of how giving and receiving forgiveness opens the door for God to do immeasurably more than we could on our own was needed!
Starting Discipleship Groups
Yesterday, I hit all around the idea of starting discipleship groups. It's something we're passionate about because we believe that every believer is called to take seriously the last part of our mission statement. Joining Jesus in Going out to MAKE DISCIPLES.
We want to challenge and equip you to do that in the simplest, most reproducible ways we can. We're going to keep calling you to start new things! I wish I had data to back this up, but the overwhelming majority of transformative stories include that moment where people were gathered together around God's Word and something new was birthed in a heart. Like rivers in the desert...
If you're curious, you can check out our starter guide for getting a group going HERE.
If you need help connecting, have questions, want more guidance.. contact Kenny at kenny@loveshelbyvillecom.
A New Look
Our preschool area added a pop of color and fun as it continues to develop after the renovations! I'm grateful for the vision of Jennifer Seaton that's shaping some of the class structure and the creative work of Megan Mattingly! And of course, Krysta Howell's leadership continues to be top notch! Thank you ladies!
