Congregational Vote--October 2

It has been a long time in the making to get to this vote--and we are not quite near the end.

On Sunday, October 2 at 12:15, we will have an historic vote to move forward with The Master's Plan. After casting the vision 17 years ago, after first building the Ministry Center, after legal battles with the neighbors, after expanding our campus and improving our parking, after paying off debt and after banking $4,000,000, (whew! We've come a long ways!) we are now ready to go to the country to seek a permit to build. This is not an authorization to build (that will come in December), this is only to secure a permit. Once submitted, the process will take 4-6 weeks.

Please come to the meeting this Sunday--even if you are on board and eager to start. We need an overwhelming "yea!" vote to confirm what God is doing through us.

We have poured over the plans. We have scrutinized the numbers. We have debated the issues. It is now time for all God's people to speak in one accord, "Amen. So be it!"

AMEN!
Pastor Scott

Adultery

Last Sunday was not one of those feel good sermons. How could it be with a topic like adultery?

I wanted to be specific, without being unnecessarily graphic. I wanted it to be frank, without being insensitive to the young ears in the congregation. I wanted to speak to the married people, but with a powerful word to those who are unmarried.

When Jesus expanded the definition of adultery to lust, it make sense for us to include all those things in between--emotional affairs, premarital sex, pornography, etc. And when you do that, this commandment against adultery suddenly affects everyone--married and single, young and old. No one is left unscathed. No one can sit back with moral indignation, point a finger and say, "At least I've never done THAT!"

Why does Jesus cut such a wide swath to convict everyone with this commandment? Isn't it enough just to condemn those who have done THAT?

I begin with the assumption that everything that Jesus does is to repair, renew, restore and reunite us with God. By convicting everyone, he opens our eyes, reveals our brokenness, extends his hand and says, "Today. Today, make those changes. Today, sin no more. Today, return to me. Today, walk as a child of God. Today, start fresh. Today."

Jesus doesn't end with conviction, but that is often where we must begin in order for us to hear the last word of forgiveness.

Today!
Pastor Scott

This Sunday, 7 and 8.

This Sunday we will continue our look at the 10 Commandments and I am wondering what your take is on the 7th commandment, "Don't Steal" and the 8th commandment, "Don't bear false witness against your neighbor." At first glance we could simply say "don't take something that isn't yours" and "don't lie" but do these go further. These two might seem like weaker commandments in comparison to killing and adultery but do we always know how powerful words are and how deep and painful they can be? We may have never "boosted" a car or shoplifted at the mall but have we stolen in other ways? Have we stolen someone's self-esteem or innocence? I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this one. You can post them here or email me at chermansen@christelca.org, call the church office at 704 366 1595 or track me down on facebook. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

See you in church,

Chris

Why Wednesdays Together

Tomorrow evening we kick off our Wednesday night program, called Wednesdays Together, and if you have never attended a Wednesdays Together I hope this will encourage you to check it out.

Why go? At its core faith is our relationship with God and this relationship needs to be cared for. Just like any relationship in your life if you don't care for that relationship it will eventually weaken and die. Wednesdays Together is a great opportunity to care for your relationship with God.

Taking care of any excuses: The evening starts at 5 with a meal. Its not lobster thermidor or filet mignon but it is a good meal. Beyond the food it is a great chance to spend some time getting to know new people or catching up with old friends. Our Sunday schedule can be a hectic one but on Wednesday nights you have all the time in the world to sit and connect with old and new friends alike.

Taking care of more excuses: the entire family is covered. You say you have a new baby? We have some of the best childcare I have ever seen and its free. You have toddlers, grade schoolers or teenagers? We have activities for them too. Its not daycare or organized chaos but it is a safe, healthy environment where your kids have the opportunity to learn about God and build connections with their peers.

And its not just for kids. We have 6 adult classes that cover a wide spectrum. Whether you want something more basic like Faith 101 or something more in depth like a study on John or Revelation we have that too. Or maybe you want to attend a class on managing your finances, understanding your God given gifts or finding some peace through yoga its all here.

Mostly this is an evening where you can grow in your faith and develop some deeper relationships with your peers who are on the same journey. It truly is a great program and I hope you will join us.

See you in church,

Chris Hermansen