…in the church right now. A lot that is and will make a difference in the lives of people. A lot that is important to the church.
To begin with, last Tuesday, we had the Forum on Human Trafficking. As you know, the City of Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs are well known across the country for being hubs of human trafficking. Approximately 240 people from the church and community crowded around tables and sat in chairs against the walls to become more aware of the situation and learn what can be done to make a positive difference in this terrible blight.
This Sunday morning is Vision Sunday. You may recall that two years ago, the church adopted the vision, “to be a dynamic Christian community of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” Later we adopted a five-year strategic plan that we believed would help us move closer toward that vision. We are now half-way through our second year. During all three of our worship services Sunday, we will look at where we are, but more importantly where we are headed. If there is any way you can be present, I want to urge you to do so. We will share information to questions that many are asking.
Later this Sunday night from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (and again Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. if needed) we will have make-up sessions to our workshop on Radical Hospitality. One of the things we learned at the beginning of this year is that often we are hospitable to people. We smile, we say, “hello”, we shake hands (or in this flu season give fist bumps), and all that is important. However, at the same time we are lulled into staying within our own small groups and unknowingly we draw circles that shut out new people.
Radical Hospitality dares to go the extra mile. Experts in every field of business and church life will tell you that hospitality is good, but Radical Hospitality is what makes a difference in people’s lives and brings them back. These workshops will help remind us of the sorts of ways we can be radically hospitable.
Wednesday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. In the Church, it is also Ash Wednesday. Both Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday focus on love. Valentine’s Day focuses on romantic love. Ash Wednesday focuses on the deeper sacrificial love of Christ that was demonstrated on the Cross.
Our Ash Wednesday Service starts at 6:30 p.m. If you have been before, you know how meaningful it can be. If you have never attended, try it. I believe you will find it will touch your life in a special way and become one of your favorite worship services of the year.
See you Sunday, if not before!
Blessings,
Dan