Dear First Pres,
Did you notice that we didn't celebrate the Lord's Supper on Sunday? It felt a little weird not to do it on the first Sunday of the month like we normally do. We decided, instead of Communion on Sunday, to remember and give thanks for our baptisms and the incredible faithfulness of God that is represented in baptism. It was an opportunity to start 2018 with gratitude for what God has done for us and commitment to walk in step with His Spirit. It's one of my favorite Sundays of the year. But rest assured, this Sunday, we will gather again at the Lord's Table to remember, receive, and give thanks for the incredible mercy of God in Christ. I hope to see you there.
We also started a new sermon series this week form the book of Haggai called "It's Time." Twice in the opening section, Haggai says, "Give careful thought to your ways." Have you done that this week? Have you taken some time to think about your life and what it is that you are pursuing? What about this year ahead? What's most important for you in 2018? How do those important things fit under your call to live your life fully surrendered to Jesus? Sometimes we go through the day to day nature of our lives without much reflection, but God's Word instructs us otherwise. I pray that you will take some time this week, asking the Holy Spirit to help you, to consider your ways like God instructed the people through Haggai.
Finally, today is day 4 of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Dozens of churches in our city are participating together to intentionally seek God's face for unity, rain, and repentance. So, are you fasting and praying? On Tuesday night I had the privilege of joining the evening service hosted by Breaking Free Revival Center. What a joy it was to worship and pray with believers from all over our city for God's unity in His church. Every day of the fast, one church is hosting a one-hour praise and prayer service for the community. You can find the info about the host churches on our website or at the bottom of the daily emails we are sending. I encourage you to find a way to join in with at least one of these services. I think you will be very blessed.
Blessings,
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