We are now entering into my favorite season of the year—finally. School is back in session, the college football season is around the corner (go Gators), and it looks like my beloved Atlanta Braves are going to make a strong push toward the postseason and maybe even the World Season in Bobby Cox’s final season as Braves manager (I’m going to miss that guy). No doubt there are many things to look forward to this time of year, with a healthy mix of the new and the old, the adventurous and the familiar. For instance, I’m excited about the new Publix that has opened right next to the church, but then again, I can’t imagine missing out on getting a ‘high five’ from my good buddy Brandon at the Winn Dixie as well. It makes me glad to know that God gives us enough love for everyone, and thus scripture commands “those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).

 

Recently, I shared with the worshipping congregation the different components of the expanding vision for Christian discipleship in our community. Building upon our original foundation of Connecting, Strengthening, and Serving, we have begun to identify specific priorities in our ongoing mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Those initiatives include:

 

Provide new avenues for meeting by offering a fourth worship service each Sunday morning from March-October (2011) on Perdido Key.  

 

The development of small membership covenant groups with the purpose of training participants in the message of Jesus and to foster the discovery of individual vocation within the body of Christ.

 

Provide advanced opportunities for mission through the development of the Redemption Store, Restoration House, our upcoming Great Day of Service and other outreach ministries to the community.

 

Please join me in prayer as we continue to pursue God’s will for this Church and we consider our own participation and commitment to this calling. As the great songwriter Paul Simon has said, “These are the days of miracle and wonder. This is the long distance call”.

 

Love,