stuff I’m thinking about
I am loving this series on Revelation. The sermons take longer to write. There are more books to read. There is a need for stillness in order to think. But I love what is emerging: challenging conviction, examples of perseverance, and reminders of hope. This quote from John Stott sums up well what we are dealing with this weekend in the Pergamum church:
Cromwell before one of his battles addressed his soldiers and told them that they were ‘upon an engagement very difficult.’ To be a Christian in Pergamos was to be upon such an engagement.
- There the new-born Church, as yet almost without a history, had to exist against the background of a city proud of its history.
- There the community of simple Christians had to exist against the background of the academic pride and arrogance of heathenism in all its pagan wisdom.
- There the simple services of the Church had to exist against the background of the splendor and the magnificence of the worship of the Olympian gods.
- There the Christians in all their weakness and their helplessness had to preserve their loyalty against the imperial might of Caesar-worship.
But even in Pergamos [people] held fast to the name of Jesus Christ, and refused to deny their faith in Him.
6 months into the 5pm service
Have you tried the 5? It has a different vibe from the morning– little more relaxed, more informal (jeans have been spotted on clergy), smaller band, great snacks that bleed into dinner, sunset, Apex rolling in at the end. As I watch our numbers, I am pleased to see that our attendance has evened out at all 3 services– meaning we have the same number of adults at all 3 [though tons of kids in the morning…] This is what we wanted– to ease some of our space constraints by adding services. Really thankful!
Parish Meeting
Plan to stay for a few minutes after each service this weekend. We want to give you a chance to ask questions about our recent email and mailing. Our Vestry and Long Range Facility Team are laboring to provide good options for our growing needs. These are exciting times and we hope you will be a part of it!
A 3rd Collar
Just wanted you to know that we had over 40 folks apply for our staff opening. We have a ‘hire team’ of 7 people who are praying and listening to God about who is the right fit for Restoration at this time. Over the last month that group of 40 has been reduced to a handful of great candidates. Please pray for the hire team, for our church and for the candidates. I am so thankful for God’s provision.
Small Groups Bursting
We have had over 200 adults in small groups every week this fall. That is amazing!! That’s 17% growth from Tri2 of this year. Hug a small group leader and say– thanks for serving us this way!! Missed out this time? Registration opens at the end of December.
Fall Treat [aka FTx3]
Next week [October 23] we will not have any services on Quincy Street. The Fall Treat is right around the corner. Yay!! Great speakers, fun games, beautiful setting, fire, home-made boats… It’s going to be great. Less than 5 spots left. We have one for you…
New To Restoration Dinner [October 25]
Tuesday, October 25 at 7:30pm, dinner at the church for folks who are new to the church. We will have a nice meal together. You’ll get to know other folks who are new to the church. I’ll tell you our story, the values that shape us, the things we care about. If you want to be a member of Restoration, you must attend this dinner. If you want to just hear more, this is a great place to do it! Email Becky to RSVP.
That’s all I got for now. I love this church.
-David
