We have started the college search in earnest for Ethan. As with every parent before me, I marvel at how fast the time has gone. We made our first official college visit recently. During the drive Ethan and I talked. I asked questions, raised points, and offered some perspective as he sorts through his priorities in deciding where he will attend. It was a great conversation. And led up to a great visit.
During our drive home, we rehashed the day and the conversation. In short—the school checked all the boxes. I don’t know if it is where he will end up—and I’m not going to be pressuring him, even by telling you the name of the school here—but there is something great when all the boxes are checked. When was a time you navigated a decision where one spot, one position, or one situation checked all of your boxes? It’s a beautiful thing.
Recently Prince of Peace adopted new mission and vision statements. We have highlighted the essence of these statements with a 5 circle diagram. They are shorthand for the pillars that shape and form our shared life together at Prince of Peace. As a congregation, we have identified these 5 boxes as central to how we live our faith, grow in depth, and impact our world for the sake of Jesus. Serve God; Develop a sense of Belonging with one another; Meet Needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual; Live Scripture; and Nurture Hope.
There is more to being a fully engaged Christian than these 5 things—but there is certainly not less.
As we move into our fall season of life together, we are building everything around checking these boxes. What we do on Sunday morning in worship and during Sunday school flows from these elements. The Bible Studies and gatherings that take place over the course of the month spring from these essential elements. And, our rotating focus for Wednesday Night Ministry is derived from these 5 elements.
It all starts on September 13th with a night of worship. Join us at 6:00 where our worship band will lead us in a night of impact. Great music. The Word of God. Some reflective questions and interactions. It will be a powerful night that you don’t want to miss.
From there, our Wednesday Night Ministry will be focused on caring for and loving our neighbors and their physical needs. We will be doing small service projects at church to be delivered to our community.
We will continue to go into our community to bless, enjoy, befriend, and love our neighbors. POP on the Go will continue once a month on Wednesday night. Each time we have gathered a beautiful story and some delightful conversations have encouraged us that this is the space for us to be with our community.
Finally, we want to have fun and enjoy getting to know one another as well. Fellowship and conversation are a big part of who we are and what makes POP so special. Once a month we will enjoy fellowship together with games and dessert and more. Look at the Connector to learn more about the timing of all of these wonderful gatherings.
Scripture, prayer, and study will be a part of each gathering to varying degrees. For we are people of the book who are informed and fueled by the Word of God.
I hope you make Wednesday Night Ministry a key part of your weekly calendar. Good things are ahead. They check all the boxes!
