Faith In Action II

I don’t usually write about the same subject two months in a row, but I am so excited about this, I just can’t help myself.  As you may remember, last month I told you about a pilot program we are participating in called “Faith in Action.”  We were one of only twenty congregations selected from around the country. 

            I preach a lot about getting out of our ruts and doing something in the world, that we need to put arms and legs on our love, and not just serve one another, but also serve those outside the walls of Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church.  I keep telling you that being a Christian is as much about doing for others as it is about growing in faith.  As a matter of fact, often we grow more in faith when we are involved in getting outside our comfort zone and reaching out to those who are less fortunate that us.

            “Faith in Action” is an opportunity to get out of the pews (okay, I know we don’t have pews – but you get the point) and into our community and do something special.  So once again let me remind you how it is going to work. Hopefully by this time you have signed up to be in a small group.  If not, contact Brad Huchel (362-9262) who will be glad to get you into one.  The small groups will meet for four weeks beginning the week of February 5^th through the 11^th.  There is a booklet that goes along with the group, plus a DVD presentation, time for discussion, etc.  The small group material is topnotch and will hold your attention.  I promise!

            The booklet also contains daily devotions that are only a couple of pages long and include a short scripture text followed by a couple of reflection questions and ending with suggestions for prayer.  They are well written and definitely give you something to think about for the day.

            Each Sunday, the worship service will be focused on what you have studied in your small groups and reflected on in your daily devotions.  My sermon (hopefully) will tie it all together. 

            And then on the fourth Sunday (March 4^th) we skip church that morning and instead “march forth” (get it – March 4^th J ) into the community and participate one of a variety of service projects.  There will be something for EVERYONE – from littlest of kids to the oldest of adults.  Linda Buckley is coordinating this part of the program and has a wonderful list of activities that you can sign up for.

            Then that night we will gather for a CELEBRATION of what we’ve experienced and learned.  Our CELEBRATION will include singing, stories, a short message, and testimonies of how this has affected our lives.  Hopefully we will be joined by the other two congregations (New Life and Young Nak) that hold services here at our church. And, of course, it goes without saying: there will be food! 

            I am so excited about what God can and will do with us over the next 30 days.  I hope that you, too, catch the vision and the power of extending ourselves out of our cocoon and into the world.

            Be blessed my friends, and as always – I’ll see you on Sunday!

Pastor Tom