On Sunday, we get to the conclusion of our REVISITING GRACE series with “Show GRACE.” We’ve talked about our GRACE Identity as Jesus followers. We’ve talked about our growing – our GRACE formation and finally we get to our GRACE Vocation.
You are called to show GRACE. We’ve actually been talking about this a lot as a church family. It’s really another way of talking about SHINING. We gather together as people who have been changed by the grace of God, then we scatter throughout our community each week, to show that Grace and invite people to know the Jesus that changes our life.
There are a lot of messages that I prepare, and I think… this is something that is a growth for me… or a growth for our congregation. But you live this vocation. You show grace. You shine.
Sunday is also Commitment Sunday. Typically, this is the Sunday I preach about how God is the giver of all. We are the stewards. And he calls us to invest in his mission for the Lehigh Valley and the world. You can never outgive God.
But, again, you live that sermon. You have been incredibly generous – giving not only to the annual mission and ministry budget of our church – you’ve given to the capital SHINE campaign.
So, Sunday, as we REVISIT our GRACE Vocation of Showing GRACE, I want to look at Paul’s last words in his letter to the Christians in Colossians, to keep us focused on our calling:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6
Our 2022 annual giving campaign is MOMENTUM. God has been growing us and working in us – it is such an exciting season for our church. There are 3 ways to make your commitment.
1) IN WORSHIP — Bring it to one of the services on Sunday.
2) MAIL in YOUR CARD – mail your commitment card to the church office.
3) ONLINE RIGHT NOW — CLICK HERE
I want to thank you in advance for making your commitment this week. It will help the staff and session in their planning as we move forward into a very exciting year!
If you are looking to take a next step into GRACE, it’s not too late to be a part of NEXT. It’s a great way to learn more about the vision of our church and a great way to find ways to connect. CLICK here to find out more.
One more piece of family business… some of you have asked about our annual congregational meeting when we elect our new elders and give other mission and ministry updates. Like the last few years, it will be sometime at the end of February or the beginning of March. Stay tuned for the date.
I can’t wait to worship with you on Commitment Sunday.
It is a privilege to be your pastor!
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor