Grace Place

“I was told I couldn’t attend worship if I was wearing a belly ring.” “No one ever spoke to me so I thought, why bother.” “The messages were boring and irrelevant.” “I was pregnant, not married, told it would look better if I attended worship with a man so I didn’t look like a ‘XXXXX.’” “I was told belly rings not allowed.” “I felt judged.” “I don’t need to attend church to be close to God.” “Why would intelligent people buy into a mythological god in order to avoid a mythological place called hell for a mythological place called heaven? It is all nonsense.” “Hypocrites! When obese people stop judging homosexuals and examine their own sin I might return to church. Of course that will be when hell freezes over. So…..”


These are just a sampling of the 100 plus responses I received from the face book survey many of you helped me employ. Many of the responses reflect the bias or issues of the individual but I am sad to say many of them are a true reflection of The Church. We are going to learn about what the cross, The Crux, has to say about grace this weekend. I look forward to sharing what God is teaching me in hopes more and more we can be thought of as a grace place.

To that end, please remember the Holy Call to Action. This weekend you will receive a card to help your Easter invitations. A digital version will be posted on the website by Monday, March 18th. We will also send you a link in an ENews letter shortly thereafter.

It is not too late to begin to visiting with those you want to invite, even praying for them by name in your personal prayer time. Remember to reserve Sunday, March 24th, 12:15 – 12:45 PM to be at the church for a minimum 500 people prayer circle. Then come back that same day for the Easter Egg Hunt. Let’s start off Holy Week worshipping, praying and serving the community.

I am praying for you. Please pray for me.

Peace,

Rick

Holy Week Call to Action

1) March 24, Palm Sunday, 12:15 Prayer Circle

2) Holy Thursday (March 28) Communion, in homes

3) Good Friday and Journey to the Cross (March 29)

4) Commit to Baptism and or Church Membership

5) Invite people to the Easter Party, March 30-31

6) Serve and Attend Easter Saturday Night Worship