September on My Mind- Rise and Thrive
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people dwell together in unity.”- Psalm 133:1
The school bells are not the only things ringing this week! I hear the sound of faith, joy, and newness of life as our September VISION MONTH is almost here. As we approach September I will be sharing (and singing on the inside) weekly emails about something to get excited about. During the first few years of our marriage, Joanie and I attended two small groups where we experienced maturity in our faith, received practical and helpful resources, and developed life-long friendships. One was a monthly young marrieds group for couples at a similar stage in life. The other was a weekly gathering on how to manage finances according to God’s commands. Even though I wrote last week on the priority of Sunday mornings, we all need more than just one day a week to gather and grow in our faith. Based on this need, our RISE Men and THRIVE Women ministries are the perfect prescription and application for your faith.
Our women’s ministry reached new heights of effectiveness when a handful of women came together two years ago with a heartfelt prayer and desire to refocus and dream for more. Thrive has had amazing results through themed events focused on connection and refreshing. Next month Thrive will be hosting its first FALL RETREAT, Anchored in Christ, September 27-29. As we approach this weekend getaway, would you consider helping each lady be able to attend by providing a scholarship for $185? Let’s sow into the good work that was started by some amazing women in our church. Also, as I have been praying for this event, I believe there are some who have initially said “no” to attending the retreat, but the Holy Spirit is going to make a way for them to “GO”. If you are reading this and not currently planning to attend, please pray about being at this beautiful retreat and sign-up this Sunday!
I am thrilled to announce the start of RISE Men’s Ministry, under the leadership of Eric Isaacson and a group of men who will serve on a committee, focused on bringing men together and growing them up in Christ. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” During the fall calendar, our Rise men will have a monthly Monday Night group (with dinner, Monday Night Football, and deep faith discussions); a special event (bowling or mini golf) and a multi-church retreat, TRUE IDENTITY, October 11-13 (Camp Cedar Crest). It is time for the men in our church to grow as disciples, make a difference in their homes and communities, and to rise to the fullest measure of God’s purpose and strength.