A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR…
Bible Reading Plan
How is your Bible reading going so far? I am on track with mine at the moment. I have just finished reading the Book of Job. It has been a challenge to get through all of Job’s friends’ bad advice about why he is suffering, but it was all worth it to get to chapters 38-42. Job’s situation turns out for his good in the end. Even though he didn’t get all of his questions answered about his suffering, he did learn some amazing things about God’s sovereignty and his own heart.
I encourage you to keep reading. And if you haven’t started reading yet, you can jump into the Bible Recap reading plan at any time by visiting thebiblerecap.com/start.
Winter Renewal Series
February 16-18
I want to encourage you to mark off these dates in your calendar – February 16, 17, and 18. Our church will be hosting our first Winter Renewal Series. Over the course of these three days, we will unite as a church community for times of worship and teaching. Our preacher and teacher for this series is Dr. Joe Dongell, Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Dongell is a beloved, servant of God and is a well-respected proclaimer of God’s Word. Dr. Dongell was my professor when I attended seminary at ATS. I am excited to have him join us and lead us in a time of spiritual renewal. You can read more about Dr. Dongell by visiting asburyseminary.edu/faculty/joseph-dongell
Here is how our worship schedule will lay out for the three days. Dr. Dongell’s messages will be from the Book of Romans. He will preach in both morning worship services on February 16th. On Sunday evening, our youth will lead our time of worship and Dr. Dongell will bring the message. There will be worship and preaching on Monday, February 17th and Tuesday, February 18th as well. All night services will start at 6:00 p.m.
There will a special teaching session led by Dr. Dongell on Monday, February 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this session, Dr. Dongell will unpack what he sees as the key distinctives of our Methodist identity and how these are relevant to our faith in our time. We are also extending an invitation to the member churches and pastors of the Mississippi Methodist Connection to join us for Dr. Dongell’s teaching session and for worship on Monday evening. This will be a wonderful highlight of the week.
In preparation for this Winter Renewal Series, I will be calling upon our church community to observe a 21-day season of fasting and prayer beginning on Sunday, January 26th. I am thoroughly expectant and hopeful that God will move upon us during this time of renewal. Here is a passage from Acts 3 that speaks to my heart. “Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Let us seek the Lord together, and allow his presence to refresh us by uniting with our brothers and sisters in an intentional season of worship.
I hope to see you Sunday!
Jimmy