Buy In

Check out this week's video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kF5FL6yTxY

I have been a part of a lot of movements in my life. All of those movements have had leaders who had a defined, and sometimes undefined, mission and vision. Whether it was a church or a job in the community, I have always had to ask myself the same question, "Do I fully buy in? Why or why not?"

The recent request made for us to go through the classes is one of those defining moments for us as a ministry. Your response to go through the classes again, be in a small group and to participate in the campaign will help you answer the above question. This week, read the passage below and think about the questions that follow.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Think about these questions:

1. Is there an area lately where I have found it difficult to submit to the authority of the church?
2. If so, why? 
3. Has the church asked anything unethical, not in line with it’s values, is there an issue in my understanding or the way it was communicated?
4. If I am struggling, have I brought the issue to a leader or am I only talking amongst others?

In my life I have found that my attitude toward something is many times less about the something and more about where I am at the moment. Always look at your spiritual life in these seasons and ask questions like:

1. How am I in my devotional life?
2. Where am I in my giving life?
3. Where am I in my serving life and what is the motivation for my service?

I have been through seasons where I have asked questions like this and when I was honest with myself and honest with God, I always came out the other side a better Christian for it. See you Thursday night!

Announcements

Rehearsals This Week:

Video Venue will be meeting in the Video Venue for their devotions this week, Live will be in the Live Venue and Ridge will be in the Ridge Venue.

Leading the devotions this week:

Live Venue: Pastor Larry

Video Venue: Liz

Ridge: Pastor Josh

Ways you can connect to the campaign:

Have you missed a message?  See it online at http://salisbury.orbc.net/sermons

Daily series devotions: http://salisbury.orbc.net/fod

Sign up for the classes.  Check a previous e-mail from me and the links for Saturday’s Class 101 and Sunday’s class are in it.

Your Unique Offering

Earlier this year I had a debate with someone about whether we are all special.  My view is that our modern culture has confused this concept with the idea that we are all unique.  

Either way, our individuality and uniqueness are gifts from our Creator who is the author of creativity.  Take some time to reflect on the Scripture below:

[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)

In Lou Giglio’s book "Wired" he presents this Scripture with the following principle:

“People everywhere. A sea of humanity. And every single person down there is someone created with amazing potential and purpose. All uniquely fashioned to reflect back to their Creator His beauty and wonder. Each one breathing the air of earth in one accord. Each person given life to  give him praise.” Giglio, Louie (2009-02-04). Wired: (Kindle Locations 181-183)

As you ponder this principle this week, come to practice ready to answer this question: What has God created me uniquely to do and how do I prepare myself to do whatever that is?

Be sure to check out this week's video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvdHASngZ8

I am looking forward to seeing you all this Thursday evening!  Below are the announcements that you need to be aware of this week.  Please be sure to read them and review them with your teams.

Announcements:

Rehearsals This Week

• We will rehearse this week for the Field of Dreams Opening Day in the Live Venue at the normal time (THUR – 6:30) 
• If you are playing for the concert then we will be rehearsing WED night (6:30 – 8:30) in the Live Venue.

Sunday Morning Set Up and Run Through

• Tech Teams are planning to arrive and start set up at 6 
• Performing Arts needs to be on the field at 7:30 AM 
• Run Through is planned for 8:30 to 9:30 AM

CR’s Move

• With CR moving to Friday nights we will no longer have a childcare option on Thursday nights.