Wow! What a great time we had last week at adventure camp! The Element Student Ministry from TNC South Carolina, and six of our own students, did an outstanding job ministering each day to 35-50 kids at the Forsyth park. The students also canvased the Forsyth area with TrueNorth postcards! I know the students had a great time and I can't wait to see how God uses their week of service to help us reach people nobody else is reaching! Way to go Element!!
We continued our "T.R.U.E.N.O.R.T.H." series this past Sunday by talking about UPBEAT environments! In Acts 2, we see an exciting church environment, where people are becoming Christ followers above all else.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-27 NIV).
What power exists in an upbeat environment! Throughout these verses, you will find the following environment enhancers: teaching truth, genuine care, food, public prayer,generosity, joy and expectation, and celebratory worship. With these things in the mix, and the Holy Spirit in the midst, verse 47 tells us the Lord added daily to their number those who were being saved. When we do what we can do, God will do what only God can do.
THIS Sunday, we will continue week 4, on Excellence! Don't MISS it! And bring a FISH!
I don't want to forget to mention that our worship leader, Jim and his band, Day 40, were down at TNC South Carolina this past Sunday! I have heard several comments at how well they did leading worship in the three services! Way to go guys! It will be good to have them back this Sunday!
I just started reading a new book by Pastor Rob Bell titled, "Jesus wants to save Christians". Rob is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan. He has done several short teaching videos called NOOMA. I hope to give some insight into the book in the next couple of weeks!
Finally, I can't forget to mention that the Journals we ordered last week have come in and will be available THIS Sunday. If you haven't paid your $8, please bring it this week. We did order a few extra in case you forgot to order yours! It is first come, first serve!
Can't wait till THIS Sunday, praying that God will rock our world! Don't forget to invite somebody and keep fishing!
Live the Life,
Shane
LIFT UP, LOVE IN, LIVE OUT
