Weekly Newsletter April 15

The loneliness surprised and scared me. I had never felt that alone before. I was fresh out of college in my first real job. But it took me a thousand miles from home. This Yankee boy felt very out of place in the deep south. Few friends close by. Great expectations. Financial stress. And confusion about the decision I had made. I remember crumbling in despair, crying out to God for help. Forty years later I look back on life. Obviously I survived, and I grew a lot. Since then I’ve faced many challenges, and more will come. Yet I have hope. Why? Because I am with Jesus, and Jesus is with me. I most likely will feel that kind of loneliness again in life. I will feel alone again, but I won’t be. Look at this verse:

"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” Ephesians 1:5-7

On Easter Pastor Sharon and I will begin sharing messages on the theme, “You Belong.” Our scripture journey will take us to the book of Ephesians, and we’ll focus on how God teaches us to live in God’s family, a community of hope, love, challenge, growth, and more. I hope you’ll join us in person at one of our campuses or online. I will encourage us all to review our relationships and to see where they can be strengthened and to help others experience what it means to belong in the family of God.

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Many times, Jesus, we struggle to find where we belong. Children need family. When one is not there, someone needs to adopt them. Teens and young adults are challenged to stretch their independence from mom, dad, and siblings, and at the same time they are looking for other friends, colleagues, and co-workers who share their interests and passions. At every life stage, we look to belong. We all belong with you through faith in Jesus. Help us find you. Keep searching for us until we find our home with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We are always ready to talk and pray with you.

Pastor Roger