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“Connecting together as believers
Connections We all have a tendency to take things for granted. For instance, this week powerful winds and torrential rains disconnected my e-mail, internet and communication systems. As I write this article, a technician works to re-establish the connections. It’s frustrating interruptions like this where I realize the value these connections make in my life, and it’s given me the inspiration to highlight a new fall initiative: connections. MGLC is about to become very intentional about connecting with one another as we share our faith and our lives in Christ. Our MGLC Council has created a vision statement to chart our future together. One ministry priority that has been identified is “To build upon our awesome family feeling through robust, thriving small groups that connect everyone.” I added italics to “everyone” because my prayer is that everyone worshipping at Maple Grove Lutheran will belong to a small group. How awesome would it be if our small group ministry can be as natural and essential to our faith as weekly worship and daily prayer? Just imagine the blessings this can bring:
Our whole community will be strengthened and deepened as we make connections with one another. Whether or not you’ve had the opportunity to be part of a small group with other Christians, we know that God desires and intends for us to be connected. One of the most comforting and inspiring visions of heaven is belonging to the company of all the saints in light. So, being together as believers in Christ is a heavenly blessing, one we can begin to experience now. “So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him, the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you are also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:19-22). While recent storms sent powerful winds and torrential rains our way, the Holy Spirit is sending us gusts of visitors and a flood of requests for baptisms. With a guiding vision of being a family together in Christ, we can welcome everyone into a warm fellowship where Christ will be made known through us. Watch for opportunities this fall to be part of a small group. There will be small groups for book lovers, for crafts and hobbies, for parents, for singles, for learning the Bible, for praying, and for fun. Surely life is full, but trust that God desires for us to be connected to Him and to each other! The value of these connections will unfold as our lives are connected to Him - a connection that will never fail us. We would love to have you share your ideas for small groups and bring any questions you have to Tabi Horne, Director of Children and Family Ministries, Jennifer Martinson, Parish Life Chairperson, Candy Burns-Anderson, Discipleship Committee Chairperson, Mike Benson, MGLC Council, or myself. In Christ, Pastor Chris |
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©2007 Maple Grove Lutheran Church, 9251 Elm Creek Blvd, Maple Grove, MN 55369, (763) 420-7930 |
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