The Ties That Bind: Practices for a Healthy Church
Oct. 18-Nov. 22
Some recent studies of churches found that thriving churches shared some common practices. We’ll explore six of the characteristics that described vibrant and healthy communities of faith.
Oct. 18 – You Are Accepted: The Power of Hospitality (Luke 19:1-10)
Zaccheaus is a tax collector, a short-shrifter of his own people. No one thinks much is possible for this “sinner.” But Jesus does. When Jesus rolls into Jericho, He focuses His grace on Zach. He extends acceptance to Zach in a way he had never experienced. Jesus invites Himself to Zach’s home, where Zach becomes the little big man. Short in stature, he becomes big in spirit, giving away his possessions to the poor and those he has wronged. That’s the power of hospitality – of being accepted by God. And how Christ welcomes us is how we are to welcome others.
Oct. 25 – This Is My Story: Becoming Our Truest Selves (misc. texts)
Long before authenticity became a buzzword it was a biblical value. The great stories of the Bible reside in a mixed bag of individuals. But over time, we see how God’s grace allows those individuals to rise above their flaws and poor choices and live into their truest identity. They remind us that by God’s grace, we are accepted; through God’s grace we are transformed.
Nov. 1 – A Family of Faith: Why Community Matters (Bill Givens at 9:00; Paul Wallace at 11:30)
On this All Souls Day, we celebrate the family of faith that we call “church.” We remember with love and gratitude the lives of the Wieuca “saints” who have died in the past year.
Nov. 8 – Enjoying God: Becoming Passionate about Worship (Romans 12:1-2; Mark 12:28-34)
(Michael Tutterow preaching at 9:00 am; Wes Hunter preaching about “Creativity” at 11:30 am)
Worship is at the heart of the spiritual life. But what is worship? How are we to practice worship? Jesus spoke of worship in terms of loving God with the totality of our heart, soul, mind and strength. It means giving ourselves to God fully, totally, passionately. As an old confession of faith used to word it, “the chief aim of [humanity] is to love God and enjoy Him forever.” Now, that is worship!
Nov. 15 – Closer Than Our Own Breathing: Prayer and Intimacy with God (misc. texts)
An old prayer speaks of God being “closer than our own breathing.” Prayer allows us a way of communing with God that is deeply personal and intimate. To experience God in this way does not require us to be saints, however. Some simple practices remind us that prayer and intimacy with God was meant for all of us.
Nov. 22 – People of Praise: Cultivating a Glad and Thankful Heart (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The Apostle Paul offers a simple formula for a glad and thankful heart: Living joyfully, praying faithfully, thanking constantly. On the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday, his words offer both a challenge and blessing.
