Common-Unity and a Gift Card.

***GIFT CARD DRAWING ALERT***

This past Sunday we discussed that a church best communicates the message of Jesus through the commitment they share toward each other. The community (common-unity) that exists within Encounter Church will either point people toward Jesus or away from Him (John 17:20-26 and Acts 2:42-47).

Regarding this truth, allow me to throw out a few statements that have been made by people who are a lot smarter than I am…

George Gallup (statistician and pollster) stated that…

          Americans are among the loneliest people in the world.

Author Randy Freeze claims that we’re living in a…

          Crowded loneliness.

Mother Theresa said that…

          Loneliness is the leprosy of modern society.

Marketing guru Seth Godin believes that one of the deepest desires of humanity is…

          To be missed.

Understanding that we live in a community and relationally deprived culture, as a church, we have an incredible opportunity to show people who God is by allowing them to see and experience the common-unity we have with each other through Jesus.

So, this week, how are you going to work at building common-unity with those who are a part of Encounter Church? A phone call? An invitation for dessert? Going to the park with your families?

Share an idea in the comment section below. Those who leave an idea/comment will be entered into a drawing for a gift card that will be given away at this Sunday’s Worship Gathering. Go ahead and share your idea; if you win the gift card you'll be glad you did! ~MB

A New Record!

We praise God for a great Dedication Service this past week.  Wow!  What a day.

We set a new attendance record on Sunday with 181 in attendance. That simply crushed our old record of 121. While there were a number of individuals in attendance from out of town, we had a ton of first-time guests from Louisville. Many of you invited your friends and brought them. Thanks for simply extending an invitation. God works through our invitations. Keep inviting.

The most exciting part of the day was hearing the stories of lives that have been changed. Many of us were shedding tears as the stories were shared. Seeing and hearing of God changing lives never, ever gets old. The stories shared on Sunday are but the beginning!

This Sunday we’re starting a new teaching series titled Plan A. We’ll be studying the first six chapters of the book of Acts. I’d like to encourage you to read Acts 1-2 (chapters 1 & 2) in preparation for this Sunday’s lesson. The book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament. Come on Sunday ready to be challenged!

Finally, two of my Sunday school teachers from 25-30 years ago were in attendance on Sunday at our Dedication Service. Many children that these two ladies taught have grown up and taken the life changing message of Jesus literally all around the world. Because of Janet and Ruth Anna's diligence and faithful ministry to children, entire family trees have been changed for all of eternity! You never know how your ministry is going to change lives for years to come. I praise God for faithful individuals like Janet and Ruth Anna!

God's just getting started with us Encounter! See you on Sunday at 10 AM. ~MB

P.S. Be sure to leave a comment about your reaction to our Dedication Service this past Sunday. How were you inspired?