Last week’s Party on the Lawn was a blast. What a kick to see the Seven Rivers family together - eating, laughing, bouncing, running, eating, enjoying music, eating and enjoying each other. I don’t know about you, but I am just glad my youngest did not “want” all of her potato wedges. See more pictures here.
The Art of Marriage class just finished the fourth week. The small groups have been jelling by going deeper and laughing more. God is at work in marriages. One couple told me, after the first two classes, they fought in the parking lot. The second fight ended in tears. Last night, I saw them leave - holding hands.
The Gospel Centered Life starts, October 10th at 6:30 in the Choir room and runs for six weeks. I will be the orator for the class. Class description: The Gospel Centered Life class is intended to help Christians understand how the gospel shapes every aspects of life. The Bible says that the gospel is “continually bearing fruit and increasing” in and among us, even after we first believe it. How does that happen? Why is a continual rediscovery and application of the gospel so important? How is our personal growth, parenting, marriage, work relationship, and serving others hindered if we don’t grasp the gospel deeply? Sign up here.
Our new Youth Director Marty Cates and his wife Meredith (pic below) will be in town this weekend. Marty will be speaking at youth group Sunday night at 6:00 for middle school and 7:30 for high school. Marty will join our staff officially in January.
This week, elder emeritus, Ted Santana took part in a WWII Honor Flight. See more about it here.
I just finished a great book. I laughed, I sighed, I grew and I found relief from my self-righteousness – I need this often. It is Steve Brown’s new book: Three Free Sins: God is Not Mad at You. “An offer you can’t refuse. After years of trying to teach people to be holy, Dr. Brown became fed up with reaching for the impossible. And so one day on his nationwide radio program, he offered the outlandish promise of three free sins. Sound too good to be true? The truth, Brown says, is that it is true. Of course, Steve Brown can’t really offer free sins, but what he vividly conveys is that while we can never lead a blameless life, we can relax in knowing that we are completely forgiven-not just of three sins, but of all.”
Whether it is the Party on the Lawn or “just” another weekend worship service, we look forward to being together each weekend to celebrate God’s goodness to us in Christ. This weekend, Brandon is going to bring it, Chad is going to lead it and all of us get to experience it and conclude at the Lord’s table for communion.
Hope to see you this weekend,
Adam Jones
Assistant Pastor
