Our words matter. James wrote that the tongue was this crazy force in the world that could bring both blessing and cursing. Now, I am not a name it and claim it guy, however, as followers of Jesus we have the opportunity to speak truth in love to others, truth to power, and truth to ourselves. I don’t think we consider enough the power that we have in our words.
There is a ministry of encouragement that seems lost to us in our present day. More critically, this lost art of encouragement has become disconnected to the positive impact it can have on our journey of faith by combatting unbelief. The writer to the Hebrews said this in chapter 3, verses 12-13:
“12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Did you catch that? Words of encouragement are a tool that bolsters our faith and keeps us on mission. If you are battling unbelief today, let me encourage you: God loves you fully and completely. You are His child and His eyes are always on you and His ears are always attentive to your voice. May you be encouraged and offer encouragement to someone this week.
Chris Nikkel, MacTerrace Parish Pastor
5th Sunday Serving
Each week The Park has numerous people who serve once a month in Family Ministry, Operations, Media and Connections. On 5th Sundays we ask the same people to serve a second time in the month, making these Sundays the most difficult to try and fill all of the needed areas to make things run smoothly. If you are not currently serving, we are asking you to consider jumping in next Sunday, September 29th, to help make sure we have all areas of need filled. Let’s rally together next weekend Park family! You’ll meet new people and get a behind the scenes look of all the things that go in to making a Sunday run. If you would like to serve you can click here. You will be contacted this week with more information.
Upcoming Events
September 29th // Kids Dedication Class
October 1st // National Night Out
October 2nd // School of Theology Begins
School of Theology
School of Theology is a 5 week event held every Wednesday night in October at Aggie Park. This year we will focus on Dan White’s book, Love Over Fear. Each week will consist of both teaching and small group discussion. There are two registration options: $15 which includes only the book and materials or $40 which includes dinner each week as well as the book and materials. To register you can click here.
National Night Out
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities for an annual community-building campaign. The Park wants to come along side this national event to help foster better relationships with in our communities. At the core of being a disciple of Jesus is neighbor love. The Park wants to encourage everyone to either host or participate in National Night Out with their neighborhood or Parish’s National Night Out on October 1. To find out more about parish National Night Out events, check out the Connection area this Sunday. Want to host a National Night Out event in your neighborhood? Email Terri Pease at terri@theparksa.org for more information on The Park’s National Night Out reimbursement.