|
Prayer Focus |
|
Those beginning to study the Bible |
|
|
|
Relevant Faith • Authentic Relationships • Changed Lives
PATH: Home
|
|
El Limon - Inspiration from Mexico |
|
|
|
Sunday, August 19 2007 |
 It was a really hot evening in El Limon, our last night at the Casa Hogar Mama Paulita. We were tired, but also deeply satisfied with the love and community we had experienced with the children and staff during this mission trip. The worship and communion service began softly with a few songs and some prayers. Then suddenly, it seemed that God's presence intensified. Some kids began to kneel and lift their hands in worship. Others prayed quietly. Some cried. There were more holding hands, and then many hugging.
 Tears flowed, as there would be difficult goodbyes the next morning. The celebration of communion brought an intense sense of God's presence and the reverence in our worship deepened. As we savored the moment, the song "Imagine" began, and we sang it together, in Spanish and in English. We got a glimpse into the Kingdom at that moment, a glimpse of heaven. It was as if the Lord showed us that this is what he has in mind, and it was a moment of just knowing....knowing him, knowing his heart for us.
A few weeks later, as I was reflecting on the experience again, that moment became the heartbeat and theme of what was then our "building renovation project". I sensed God revealing that this picture of love and serving in Mexico is what he has in mind for the whole earth, and specifically for the community he has called us to serve: Mariemont and the surrounding communities. The buildings were important assets and a big part of who we are and what we do - but they were not the whole picture. That is the genesis for the Imagine Journey. It is a Journey designed to help us reach into God's heart for our church and community.
By now, hopefully you will have begun to use your Imagine Journey daily journal. The Scriptures, the devotionals, the testimonials, the sermon notes, and the spiritual exercises are all designed to help you take your personal journey with God. May he speak to you and give you the glimpses of his plans for you and for our church. May this be a time of renewal in our hearts and our ministries as well as our buildings! May it also be a time of personal reflection and community - so please don't hesitate to ask questions and join in the process of discussion and exploration.
The articles in this month's Communicator also contribute to our journey together. You will enjoy Joy Norman's top 10 reasons to be excited about the Imagine Journey. Read how the pre-school team, led by Renee Hammond, plans to accommodate the renovation process while lovingly and safely investing in the lives of our community's children. You will also learn how our updated new member's class, spearheaded by Beth Swift, will allow people to join in with what MCC is all about - pray that these sessions help many new families to energize their Kingdom vision and find their place of belonging and service at MCC.
This month, we also have our first article by our interim Children's Director Jamie Keyes. We have been blessed for years by Jamie's wonderful care and service in our Children's ministry and now even more blessed that she has stepped in to lead this crucial ministry for the 2007-08 school year. Jamie has been a key volunteer in every aspect of the ministry, most recently leading the Vacation Bible School. I also want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Erin Jane Zigmond for her fabulous service as Children's Director. Please join me in praying for Erin as she takes on a new full time position in the health care marketplace, and also for her family as they transition with her to her new work responsibilities.
I am excited to be serving with you at MCC. I pray that this Imagine Journey will take us to a place of deeper fellowship with God and each other, and that as we invest in the buildings, people, and relationships of MCC, we will see new glimpses of God and his Kingdom and his plans for transforming us and our communities with the love of Jesus. Let's Imagine together!
Pastor Denis
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the mountains north of Hong Kong, Denis tasted eternal freedom for the first time. Read "My Story" |
|
|
|
