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Turn the page ...

... because it is time for a new chapter in the life of our church!  Praise God for where we have been and now let's seek Him for where we are going next ...

The Florida Times Union ran a great article on our church.  If you have not seen it yet, click here.  The Lord continues to bless us with His favor … we have several new families attending because they first joined us for Christmas Eve.  We have had another recent “group” of people who have made first time decisions to follow Christ as Savior and Lord … and those folks are now bringing friends and family.  The Lord is so good and we are privileged to care for these new Christians and help them grow up in their faith.

Last Sunday was thrilling as our first Sunday as FaithBridge Church … the worship was sweet and it was definitely a time of coming together and preparing for this next chapter of life and ministry.  We introduced our new look ... if you missed it, check it out ....

At the beginning of the yesterday’s sermon I mentioned that team of people had worked with me for seven months to prayerfully and carefully prepare and propose a “vision frame” that would define who we are as a church, where we are going, and how we understand God wants us to get there.  I wanted you to know who those people are so you can thank and encourage them.  Their names are as follows:

            Rachel White                Becky Campbell           Josh Robinson

            Moises Comacho         Jim Walker                   Jo Goethe

            Kathy Walker               Chuck Ward                Judy Crosby

            David Penrod               Scott Magdalein          

 

One thing I shared yesterday was my prayer that as a church, you would seek the Lord and He would affirm this direction in your hearts as well.  If you missed the sermon, pick up a copy at the bookstore or click here to listen online. Then, my prayer is that we will rise up together, embrace the new vision and direction and get to work!

 

I need feedback from you … the sermon was on our priority on ministering to hurting people.

 

1. In general, what is your reaction to focusing our church on ministering to hurting people?

 

2. More specifically … what groups of hurting people are in your life and circles of influence?

Posted on Monday, January 5, 2009 by Paul White

3 comments (Add your own)

1. Jose & Clara Berrios wrote:
We believe that God is going to shake things up with this process. God is going to get us out of our comfort zone and truly test our commitment and our obedience towards Him. God has great plans for Faithbridge, He is going to allow this Church to be an IMPACT in this commUNITY. We thank God for the opportunity that He gave us to be part of this Journey, personally I believe that He is training my wife and my self for some unfinished business back home. This is a huge blessing and opportunity for us both. Faithbridge can count us in. We pray for His strength and perseverance upon Faithbridge and the community of JAX. God Bless you all...

January 24, 2009 @ 10:08 AM

2. Michelle Hatvani wrote:
Hello Pastor Paul, I am so excited about the direction God is leading us at Faithbridge! I can really identify with your message of ministering to hurting people because I have been there. If we are to be like Jesus, then yes, we need to reach out to those who are hurting. In some way we all are hurting, but as "Christians" we hide it better than others do! By ministering to the hurting means we have to get our hands dirty! We have to be involved with people and not just our friends.---You hit the nail on the head when you used the lego example and how we may have to unplug some things to make room for new people. I have observed that people have all the friends they want or need and they do not have the time or energy for a new friend-so when someone new shows up they just say hi, how are you, etc, but never get involved. How refreshing it was to hear you challenge our congregation to make room for the "hurting"! The mission/direction is great! It definitely sets the tone! We all need to be bold and deliberate in our walk with Christ and see with His eyes and not our own! I said it earlier but I am going to say it again- I am so excited to be a part of this journey with Faithbridge! Together we can accomplish much for His kingdom! Thank you for all you do! In Jesus' Love, Michelle Hatvani

January 24, 2009 @ 10:08 AM

3. wrote:
1. In general, what is your reaction to focusing our church on ministering to hurting people? i think its a great idea! 2. More specifically … what groups of hurting people are in your life and circles of influence? i think the largest number of hurting people in my life and circles of influence are military wives and family's since my family lives on base and i have been trying to get more and more people to come to faithbridge and will still try!

January 24, 2009 @ 10:08 AM

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Let the one who serves serve in the strength which God supplies that in everything God may get the glory through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:11