CONNECTION GROUPS

PRCC's Connecton Groups are diving into our current series, "Life's Healing Choices - How do Deal with Your Hurts, Hangups & Habits". Whatever better way to connect with people than in front of a crackling fireplace with hot cocoa? Nice!!

LOOKING AHEAD AT PRCC

Tomorrow we roll out the new vision & direction for PRCC and it will be an exciting time to be a part of the church. For the next three weeks, we are breaking through the barriers and re-connecting with God and each other. Many people have been instrumental in working toward this goal and we are well underway.

Don't miss out on the these next 3 weeks. I can't wait to see what God has in store!!

Coffee Shop Talk

This past Wednesday I was talking with a man who always asks me, “What’s your message about this week, Padre?” As I tell him, he constantly expresses his belief that it isn’t important to go to Church. It makes me wonder “What experience did you have that turned you off to Christians?” or “Why do you refuse to allow God to speak to you through the scriptures?” I am not thinking in harsh tones, but over the years, I have developed a curiosity of these things. Why does anyone refuse to believe the instructions found in the Bible especially when it comes to the acceptance of Jesus Christ? I believe it is because we are reluctant to give God control. I am confident that we all can overcome our control issues if we understand and follow the teachings of Jesus. If you do this, God promises that you will experience His presence in your life. When you know God you will find that your disbelief starts to disappear and you begin to trust and believe that God only wants the best for your life. Search for out God’s instructions, apply them and see how you will begin experiencing God’s presence.

COFFEE SHOP TALK - Tuesday morn

I was at the coffee shop working on my sermon, when a couple of baristas struck up a conversation with me about pastors & church in general.

Barista #1: You know, I like how you make things so clear. I used to go to a church where the pastor would always leave us with something to work on that week. Then we got a new pastor who didn’t seem to care & just went round & round about scripture.

*Then she asked me the question of the day…*

 Barista #1: Are you that kind of pastor? The one who gives you something to take home?

 *Was I? I try to be because God wants us to DO his message, not just HEAR it.*

 Barista #2: Oh yeah, he is! You ought to go listen to one of his messages.

 *So now I’m thinking, “Why has God brought this conversation to me & what can I do about it?”.*

Me: Well, we have a new series coming up and we have Connection Groups starting in the fall. Want to join us?

And it was as simple as that. Do you live each day for God? When opportunity comes, do you take the focus off yourself and allow others to see a need for God? I challenge you to pray about that and be aware of God-opportunities this week!

PRCC ON FIRE FOR CHRIST

After an awesome weekend with the PRCC Elders and ministry leaders, we are on fire and excited for PRCC's big October launch. We had some great discussion about PRCC's vision, purpose and how to implement what God wants to see from PRCC in the fall. Thank you to all the leaders, Elders and their families who sacrificed their time to devote their weekend to God-planning! Also thanks to Dr. Mike Beals for covering for me on Sunday and taking a leap of faith to deliver a great message. Thanks to all the volunteers who stepped up and out of their comfort zones to keep the service going through great praise and worship and communion.

This Sunday, we have a special focus on communion and are excited to celebrate this together as one body for Christ. 

Lots of new things coming up! Can't wait to share them with you all.

IN TOUCH WITH GOD...

This is where the Elders, various ministry leaders and I will spend the next few days focusing solely on God and His purpose for our church. Very excited to hear the great discussions we will have!

"I am the vine, you are the branches..."

"But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." 

Matthew 7:14

EAT MOR CHIKIN....

Hi! It's Denise. I was at the mall yesterday letting Nate run out some energy at the play area and decided to eat at Chick-Fil-A. Normally I detest fast food but I absolutely LOVE Chick-Fil-A's chicken. Plus they have good salads & kids meals so that's a plus in my book. 

Speaking of books....I spied a 3-volume book at the register: "Eat Mor Chikin, Inspire More People: Doing business the Chick-Fil-A Way". It's the story of Truett Cathy & how he built his business. I was intrigued because on the back cover was this quote:

"I see no conflict between Biblical principles and good business practice" 

~S. Truett Cathy

I knew the founder of Chick-Fil-A was a believer in Christ and that their restaurants were always closed on Sundays. But I wanted to find out more about how he ran an incredibly successful enterprise and kept his focus on God. 

The book was awesome and I highly recommend it to anyone for any business or aspect of their lives. It is helping me gain perspective on my art business and for my husband as he pastors our church. It was inspiring to know that a person can be blessed and very successful while holding on to their Christian principles, moral integrity and standards. That's not to say he didn't encounter hardship...but the difference is that he made the most of every opportunity, even the bad ones. The most encouraging part is that many of Chick-Fil-A's franchise operators are around 30 yrs old. and they hire many teens. Here's a guy who lived through the Great Depression, several wars and economic challenges and yet his practices and beliefs are inspiring our current generation. On top of that, he also has a heart for foster kids and currently has more than 120 foster children, not to mention so many more that his company has helped in other organizations.

There's a great deal to learn from him and others who share these same beliefs and attitudes and I'm ready to re-read his books.