“Getting a Name of Your Own”

It’s beginning to look a lot like… Kickoffs! Last night the church kicked off THRIVE. We look forward to starting this night of programming every year, but you probably noticed significant difference this year. THRIVE has moved from Thursdays to Wednesdays. Regardless of the night, THRIVE is a time of fun and fellowship for all ages. If I didn’t see you last night, then plan on joining me for dinner next week (5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Menus will be posted weekly in the worship guide and online. Along with a “home” cooked meal, you can also engage in group studies, choir rehearsal, and other opportunities for adults. Children and youth can participate in age appropriate activities as well. Click here to view a complete schedule of Wednesday offerings.

Now, by the time you read this, many of us will be getting ready for another kickoff. The long awaited start of the NFL season (Thursday night at 8:30 p.m.). Throughout my life, my two favorite hobbies have remained the same: sports (mainly football) and music. Hence, I played percussion and marched on the drum-line in high school. Lucky for me, the mighty Dreadnaughts only lost two football games my entire four years of high school (two state titles). Anyway, my love for sports and music has another, deeper meaning. Both of them require individuals to come together as one team or band, with one purpose, for one common goal. Doesn’t that sound familiar?

Like sports and music, the church is a place where people are called to share their gifts, while connecting with others to create and maintain godly relationships. Church is also a place where we learn how to show love and respect in all of our relationships (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) However, doing so is often easier said than done which is why we kicked-off our “Relationslips” sermon series three weeks ago. With the family dynamics found in the book of Genesis, we are uncovering the joys and struggles of living in community.

This week (Gen. 17:1-8;15-19), we see God still working in the lives of Abram and Sarai, despite their actions in chapter 16. In fact, the Lord appears to Abram to renew the covenant between them and also renames him and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. Together, we will see why God changed their names and what it means for us. Because the truth is, each of us receives a name change. Perhaps not literally, but we do for the purpose of growing into our God-given identity and calling.

One of the greatest challenges in relationships is becoming your own person or family, distinct from traditions, history, expectations, or even parents. How do we live into our own calling in a way that honors our history, but isn’t stifled by it? Come, kickoff your week with Pastor Jenn and I as we work through this with you.

Oh and it’s Communion Sunday and God’s saving you a seat at the Table…

With Love,

Corey

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