Dear Friends

 

Greetings in the name of Jesus!  Last year during Lent many of us participated in a 28-day Dynamite Prayer experiment.  We invited God’s resurrection power into our lives and the life of our church.  We asked God to break through our regular routines, our regular kind of thoughts, words, deeds and actions.  We focused on what God was trying to say to us in new ways. Many of us experienced breakthroughs in our lives and the lives of our family members because of this experiment.

 

This year I am asking us to participate in a 28-day experiment during the month of February using the Dynamite Prayer book by Rosario Picardo and Sue Nilson Kibbey.  I have heard that many people gain further insights into the life of prayer and experiencing God’s resurrection power in their lives when they use the book a second time.  That is why I plan to do it again and hope you will join me. If you were unable to participate last year and would like to do so this time, we will have details on how to purchase the book, possibly at a discount as soon as we get them.

 

I am looking forward to this second time with the Dynamite Prayer book and experiment for several reasons.  There are 28 days in February which makes it a natural fit for a short month.  Lent begins on February 18, which means we will have a good start leading up to this time of meaningful spiritual growth.  I also hope to have more intentional conversation around the prayer experiment this time around leading to strengthening our connection in Christ.

 

You may have noticed the breakthrough prayer written by our bishop in our weekly bulletin.  I hope you will continue using that along with using the book this February.  All of this will lead to participation in “Dream Tables,” a spiritually guided, discernment process for congregations to discover where God is leading them next in ministry. 

 

I believe that it is time for us to begin discerning where we are heading in ministry together as a church.  The “Dream Tables” approach will help us see where God is leading us now and provide tools for us to do so in the future.  We will begin with a small team participating in four online 90-minute sessions led by Sue Nilson Kibbey and a one-to-one coaching session for our church.  I am still learning more about this process, which will begin in early Spring.

 

I always look forward to Lent with great anticipation of what God will do in our lives.  I hope that you will join me by participating in the 28-day Dynamite Prayer experiment, praying the breakthrough prayer and worshipping with us on Ash Wednesday, February 18th at 7:30 PM.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Keith

 

Break Through Prayer

 

God of healing and hope, Break through the messiness of our lives with the power of your Holy Spirit. Re-connect us with you, so that we can hear your voice more clearly and allow your love to be reborn in our hearts. Break through with your resurrection power to re-connect us with one another and lead us to new partnerships in our communities. Reveal to us your new and next steps for reaching, welcoming, and developing your people. Empower us to share the good news of your transforming love and new life. Amen

 

I am looking forward to seeing how God answers this prayer in your life and in the life of our congregation.  As we celebrate God coming into our world in Jesus, I pray that the songs we sing and the lessons we learn will draw us closer to the Lord.  I know that God has great things in store for us this Christmas season and into the coming year.  May you have a Merry Christmas and blessed new year!

 

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