here’s where we’re headed together.

a word from Justin: what makes us a Church?

This week, we closed out our Restore series by looking at the rhythms we share as a family. Like a rowing team, we’re at our best when we bring our strengths and differences together in a shared rhythm that propels us forward. For us, those rhythms are Practice (practicing the way of Jesus), Presence (being present to God and one another), and Participation (joining God in His restoring work where we are. Together, these rhythms represent the life of Jesus we seek to embody in the world.

Lately, a question has been rolling around in my head quite a bit: what kind of person are you becoming? Aristotle says “we are what we repeatedly do,” meaning you and I are the outcome of the patterns and practices that shape our everyday moments. As a Church, I believe the same is true for us: we are what we repeatedly do together. This week, I want to encourage you to take inventory of your spiritual habits. How are you being formed? Am I practicing the way of Jesus – or is He little more than an idea in my head? Am I truly present with God and those around me – or disconnected from reality? Am I joining God in His restoring work in the world around me – or am I wearily busy trying to make God “show up?” I’m challenging myself with these questions this week, and I hope you will too! Restoration I love you and I’m praying for you this week!

 

talk it over in community

1. Read through Acts 2:42-47 together. As you hear it, what  do you see that you’re longing to experience more of in your community? What would you identify as barriers that stand in the way?

2. Our second rhythm, Presence, speaks to our commitment to be present to one another. This means more than simply gathering in the same space – it’s a choosing to be attentive and present to the stories and struggles of others. How can your community gro in being more present to each other as you gather?

 

find ways to serve

Pampering Pathways is our longest running ministry at Restoration. Since 2018, we’ve partnered with the Polk Dalton Clinic (across the street from the Lyric) to care for moms overcoming opioid addiction. Our next baby shower is Wednesday, October 12 from 10:30-12:30pm. Ladies (ladies only please) sign up to volunteer here!

How to pray this week

Coming soon.

 

next steps and other resources