Stories!

When I was 13 years old I went to see a movie about the life of Jesus called “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”  It was!  The stories I had read in my Bible or heard in Sunday School come alive on the big screen. I was gripped by the love of Jesus and his willingness to die for my sins on the cross.  More than ever, I knew that I wanted to follow him for the rest of my life.

 

On Friday night, March 7, at 7:00 p.m., Christ Church has reserved a 120-seat screen at the Marcus Theater in Elk River for a private showing of the newly released movie called “Son of God.”  I especially encourage our Prime Time and Grounded groups to attend... and invite a friend.  Tickets are just $7.00 and the whole theater is ours!  I also want to invite Life Groups, couples, families (recommended for kids 5th grade and older) to join us.  You must pay for and pick-up your ticket voucher in advance at Christ Church.  This is a great opportunity to invite someone to join you who may not know the Lord or be connected to a local church.

This Sunday we begin a new series also called “STORIES – A Modern Look at the Parables.”  Jesus’ favorite style of teaching was storytelling.  We call them parables.  He used everyday people, places and objects to teach life lessons about the kingdom of God.  Our approach is going to be very interactive and full of surprises.  Pastor Sean Nelson will kick-off the series this Sunday highlighting three parables of lost things; a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost boy.  Don’t miss it!

Next Wednesday night, March 5, we will gather for a Soup and Bread Supper prior to our Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00 p.m.  Our Children’s Minister, Cindy Book, will be sharing the message on the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man.  For the 24-hours preceding, our Prayer Ministry Team will be hosting a Prayer Vigil.  Please sign-up to come to church and pray for 30 minutes or an hour.  Prayer Request cards can be filled-out this Sunday.

I feel led to provide an exhortation to our church family today.  What is an exhortation?  It’s a strong word of encouragement that is the result of praying for Christ Church and listening to the counsel of the Holy Spirit.  Many have shared their feeling that the Exponential series we just finished was among the most powerful in our whole history at Christ Church.  The Holy Spirit is stirring.  Worship is going to a new level.  The Word is being boldly declared. Lives are being transformed.  God is calling us forward as a congregation and we need to faithfully respond!  This is a “kairos” moment in our journey together!  We need to “seize the moment” lest we miss this season of the Lord’s visitation.  I’m praying for nothing less than a full-fledged revival at Christ Church and I want you to be a part of it!

If you have been sitting on the fence about your participation at Christ Church, I encourage you to seek the Lord and seek out others through conversation and prayer as needed to gain clarity and renewed commitment.  If you are just an occasional attendee, I invite you to really engage with weekly worship and so many other great opportunities to learn, grow and serve.  If you’ve never officially joined Christ Church, I want to welcome you to attend a New Member Class on either March 8 and 10. 

I specifically want to encourage our church family to be on time for worship!  It’s amazing how few people are in the worship center when we begin right now, but then 5 or 10 minutes later, it’s a different story.  Why is our timeliness important; because first-time visitors arrive on time.  It’s a terrible witness to them if the majority of the congregation comes dragging in late.  If anything, we should be there five minutes early preparing our hearts to fully enter into worship.  The staff and worship team are working very hard to start and end of time.  Let’s all make an effort to be on time.  It’s an important part of doing all things with excellence unto the Lord!

Christ Church is entering an exciting season of growth and blessing.  We have come through some times of testing and challenge and we are stronger for it.  Without a test, there is no testimony!  I love you and as your pastor and friend want the very best for you and your family.  Let’s come together in even greater unity and move forward to grow this church and impact the world for Jesus Christ!

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Pagh