As we took extra time to ponder the things for which we are thankful – Springs of Grace jumped quickly to my mind. There are lots of reasons I am thankful for Springs but was especially thankful this holiday season for the diversity that makes up this church family. By diversity – I am not just referring to the racial and cultural diversity or generational diversity (all of which I treasure because it speaks to the supernatural unions and friendships that make up this church) – but was thinking of the diverse ways people at Springs love this city and our world.
Snapback poetry jams, secret churches, strip club outreach, day center bible study, sports club, girls club, mom’s encouragement, marriage sweeteners, men’s bible studies, hermeneutics, college bible studies (summer college bible study is one of my favorite times), small groups, adult prayer times, prayer week, Summerfest, getAHEAD, International Student and Family Partnerships, Project 61, Ladies Bible Study, VBS, mission memorization, mission trips to Ukraine, Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico, Nicaragua, China, Turkey, Iraq, Urban Ministry Conference, Adoption Emphasis, young married bible studies, Sunday morning bible studies for youth and children, puppet time with Josh and Leo, block ministry (and the fruit that comes from faithfulness in the same direction over time), communion services, baptisms, work days, One Hope drama, One Hope Academy, one on one burden sharing, coaching at Christian schools, and public schools to leverage influence for the gospel, small group discipleship, babysitting for young couples, new babies and new babies, parenting to the glory of God, Good Samaritan free women’s clinic, Sunday night testimonies, Summer Intern ministry, prayer teams, bonfire fellowship at the Frys, Sunday morning worship services with music that helps me worship our LORD every week – thanks Zac and Kylie, Josh, Joel, Jonah, Alissa, Krista, Nate, Hosanna, and all), adult bible study on Sunday mornings…and those are just the ones I can type out. How do you even put words to all the acts of love and the carrying out of the one anothers in our midst.
Are we everything we need to be as church? No. We have a very imperfect pastor and he is one of the elders that get to help pastor an imperfect people but it would be very difficult to look at Springs of Grace very closely and not see a place that exhibits much of the love of Jesus – a love that flows out of us because we have springs of God’s grace being poured into us. It is certain that we had no possible hope of being in God’s family and yet He graced us through His Son and in Him we are forever His.
So – Springs of Grace family – I am thankful for you and how you are excelling at your love. Excel still more!
I am excited to gather again tomorrow to worship with you and hear from God’s Word and CONSIDER one another as to how we might stir one another up to more ways to love and do good to this city. Hope you will join me!
Thankful for you!
Pastor Joe