Mark+
With a view towards implementing the Christianity Explored outreach effort in September, I determined after Synod to use the Sundays after Pentecost to emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing the Christian for his work in Christ. I started the series with John 1:1 and 3:16 emphasizing that the life in the Spirit is Grace, it is the very gift of God Himself to His people (Immanuel). The readings from Romans in succeeding weeks as well as from the Gospels have provided ample opportunities for expaning on the theme that the Spirit calls and prepares us for service.
Last year, there was none who helped when I canvassed the area around Good Shepherd to let the community know we were there and they were welcome.
At a meeting Monday night, there were a 14 adults from Good Shepherd who met to help in the planning for our fall effort. Three offered to open their homes for the Christianity Explored meetings. Four offered to help me in distributing material in the area around the church inviting our neighbors to the inquirers meetings. Six offered to assist work as team teachers, committing themselves to studying the material between now and September 15. Four are assisting in planning media advertising and mailings.
I found ++Ramsey's book, "Holy Spirit" held the kernel for a couple of the sermons. And you are right, many are not used to thinking they have been given spiritual gifts and are only beginning to see the possibilities. Five of us at Good Shepherd came back from the Unity Synod convinced that the Holy Spirit was manifested there and have been encouraged to expect the work to continue.
Charles+
Mark Clavier+ <anglican@...> wrote:
Mike+,
This Sunday I'll finish up a 3-part sermon series that began with my
tackling the whole wheat and tares parable in conjunction with Romans 8. I
end up tying it all to the list in Galatians of the qualities of redeemed
human nature (love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control). As I was working on it, I found myself
beginning to tell people that these are the things they should aim for.
Pelagius was rearing his Welsh head. I backed up and talked about their
being fruits of the Spirit that can only come to us through prayer, worship,
and the sacraments. Amazing the response I got from people. They'd never
been taught anything like that before.
Mark+
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