Dear Lisa,

This Sunday I’m continuing our “Art of Neighboring” series. As Jesus journeyed at 3 mph among the people God sent him to, he made time for relationships. Regarding “walking at the speed of Jesus”, last week Pastor Aaron encouraged us to look, learn, & lean into what God is already doing around us. As I’m trying to do that, I’m finding God has many relationship connections available in my neighborhood but I have to make space for them. That means saying “hello” when I’m outside and engaging in conversation. It means looking for ways I can be helpful by being more observant – like one neighbor struggling to move a playhouse from the backyard to the front that appreciated another set of hands. Sunday we’ll see another example of Jesus’ making time for relationships – even messy ones. In practicing the “art of neighboring” when following Jesus, there will be times that stretch us. We’re going to be talking about the power of “Getting Together” with our neighbors. It’s going to be another great day in worship. Who do you know that needs love and encouragement that we’ll be sharing again Sunday? Ask God for courage to invite them! 

You are doing it! So far this summer you have made 102 “Invitations” to attend worship, or a Christ Church event marked with a Gold Star at the Kiosk. We’re only 98 away from our goal of 200 by Labor Day - We can do this!

More Christ Church friends are downloading the Bless APP every day! Help us get to 100 this weekend! Put your home address in – it shows your 40 closest neighbors and prompts you to pray for 5 of them each day – so cool! We’ve already lifted up over 1486 prayers for our neighbors! As I walk and pray, I’m asking God for divine appointments too. Join me, Pastor Aaron and your other Christ Church friends for this “neighboring” outreach adventure. 

Is there something we can join you in prayer about? Let us know. The 120 continues to lift up our Church, Pastors, Staff, families, and community! We are also interceding for our City, State, Nation, and World. Lord – thy Kingdom come, thy will be done as we intercede on behalf of all people in the war-torn areas of Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere. 

Where have you recently witnessed God at work? God was at work as the Tanner Thorp shared his powerful testimony at the Men’s breakfast Saturday. God was at work as the Genesis class provided our free neighborhood breakfast Sunday. God was at work during our Classic & Modern worship services as we continued the “Art of Neighboring” series. God was at work as our friends from Mwich Kraist-Chuuk congregation worshipped again in the Holt Chapel at 2 pm on Sunday! God was at work during our Water’s Edge mission week – great job kids! God was at work as members of the 120 Prayer walked around our Christ Church neighborhood. God is at work through your discipleship commitments: Worship, Small Group, Serving, & Generosity. There is always much to celebrate. Where have you seen God at work lately?

Yours in Christ,

Bob