Good Morning,
I hope this brief note finds you and that you are enjoying a restful weekend even if you are at work or "out and about."
I am sending this to you as a personal invitation to join me at the church for breakfast tomorrow morning. Your church staff, including me, will be doing the cooking and serving. We love doing that and can't wait to see you.
We have had strong attendances at these breakfasts, including a record-breaking Sunday school attendance this past Sunday with more than 125 children, youth, and adults at breakfast.
The Lord, through Dr. Karen Bullock, has been providing us with such strong content. In the first week, we learned about the persecuted church and heard stories of young people who would not deny their faith, though they were tortured and eventually martyred. I was personally challenged.
Last week, we studied the Reformation, learning how far the church can get away from God if we aren't careful. The church and its leaders were corrupt, and they put unimaginable burdens on the people, actually blocking people's attempts to respond to God. A man was put to death simply because he wanted the Bible to be translated into the common language. I was personally challenged.
Tomorrow morning we will study the Reformation. If you don't know how or why there are two sides to the modern church: Catholic and Protestant, you will hear that story tomorrow. We will hear the story of Reformers who, at great cost, helped the church to get back in line. I am eager to hear this teaching again, and for many of you to hear it for the first time.
Grace Street Fellowship is a great church, but we do not stand alone. By God's Grace, we stand where we do, because so many have gone before us. We are part of Christ's family which spans through the centuries. We too want to be found faithful.
In worship tomorrow we will hear again about the great purpose which unites us in Jesus Christ? Take a look at Matthew 16 to see if you can discover it.
I sure hope to see you in the Lockwood Center for Breakfast at 9: a.m. tomorrow. Bring a friend with you too if you can.
May His love keep you close, and his grace keep you strong on this beautiful Saturday.
I am so grateful to be
Your pastor,
Jim Burgin
www.avenueofgrace.com
817-704-6143
