Camping in Exodus
YOU MATTER
I can’t say it often enough, because the Bible says it often enough. Our togetherness matters. Being together as a local church, being together as sisters in Christ, these things are necessary. For one, they are a display to the world that we are new people with a new identity and a new family and a new powerful love. But getting together also affords us the opportunity to live out our new life in Christ. You just can’t do Colossians 3 on your own: bearing with one another, forgiving each other, putting on love, letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, letting the word of Christ dwell richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom. Colossians 3, and much of the New Testament, is written to “you” plural, not “you” as an individual. Living the Christian life alone is an oxymoron.
Now, I intend no pressure here. Please don’t feel badly if you can’t come on Thursday! But please do, not because I suggest it but because Jesus says it, connect with your body. Be active in your body. Bear with the members of your family, both physical and spiritual. Don’t let separation in time or space or relationship happen among you. But “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (plural), to which indeed you (plural) were called in one body (singular.) And be thankful” (Col. 3:14-15.) Your church family needs you (singular), and you (singular) need them (plural.) And did you catch that last add-on in Colossians 3? “Be thankful.” Are you thankful that Jesus designed his church this way? It’s not always easy, but it is necessary and it is for our individual and collective good. You matter, in both senses of the word.
1ST THURSDAY CONNECT
Put on some flannel duds and let’s get together on Thursday, October 3, 6:30-8:30 PM. We will eat camp foil dinners, have an opportunity to help the homeless, finish Colossians, and get ready to “camp” in Exodus in October. Let us know you are coming on Facebook or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.
PANORAMA
Gay Haugen will be teaching us the big story of the Bible at our Women’s Retreat! It will be fun and interactive and so very useful in understanding God’s Word. There will be lunch and coffee and friends and worship and God’s beautiful creation to enjoy as well. Registration is $20 and is open through October 6th on the church website.
We will meet Saturday, October 12, 9-5 at Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Oregon City. If you need financial assistance or a ride to the retreat, please message Marcia at 503-720-7197. See the Panorama site for more details and registration.
LINKS
Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!
Today is the best day to learn about Providence @Revive Our Hearts—Several new articles on God’s Providence at Revive Our Hearts. Important truth.
Wait! What (Not) to Ask When Hope is Deferred @Gospel Coalition—Waiting is one of the hardest things; asking the right questions helps.
Freedom From a Self-Focused Life @Journeywomen Podcast—This is a pretty universal struggle, and Ruth Chou Simons offers much to chew on.
Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons—Ruth’s new book—beautiful title and beautiful book—I’m eager to read it.
Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler—Another beautiful and helpful new book!
The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers—A short, rich oldie.
Answering Difficult Questions @Help Me Teach the Bible with Nancy Guthrie—Thought-provoking insights from Nancy’s guest, Rebecca McLaughlin.
(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)