Monday Morning Pulpit - What we got into

Hello Emmanuel,

Lauren and Amber

Many are wanting to know how our Back To School Bash went and how the UMW did on their garage sale.  Both went very well.  The UMW raised $1,400 to use for mission projects.  In addition, they also helped out many people who were in need.  The Back To School event went great.  We had 146 people register for supplies.  Because we had such good donations, we were able to give each child 2 bags of supplies.  We passed out 292 bags and had about 30 left over.  We also drew names and gave out 25 backpacks.  The leftovers will be donated to Batavia School and some will go to the Salvation Army.

And then there was Lauren and Amber.....

Lauren and Amber are examples of why we have big events such as the garage sale and the Back To School Bash.  The truth is that, according to our Discipleship Pathway, doing missions is more than just helping others.  It is also opening doors to establishing the kind of relationships that could lead to making disciples of Jesus Christ.  Lauren and Amber moved from Middletown.  They are looking for a church to attend.  They saw our sign and decided to stop by our event.  We got to meet them and talk with them and they are now excited about visiting.  Lauren and Amber are examples of why we do missions.... to build relationships.

Any time you might wonder why we wear ourselves out doing big events, consider the many stories of people who attend Emmanuel and how they got there.  You will hear stories about Easter and Christmas and Easter Eggs and Santa Claus and Boo Bash and Grill Outs and Ichthus and the list goes on.  You will hear about friendly welcomes, moving worship experiences, quality group meetings or that someone decided to show care at one very important moment.

While numbers can be used for measuring, not much measuring can be done when it comes to the human spirit bonding with another human spirit and, ultimately, with God.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

side note:  for those who are curious about the garage sale.  All the clothes that were not sold were donated to Inter Parish Minsitry.  The other items that were not sold are going to be at Mike and Donna Wright's home on August 23-25, 8 am to 5 pm.  It is going to be  a very big sale.

Mike and Donna Wright
246 Judd Road
Amelia, Oh  45102