An Autumn Sampler

An Autumn Sampler

There’s energy in the air at Madison Park this fall... and here are just a few of the reasons why: Dreams Work is a new Sunday sermon series—and a new initiative in which our entire congregation can participate—that will carry us through the first Sunday in November. A dream can be a powerful thing—a necessary instrument to move forward in life and, sometimes, an indispensable gift when facing the challenges of life. Dreams come in all shapes and sizes, of course, and not all dreams come from God. But, when Heaven helps us, imagine what might be—when Heaven helps us to have faith that what is not yet seen will someday, in fact, be seen, well, then the world begins to change. For the better.

I’ve had a few dreams over time. But, what’s next? I still must be open to God’s impression on my heart for the days ahead. Where is God taking me in the next chapter of my life? What does He want it to look like? How does He want me to grow and develop? What does He want me to become? How does He want me to influence my world? Is it possible that He has things in store that I can’t by myself imagine—and that I can’t by myself achieve? Can the same be said of you, too?

“Dreams and visions” are the mark of the New Testament church (as Peter proclaimed on the day of Pentecost, quoting from the Old Testament prophet Joel). Our church needs a dream. Our town needs a dream. You need a dream. We all need God, defining our future and inspiring our hope. Dreams work. They empower us to reach beyond what we can touch today and give birth to better tomorrows. Dream with us, as we explore the Bible’s extensive catalog of, quite literally, dreamy passages.

Look for ways you can participate in the Dreams Work initiative. Dare to dream big, and watch God at work.

Men’s Fraternity is back—with duplicate sessions on Wednesday evenings (at 7:00pm), beginning September 19, and Friday mornings (at 6:00am) on September 21. Each session will be crisp and clean, a 60-minute power hour designed to challenge guys in The Quest for Authentic Manhood. Tens of thousands of men across the country have built spiritual muscle with this anointed curriculum, grounded in God’s Word and speaking directly into the masculine heart and mind. Don’t miss this chance to stretch and grow; don’t miss this chance to experience the camaraderie and life-changing dynamics of the Fraternity. All men are welcome; choose Wednesday or Friday; bring a friend or two.

This semester will include lessons like: Genesis and Manhood (2-parts), A Man and His Wife (2 parts), 25 Ways to Be a Servant Leader, Fathers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters, and A Man and His Life Journey. Each lesson is free-standing (you don’t have to attend every one to make it worthwhile). But, to maximize your experience, show up for all eleven Fraternity meetings.

The Wednesday evening Fraternity meets in The Commons; the Friday morning Fraternity will meet in the Crossroads Auditorium (with a continental breakfast). I am absolutely committed to being in the Fraternity this fall and very excited about teaching in it. We’ll have break-out groups at each Fraternity, too—groups that will form by the third week and stay together throughout. And don’t wimp out because you’ll have to be in a break-out group. Grow up and get committed. This is a Fraternity, after all—if you don’t want to be a part of “the house,” live with Mom and Dad at home. If you step up and take a chance with Men’s Fraternity, I guarantee that you’ll look back on this fall as one of the best in your life—and want more.

I am praying for 300. Yes, 300 men to participate. Be one of them.

Women of the Word (WOW) will resume on Wednesday night, September 19, also (at 7:00pm), with teaching sessions and break-out discussion groups in the Main Street conference rooms at Madison Park. Barbara Collier and a team of co-leaders are ready to WOW you with in-depth Scripture study and everyday application of its truths this fall. All women are invited.

And, all ladies are invited to the RefresHer women’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings at Madison Park, too—one of the congregation’s most successful and effective teaching and body-building ministries (now in its 16th year!). Becky Rosenberg and Tami Seulean lead this much-loved program, which blesses hundreds of women.

Whew. I haven’t even begun to share with you the great opportunities you can find in Sunday School and small groups this fall, too. Or in the children’s ministries (Trunk ’n Treat is coming to Madison Park!). Or student ministries. And Convergence (the new 10:45am Sunday worship celebration in the Crossroads Auditorium for young adults). And Stephen Arterburn (preaching this fall). And Leonard Sweet (okay, more on him in another edition of threads). So much to tell. So little time.

Be encouraged. Be a part. Join the journey. Connect. Grow. Serve. This fall at Madison Park. Boy, I’m glad to be here! Thanks for being here, too.