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4 Weeks to go...
40 Days of Community
4 Weeks to go...
Small Groups and Community
You may well be asking, what is community? Well, community is really an expression of the 'one another' commandments. There are 58 'one another' commandments in the New Testament, such as love one another, welcome one another, submit to one another. Community happens when we are practicing these 'one another' commandments, both giving and receiving.
But we have to be honest and say that the practice of these 'one another's' is difficult in a church community the size of RCRC. While we can do this in a general way, its hard to be specific in our love, care, concern and welcoming of each other. We can most definitely try to do this, and we will. The 10+3 challenge is a great way to get involved in this. But it will still be impossible to know everyone in the church. This is where Small Groups are so important.
Small Groups are really 'the church in manageable size'. Its where community happens in its most pure form. In Small Groups we get to know a limited number of people in a more intimate and personal way. They are where we practice and receive these 'one another's' most fully.
That is why Small Groups are such an integral part of 40 Days of Community and RCRC ministry. Our goal is to have everyone as part of a Small Group, so that everyone can practice and experience true Biblical Community.
Maybe you have been putting off committing to a Small Group. Maybe you have wondered how to get involved in one or been scared of 'breaking into' and existing group. For 40 Days we will be beginning a number of new groups, and it presents a great opportunity for you to get involved, give it a go and see the difference that a Small Group can make.
Can You Help?
Last week's newsletter let you know about the mission projects that we are setting up for 40 Days. If you have an organisation or an individual that could do with a hand from one of our Small Groups, please let Ben West know on 0414 871 242 or 40days@redlandscrc.org.au.
Sign Up Continues
Sign up continues this Sunday after both the AM and PM services at the CommUNITY Central desk. There are also information sheets about the 40 Days for those who need them. Remember, we need everyone to sign up so that we can order enough material for us all. If you haven't already done so, please sign up this week. Alternatively, you can email 40days@redlandscrc.org.au with your Small Group details or requirements.
This Week's Prayer Focus: The Discovery Service (11th February) and Launch (18th February)
- Pray that the Discovery Service message will be one of God's catalysts that will ignite enthusiasm, participation and commitment during the 40 Days of Community.
- Pray for all the churches worldwide that are participating in the campaign, that their Launch Event will go extremely well.
- Pray for the response of people to the appeal for Host Homes during the Discovery Service message, that God would move in hearts and cause a groundswell of response to this challenge.
- Pray that many people invited to the Discovery Service will accept the invitation without fear.
"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11 (NIV)
"Tomorrow I plan to work, work from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." M. Luther