I have recently started taking a class on missions, so it is likely you will be hearing a bit more from me on this in the near future. The class is titled Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally. In San Diego, like many coastal cities, there are multiple cultures present. People move here from all over the world to work. We who are Nazarene say that we are a Christian, holiness, and missional church. What does this mean? Regarding being Christian, we are members of the global church which believes in a Trinitarian God and Jesus as our Savior. When we say holiness, we believe in baptism by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to be more Christlike.
Let us now focus on the missional piece. In summary, we are to be a people sent by God to do His work. Do we see ourselves that way? Many of us can recite the Great Commission as seen in Matthew from memory. Matthew 28:16-20 tells us the following:
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, Paul communicates to the readers that they are God’s coworkers. Before we get to us, do we see how the initial followers were all doing essential work for the building of the church Jesus started? In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks if they are working for the approval of mankind or of God?
In previous messages Pastor Jeremy has asked us if we see others as Christ does, as people in need of a Savior. Turning the above questions toward ourselves will help us to see if we are closer to being people who send others or people who are sent. What are we sent to do? The Great Commission and Great Commandment come to mind pretty quickly. Can we love God and neighbor in a genuine way? If we approach people and situations with the approach of genuinely wanting to proclaim the Good News, we will be much closer to the above.
Alabaster Collection THIS Sunday:
Please fill up those alabaster boxes with your coins so that we can support World Missions in the Nazarene Church. Bring your filled boxes either this Sunday or next Sunday! The money raised goes to help build churches, hospitals and schools for the Church of the Nazarene.
Wednesday Food Sign Up:
So let's talk about food and Bible Study, we would love for you to join us on Wednesday for dinner and Bible study. If you enjoy our time together please also consider inviting your friends. The more we have the merrier it will be. To make sure we have everything we need, here is the link for this week Wednesday, October 3rd. If you would like to sign up for next week here is the sign up sheet for that. Wednesday, October 10th.
Wednesday Night Fellowship + Kids Program:
WEDNESDAY, 6-7:30pm. Come join us for an evening for every age! This is our first week for our Bible Studies. A great time to invite new people. The children will be learning about how Jesus rescues us. The adults will be able to study prayer through the Scriptures. We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Operation Christmas Child:
We are gearing up for Operation Christmas Child. To keep our minds thinking about it, I want to share the story of Eva Bossenberger who is 100 years old. Eva, who has enjoyed sewing since she was a child, makes dresses to pack in Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. She prays that every girl who receives a dress will hear the Gospel and come to know Jesus as her Savior. To learn more please watch the video below.
Fall Festival:
Saturday, October 27 from 2-6pm. Plan to join us for this fun outreach event that our church will be doing. We still need volunteers to sign up to make cupcakes for our cupcake walk. We will also need for people to donate candy (preferably candy with no peanuts). Feel free to bring a big bag and give it to Chelsea!
SoCal District Work & Witness Trip:
November 5-12, Puerto Rico, $1200. Check out the menifeechurch.org/missions for more information or talk to Chelsea if you have questions!
Offering:
To all those who give during out service or online, THANK YOU!!! The money you give goes to helping our community and the global church. If you missed giving this week, just visit our giving page here and give online.
We also are set up to receive Faith Promise through our online giving here just make sure that you select Faith Promise instead of general offering.
Tithing is a discipline that will strengthen your faith and the church cannot function properly without your support. If you consider Mount Carmel your church home, please pray about being obedient to the Lord in this way.
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Our mailing address is:
Mount Carmel Church of the Nazarene
10060 Carmel Mountain Road
San Diego, California 92129, United States
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