One of our aims as a church is to help people grasp the gospel of grace, and then prepare them for a ministry of grace.  To care for others is often a super-human task.  Caring for others will force us to reach beyond our own strength, beyond our wisdom, and often beyond our abilities.  But it is in caring for others that we come desperately to our Father who supplies for us generously.   We are simultaneously people in need of help, as we give help to others.  This is the great mystery and privilege of ministry.

 I am writing to let you know of some things that are coming.  January 3rd we will begin a 12 week series entitled “Helping People Change” (based on the book  Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.)   This is a follow-up to “How People Change,” which we completed 3 years ago.  We plan on a similar, but slightly simpler format. 

1.  I will preach through the main texts on Sunday mornings

2.  There will be a discipleship workbook for each couple.

3.  We will use the “Make it Real” section of the workbook for our Life Group discussions.

 This will be available for everyone in the church to participate in, regardless of whether they are in a Life Group or not.  However, we would like this to be the primary focus of our Life Groups for those weeks.  The “How People Change” was an excellent series which some are still using in their individual discipleship and/or counseling work.  This series builds on that and really enhances and promotes what we are trying to accomplish within our Life Groups.  So in other words, I believe you will find this very beneficial not only to yourself, but for your entire Life Group.

 Beginning this Sunday we will have the discipleship workbooks available for $15 each.     It is possible to use one per couple (but would require the other person to use a journal alongside of the workbook).  If you are unable to pay the cost of the workbook, simply pay whatever you can afford.

 With much affection and prayer for you,

 jeff