Commonsensical

I've noticed a pattern emerging every year for a long time. It includes things like notebooks, new backpacks, jeans, dorm room decorations and new activities. Regardless our age, the "Back to School" season still affects us and it doesn't even require that we have children of that age. The community quickly adapts to this routine each fall adjusting to new traffic patterns and work schedules.  It's also a great time to consider how our routines are going to be different as well, especially our spiritual lives.

Over the past several weeks we have been discussing the launch of our new discipleship process here at NUMC. You can learn more about The Simple Way on our website or pick up a flyer in the foyer at church. Simply know this, it's all about helping you grow into a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ by providing a simple process, the right opportunities and the right resources. It's our mission: Growing Passionate Disciples. Therefore we are providing several opportunities to get on "The Way."

"The Scriptures contain all things necessary for salvation." John Wesley understood the importance for the people of faith to know not only the story of scripture, but to know the scriptures themselves. This year we are focusing on the 4 Gospels instead of the whole Bible and I have created a simple reading plan that will finish the Gospels every 40 days. (subscribe to an iCal or download the .pdf) I'm encouraging everyone  to starting reading on September 1st Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and then when you finish, start again. And don't worry if it takes longer than 40 days to complete, just keep reading and start over again.

Will Rodgers once said, "Common sense ain't so common." I believe it's true, but I also believe it's not impossible, but what does faith-driven common sense look like? In September we are developing our faith skills in a sermon series entitled, Commonsensical: Skillful Living in the Book of James. We will follow Jesus and his brother's (James) advice to: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. (James 3:13, MSG)

It's that time of the year...so let's get back to a new routine in our discipleship together.

Peace ><>
Pastor Chris