I want to be in a church that has enough sense to get out into the rain.

Last Sunday night, our church family gathered for a Spirit storm. At least that's what we call it. Rather than get together and "brain storm" on our own, our practice is to pray ahead of some decision making, gather, and see how the Spirit has been speaking, and how He would guide us.

The decision making had to do with what the Lord has in mind for us to do missionally this year. And so God had us gather for a Spirit storm.

And it sure did rain.

We talked about missional things we were led to do last year, we talked about things we seem to be led toward this year, and we also talked about some broad missional goals and guidelines. But the extra remarkable thing was to see how specifically God is leading and what He is saying. When a church gathers in expectation of God speaking and directing-- and we listen-- His Spirit moves.

My mind went back to the Psalm text for the morning: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

Space won't permit me to share all the wonderful ideas God has placed on our minds-- but be on the lookout for that in the near future. But the message here for, for me, is about unity. And rain.

Unity is to be found through the power of the Holy Spirit. And it helps if you don't mind getting wet.

On the lookout for rain with you,

Pastor Chris

PS: Let me heartily recommend two really terrific podcasts we recorded last week. Don Bowes talks about his lifelong interest in the dramatic arts (and there are pictures!) and Josh Flood talks about "The Watchman" of Ezekiel 33-- and along the way, the conversation turned to the war on drugs, duty, Justin Bieber and asking "Scantron" questions. Sound intriguing? Listen to Don Bowes' podcast conversation here. Listen to Josh Flood's podcast conversation here.