Several years ago when Life Discovery was being formed we were discussing with our Board of Directors what our organizational structure looks like. After many ideas and debates, it was suggested that we are much like an amoeba. This might sound funny to you, but it perfectly describes our fluid ministry.

If you can think back to your high school Biology days (and I realize that is harder for some of you than for others!), an amoeba is a tiny, simple organism. In fact, it is so small that you need a microscope to see it. Its outstanding characteristic is that it's flexible and it changes shape constantly. That fluidity gives it the ability to make changes when needed and to fit into most spaces. And it is transparent. Sound familiar?

One of the things that we value most about our ministry is our ability to make changes when we feel it's needed or move into a new space where the Lord might be pointing us. In fact, we like to refer to ourselves as an "organism" rather than an "organization."

Having said that, here is a word about some of those changes we are making to our Sunday schedule:

We will continue to meet for Breakfast Club at our house on the third Sunday of every month; but other than that I would like to use our Sundays differently and, I believe, more effectively.

Every second Sunday beginning in February I invite you to take part in a focused, purposeful new group I am calling Fellowship of Followers.

I want to pick up where we have left off in our studies this last year with those of you who desire to go deeper and explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. We will ask for a commitment of attendance whenever possible. We will read some articles and books together during the year, so there will be homework during the month. We will challenge ourselves to put our faith into practice. This will be a focused, intentional journey of spiritual formation that will involve the disciplines of studying scripture, prayer, fasting, and contemplation. For any of you who want to deepen your walk and go the next step, I challenge you to this task and to this adventure together.

Fellowship of Followers will meet at 6 PM on the second Sunday of each month starting in February. We'll plan to adjourn around 8:30 PM. I have no idea how many people will be interested. I am praying for the right size group - not too small or too large. Please call me if you have questions about it: 602-622-1488.

There is more to share about our plans & dreams for this year, but enough for now. Plan to attend our first Monday night together at Peace Lutheran this Monday, January 16 where I will present more about what's new for the coming year!

A fellow follower-in-training,

Greg

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Sunday, January 15: Breakfast Club at Greg & Jeane's house. Bring a brunch dish to share. We meet at 10:30 AM for brunch & fellowship; Communion service follows brunch. Try to carpool if you can - parking is limited! Thanks. Call for directions: 623-376-9926.

Monday, January 16:  Monday night at Peace Lutheran Church fellowship hall will be our first Monday meeting of 2012. Carrie is making her good BBQ Chicken sandwiches; you bring the salads, sides and desserts. We'll eat around 6:30 PM. Class starts at 7:15 PM. Come and hear what's happening in the new year for Life Discovery as well as our new series: Sanctuary of the Soul.

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Saturday, February 4: The Screwtape Letters at Mesa Arts Center, 8:00 PM. Author and theologian C.S. Lewis' brilliant novel reveals spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view. This stage version brings his novel to life; entertaining and definitely insightful, you'll see yourself in more ways than you know. Group rate TICKETS: $33.00. We can carpool as a group.

We are a little bit behind on this one, so bring your money either this Sunday or Monday so we can nail down the number of tickets. If we won't see you this weekend, call Elly at 623-297-1110 to get on the list and arrange payment. (BTW, It's a good idea to pick up the book and read it beforehand -  a little background will help you as you watch the performance.)


Healing From Loss: Restoring Your Life
A new grief recovery workshop is beginning in February. If you know of someone who can benefit from this 12-week, intensive workshop, be sure to tell them about it. Classes will be every Tuesday night. We already have several participants, and space is limited. Call Greg if you want more information or if you wish to sign up: 602-622-1488. It could be your BEST decision of the New Year!