|
|
From the heart...
"Growth By Prayer"
by Melissa Daniels
When I think about my surroundings and what is going on in
various places of the world, I am a little overwhelmed. With the past several
weeks of devastation in Samoa and the Philippines, my heart aches for those who
have lost their homes, family members, and a portion of their lives. As
Hurricane Rick approaches the west coast of Mexico, I can't help but fear what
may come for those who call that coastline home.
Enter anxiety.
I suppose our journey through James makes itself appropriate
in our lives at this time. James is all about growing towards a wisdom that is
found in God's love for us. James
reminds us that God uses difficult, and sometimes devastating, times to produce
growth. Now, whether that growth offers internal healing to an individual, or
healing for a country at war with itself, is up to God. But nevertheless, this
devastation and anxiety we feel when traveling those rocky roads is put to good
use. What a tough thing to have to wrap your head around.
Working in the news industry requires some pretty tough
skin. Especially when the world throws some upsetting sights your way at a
rapid pace. I've been knee deep in bad news for days upon end. Coming into
work, knowing another large earthquake rocked the home of some of my co-workers
family's had me walking around with a steaming pile of anxiety on my
shoulders. Knowing that growth is
supposed to emerge from these devastating tragedies is not typically an
encouraging endnote.
However, it is at this point where James kicks back up
again. In his letter he reminds us that through the roughest of times we are
called to lean on God with the knowledge that dependence on Him is far more
reaching than independence alone. And the power of prayer is what really knocks
it out of the park.
With everyday stresses, anxieties, and pains that come with
the devastation that rocks our world, what a relief it is to be able to turn
everything over to God. To lean on Him instead of relying on ourselves to fix
major tragedies, allows us to let go of that anxiety and make room for
growth. But the clincher is, we
cannot reach our growth potential without prayer. But, is it really that
simple, you ask?
It is.
Just pray.
The rest will follow.
|
|
This Sunday
"No Mercy?"
James 2:5-17
Bill Berger, Pastor
We are looking at what James has to say about mercy and service to the poor. This is a very poignant message, I was very convicted by what I have been studying. I believe, if we truly embrace this and live this out, we will absolutely change the spiritual climate of the city of Seattle (That is part of our vision).
Staying with the whole theme of looking into the mirror, we must know who we are before we are able to go about the doing. James makes the assumption that we know who we are so we are able to serve the poor and be advocates for the poor. In other words, the main theme is this: James says we must be involved in ministry and service to the poor.
|
Journey
is where it all begins. This is where we take the first step, together,
to discovering the abundant life in Jesus Christ. On one level, Journey
is the door to everything All Saints -- it is how we get on the same
page in how we define our church character and culture. However, it is
much more -- Journey is about being equipped with the knowledge and
skills to help navigate this incredible adventure of life in Christ.
JOURNEY 1:: Beginnings
Believe, doubt and seek your way to Jesus
Journey
begins with an exploration of what it means to believe, doubt and seek.
We start here because we recognize that we all come to All Saints with
our own presuppositions and questions. Journey: Beginnings is a safe
place to ask these questions or express our doubts.
JOURNEY 2:: Growth
After
exploring how believing, doubting and seeking all play a part in the
life of a Christ-follower, we will explore the essence of Jesus'
invitation to trust and follow him. We will look at living with grace
as our foundation. Rather than doing this abstractly, we will focus on
trusting and following Jesus in the real contexts in which we live and
begin simple spiritual practices that enable us to grow.
|
|
Service Teams Highlight of the Week
Here at All Saints, we want the people of
Seattle to know and understand the reality of an abundant life in
Christ. This can only happen if we live out our faith in the same
places where we live out our lives. The 1 + 1+ 1 forumla is a way to
bring together our faith and our personal lives to coexist as one. The
formula includes 1 church gathering + 1 service team + 1 life group. In
the coming weeks, we will be highlighting each service group. We want
to let you know more about the awesome opportunities to serve the
people of All Saints and the people of Seattle.
All Saints - Nursery:
Help provide reliable, responsible and loveing care for the infants and toddlers of All Saints. If you haven't noticed, All Saints has been experiencing quite the "baby boom!" We currently have 24 new babies and toddlers at our church, and what a great way to love on our little ones, by helping in the nursery. Contact Jenn Gifford at nurseryl@believedoubtseek.org / 206.226.2595
In Seattle - Downtown Emergency Service Center:
DESC connects Seattl'e smost vulnerable men and women with food, health and shelter. Located in downtown Seattle, the DESC is looking to fill numerous volunteer positions. Contact Tony to learn more. He has volunteered with DESC for over a year and would love to share his experiences with you. Contact Tony Zimney at outreach@believedoubtseek.org / 612.702.5340
|
Queen Anne Community
Trick-or-Treat Walk
October 31st, 2009
on Queen Anne Avenue
The
Kids Ministries team will be sponsoring a booth at the annual Queen
Anne trick-or-treat walk. From 3-5pm, join us for candy, games and good
times. |
Just so you know...
The next Get To Know All Saints Lunch will be held on November 8th, downstairs in the multi-purpose room following the 11am gathering. If you are new to All Saints in the past 6 months, join us downstairs for food and discussion. Get to know All Saints, ask questions, and enjoy good food. Please sign up for the lunch at the Concierge desk, or email life@believedoubtseek.org
Our
fall season of Life Groups is in full swing, but it's not to late to sign-up!
There is something for everyone this fall, so check out the new 1+1+1 brochure
or the "Involvement" link at www.believedoubtseek.org
to sign-up today!
Healing Hearts- Post Abortion Trauma Recovery Group: Healing Hearts is a small group class for women with abortion in their past.
It's a safe, confidential environment to experience healing and restoration,
led by women who know first-hand what you're going through. Starts,
Saturday, October 3, from 1-3pm and runs for 10 weeks. Call or email Patti
Lozano for more information: 206-819-3207, pattihlozano@yahoo.com.
|
We need your help at All Saints!
Here are a couple of specific ways that you can serve at All Saints!
The Office is looking for help on Thursdays. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help out around the church by tidying up or helping us assemble the handouts for Sunday, please email life@believedoubtseek.org for more information. This is also a great way for high school students to earn community service hours.
The Reading & Announcements Team is looking for a new leader and new team members to help with announcements and reading scripture during our weekly gatherings. If you'd like to help, please contact the office at: life@believedoubtseek.org
The Children's Ministries Team and the Nursery Team are looking for additional volunteers to help teach and assist in the classrooms and nursery on Sundays during both gatherings. If you would like to join one of these teams, please
contact Tammara Beck at kids@believedoubtseek.org or Jenn Gifford at nursery@believedoubtseek.org
|
Central America Missions Trip Update
On
Friday, November 6th, eleven members of the All Saints community will
head to El Salvador to team up with King's Castle Ministries and
provide general medical service to the gracious people of this
country. Over the course of six days, we will use our various skills
to help improve the general health of the Salvadoran nationals as well
as share our love for our Savior Jesus Christ. Over the next few weeks
we'll be asking for your help raising funds, collecting supplies and
praying for our group. Donations can be made online at www.BelieveDoubtSeek.org and a table will be set up in the common area at
All Saints with a variety of ways you can help and be a part of All
Saint's first-ever mission trip!
|
|
All Saints News is sent out regularly to the community to engage and inform people of all that takes place through All Saints Church. This and previous updates are available on the All Saints website.
If you have any ideas, submissions, or comments, please send them to life@believedoubtseek.org
|
|
|
|
|
