Will you say yes?

Beloved of my heart,

It's me.  The one who keeps nudging you about my call for you:

... that yearning of your heart,

... that chance to use your gifts to their fullest, 

... that place where you heart means the world's deepest needs.

I know you think you couldn't be the one for the job, but if you weren't the one for the job, I wouldn't have come to you with it.

I wouldn't have come knocking at the door of your heart.  I wouldn't have come into your dreams.   I wouldn't have placed the hunger in your heart.  I wouldn't have planted in you the frustration with what is.  I wouldn't have seeded in you the vision of what could be.

You say you want to make a difference and to have a greater impact in your life and work.  I'm offering you all of that, but you keep telling me the vision is unrealistic, unattainable.  Still, you say you trust me.  Well, here I am, ready to give you the greatest adventure of your life.  Yet, you hold back.

I don't take it personally, but I do weep about it.  I weep for the joy you are missing out on.   I weep because you aren't fully experiencing the power of my Spirit at work within you.  I weep for what the world is missing out on.

I want to make sure you know, I'm here, close as your breath, waiting for you to say yes.   You can do this!  We can do this!  Together, we can do this thing!

It's true, there will be challenges and dark moments along the way-but they teach you the most beautiful lessons you'll ever learn. I need you.   I have called you to be my hands, my heart, my voice in the world.  I need your circumstances, your strengths, and even your weaknesses.  It is out of the geography of your wounds that healing will take place, new life will emerge.  I need you, just as you are.

Will you say, yes?

Love,

Abba God

Holy Habit: Saying Yes!

Our formation in Christ involves five discoveries:

1. Discovery 1: What is my call? (Saturday, October 19, from 8:30am-4:30pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, Canton; cost: $10)
2. Discovery 2: Where am I now? (Saturday, January 11; cost: $10)
3. Discovery 3: What is the plan? How do I get there? (Saturday, March 22; cost: $10)
4. Discovery 4: How will I start? (May 19-21 on retreat; cost will be announced and includes two overnight stays and all meals)
5. Discovery 5: Who will help? (The gift of community throughout the journey).

To register, please email Candice. More information will be available in the coming weeks via the MVP website and broadcast emails, so stay tuned! 

As you say "yes!" to God, may you experience God's blessing:

May the Son of God who is already formed in you grow in you:

so that for you he will become immeasurable

and that in you he will become laughter, exultation,

and the fullness of joy which no one can take from you.

-Isaac of Stella

Upcoming Events: The Journey

By Candice McMath

Discernment of God's Call-- Opportunities to Serve on the new Commissions

Working for a Just and Peaceful World:  

Rev. Dr. Graham Standish

Noted author and lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, is leading a workshop for teaching elders, ruling elders, and other church leaders.

• When: Saturday, October 12, 2013
• Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Avenue, Warren, Ohio 44483
• Cost: $10, including lunch 

To register, complete this form and return by mail or send the registration information requested in an email to

From Janet Fehlen, Synod of the Covenant

From Linda Leon

A Malone Worldview Forum

The 2014 Mission Yearbooks are now available.