David Bowie sang it… “Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes — Turn and face the strange.” Anytime change is realized in our life it feels a bit… well… strange. We can easily become creatures of habit, and we are most comfortable when the status quo is maintained. We use phrases like “Get out of your comfort zone” to describe how challenging it can be to break from what is normal or comfortable in our life.
Remember how much the religious leaders of Jesus’ day fought against the change Jesus sought to bring? They had made faith all about striving for a human-interpreted moral code type of agenda, and Jesus time and again pointed out that self-righteousness was never going to appease God. His teaching constantly prodded for change. Matthew tells us, When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28
Yes, change can be hard, but sometimes it is necessary. Our church will be faced with change in a couple of weeks, and while those changes are nowhere near as significant as the change that Jesus called for, they nevertheless can be uncomfortable. It’s so important to remember that sometimes change can be healthy. Change can help us dig out of a rut. Change can sometimes provide new opportunities.
On August 25, we will begin having two worship services at our 224 location (which will be our only location then). At 9 AM we will hold a Traditional Worship Service that will include hymns and more responsive readings; among other more traditional types of elements. At 10:30 (note the time change) we will hold a more Contemporary Blended Service after the pattern of our 10:45 service. I am excited that during each service we will offer Class Electives that will provide a variety of discipleship options for our church family from kids to adults (see the trifold brochure in your church bulletin — classes begin September 1).
Some have wondered, Why have two services? Can’t we just combine everyone into one service? We have carefully considered, discussed and prayed over our programming adjustments. While it would be possible to only have one combined service, it would present some challenges.
So, why two services? 1) Church growth principles clearly indicate that once a church facility reaches 80% of capacity new folks that visit find it too confining and many times will not return. A packed room is just uncomfortable for new people. If we only had one service we would already be at 80% and would have to begin to have conversations about adding a new service. 2) Our folks at Maple Street (and maybe some of you at 224) prefer an earlier meeting time and traditional style of worship. Since we have the capability of meeting those desires, and we need to have a 2nd service anyway to avoid the 80% rule, why not offer two different styles of worship so that our folks can choose? 3) Having two services simply provides more options for folks. Perhaps one week an earlier service will be desirable because of a family commitment or a work requirement. 4) Hosting two services in the same location gives us the opportunity to offer discipleship classes during both services so that folks can take a class (or perhaps serve in a ministry) and attend a worship service. The time adjustment at 224 is so that the gap between services/classes is not too long. AND… we are planning on offering some light food options in that 10:05-10:30 time so that you can fellowship with one another while waiting for the next class//service (we all know that eating and fellowship go together:).
We do have a pressing need… we are looking for a couple of folks to teach children during our 9 AM service. Without this need being met, our families with kids will be limited in participating in both time slots. Would you, perhaps, be willing to spend a hour teaching our children? You would be such a blessing to our church family!
Let’s embrace the change! I am excited for the opportunities they present! More opportunities for worship… more opportunities for discipleship… more opportunities to teach the Christian faith to our children… and let’s face it… more opportunities to eat a donut or two!
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