Here is the text of the handout from Sunday. It lays out the foundation for what we expect this summer will hold for us.
- Pastor Pete
The following 12 words were given to Aimee Semple McPherson in a vision in 1924 concerning our church. These words have been foundational moorings for the life of our church. They were given before the church was founded. These 12 words are: Music, Bands, Singing, Cheers, Amen’s, Hallelujahs, Preaching, Hand slapping, Invitations, Penitents, Reunions, and Rejoicings.
Our church grows in the present while remaining connected to our past. These foundational words have set a course trajectory throughout the history of our church. They act as a compass, nudging us in the direction that God has for us in the present that continues to be in line with our history. As we focus in on the 90 days of summer and the integration of our service times together we will build upon this foundation.
Music and worship have consistently been on the forefront of our times together. Music has both attracted newcomers and focused our times together in worship of Jesus. The various forms of bands, music, and singing have changed, but their purpose has not: they point us towards Jesus, the worship of our Savior. “Hallelujahs” fill this place. Hallelujah means “most high praises to God”. That permeates all that we do: we want to see Jesus glorified and so we live our lives to bring that about.
Preaching communicates God’s word and shapes our congregation’s life. Our preaching is not limited to any one form. At God’s leading the preaching times move from being longer and more intense to shorter and more focused. Sometimes it is as a sermon and sometimes as a play. Sometimes it is in communion and sometimes it is done through music. Anywhere on this spectrum the truth of the Gospel is made known and men and women grow in their relationship with Jesus and with each other.
Hand-slapping: this has to do with relationship. When you see someone you love, you greet them, often with a hand shake and a hug. God created us to embrace one another. This is a sign of the love and affection that we have for each other and for God.
Invitations and penitents: people come to a point of consciously opening their lives to Jesus in our services. This is not the norm in many churches in America. Thankfully, as we have kept to the foundation of what God has created us to be, salvations continue to occur in this place. Because Jesus is filled with grace and truth, this church is a safe place to confess sin and to be set free from its bonds.
Reunions and rejoicings: this is what we will experience over these 90 days this summer! Many have said with excitement how much they have enjoyed the times when we have integrated our services in the past. There is a reunion, of sorts, when we all meet together at the same time. We see people that might not have seen for some time and there is a sense of joy when this occurs.
This 90 Days of summer will be a time of discipleship. Discipleship means growing in relationship with Jesus and with each other. This is a focused time for the life and health of our church. Expect that over this 90 days we will each find ourselves loving those around us more and knowing God’s presence in ways we have not before.
Posted by pfcchurch 
Posted by pfcchurch 
Posted by pfcchurch 