WOW

Wow have we had lots of new people and visitors at Good News over the past few weeks.  I could give all of the Good News regulars a pep talk to be friendly, attentive and "step across the room" to get to know these new folks.  Many of you will do a great job of this anyway so what I would like to do is address this blog to the folks who are new members, visitors, people who are seeking a place to worship God and to hear God's Word.  Here goes:

1. First, I am honored to be in worship with you!  Isn't it wonderful that we can come together and collectively point toward God, seeking His advice, hearing His word, giving to His work and loving His people?  Just so you know, my goal in worship and in preaching isn't to tell you what I know, give you some pop psychology or tell you some platitudes that will make you feel good.  My goal is to tell you, in the best way I know how, what the Lord says.  This calling goes all the way back to the Patriarchs in the Old Testament to the writers of the short letters in the New Testament.  Jesus said in John that we would worship in Spirit and Truth.  We will strive to do that.
2. Second, we are very far from perfect.  Good News is relatively new and there are ways we don't have our act as together as we should.  Be patient and become part of our ability to do all things better ... we need your help and your giftedness.  We are not a refuge of saints but rather a place where sick people gather for healing.  After all, Jesus said He came to reach and heal the sick ... not to help those who think they are righteous.  If you want to be part of a ministry, if you desire to serve in some way, if you have an idea for a new ministry or if you just want to participate in some meaningful way we hope Good News will be just the place for you.  I will personally try to connect you to a place where you can make a difference to God.
3. Third, Good News is committed to making the community better because God placed us here.  So we will be more and more focused on mission.  This will mean all of our groups, old and new, will be challenged to be in a missional posture as it related to God and our community.  After all ... we ARE the mission.
4. Finally, we are serious about knowing God (learning/Bible study) ... loving God (worship, giving and nurture)  ... serving God (mission).  Through these paths we hope to relate to God with our heart, soul, mind and strength and love those people God sends our way.

On October 7th I hope you will join me after the 2nd service (NOON) and have PIZZA WITH THE PASTOR.  I will supply pizza, drinks and salad.  We will gather in the sanctuary and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of me and the ministry staff.  All of you who have visited (even one time) or are regular attenders who just have questions, please come.  Also new members and people who are seeking a place to worship God are welcome.  I will be honored to meet you and get to know you!
Pastor Randy