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North English Statement of Purpose: |
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Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.
Church Services - 10:30 a.m.
“For All People”
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.” – Luke 2:10
Well, another Christmas has come and gone, as has the deluge of activities and events that have a tendency to make us wonder if it’s really all worth it. Among those many activities were a vast array of “spiritual activities,” each one focused on drawing us nearer to God and reminding us of God’s greatest gift – His only begotten Son in a manger.
I couldn’t help but marvel at the number of these activities available, as I worked to create in my Highland Ridge job posters to promote them all. There were Catholic services, Baptist services, Lutheran services (Missouri synod and ELCA), Methodist services, Presbyterian services, Evangelical Free services, Brethren services and last but not least, Christian Church services (hey, gotta get our “plug” in!).
And in my marveling, I was reminded of how thankful I am that God didn’t send His Son to bring “great joy” to any one of those groups of people in particular; the “great joy” was intended to be “for all the people.”
It is one of my “great joy(s)” to mingle and minister with so many of you, to count you as friends, regardless of your spiritual background or denominational affiliation. I learn from and grow with you each, and trust that you know that when I look at you, I don’t see a church, tradition or denomination, but an unbelievably valuable member of God’s family, who has chosen to worship at North English Christian Church, and whose greatest days actually may still lie ahead of them. Even more joyful is that, by God’s grace, I have gotten to and undoubtedly will actually get to experience some of those great days with you (I’m counting on it!).
Regardless of what you call yourself (denominationally), I pray that you will experience this “great joy” on a regular basis (not just at Christmas) and that if you’re struggling with it, you’ll feel free to either drop by the church, my home, or give me a call so that we can talk about it together (we’ll both grow!).
One more thing: Every week I am reminded by interactions with various people that there are a huge number of individuals out there that have not known “church” to be this way – not its parent organization, its leadership or its attending people. A primary goal that the Lord has placed on my heart is for people here to see that it doesn’t have to be that way. Church (and by definition, the people who compose it) can actually be a fun, engaging, and encouraging place where we get the privilege of growing together. Why not invite someone soon to join us in worship here? We’re not for everybody (no place is) but for those looking for a gracious dose of “the real thing,” I believe that God will help them to find it here. Never forget: it’s not ME who makes this whole thing work in a way that pleases God…it’s YOU…as you wait on Him.
– Pastor Kirk
