Last night, a great group of First Church folks gathered for Overflow, our monthly praise and prayer service. We’ve moved Overflow to the first Wednesday evening of the month so more will have the opportunity to participate. It may have been our largest group so far! (Remember, we’re still serving dinner every Wednesday from 5:00-6:00pm. Just sign up online or use the registration pads on Sunday. Last night’s spaghetti and chocolate are a personal favorite!). Thanks to Ruth Schwab, Linda Harris, and my Robin for leading us in worship and Kirk for serving as our “media support man.” You all did a great job!

After we sang the chorus “I Exalt Thee,” Ruth shared how easy it is to exalt other things in our lives like our calendars, shopping, personal comfort, etc. over the Lord. I invited individuals to volunteer to lead out in prayer and praise to God for what He’s doing at First Church and to seek His wisdom for revival, small group growth, new Christians among us, unity, and faithful witness to others. It is such a blessing for me to hear you pray. I am so encouraged and thankful for each of you. I shared these thoughts from Andrew Murray:

Christ meant prayer to be the great power by which His church should do its work, and the neglect of prayer is the reason the church lacks greater power. We have far too little understanding of the place that intercession (as distinguished from prayer for ourselves) ought to have in the church and in the Christian life. Our King is glorified in intercession; and we too will find our highest glory in it. Through it He continues His saving work; in fact, He can do nothing without it. It is our instrument to impart spiritual blessing to others. The power of the church to bless rests on intercession. When, due to lack of teaching or spiritual insight, we trust in our own diligence and efforts to influence the world, and work more than we pray, the presence and power of God will not be seen in our work as they should be.”

Our Small Group stayed and invested time praying for each other in the sanctuary, as well. It was a refreshing and renewing time. Prayer is the work and blessing of the Kingdom! I also unveiled the following 2010 measurable goals from your Pastors:

1. Twenty-four new Christian believers
2. Seventy-five new members
3. Two Hundred people involved in Small Groups
4. Average worship participation of 385.
5. 2,000 hours minimum of service by our members.

These spiritual goals can only be met if we each do our part to fulfill our Mission, Vision, and Process in 2010. Remember, First Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

Hope you’re enjoying your small Group! Looking forward to being “ice free” this Sunday morning!

Bless you,
Mark