If you were in worship last Sunday, you know I stopped during the message and asked you to turn to someone and ask, “How are you?” There were pleasantries exchanged and smiles. I then “upped the ante” and asked you to rephrase the question and ask, “How are you…really?” and wait five seconds allowing the other person to respond. That time I saw people looking into other’s eyes, handshakes and hugs exchanged by several of you. My point was simply this. Life is about relationships. The Body of Christ should be the safest and most vulnerable place to be our real selves, but often it’s not. Why? Sometimes it’s because of shame or pride. We don’t want people to know the struggles we’re going through because we’re a Christian. Who ever said being a Christian protected you from all struggles? It does prevent many if we’re living by God’s principles, but even Jesus gave us this promise: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We need each other!

That’s why we’re encouraging you to be a part of a dynamic Small Group here at First Church in 2010. Some of you already know the benefits of sharing life together in a more practical, honest and encouraging way. For others, it will be a new experience and of course, anything new can be a little risky. High risks often bring high rewards! This Wednesday night beginning at 5:00 we’re hosting a Small Group Fair in Harris Hall complete with “State Fair“ foods, sweet treats, midway games and an opportunity to check out a First Church Small Group for 2010. Several Group facilitators will be present to discuss options with you. Some FC Small Groups will meet here on Wednesday nights, and another is forming on Sunday afternoon. Sunday evenings and Wednesdays evenings are also other times mentioned in individual homes. The optimum size for a FC Small Group is 12 active participants. At 14, we’d invite you to divide and begin two “new” groups to include others in your neighborhood and our church family. Kirk Norman, assisted by Mary Nethercutt, will be facilitating the Small Group process. He will be sharing this Wednesday evening and has a powerful 9 minute video on Simple Small Groups to share. I saw it last night and was very impressed and challenged by the content. I think you will be too!

Hope your New Year is off to a good start! I plan to share some helpful “Steps to Financial Freedom” with you next week. Looking forward to being with you on Sunday! The weatherman says it will be a warm one: 38 degrees (above zero!).

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Mark

P.S. Explore First Church is this Sunday. Want to learn more about First Church? Register today to join us for lunch. Blessings!