love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that
we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. - 1 John 4:7-11 (HCSB)
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (HCSB)
11/25/2017
10 years ago today, a group of people sat around a table in a living room, and began a new journey, a new season. We did not know where God would take us, but we knew without a doubt that he said 'Go'.
We knew that we were to be a Church, a gathering of the Ekklesia, and that our mission would be to (from our statement of practice):
1. Equip the people of God with the tools necessary to draw closer to God, and to each other, through the systematic study of God’s Word , and loving fellowship with one another.
2. Empower people by providing a safe, compassionate and loving environment, a place where wounds can be mended, loving correction given, hearts can be healed, lasting relationships can be formed, and Christ can be glorified.
3. Encourage people to pursue God with their whole selves, and to live the Kingdom of God as defined in Romans 14:17-19, which says: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness (which is a condition of the Spirit), and peace (which is a condition of the body and mind), and joy (which is a condition of the soul) in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
We set out, believing that:
· Equipped people = Effective Church
· Empowered people = Confident Church
· Encouraged people = Strong Church
We weren't sure initially how it would play out, but we had trust that God would see it through in accordance with His will; and He has... Through twists and turns, births and deaths, growth, challenge and change, He has been consistent and ever present, as He promised. He is indeed, 'not a man that He should lie.'
The absolutely amazing ways that God has shown His love for us, manifested mainly by sending those of you whom He sent, for the time that He sent you, continues to be a cause for Gratitude and Praise.
We have seen, experienced and grown much together. We have laughed, cried, celebrated and grieved together. Together we have seen glimpses of what it truly means to be a family of Faith, bound by unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
I am grateful to God for each and every one of you.
But this season has now reached its end...
Family and friends, please allow this brief note to serve as the formal announcement, that
The Repairer's Fellowship is ceasing weekly operation as of today 11/25/17.
It is bittersweet to be sure, but moreso exciting to know that we can look ahead in expectation to what God is going to do next.
There are a couple of things that will be continuing:
- The weekly Bible Study will resume in January (more detail will come forth shortly)
- The teaching ministry (via internet, social media, and live on occasion) , church liaison work, seminars, pulpit supply and blogging will continue.
- We are still (and always) available for prayer, counseling, questions, etc.
- Depending on interest, we will also be offering an intensive leadership class, for those who feel that they are called to ministry.
Elders Fortt and McElwee will continue in their respective roles as it applies to the above capacities as well.
The email address, and phone number will remain active as points of contact, for those who need to contact us.
Finally, to all of you, on behalf of my family and I: THANK YOU!
Each of you , in your own way have contributed to the growth and development of the ministry, and the people involved. The last 10 years have been precious, and will never be forgotten.
God Bless you,
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