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 Dan's September 2007 Update
Downpour—he will come to us like the rain
This weekend (August 25-26) I will do an awkward thing—describe a bit of my faith journey, my spiritual lifeline. It may be awkward, but along with the spirit of Andy Lander’s recent teaching about "story," it is the real description of how God and I have walked (or not walked) together. Generally, the last few years of my Christian experience have been dry. Perhaps to bring some comfort to my misery I am assuming there are many of you who would make the same admission.
In a sense, what we are doing the next six weeks is self-serving. It is "about us." But I was recently reminded that when a hungry person comes to God to ask for a piece of bread, God does not turn him away because the petitioner was selfishly driven! I am motivated for this because I am thirsty, in desperate need for God at the center of my life, experienced and enjoyed.
In addition to the regular weekend services during this emphasis we are planning to engage in response, worship, prayer, and communion at a unique Sunday evening experience called "The Gathering." We will meet in the auditorium at 6 p. Child care will be available for children up through age 5. Join us!
We are also continuing the open prayer times in the chapel on Sundays at 8am and Wednesdays at noon. For supplementary study the "Downpour" book (by James MacDonald) is available for purchase at the Information Center. (And check out Hosea 6:1-3.)
Small Groups
Typically we start several small groups at the beginning of September. Many of the current groups will begin again and some larger open groups will be available immediately. But we are holding off on the initiation of new groups until the first of October. The subject for many will be a more careful investigation of the "Downpour" book.
August
The month for Lea and me has included vacation with our entire family, healthy doses of solitude, and a conference for pastors and church leaders. Intermingled with those activities came golf, swimming, fishing, reading, lounging, games, a bit of water skiing, hobbies, study, and a couple of speaking opportunities. And for this "news-a-holic" there was no newspaper or TV for three weeks! But I did substitute a lot of ice cream! (And the grass/weeds at home are really growing!) I am still ready for a "downpour!"
By the way, did you know the Calvary softball team won the league championship? Congrats! Maybe that’s an omen for the Chicago Cubs!
Dan Schoepf is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church.
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