Church Family,
New Mercies to Live Intentionally for Christ
Praise God that His mercies are new every morning! He is a faithful God. If you haven’t yet done this, there is much value in thinking and planning to live intentionally in 2016. Pastor Chuck led our first Connection Class of the year this last weekend, and asked us to consider the following four questions: As a disciple, how will I fill my mind with the truth of Scripture? How will I fuel my affections for God? How will I demonstrate loving commitment to my church family? Who will I urge to become disciple-makers?
Won’t you choose to think intentionally about the questions above and jot down an answer or two? Share your thoughts and hopes for a new year of intentionally living to glorify God by his transforming work in your life through Christ with a fellow member of the body, your spouse, a mentor or even a non-believing friend. Let’s trust that God will honor a heart that is positioned to hear from Him and grow in godliness and grace in the coming year.
Radiate and Youth Winter Retreat
Last Sunday we also heard from Erik, our Director of College Ministries, about an upcoming conference for college students where, as Erik says, “We hope to build relationships with one another and in community, learn about discipleship and get a better vision and heart for living missionally while in school. This is a great way to start the year – focusing on Christ, in community – and I am praying God will change us individually and collectively.”
Church on Mill is blessed with a strategic location to impact ASU (and therefore the world) for Christ. Let’s pray for both our college students and our youth as they also set aside some time this month to grow in community and prepare for the coming year of ministry through prayer and time studying the Word together. Tim Stokes, our Director of Family Ministries, (along with Allison, Dave, and other great leaders) will lead our youth retreat to Payson, Arizona from the 16th to the 18th of this month.
New Residents
Great news: God has given our church family two new Residents. Bryan Jerry, already a member of Church on Mill, just finished seminary and will start his Pastoral Residency on January 18. He will work closely with Pastor Chuck to bless Church on Mill in preparation for a future pastorate. Also, Anthony Baldwin, who will be a new face for many of us (you’ll love him!), will start his College Residency later this month. Anthony will work closely with Erik to further our exciting college ministry in preparation for missionary work among Muslims.
Proverbs Coming THIS SUNDAY
The book of Proverbs is a rich treasure trove of wisdom for practical living and we will dive in this Sunday as a church family and camp out in the book through the spring months. Don’t worry—there’s plenty to learn and discuss!
Wednesday Nights Launch
Also, don’t forget to consider joining us on Wednesday nights as we kick off a new semester of classes on disciplemaking for adults, deacon training, members mentoring and discipling one on one, and rich times of teaching and community for preschoolers, children, and youth. Things kick off January 6th at 6:30pm. Don’t miss out!
We praise God for you, His church, and delight in seeing our growth together in the knowledge of the height and depth of God’s love for us, displayed in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and future return. We celebrate a new year together and are expectant that God will accomplish His purposes in and through us, His people, at Church on Mill both in our homes, our Gospel Communities, in Tempe, and around the world.
With love,
Julie Mitchell
