Dear Church Family,
Last Sunday
It is often said that the kingdom of God is an “upside down” kingdom. To be first is to be last. To be humble is to be exalted. We saw this “upside down” principle play out last week in Ruth 4:1-13. At great cost to himself, Boaz redeems Ruth, taking her as his wife and bringing her into his inheritance. But before Boaz redeems Ruth, she is first rejected by another man who might have redeemed her. This man refuses her, “…lest I impair my own inheritance” (v. 6). He is concerned about keeping all of his inheritance in his own family name. But in protecting his name, he loses it. The text literally leaves him nameless. Are you living an “upside down” kind of life? May we stand in the line of Boaz and his grandson, Jesus Christ, who humbled himself on a cross and got the name that is above every name (Phil. 2:9).
New Connection Classes
Two new connection classes begin this Sunday in the Christian Challenge Building.
- Loving the Way Jesus Loves (9:30 am). Come study the One who loved perfectly. We can only love because he first loved us.
- Singleness and the Scriptures (11:15 am). Single or not, this class is a great opportunity to learn more about identity and the gift of singleness in the church.
Thanksgiving Picnic
Our Thanksgiving Picnic is fast approaching. Join us Nov. 18th, 3 pm at Daley Park for a Thanksgiving meal. Bring a blanket and a side-dish or dessert to share, and be on the lookout for unfamiliar faces. There are few occasions better suited for showing the hospitality that should mark the lives of believers.
Thanksgiving Offering
As we reflect on all that God has done for us in Christ, we Christians have good reason to celebrate Thanksgiving with enthusiasm! Our whole lives are an offering of thanksgiving (Ps. 50:14). This month consider what this means for you in the area of finances, and how you might give above and beyond in response to the One who gave his life.
Your brother in Christ,
Phil Hoshiwara
