The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom…. It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it. (N. T. Wright)
Our Easter Reality is ongoing – through the resurrection of Jesus, “God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is heaven.” And as those who belong to Jesus, we are a part of expanding His kingdom through proclamation and practice.
On Saturday, Immanuel will be doing this through the Super Hero Fun Run coordinated by the prayerfully imaginative team of Jordan Weymouth, Melissa Byers, Angie Morlu, Cheryl Timmons, Karen Groat, and Kent Avery. They, along with a group of Immanuel volunteers (among them, it is rumored, a Harpster Hulk), will arrive at Andrew Leitch Park at 12pm, preparing for the fun that will happen from 2pm-4pm. As we serve the community through providing this fun event, our desire is that new relationships will form, drawing more people into God’s kingdom as they get to know us, and encounter Jesus through us.
Please pray! Set aside a little time today and tomorrow to pray for our team and for those who will be coming. On Saturday, set reminders on your phones and/or write yourself a note to pray several times between 12pm and 5pm. Please pray:
· For protection, discernment, and courage for our volunteers.
· For the gift of good weather!
· For protection, conversation, and responsiveness for those who attend.
· For fun!
The Super Hero Fun Run is another example of our four priorities/practices in action: Reflective Listening will occur as our trained “Relationship Builders” engage the participants in conversation. Intentional Diversity is in action through both our volunteers (who are intergenerational, intercultural, and interpersonal) and in those coming for the fun. Adventurous Thinking is what brought about this event in the first place, and it’s definitely going to be a time of Creative Connecting. I love it!
We look forward to hearing stories of God’s kingdom in action through Immanuel.
Your Pastor in Christ,
Travis+