Royal Palm Christian Church » August 2009

Excerpts from DisciplesWorld “General Assembly Update”

Alice Price — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Disciples as a covenantal movement historically have leaned into the holy space of relationship with one another and with God for our strength and our purpose. We seek wisdom that comes from personally practicing our faith — and we are adamant that we practice our faith in the context of community. We count on meaningful conversation — “discourse” our forebears might have said — to help us tap the wisdom God has placed in each and all of us. We also practice radical hospitality that helps us stay together even when we do not agree. At General Assembly, we will bring our best traits to the Table.

The 2009 General Assembly marks what may be the biggest Disciples conversation ever. Employing social technologies proven to help large groups hear each other, the 6000+ Assembly Disciples will sit face-to-face to address what it really means to live into our newly stated identity.

“We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.” - Statement of Identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

New School Year, New Music Season

Alice Price — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:46:03 +0000

It’s time to think about back-to-school – AND about serving the Lord through our music ministry. You don’t have to read music! You just have to have a heart to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Also, High School students can earn service hours with consistent attendance at rehearsals and performances.

Bell Choir – ages 8 & up. No reading skills necessary. Rehearsals: Tuesday 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Choir – high school & up. No reading skills necessary. WE ALWAYS NEED MEN!!! Rehearsals: Tuesday 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Joyful Noyz – middle & high school music students. Arrangements are written to highlight each student’s skills and abilities. All instruments welcome. Students must have at least one semester of band/orchestra or private lessons to join. Auditions are quick and painless before or after church or on Tuesdays. Rehearsals: after church on the 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month.

Administrative/Filing – adults or high school students who wish to help file music are always welcome.

If you have questions or want more info, email Trysch at GodzPurpleFluter@hotmail.com

Good News of Blessings

Alice Price — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:43:34 +0000

On July 9^th we celebrated the 8^th anniversary of our Food Pantry. The clients all enjoyed a delicious Fiesta Dinner prepared by Lin Zemliouskas – thank you, Lin! We continue to praise God for the ways He provides for those who come to us seeking assistance.

CYF of Florida ~ Jigsaw

Alice Price — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:42:10 +0000

Christian Church Conference Center

August 28 – 30, 2009

Are you in High School? Are you interested in learning how to improve your leadership skills? Come to Jigsaw where we will explore ways to improve your youth group and develop your leadership skills.

Early registration cost is $105 and forms are in the church office. One adult volunteer must go with the youth interested in going.

Imagination

Alice Price — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:26:04 +0000

We have only one child left at home, except for short periods. But that doesn’t mean things are quiet. Gabriel can make quite a racket. He always has. I recall when he was just about four years old. Even alone he’d sing and talk loudly with a number of toys surrounding him. He’d bang them about, and he’d pretend he was different characters as he played.

Imagination. When we’re little it seems we have no shortage of it. But when we grow up most of us put our imagination on the shelf along with the toys we once enjoyed. Imagination is for kids. Reality is for adults. Or so we sometimes think.

But it’s not so! An adult without imagination is a person who can’t see beyond what is in front of his or her eyes. Faith sees something more. The world with its wars, poverty, oppression, illness and pure drudgery is what we too often think of as “reality.” In the face of this flawed reality, we desperately need some imagination. Imagination powered by faith.

Faith-filled imagination enables us to get a glimpse of a better world. A bumper sticker reads, “Imagine World Peace.” Some scoff. But imagination is the first step toward change. It allows us to incline our hearts and minds toward a brighter, more just, harmonious and God-blessed world. When Jesus taught us to pray to God “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” he called us to a prayerful imagination. Imagination helps us realize that the world as it is around us isn’t inevitable and unalterable.

“We walk by faith, not by sight” wrote the apostle Paul. Those who are strictly realistic can only “walk by sight.” That is not enough for those of us who walk with Jesus. We believe he can make the impossible possible if we walk by faith. Let’s be faithfully imaginative. Let’s imagine a better world and a better church. Then let’s live imaginatively and create a reality more pleasing to God.

Grace and Peace,

Craig