Go and Make Disciples!

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

The above verses are words spoken, after Jesus’ resurrection, as he appears to the disciples. Each of these Gospel writers made it a point to share Jesus’ final words as instruction for the disciples. What were the disciples supposed to do once Jesus was gone? “Go, and proclaim the Good News!”

“Gathered to Grow…Sent to Serve” is St. Peter’s mission statement to help focus on carrying out Jesus’ commands. The community gathers again and again to hear this Good News, be strengthened in faith, so that it may be empowered to share this Good News with the world.

Over the past few months the council and worship and music committee have been exploring the potential of a third worship service at St. Peter. The exploration is for an evening worship. This exploration has taken place in effort to enhance St. Peter’s mission of “Gathered to Grow…Sent to Serve.” Following the survey and much discussion it has been decided that a Saturday worship at 5:30pm would be beneficial.

Plans are now in motion to make this worship a reality. Thursday night worship was cancelled a couple years ago. Much was learned from that experience that is going into the planning process for this new worship service. For instance, in order to make this worship a reality the council and committee will be looking for people to help support this new worship service before it begins.

How can you support this new worship service?

1. Pray for the planning, implementation and for those it will reach.
2. Volunteer to be an usher, communion assistant, etc. for this worship service.
3. Commit to making this your primary worship service, and attend regularly.
4. Commit to participating in this worship, as well as attending your regular Sunday worship for a number of weeks/months. (This reason is for helping the worship start successfully. We learned from Thursday’s worship that without a critical mass of people in attendance the worship service will fizzle out. If a large number leave to support the Saturday for a while without sticking with Sunday, then the Sunday worship may fizzle.)
5. Increase financial giving to general fund in order to help with additional costs of the new worship service.

I believe with the proper support and planning this can be an excellent ministry for those of our members who prefer evening worship, as well as those who have schedule conflicts with Sunday morning worship.

Beyond St. Peter’s current members I also see this as a great opportunity to reach out into the community. It is a wonderful opportunity to enhance St. Peter’s mission of Gathered to Grow…Sent to Serve. In so doing we enhance our ability to fulfill Jesus’ command to “Go, proclaim the Good News.”

I’m excited to see how God continues to find ways for St. Peter to thrive in sharing the Gospel. Continue to watch the Voice, E-news, Facebook and such for when this new service begins.

God bless,
Pastor Mark