GOAL
           About 18 months ago, my brother David who lives in Billings Montana came to the conclusion that he was overweight and out of shape. So he set a goal for himself and that was to compete in a Triathlon. A Triathlon is an event in which you swim, bike and run. Last Sunday David competed in his fourth Triathlon this summer. He swam a mile, biked for 25 miles and then ran 6 miles. He finished in a time of 2 hours and came in first in his age division. In the process of his training he has lost 45lbs!! Not only has he done that but a few weeks ago, he competed in the Montana State games and set a new Montana state record for the 500 yd. swim. Now, none of this surprises me. David is one of the most goal oriented people I know. When he sets his mind to accomplishing a task, he pours his whole heart and soul into that task. I admire his determination.
           The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians that he is pressing on toward the goal to win the prize that God has called him to accomplish. That goal was to live a life that honors Jesus Christ. Paul acknowledges that he has not accomplished that goal, but he is putting all his efforts into attaining that goal and urges the readers of his letter to join the race with him. Paul believes in companionship and wants to pursue the prize with the people of God. This race is not a solitary race. Paul urges the church to join him in the reaching the goal of following Jesus Christ.
           This Sunday we return to our regular worship schedule and Sunday school returns to its 9:45 time. Public school is back in session and summer vacations are coming to an end. Today is a special day for us, the church to commit ourselves to the values and vision of our church. Together, all of us to join the race. As a church we value God, Faith, Family, Equipping, and Serving. We believe every single member of this church is called to embrace and live out those values. Now not every member will be here today but if you are reading this then most likely you are here. So I hope with confidence and determination you will affirm with your whole heart the values of our church and to commit yourself once again to Jesus Christ the head of this church. It is my prayer that we will run the race together and call every member of this church to join us.
Yours in Christ,
Steve
Spiritual Gifts Survey Instructions
To take an on-line inventory to discover your dominate spiritual gifts just follow these directions. This will help us to fill ministry positions based on the spiritual giftedness of our members and will help our members find fulfillment through using their God-given talents. If you don’t have internet access, contact Catheryn Thomas for a copy of the inventory. Please join the members who have completed the inventory.  Simply click on the link below or  on the front page called Spirtual Gifts Survey under the quick links. Under Pre-registered Group Login, enter the Group ID# 413001 to begin the assessment. It is simple and easy to take, and the feedback is immediate.