Mission Outpost

On Sunday I offered new words of welcome during the announcement time. For several years I’ve said the same thing, "Village Presbyterian Church is a gathering of neighbors and friends discovering life together." While I believe this continues to be the case, I want us all to expand the vision beyond the framework of the “neighbors and friends” who are currently known to us. We are neighbors and friends but we must also give attention to the call that God has upon our particular community of faith. This past Sunday I said it like this, "Village Presbyterian Church is a mission outpost, called to proclaim the way of life that is found in Jesus Christ who taught us to love as we are loved by God, to forgive as we have been forgiven and to give as God has given unto us."

Hopefully, this statement causes us to ask a few good questions. What is the mission? As an "outpost," how far on the edge are we willing to live for the sake of the gospel? Who issued this call? How is this "way of life" proclaimed? Where are the "resources" of this mission to be found? When and why is forgiveness required? What has God given and how do we appropriately give ourselves and our gifts for the sake of the mission?

Just a few questions that came from the top of my head. On Sunday, we’re beginning a new series in the book of Acts. Acts is actually Part II of the Luke-Acts series. You'll notice a similar introduction for both books. Let me encourage you to read the first chapter in preparation for Sunday and then check back to this blog for a few comments about the new series that starts this Sunday.