A PRIORITY RESET

Are you a New Year’s resolution person? Or maybe you just see this time of year as an opportunity to re-evaluate areas of your life. I fit more in that category. It’s a time to look at where we’ve been in the past year. Am I satisfied with my progress?

You’ve seen the ads for new eating plans and gym memberships. Let’s take some time to think about the spiritual side of our lives. Are we growing? Do we see progress from last year? This is a great time to begin fresh habits which will have long lasting effects (maybe even more than the gym membership).

“Holiness is not a condition into which we drift.” John Stott

Wherever you are on your walk with Jesus, Faith Church offers a variety of ways to encourage you to take that next step. Maybe it’s time to finally take the plunge and join that small group God has been nudging you about. Or maybe your Bible reading and prayer time is sporadic at best. What would it look like to commit to being more consistent? The Cover to Cover Bible Reading plan is set up for you to jump in at any time. And Pastor Bob has asked us all to commit to praying for just 7 minutes a day. That sounds doable, right? We want to help you find a tool that meets your specific needs.

Take a look at some tools used by Faith staff members to keep their faith walk vibrant.

SPIRITUAL RETREAT, A Saturday Morning with Jesus

We don’t think twice about spending 90 minutes with a good friend over coffee. But carving out space for our own spiritual health can seem daunting. So let’s try something more reachable.

We will be offering a ‘Saturday Morning with Jesus’ this spring. Join Pastor Bob for a morning of prayer. After a short devotional to help us focus, you will have 90 minutes to spend time just talking with God. Maybe you have a big issue to talk to God about. Or maybe it’s just life in general. Don’t overthink it - we’ll provide the coffee and a printed guide to walk you through your time with Him.

To be notified of the spring date or if you have questions, please email Marilyn at mmiller@WeAreFaith.org.

Amy Waligora

Podcast: Made for This With Jennie Allen

When do you listen? In my commute (when my car is kid-free) or while completing household tasks like folding laundry.

Healthy Tip: Keep a notebook handy; this way when your mind starts to wonder or an idea sparks (because it inevitably happens), you can just jot it down and keep listeningand you won’t have to worry about remembering your thoughts.

Book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Synopsis: Discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace and a deeper understanding of God.

Worship: Creates a Spotify playlist of worship songs

When do you listen? I go on a 30-minute walk or run several days a week and listen to a worship-inspired playlist. It’s intentional time focused on God, praising Him and seeking Him out in the busyness and messiness of life.

Why you should pick-up a copy: I have been looking to incorporate different ways to connect with God throughout the week, in addition to the daily ‘Cover to Cover’ Bible reading and prayer. In ‘Celebration of Discipline’, there are practices available that really deepen our walk with God and allow us to hear from Him in the midst of our busy lives. The beauty of these practices is that they can be used anytime throughout the day and many don’t take a lot of extra time. These practices allow me to be mindful of God’s constant presence throughout the challenges and joys that each day brings.

Cover To Cover Bible Reading

When do Faith Church staff members take time to read the Bible? Some staff members start their day with a cup of coffee & the day’s Scripture, while others listen to the daily chapter on their way into work and use remaining time in prayer. While a few others read the passage and daily devotion during family meals.

“There are so many factors that can influence your day that there’s no ‘perfect time’ to read the Bible. Each day can look different - and that’s OK. Take one day at a time. I promise that you won’t regret opening the daily text or email, or pressing play to listen. Rather, you’ll feel God meeting you right where you are at.”

Karla Weemhoff, Executive Director of Communications

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