Looking Ahead to Summer

As we get closer and closer to summer, I’d like to share a few summer-related items.

First, many of you have asked about the progress of the new organ. As of yesterday, the organ is set to arrive at the end of June, and should be installed and ready by early July. We’re currently just under $20,000 short of our fundraising goal, so please pray about making a one-time gift to cover the cost of this beautiful instrument that will enhance our congregational worship for decades to come.

Second, our “summer schedule” will begin on Sunday, June 5. We will have one worship service, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by coffee time and Sunday School for both children and adults. This schedule will last through September 4, which is Labor Day weekend.

Finally, I’d like to suggest some summer reading. Our friend Jamie Smith’s new book, You Are What You Love, outlines how the intentional rhythms of historic Christian worship are unique “habitations of the Spirit,” within which we – both individually and collectively – can become the kind of people who love the right things. Smith’s conviction is the people are not primarily “thinkers” or “believers” but “lovers.” So, while much of the American church focuses on helping people think the right things or believe the right things, we neglected helping our people love the right things, namely God and God’s kingdom.

I’d love to see several groups emerge to discuss the themes raised in the book, with an emphasis on how our rhythms of worship are helpful, but also how we might better leverage them, toward the end of forming divine image-bearing humans who love God and God’s kingdom above all else. Please send me an email if you’re interested, and we’ll begin to organize.

Summer tends to be a slower season in Phoenix, so what a great opportunity we have to become more intentional about our formation as disciples of Jesus, engaging with great intentionality in the rhythms of worship, work, and rest together, committed to becoming the kind of people who love God and God’s kingdom.

Peace,

Chris