Pastoral Pursuits
February 2012
God is on the MoveOf course He is. God is always active. We are told in Psalm 121 that he never slumbers or sleeps. But we don't always notice, so I want to point out the ways God has been on the move among us lately.
In the planning for the present sermon series, someone noted that "this has the potential to change the church!" And now, a month in, that line is ringing in my ears because lives are being touched. It was powerful to see everybody come forward with their sticks of confession to lay down their burdens. It was awesome to see people desire to forgive and publicly profess their plan to do so by coming forward to touch the ashes. A good number of small groups have met and I hear reports that the sharing is real and deep and good.
My own group of young adults (and me) is growing both in depth and numbers. Our sharing about confession and
forgiveness was outstanding and a bond formed immediately such that the group decided to meet weekly for a while.
It is my hope that this group can carry on and continue to expand as an expression of community among us.
This past Sunday God moved in the message. I know when that happens because it usually includes God making the
message more than what I planned so that I am listening as much as I am speaking.
God has been working healing and hope in people and giving them a desire to grow and learn as they participate in experiencing more of our moving God. I pray that we continue to see and experience God in our worship and in our service. I pray that the February 11 event is again a time when God moves beyond our planned activity. I pray that God on the move spurs the Immanuel community to be a church on the move.
Pastor Erick Schuringa