Hello –
Two things that make St. Paul’s different than other churches are our mission to follow Jesus together in prayer, worship and service and our structure of Discipleship Groups. Together, these things invite us into Christian spiritual depth.
But if you’re new, how do you get started in embracing our values at St. Paul’s?
The first challenge is to embrace the balance of both the inner work and the outer work. This challenge is a personal one. It means changing the schedule of your days and weeks to include the rhythm of 20 minutes a day of prayer and an hour a week in face-to-face service of the poor.
Most of us are more naturally drawn to either prayer or service. It’s rare that people are equally drawn to both. Part of the challenge to each of us is that we insist on both. This is because the two practices reinforce and deepen one another. Our prayers are enriched by our friendly relationship with those Jesus especially loves, the poor. Our relationship with he poor is deepened when it comes from a wellspring of prayer.
A week from Saturday, on July 14th, I will be starting a round of Basic Discipleship, where I coach a small group of people into getting into and maintaining a rhythm of daily prayer. We each have to find the kind of prayer that works best for us. It’s a personal art and chance for creativity and learning. We will meet first thing in the morning at a mutual convenient time. Please email me if you’re interested, I already have two folks. (c.h.mrtn@gmail.com)
We have a diversified portfolio of service that gives you 5 options of communities to serve weekly. Each of them has opportunities to “come and see” what they do without making a commitment. If your goal is to get into a sustainable rhythm with your service, it’s worth taking he time to find out what community you most have a heart to serve. Possibilities include probationary teens, prisoners, the homeless, isolated seniors and young moms and their children. Again, email me and I’ll be happy to make the appropriate introductions. Your next step may be exploration. (c.h.mrtn@gmail.com)
The goal is a rhythm of life many of us have come to live out here at St. Paul’s. The next three challenges are built upon prayer and service and also support prayer and service. These are, first, joining a Discipleship Group, then next, following the next 3 core practices of worship, generosity and study, and then finally, becoming clear about discerning your own call so that you can do the work that God has given you to do with gladness and singleness of heart. It is a rich journey into the heart of God. Take your next step this summer by embracing prayer AND service.