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PS Note

Paul Sartarelli

paul

July 29
One Lord, One Church, One World

I wonder how many people took that provincial roving rabbi seriously when he kept talking about the world to his followers. “Go into all the world ...” “You’ll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” “The whole world will hear my Good News and then the end will come.”

When Jesus intended for his message and kingdom hope to be taken around the globe, he meant it. Back in the day, his disciples and others must have wondered, “How in the world are we taking this gospel to the whole world?” After all, there were no cars or planes or Internet or mass communication—and still the Hope of the world longed for the whole of the world to come to know him.

Our faith is a world faith. We are part of something so much bigger than we are and greater than we could ever really imagine. We have the privilege of being part of a global family who for two thousand years and spanning every continent has the message of love and restoration that this world needs. Christ, our Lord, is the Lord of the nations.

This weekend, The Chapel’s family had an opportunity to experience a bit of the global nature of the Church. In all of our services on the Akron and Green campuses, we had the privilege to hear from our dear friend Dr. Joseph D’souza. His love for Christ and vision for what the power of the gospel can do is changing the nation of India. We heard again about the Christian hope for children and women and “the least of the least.” We heard how Christ is saving and changing lives all over India. It is such a privilege to be in partnership with what God is doing in that part of the world.

In Milan, all weekend long, Sue and I had the opportunity to minister in several different venues. Sue spoke with a group of international women concerning biblical instruction and wisdom on womanhood and parenting. Women from several nations were challenged with the gospel and the calling of Christ to live godly lives in a very secular and post-Christian world. On Sunday, I preached on the demands of the gospel. As Christ-followers, we have been lavished with God’s grace and forgiven so much and yet our responsibility just begins there. As children of the family of forgiveness and mercy, we are called upon to be agents of God’s grace in the world and in our relationships.

One Lord, one faith, one Church, one world. India, Italy, Philippines, Great Britain, New Zealand, the USA. Jesus is the hope for all and Lord of all. And now as we go into the worlds where each of us live each day, may the love and relevance of Christ shine through us clearly and beautifully.


 

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David Fletcher

July 29
Changes in our High School Ministry

This summer we have announced changes in our High School Ministry. We found that our church needs an exciting Sunday morning meeting that gives God’s Word each week.

We had been trying to have the main High School meeting on Sunday night. Yet at this time in our church life, the Sunday evening meeting was not meeting our needs. So, we listened to many of you and went back to the drawing board.

Our Youth Pastor is Steve Garcia. He and his team have worked diligently this summer to create a new format for Sunday mornings. Thanks to each volunteer and staff member! You are valued and this extra effort is greatly appreciated.

There will be a great High School meeting each Sunday morning at both campuses.

They will use a rotating format for worship and teaching each month:

  • Week 1: Worship & Teaching
  • Week 2: Teaching through story
  • Week 3: Worship & Teaching
  • Week 4: Discussion-based teaching

Every member of the pastoral leadership team has given input on this new High School event. With the pastors, it’s “all hands on deck.” We love our youth and want to see an exciting place where they can connect with others and learn from the Word.

Implications for Chapel Kids
Since January of this year, many of our high school students have been involved in Chapel Kids. Beginning in September, those student volunteers will no longer be helping Chapel Kids at the 10:40 hour.

Will you consider helping Chapel Kids? Janice Kelley has revolutionized our children’s department. There is an exciting large group time, terrific teaching from the Word, and a place for you to serve! Contact Janice Kelley.

Will you join me in prayer for our children and youth? Please pray for the volunteers and staff. We want to have a church where our kids are excited to come to church and learn to be Christ-followers.