Who ever said that life as the family of God would not be a stretching, bending and sometimes downright challenging experience?  Certainly not Jesus.  Definitely not Paul.  In fact, nowhere in the Bible can I find where experiencing life together as God’s children will be an always-comfortable, usually-convenient walk in the park. 

Beginning last week and continuing on for several weeks, God is taking us into a passage of Scripture that, frankly, could mean some of the BIGGEST CHANGES I’ve ever experienced in this living organism called “the church.”  That possibility doesn’t scare me; instead I find it exhilarating and exciting.   

For too long now the church in our nation has lacked a spontaneous, life-giving, regular experience of the presence of Christ.  Sunday after Sunday we do basically the same thing and, not surprisingly, we experience basically the same results.  But the more I’ve been dwelling on I Corinthians 12-14, the more I find God messing with my concept of life and worship together in the church.

This Sunday, Eric will be directing our attention to I Corinthians 13, the “love chapter” of the New Testament.  (Convenient how that fell on the week of Valentine’s Day, huh?)  This paramount quality of the God we serve is also meant to be the preeminent quality of the life we share.  Don’t miss the foundation God is laying at Mosaic for our worship life together this week. 

Additional opportunities to grow in Christ upcoming:
PARENT’S NIGHT OUT—TONIGHT our collegians are donating their time to any parents of children who would like a night out (or a few hours away) from their children.  Feel free to drop your kids off at Mosaic from 6-9PM tonight and let these wonderful young adults minister to them and to you.  THANK YOU College & Young Adults for blessing parents in this way!  You’re amazing!
MEN'S CONNECTION—THIS SATURDAY, February 11^th @ 8:00AM @ Second Space Gallery.  We’ll be enjoying good food, great fellowship and the wisdom of one of our seasoned leaders at Mosaic, Tom Bates, as we address further this issue of life-changing friendships among men in God’s church.  See you tomorrow!
MONDAYS @ MOSAIC—We’ve just launched a new series of classes Monday nights that are designed to help us put the power and life of Christ to work in our own experience.  Join us Monday evenings at 6:30PM for a look at poverty, addictions, worship and our response to all of them. 
ALPHA UPDATE—Just to let you know that we have 3 Alpha groups up and functioning this winter/spring with nearly 50 people involved.  Please be praying for God to move powerfully in the lives of every participant. 
NEW COUPLE’S GROUP—starting February 19^th at 6:00PM, a new monthly couples group will be launching at the Repsold’s (3205 E. Marie Ct.).  No matter how long or short you’ve been married, you are welcome to check out this new group.  You’re also invited to bring some finger food if you’d like.   

Loving the Mosaic Family,

John