Snow, stuff, generosity, Sunday...

Well, this has been quite a winter adventure! My kids went to school for literally two hours this past week. It has been such a wonderful time to hang out with them while we waited out the SnowIcemageddon! I hope you found some kind of rest and reprieve, even though it was forced upon you.

I am putting the final touches on the message for this Sunday. I have been so pleased with the wonderful feedback, both good stuff and criticism, on this series. I think we are learning that Living a Generous Life is an intentional decision and one that requires thought, dicispline and a whole new way of looking at time, margin and stuff. I hope you have found this helpful and useful.

This week we are looking at Mark 10:17-27, a close look at the rich, young ruler. This young man had a face to face conversation with Jesus about his possessions, and it was a tough chat. We are going to look at this and let Jesus chat with us too. At the end of the gathering, you will have an opportunity to respond to what Jesus is suggesting.

A few things for you to know about:

1. Beginning February 1 you will have an opportunity to attend a Journey class or a Starting on the Mission class (7-8:30). Journey is an introduction to finding your place in God's story, navigating the life of a Christ-follower, practices to deepen your spiritual growth, and some tools and perspective for the journey. Journey is a time for growth, discussion, reflection, exploration, teaching and prayer. Fore more info: journey@believedoubtseek.org

Starting on the Mission is All Saints version of membership. In this class you will learn about the history of All Saints. What all All Saints believes (doctrinally, missionally and philosophically). You will learn why we do Life Groups and why we are so passionate about reaching the city of Seattle with the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of three weeks you will be given an opportunity to say, "I'm in!" on the mission of All Saints. Contact life@believedoubtseek.org

2. This Sunday, (1/22/12) we are going to give everyone that attends All Saints an opportunity to meet the Life Group (LG) facilitators and sign up for a LG group! To do that, we are moving our break time to the end of the gathering. We want to give everyone plenty of time to find a group!

3. Speaking of the break time on Sunday, from now on we are going to have that time between the 9:30 and 11 am gatherings. It will be a great opportunity to meet people you haven't met, especially people who attend a different gathering time than you. We are grateful for the Hospitality team who do such a great job making that time possible; also warm and delicious.

4. Margin has been our theme to begin this new year. We have been challenging you to make time for the important things and not let urgent things consume your schedule. On Wednesday night, January 25, 7pm-8pm, we are going to have our church prayer night. I want to encourage you to be there and take 60 minutes to pray for and with each other, our city, our church and the world.

5. I am so proud of Sarah Castillejo and her team that serve our children. They have done a fantastic job and continue to look for ways to improve, grow and make our children's hour excellent. Thank you Sarah and team!

6. A Big WELCOME HOME to our team that served in El Salvador! I am excited to hear about their journey. What a great group of people, and we at All Saints are so very proud of them. Boy, are they in for a change in weather!

I look forward to seeing all of you this Sunday. Check out All Saints website for some brief descriptions of Life Groups to choose from. I am so grateful for All Saints! What a great church!!!

Grace and peace,

pb