Back to Church Countdown – 6 Days to Go!

Dear Lord. In obedience to your Holy Word, we are reaching out, lifting up the name of Jesus, and loving people. Please use our offering of time, energy and outreach for Your glory. As people open their mail this week, we pray You will use the Impact cards to draw them into Your embrace, and into the church. Empower us to make personal invitations and give us health and focus to be in attendance on this day of ingathering. In Jesus Name. Amen

Back to Church Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 20
9 & 10:30 am

eNews from Pastor Jerry – Sept 3

Kirk Friends and Family,

How exciting, 17 days to the BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY, Sept. 20.  Members are writing letters to their friends, sending email cards, handing them information and inviting.  In two weeks 5,000 postcards will blanket the area inviting many in our community to come back to church.  Who knows how God will use all of this.  A person may be invited by you or receive an invite card at just the right time.  Perhaps they have been trying to go it alone in life or overcome some problem.  Perhaps they just feel alone, and this little invite is just at the right time.  Maybe someone has been thinking more about God lately with the world as it is, and your invite will encourage them to step into a full relationship with Jesus.

Let me ask you to begin praying each day for this campaign.  I’m not asking you to fast for 17 days and go without sleep–just say a little prayer now and then, as you think about it.  Ask God to draw people to Himself and to His church.  Ask the Lord to use Back to Church Sunday.  He will.  I’m certain He will!

TWO SPECIAL EVENTS.  Let me tell you about two concerts that are being held as invitation events for Back to Church Sunday.  On Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:00 pm our Family Worship Team will be having an hour of “worship at the park” at Edgewater Park in Dunedin, down by Bon Appetite.  We have rented the gazebo in the park and will worship for an hour.  Some of our members will be giving away hotdogs and helium balloons, along with invitation cards.  Feel free to join us on that evening or pray for the event.  The second concert is on Saturday, Sept. 19.  Two youth bands “Daybreak” and “Providence” will be holding a concert in our fellowship hall for youth in our community.  Tickets are $10.  Both events are meant to express our love and offer an invitation to Back to Church Sunday.

In addition to your inviting, the impact invitation card campaign, and concerts, I will be speaking to those in attendance at our three AA groups the week before Sunday, Sept. 20.  The members of AA are beautiful people and many of them have church homes, but many do not.  I want to personally invite them and tell them how very welcome they would be here at The Kirk.  I will only speak for a minute or two, but pray for me that God will use the moment to touch their hearts for Christ and His church.  On those nights, (Thurs. Sept 10, Sun. Sept 13, Mon. Sept 14) I will be bringing desserts to their refreshment tables.  If you want to bring pastries to the church on those days, that would help me.  I want to show a spirit of hospitality and say, “We’re glad you’re here and please also come on Sunday.”

NEW SMALL GROUP.  Following our Back to Church Sunday I am starting a new small group on Tuesdays at 12 noon in the fellowship hall.  The group called “LOSE IT FOR LIFE” is a 12-week DVD class by Stephen Arterburn, M.ED on encouraging people to a lifestyle that will result in weight loss.  I am personally looking forward to the 12 weeks and invite anyone else who would like to find encouragement for healthy living to attend. Participants will have to buy their own workbook ($12), and a text book is also available but optional.

Please keep in prayer this week:

Karen Pond-pray for her eyesight, Ron Dudzic-better health, David Randall-heart health, Fred Garrett-Westchester Rehab, McMullen Booth Rd., Room 602, Jack Bennett-health, John Cortazzo-Lucille Miraglia’s brother, John Alessi-recovering from car accident, Fran Schadtler-health, Daniel Files-health; Barbara’s son, Julie Evancha- Susan VanVessem’s sister, Geneva Kirn-Parkinsons, Charlie Holmberg-eye health, Elaine Polaski-eye treatment, Frank Polaski-health, Gail Lee-health, Amy Puchrik-Viens-M.S., William Atkinson-health, Claire Puchrik-heart health, Debbie Rittenhouse – health.

This Sunday, Sept 6, will be very special with music, a message and God’s presence in the church.  This Sunday is communion week for the traditional service, always a special part of the service.

Please enjoy the September Embrace Newsletter attached to this email.  You should receive it in the mail in the next day or two.

Love through Jesus Christ,

Pastor Jerry

Invitation for Back to Church Sunday

As we move toward our BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY, SEPT 20, let me share with you a few quotes that speak of the importance church attendance.  These are just great!  Feel free to share this email with your friends and family.

“The lessons I learned in Sunday School have kept me on track”–Denzel Washington

“I take the kids to church and Sunday school. They love it. I really think it’s important for a child to feel that there are things that are bigger than your life out there.” –Reese Witherspoon

“The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church…is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the phone and spending an evening with her.” –Dwight L. Moody

“Children and youth who attend religious services weekly, exhibit fewest behavior problems, are more likely to have high-quality relationships with their parents, and are more likely to exhibit positive social behavior, including showing respect for teachers and neighbors, getting along with other children, understanding other people’s feelings, and trying to resolve conflicts with classmates, family or friends.” –National Survey of Children’s Health: Hal Seed, NewSong Community Church  

“It’s never too late. You can’t screw up so badly that God can’t find something worth building in the wreckage, that life can’t assert its return when it is time.” –Barbara Crafton

“You can be committed to Church but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ and not committed to church.” –Joel Osteen 

 

“If you are not as close to God as you used to be, who moved?” – Author Unknown 

Hebrews 10:25  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Kirk of Dunedin Community Church

2686 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698

www.kirkchkurch.com   (727)733-9305