Shape up for the tasks God has for us
Steve Jerbi
There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Like many congregations, this Sunday marks the kick-off to our school year programming. It means lots of opportunities – old and new – to connect with sisters and brothers in faith, gather around the word, and grow in faith.
At All Peoples this is a very intentional move; it is a congregational shift from evangelism toward discipleship.
Summer is filled with evangelical moments. Just a quick look back reveals how active we are in our community and our city. We had BBQs on the front stoop – the ministry of hanging out. We had work in the garden (adding new workers each week, even in our last week of summer!!). We walked through the neighborhood handing out State Fair creampuffs and inviting folks to worship (this gained us at least one awesome family). We fed riders for the Riverwest 24 bike race and blessed hundreds and hundreds of students with backpacks at our annual block party. At each moment, we echoed Jesus’ invitation: come and see.
And folks came. And folks saw. And folks stayed.
After the invitation, Jesus made sure to teach his disciples and to train them to become followers of The Way. Fall programming mirrors that for our community. It is a chance to engage new folks in our congregation while also deepening the faith of long-time members. It is about centered our lives – individually and collectively – around the Word.
Growing as disciples gives us opportunities to study and to serve, to ponder and reflect, to act and to react. It is an exciting time for us. Sure, we evangelize year round. And yes, we practice discipleship in the summer. But this intentional shift toward deeper faith roots gives us all the foundation to thrive.
So here’s a highlight of what’s coming up this week and into this fall:
Saturday, Sept 7 – 9 am: Chat n Chew. This is our women’s ministry, open to all the women of the congregation. Gatherings include fellowship, Bible study and a potluck meal. Continues monthly.
Sunday, Sept 8 – Sunday School kick-off! Sunday School is a ministry for children birth to grade 6. Our Sunday School embraces both the importance of being in worship and the understanding of meeting kids where they’re at. On 2nd and 4th Sundays, children will leave worship after the children’s sermon. Sunday school lessons will mirror the text used for the sermon in worship. Students will be called back in time for communion. On the other Sundays, children will remain in worship for the whole service.
FREE MKE God’s Work Our Hands Workday – Putting our faith in action. After worship join volunteers from near and far as we tend to our garden and complete the urban greenhouse!
FREE MKE potluck – join us with workers from other FREE MKE sites for an evening potluck at Alice’s Garden at 5 pm.
Riverwest Public House Community Forum: How Do We Build Community - Steve Jerbi, pastor at All People’s Church, will be leading a discussion on how we, as people, can help each other and ourselves build community. The event is free and open to the public (21+ unless accompanied by a parent), and comes on the heels of an uptick in crime in our neighborhood. 7 pm.
Monday, Sept 9 – Kick-off to Unity in Motion. Unity in Motion forms a long-term relationship (as early as 4th grade through post-secondary education), then builds and delivers quality programming, financial support and high quality school and organizational partnerships around that relationship-- in other words -- delivers "The Promise" from adolescence through post-secondary education. To get started please contact Sam Markwardt at s...@unityinmotion.org Monday nights 5:30 - 7pm.
Tuesday, Sept 10 – A new Bible Study for adults called 24/7: Faith in Everyday Life. Focusing on practical scriptures, it helps us live out our faith. Every other Tuesday, 7pm.
Wednesday, Sept 11 – KIDS WORKING TO SUCCEED and WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE are back! KWTS, our youth work ministry returns to harvest in the community garden and begin working inside the Urban Greenhouse.
Wednesday Night Alive is a mid-week recharge that focuses on Word and Sacrament ministry. Here’s the schedule:
5:30 Gathering & Drumming
6:00 Worship for all ages
or Adult Bible Study
6:30 Holy Communion and Dinner
7:15 Family Activities
or Gospel Choir
Thursday, Sept 12 - New Member Class, 6pm. A one-hour introduction to the life and values of All Peoples Church
THRIVE: Young Adult Ministry, 7pm. A gathering for those 18-30 (ish).
Friday, Sept 13 and Saturday, Sept 14 – Leaders Summit. This is a gathering of the board of deacons, sustainability team, dream team and staff.
Sunday, Sept 15 – Men’s Fellowship, 10 am. A Bible study between services for all men in the congregation.
Are you ready for all this?? We are!
Peace,
Pastor Steve