That Old Time Religion

In the year 1860, a Circuit Rider from the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, began holding services in what is now Gardendale, Alabama. His name was John Shugart. He most likely began his ministry here with a series of evangelistic services known as a Brush Arbor or Camp Meeting. Since there was not a building when Brother Shugart arrived, a Brush Arbor was most likely built where the people would gather for fellowship and evangelistic worship.

August has become for us a “modern-day” month of evangelistic worship. Our settings for worship are much more comfortable than the old Brush Arbor. But like those old Camp Meeting services, this month will be a great time to invite your undiscipled friends, relatives, neighbors and social connections. All of our services during August will be informal, with causal dress. Even the 11:00 worship leaders will take off the robes and dress more causally. There will be inspiring music, lay testimonies and Good News preaching.

Speaking of Good News preaching, our world is in need of some good news. We live in a time when bad news is very prevalent. Residents of Jefferson County got more bad news this week with the announced closing of the Courthouse satellites. In the midst of the bad news, we Christians have some great news to share with the world. It is the Good News of God’s love, mercy and grace. I encourage you to invite your undiscipled friends to join you in worship as we celebrate some Good News each week.

Have you identified an undiscipled, unchurched person that God wants you to invite to worship? Have you made a commitment to answer Jesus’ prayer for laborers in His harvest? It is not too late to participate in Pray-Invite-Reach. Ask God to direct you to that person for whom you will pray and invite to worship, or invite to Back to Church on August 9th.

Weekday Prayer Intercessors are needed to spend some time in the Chapel praying for those who will be offering invitations during August. Numbers made a commitment to Pray-Invite-Reach during worship last Sunday (July 26). Those cards are now on the altar in the Chapel. When you are here on campus, go by the chapel and spend some time praying for those who have made a commitment to Pray-Invite-Reach and also pray for those they will be inviting. There is a guide you can us for that prayer time.

In the fourth chapter of Acts, we read where the early church prayed for greater boldness in their witnessing. That would be a good prayer for us to be praying. I cannot imagine the power that could be released if all of us would come by the Chapel sometime during the week and then participate in the Prayer Vigil on Saturday, August 8. The fourth chapter of Acts mentions thousands coming to faith following that prayer for greater boldness. Could it happen here? It really is up to us and our willingness to make this place a “House of Prayer.”

Invitation Cards are available to help you invite persons to Back to Church, August 9th. Studies show that personal invitations are the best way to connect persons to Christ and His Church. Pick up several of the Invitation Cards and use them to invite someone Back to Church.

Volunteers are still needed for our Back to Church event. For a list of areas, contact the church office, Linda Lawrence linda.lawrence@wachoviasec.com or Heather Lebischak hlebischak@constangy.com

Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It will be on August 8th. You can find more information in the last Connection. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org

Most of The Unexpected Adventure, small groups begin this coming week. If you have ever made an excuse about sharing your faith, these groups will be a great opportunity to become more confident. There are small groups Sunday through Thursday evenings and a few in the day time. If you are leading one of the groups, a Leaders Guide can be picked up in the office.

In addition to the Small Groups, I will be teaching on Faith-Sharing during the evening services in August. Join us at 6:30 on Sunday evenings for a time of worship and growing as a witness for Jesus Christ.

I believe God has something special in store for us during our Reach 2009-August Camp Meeting. He has brought teaching about faith-sharing, prayer and powerful evangelistic services together in order to change lives. Could we be on the verge of another Pentecost?