This Sunday, we will conclude our April series Pursuing Impact Together. As we pursue God, we experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit that glorify God when we serve others. Our impact in the World is often measured by our care for others.

As our society continues to spin into division and unrest, it seems everyone agrees that hatred and conflict cause suffering. We may wonder why is love of others the measure of our faith and our love for God? Perhaps because ‘loving one another’ is God’s plan to address the suffering of the World.

Several ‘one another’ passages come directly from the law, the prophets and the teaching of Jesus himself. And then the letters of the apostles exhort us with over 30 “one another” verses in the New Testament. This Sunday, we will discuss the conversations of those who met Jesus and examine the “one another” commands and commentary.
In addition, we will offer the Discover Deerbrook class after service, for people interested in learning more about Deerbrook’s history, ministries and theology. Please consider joining us.
“For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” 1 John 3:11

This Sunday, we will talk about opportunities for each of us to volunteer to serve in local mission. We will hear from Rachel Gibson who serves in a college discipleship ministry at University Nebraska-Lincoln.

Human beings have many needs in common. We have physical & financial needs. We have psychological & relational concerns that need to be addressed. We must grow and mature to survive and thrive in this society. We also understand that we have spiritual cravings for meaning and reconciliation with God. The truth is, we cannot meet our needs in isolation. So, when God created the church, he gifted his followers to help address each other’s needs. It's our family and church communities that give us purpose and opportunities to serve one another. We are members of one another.

We understand we are here because of the grace God has given us. Our health, our family & friends, even our opportunities to create an income are linked to God’s provision. So, who we are and how we live is a response to his mercy. That response includes caring for the vulnerable. The orphan, the widow and the foreigner have incredible hurdles to overcome. This is our topic of conversation this weekend.

“In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5

This month, we are discussing our congregation’s vision of Pursuing Impact Together. This means we pursue God and his Kingdom. We seek his presence in worship on Sundays. In addition, we aspire to increase our impact in the World.

Impacting the World for God’s glory is both simple and profound. We make a difference every day when we use our talents and resources to help meet the needs of others. This may simply be parenting well, supporting a child or missionary overseas, praying for those in need or emotionally supporting a friend.

However, we also have a great opportunity to serve larger causes and ministries as we join together. Long term commitments to serving our congregation, joining Angels of Mercy, volunteering at local schools, feeding the hungry, and helping refugees. There are endless opportunities for us to really impact the lives of others.

This Sunday, we will celebrate the recent new financial gifts made by Deerbrook to four local organizations (education, youth intervention, refugees and couples healing). We will talk about opportunities for each of us to volunteer.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7