St. Paul's U.C.C. Christian Messenger News Letter for March, 2004

March 2004

Dear Family and Friends,

This thought comes from Power Up daily devotional from Sport Spectrum magazine.

A careful look at the inner workings of Joe Gibbs Racing reveals a Christlike model of unity. Unity of purpose. This NASCAR race team, which houses two competing drivers, emphasizes working together. Four Biblical principles of unity from Ephesians 4:1-6 show us how a team, a family, or a ministry can work as one unit.

Focus on God. Paul uses the expression “there is one” seven times in this passage. One body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith baptism, God and Father. The focus is clear. For Joe Gibbs, there’s a focus on Jesus Christ and His purpose for Joe. For us, the same should hold true.

Move Toward God. It is not enough to look intently at God and agree about Him. Looking toward God without moving toward Him is cultural Christianity. It’s God-gazing. Spiritual growth and true commitment mean moving toward His purposes. For the individual Christian, that means living the Great Commandment (Mt.22:37) and fulfilling the Great Commission (Mt.28:19).

Take on Christ’s Identity. There is a progression here. We look at God, we move toward God, we take on God’s identity. We don’t become God, any more than a child becomes his parent. But a child that is nurtured by a loving father or mother operates in that father’s or mother’s identity.

Adopt Christ’s Traits. The traits, according to Ephesians 4, include humility, gentleness, and perseverance. As Christ-followers, we need to be Christ-copiers.

For Joe Gibb’s team or for St. Paul’s or for us – that’s unity.

In Christ,

Congregational Meeting

Our annual congregational meeting is

Sunday, March 7^th

following worship. On that day you will have the opportunity to vote on three consistory recommendations pertaining to education, worship, communion and name.