Friday Memo

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Hi Five Oakers,

There are several things I want to share with you today.  

#1 – Get a recap of the service with highlights of our prayers, readings and songs here.  

#2 – Here are your comments from the Communication Cards last weekend:

  • We will miss you Justin! [Yes, we will!]
  • Great message for the New Year! Thanks!
  • We will greatly miss Justin and his energy! 
  • So sad to hear Justin is leaving. Hopefully someone equally as fantastic is located.
  • Thanks for the Dave Ramsey DVD. It revitalizes my desire to get out of debt – persevere!
  • So sad to hear the news about Justin and Erinn. Justin was a person that helped learn a whole new way of worship through music. His passion is so inspiring. I pray for their adventures, and may he go along inspiring more people.
  • Justin we will really miss you – so much! God bless you and your family. Continue to serve Him faithfully. He has given you great talent. To Him much is given, much is required. You served Him and us well here. “Majesty” brought me to tears. Thanks for bringing so much to it. Loved the video. Amazing closing worship set. Thank you!
  • I don’t want to be selfish. I want to pass the word. Where can I find Dave Ramsey video to five to people I know in need? 
  • Music is too loud (also too much base). Please look into this – just not enjoyable. Thanks.

#3 – Here are the comments we’ve received from the cards we send to first-time guests:

  • 12/16 – We have been going to church at Wooddale but since moving to Woodbury have been looking for a church we could really connect with people our age.  We’ll come back to visit again.  Thanks!
  • 12/16 – Thanks for having me.  I really had a good time in an unfamiliar place!
  • 12/23-24: We are currently members of another church.  Our daughter and her family are members of your church.
  • 12/23-24: Our daughter and husband and children are members and we love your church.
  • 12/23-24: Loved the friendliness!  Very welcoming.

#4 – We’re back to Luke this weekend. The series will take us right up to Easter. It’s an in-depth exploration of the final days of Jesus in Jerusalem presented in Luke's gospel—his last teachings, the plot to kill him, his betrayal, his arrest and trial, his agony in the garden and on the cross. It’s called “Killing Jesus,” and it also explores our own guilt in his death.

Blessings, Pastor Henry

A Great Outreach Opportunity

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I know that in most people's minds, the Story of God small group experience we offer three times a year is for believers. But I want you to think about how impactful this can be to the not-yet-Christians you know who have some curiosity about the Bible and are searching for something to fill the spiritual void in their lives.The Alpha Course, for example, is mostly about discipleship topics (e.g., how to pray, basic theology, how to read the Bible) and goes longer than our Story of God experience, but it is one most effective evangelistic programs in the church worldwide. It works because Christians bring their not-yet-Christian friends. The Story of God can have the same impact. Think also of the intensity of study required to participate in Bible Study Fellowship. Again, tons of people from non-evangelical churches participate and discover God's grace through BSF. One friend told me she leads in that ministry so she can evangelize.

I'll be leading a new Story of God small group experience this January. Is there someone far from God you can invite to join you in the experience? Would it be worth doing it again if you could see your friend come to faith in Christ?