Jul 2, 2010
Love All, Serve All
As most of you know, we're getting ready to move to a new location for services in August. We will be meeting at Temecula Elementary School (TES) starting Sunday, August 1st. Also, as most of you know already, we will be partnering with the school to upgrade the campus and serve those who attend and work there. This is not just "part of the deal." We will be paying rent there just like we currently do at the theater. We are choosing to love & serve the school because that's what God would have us do! I believe it's time for the world to start SEEING what it means to be Christian instead of just HEARING. We have an amazing opportunity to make a HUGE difference at TES.
I'm reading a book right now entitled The Volunteer Revolution. The author is the founding pastor of one of the most influential churches in North America and has seen first-hand what happens when people find a place of service.
"The satisfaction most people are looking for comes from being in the middle of life's action, not on the sidelines. Following Jesus is something people do, something that takes time and burns calories and stretches capacities as individuals and entire churches roll up their sleeves and activate their faith by serving others. It takes commitment and perseverance. Intentionality and selflessness. But nothing can match the rewards for those who find their place to serve and jump in!"
I believe God has given us a unique opportunity to pour ourselves out in service. Meeting at TES puts us at the very center of the greatest needs in Temecula. As you've heard us say on Sunday morning, TES is the lowest socio-economic school in the district. The need is great! We're going to be loving on and serving the teachers, working around the campus to improve the overall look of the school, and meeting the needs of the children and families of TES as God leads.
Yesterday morning I went up to the campus early to take some pictures and think through what we'll be doing. I got pretty fired up! There's faded paint peeling off the fences and parts of the building itself. There's grass and weeds growing up through the cracks in the pavement and sidewalks. Bushes and trees are overgrown, flowerbeds and planter boxes neglected. There's trash all around the campus. I began imagining what it will be like to see small groups of Ridgers working off and on throughout the summer...making a difference! I imagined the connection and relational growth that happens as we serve together. I imagined the look on the teacher's faces when they come back in August and see all that has been done. I imagined the renewed sense of pride we could give the teachers, children, and parents as we transform their campus.
Let's make a difference!!! It's going to take all of us. When Jesus mobilizes his local church, not even the power of hell itself can stand in the way of God's people! I look forward to sweating with you all as we pour ourselves into TES this summer and in the coming year. Let's do this!
We're also going to have the opportunity to see God change lives as we place door-hangers on 15,000 homes a week for four weeks in a row. We're going to need people who are willing to walk for a few hours a week and help get this done. We'll have some mission teams coming in to help but will still need a lot of Ridgers to get it done! More on this next week...
Love All, Serve All-
Matt
Comments
Danielle Grindell on Jul 7, 2010 6:57pm
I am so excited we are going to be part of enriching their school. Please let me know whenever we are going to be helping them, and I will get off my lazy bum and do so! I really want to be part of improving the school and giving people hope again. I am very grateful to be part of this beautiful church. :-)