Big risk, big reward
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
Lakeshore Friends—
Hey Lakeshore,
The autumn twilight is coming earlier, the nights are cooler, days are still warm, and the leaves are starting to turn and fall. One of my favorite things about this time of year is the distinct smell that autumn always brings. It sends me back to autumns long ago and some of the things I most enjoyed.
The weekends of my youth before high school were spent in the rolling hills of Nunda, NY where my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins lived. There were times afield in the beauty and ever-changing moods of fall. There was fresh apple cider, Sunday afternoon football, and the start of school and all the other things that kicked off during the early days of September.
One of the things I remember so distinctly was our weekly attendance at the small country church. The autumn mornings were perfect for walking to church, not too hot and not too cold, and beautiful in their splendor and aroma. The average church attendance was between 12 and 25 people per week. That church didn’t have a Small Groups ministry— it was a small group ministry.
I knew everyone there. I can’t remember their names, but they taught me lessons of faith I will never forget. They instilled in me a love and a longing for those Small Groups of people who gather to discuss the Bible, faith, care, community, and biblically driven life-change. That small church had a big impact on establishing my faith in Christ.
It might be one of the reasons I’m so passionate about the Small Group ministry here at Lakeshore. Disciples are formed in the forges of Small Groups. Faith is grounded and established in Small Groups. Biblical truth becomes practical in Small Groups. All the risks that come with being part of a Small Group couldn’t possibly outpace the rewards of being in a Small Group.
That’s a part of my faith story. It’s also what we'll be talking about this Sunday as we finish this two week series, Why You Need a Small Group.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Brian R.
Weekly notes from OUR Pastors
Here you'll find an archive of weekly updates from Pastor Vince and others. The Pastor's Update is meant to bring you encouragement and thoughts to ponder as you go through your week.