Good Morning Church,

 

Last week I wrote about Spring being in the air, and this week I write with 2 feet of snow at my house.  Winter finally arrived! 

 

Also arriving soon is our Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 26, 2023.   This meeting is particularly significant because we are voting on a Constitution & Bylaw revision, which would move our church governance from a Board-led church to an Elder-led church.   Should the revision pass the 4 pastors (Brian, Jason, Craig & Daniel) will be Elders.  Additionally, there will be voting on affirming Scott as an unpaid Elder, and 4 Stewards (Keith, Barry, Lindsey & Tyler) to help oversee the finances.  If you are an Active Member, then please come to the meeting or participate through our Absentee Ballot, which will be available March 19-26. 

 

This Sunday we will have copies of the Constitution & Bylaws revision available, along with the Annual Report.  If you would like a digital copies of those documents, they are available now on our website www.livingwordworcester.com/abm23. 

 

Many have asked - why do we need these changes?  At the heart of these revisions is our obedience.  Our current church leaders are unified in seeing that God is doing new things in our midst, and a new wineskin is needed to contain the fresh wine.  For Jesus says,

 

Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved. (Matt 9:17, ESV). 

 

Our aim is to preserve the new things God is doing.

 

Thank you for your prayers and good questions along the way.  If you have further questions, please ask.  You may approach any church leader or email us at info@livingwordworcester.com.

 

In Faith, Hope and Love,

 

Pastor Brian

 

 

 

 

Reflections on 2 Corinthians 8 & 9

1. The main theme of these chapter is financially giving.  What joys and challenges have you faced in giving to the Lord?

2. Paul brings forward the main points in 2 Cor. 9:6-11.  A few keys jump out.  A)  Giving is linked to Receiving,  B) Giving is a personal decision, a matter of the heart, C) God loves a cheerful giver, D) God supplies all grace and enrichment so we can give generously.   Please reflect on these truths.  What is God’s Word saying to you?  Are there any adjustments or actions you want to take as a response to God’s Word?

3. The Backstory to chapters 8&9 involve a huge collection that Paul is coordinating from all the churches he planted.  He wants the churches outside of Jerusalem to bless the Christians in Jerusalem.  Most, if not all, of the Christians in Jerusalem were of Jewish background and Paul hopes that this financial gift from the mixed Jewish & Gentile churches in Asia, Macedonia and Achaia will be a unifying gesture.   Why was this gesture necessary?  In what ways will this financial gift bring unity?  In what ways does financial giving bring unity in your life, your church, your family, and your community?