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Septembér 11, 2008 The Kigs' Mountain Hefald MEDITATION CHURCH BRIEFS A healthy church seeks God in every comer My own spiritual journey has been both personal and public. On the one iy my faith is cen- tered in a ay relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Yet, on the other hand, it is fair to say that my faith is an experience of Dicipation in a community of faith Over the years I have come to feel that one of the most impor- tant qualities of a church is that it is a gathering of people who, when truly connected to God b faith and trust, are infused wi the presence of the Holy Spirit. This certainly has a profound effect on everything that a con- gregation does, for Wet they are eating, praying, playing, Sniyny e Pe FLEA doctrinal or ethical issues they face, everything they do is done in the presence and power of the Spirit of God. It also is interesting that the Christian Church began with the gathering of the earliest disciples in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. This being the case, it makes sense to believe that a church can only be strengthened in our own day when the believ- ers that made up that church commit themselves to seeking out the wisdom and presence of God. Despite the fact that some may think so, the renewal and health of a congregation SH real- ly revolve around the pastor. Though this may be a blow to the ego of many pastors, I Jeff Hensley have to we Meditation honest that A Christ is the head of the Church and certainl ose and well- the source of being in any % SoaplTRiion, and our focus should definitely always be on the presence of Christ in the activities and pro- grams that are the daily “stuff” of ministry in a local church. Along these lines, I am intrigued by the viewpoint of Thomas Long regarding the one element that is most important in a thriving congregation. Long was alarmed by the conflicts that have arisen in churches around the question of worship style, so he studied twenty churches that were understood by most observers to be “thriving church- es.” What he found was that, although the worship styles of these churches ranged over the spectrum, there were some common traits present. Long's list of common traits among thriving churches includ- ed tt qualities as warm hospi- tality, excellent music and a com- mitment to mission outreach and thoughtful preaching. Yet, it is interesting hat Long found that every one of these thriving churches intentionally chose to “make room for the experience of mystery.” This reality strikes me as clear evidence that a healthy church is one where the members seek out the presence and power of God in their gath- ering. There are many good activities that can be a part of church life, but I wonder if the nature of our churches would be different if we emphasized that our essence as a church is that we are a body of believers who are seeking to encounter God in all we do. Dr. Jeff Hensley is Pastor of Kings Mountain Baptist Church. NC SENATE Cross Trainers Kids Ministry presents Kids Explosion 2008 for ages 4-12 from 14 pm. and a Youth Explosion 2008 from 6-10 1m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at the KM CA Walking Track. The Kids Explosion will feature music, dra- mas, puppets, inflatables, special est performances from Victory og and Blaze Dance Team. The Youth Explosion will feature praise bands, guest speakers, dra- mas and mimes. Food and refreshments will be sold. Bring your lawn chairs. For more infor- mation, call Gabriel Thomas at 704-937-0770 or email gth- omas2008@yahoo.com or call Richie Parnell at 704-477-1295 or e m a: i 1 richardparnell@bellsouth.net The women of St. Paul United Methodist Church, North Cansler St., will observe Woman's Day on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 9:30 a.m., featuring guest speaker Rebecca Wright of Brown ummit, NC. Kingdom Life Covenant Ministries, 114 S. Railroad Ave., is hosting a New Church Fellowship Unity Conference on Tne: 19-20, 2008, at the Clubhouse in Shelby. Friday night service will begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday services will resume at 9:30 a.m. with various WAT ° RS ° LT workshops. A luncheon will be held on ir at1 p.m. Tickets for the luncheon will be $12 for ages 14-up, $8 for ages 4-13, and under 4 will eat free. Services will reconvene at 6 p.m. Saturda night. For more information, c the church at 704-734-0082 or Minister Marlene Jefferies at 704- 914-8999. Boiling Springs Baptist Church, 307 S. Main St., Boilin Springs, will be having its 2n annual Fund Run for Missions starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sor 20. Registration for e 5K run/walk costs $20 for individu- als and $45 for families of four. The children’s fun run, hi will begin at 9:15 am., costs $10 per child. To register or for or information, call the church at 704-434-6244. Mary's Grove United Methodist Church, 1223 Mary's Grove Church Road, is having its Homecoming Worship Celebration at 11 am. Sunday, Sept. 21 in the sanctuary featuring a message from Dr. Greg Gordon, a historical presentation and cial music by Wanda Gordon and The Fletchers. A covered dish din- ner will follow the service with a Christian clown ministry show. For more information call Vickie Rudasill at 704-472-3292. Today a Representative you can count on... November 4th a Senator you can count on. Ww 5h Gk hh KER Hdh doi wy a0) 04 Wi WW.CLARYFORS Aad Ed FAFA v EER ENATE.COM Paid for by the Campaign to Elect Debbie Clary
The Kings Mountain Herald (Kings Mountain, N.C.)
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Sept. 11, 2008, edition 1
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