Connect and Serve

D. L. Moody wrote the following words next to Isaiah 6:8 in his Bible: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do, and what I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.” Isaiah 6:8 says, “… I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’”

That simple acrostic is the basis of our mission statement here at Ridgecrest. This past Sunday we kicked off our Connect and Serve emphasis which is all about the “C” in the acrostic. It’s about helping us carry out the mission of God by connecting people to ministry and service. For the next several weeks you will see a display located in the Welcome Center. The colorful wall is designed to represent the many people in our congregation who are currently serving in some capacity of service and ministry, each represented by white ping-pong balls, but it also reflects those who have newly signed up to fill various ministry needs that are represented by blue ping-pong balls.
 
If you are serving already, no matter what area, be sure to drop in one of the white balls. If you are not currently serving somewhere, it is my hope and prayer that you will find a place to plug in. Use the Connect and Serve catalogue, available at the Welcome Center, or in one the display stands located around our campus, to see a list of ministries and opportunities. Further, stop by one of the tables near the “Connection” wall where you will find a variety of specific cards related to all kinds of opportunities for service. Take a card, take several for that matter if you wish, find a need, and ask questions if you have them. The tables are staffed by people that can assist you. Then complete the card, drop a blue ball in the wall, and join our fantastic team of Kingdom servants here at RBC.
 
These things matter because of our God-given mission to Reach, Build, and Connect. And, because it really is true that the most important thing in the universe is the will of God. And the most important thing in our lives is to do the will of God. As I said in my message last weekend, the work of God is our priority. God First! By the way, if you do not have a God First bracelet, stop by the Welcome Center desk and pick one up and wear it as a reminder as you go through your day, as you face challenges in your life, and as you determine what gets your time and energy. I wear mine each day because I need the reminder.
 
The Lord has been so good to us. May His favor continue, may His will be accomplished, and may His name be lifted up through us for generations to come.

And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!!!
 
For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray