A Unique Version of the Mission Given by Jesus

   The liturgy of Holy Communion reaches a pinnacle with the proclamation, "Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again." This is the church retelling the story of Jesus. The greatest story ever lived. The story that changed everything.
   In the middle of the story of Jesus, between Jesus is Risen and Jesus coming again, the Bible recounts the scene where Jesus is departing from his disciples to ascend into heaven. He gives them final words and a mission for them to carry out while he is gone. Actually, the Bible includes three different versions of this same moment in history. They are:

• Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
• Luke 16:15 - And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.
• Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

Our Epworth Vision Team read these verses and the surrounding passages this past week. I was reminded in the moment of a truth about the mission of the church: there is one mission, but it has always been restated in unique ways depending on the audience and setting. The mission is to live as witnesses to the world of the love of God found in the life of Jesus Christ. That mission changes for every congregation and every generation. Our Vision Team is moving toward capturing what this mission looks like for us right now. Continue to pray for the twelve Epworth people who are submitting to God through this exciting process.
   Grace and Peace, Scott

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Open Door Classic - Walk and 5k Run - March 8, 2014

Featuring a Fun Walk, 5k run, live music, and a hot meal for a small donation.

Uptown at the Synovus Center Courtyard along the Uptown Columbus Riverwalk. Parking is available at downtown parking garages. The 5K registration starts at 7:30 AM and the race starts at 8:00 AM. The Walk registration starts at 8:30 AM and the walk starts at 9:00 AM. Sign up on the Fellowship Hall door with Scott.

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Announcing a special Night of Music and Dinner

A Night of the Best Songs Ever with Bob Lee, Andy Unger, And Friends

On Saturday, March 22 at 6:00 pm. Catered by Country’s BBQ, and featuring songs from across the years, all for only $12 to support missions through the United Methodist Men. 

Limited Seating, so sign up at by March 10 to hold a space.