August 25, 2009
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
I have to admit: when putting together the daily scripture readings for our series on Nehemiah, I intentionally skipped having you read chapter three. Mostly because I thought I’d spare you such unpronounceable morsels as these:
The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them Meshullam son of Berechiah son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs. (Nehemiah 3:3-4)
And even if you could say all these names, reading the entire chapter is bound to induce even the hardiest insomniac to sound slumber.
But now I’m having second thoughts.
To set the stage, imagine the scene that greeted Nehemiah upon his return to Jerusalem. Piles of rubble heaped where once stood proud buildings, and robust walls. Amid this uninhabitable wasteland, Nehemiah and his team got to work. Rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem seemed improbable at best, and foolhardy at worst. But before any bricks were laid or any mortar set, the first thing for this fledgling leader to do was organize his limited labor pool.
The laborers weren’t given the option of working alone, or told to select their favorite portion of the wall. Rather, Nehemiah organized the people into small groups, and assigned them to specific portions. It was such a critical strategy that the book of Nehemiah devotes an entire chapter to detailing who worked where, and with whom. Nehemiah, it seems, believed in the power of small groups to advance a mission.
You can see where this is going. If Nehemiah were the head of a church, he would have stressed to his parishioners the importance of small group ministry. Fortunately, none of his laborers gave the excuses we’re used to giving: “Sorry, Nehemiah. I can’t be in a small group. My kids have stuff to do every night of the week.” “No, count me out, too. I’d just prefer to work on the wall by myself. Isn’t that good enough?” “C’mon, Nehemiah. I work on the wall on Sundays. Why do I need to come back to the wall during the week?”
It’s a good thing he heard none of those excuses. Because right after chapter three, we get to chapter four, where the real trouble starts. Opposition to the wall came with ferocity, in the form of two individuals who threatened to derail the project, attack the workers, and destroy their efforts. Fortunately, Nehemiah’s small group strategy was perfectly suited for protection, as well as construction. Whenever threats arose, a trumpet sounded, and the small groups rallied to each other’s aid, converging at whatever point in the wall had need.
No, you’re not required to read Nehemiah chapter three. But I’d suggest you plod through it anyway. Because somewhere, among the fifty names, and the ten sections of the wall, you’ll get the sense that there is something really valuable about individuals banding together in small groups, to accomplish a greater mission.
This Sunday, we’ll do some organizing of our own, in the form of four new small groups that will be offered this Fall. The idea for this came from the 20/20 Vision Plan you adopted last fall, which includes the development of a new, dynamic small group ministry. I have no better way to say it than plainly and bluntly. If you have never participated in a Bible study or small group experience at St. Paul’s, there is no better time than now, and no excuse not to.
These four groups vary in content, length of commitment, and day/time of the week.
COMPANIONS IN CHRIST - Facilitator: Marilyn Brubaker
Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30pm, beginning October 6 at the church. Six weeks.
Companions in Christ is an exploration into the spiritual practices of prayer, scripture reading, and journaling that will deepen your faith and strengthen relationships with others on your journey. It is highly recommended for those new to the faith.
Cost: $10, for a workbook.
THE MIRACLE OF LIFE CHANGE – Facilitator: C.W. Miller
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm, beginning September 22 at the church. 10 weeks.
Is life change really possible? Maybe you’ve tried numerous programs that promise big changes, but in reality, deliver very few results. This course explores new life and transformation from a biblical perspective. Good news: there is hope!
Cost: $7.00 for a copy of the book.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – Facilitator: John Chalstrom
Sundays, 9-10am, beginning September 13 at the church. 4 weeks.
“The Boss” is one of the most prolific and beloved American songwriters of our time. But did you know that much of the content of his songs speaks directly to Christian themes and issues of social justice? Join this fun, creative journey connecting the Christian faith to pop culture.
Cost: $13.00 for a copy of the book.
JESUS THE ONE AND ONLY – Facilitators: Andrea Cook and Mollie Johnson
Monday nights, 7-9pm, beginning September 13 in homes. 11 weeks.
Experience this intimate look at the life of Jesus, and explores ways to make Christ Lord of your life. This course is specially designed for women of all ages.
Cost: $15 for the workbook.
We’ve made it very easy for you to sign up as well: just contact the church office, or respond to this e-mail.
Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series, “reFresh: Give Your Faith a Fresh Start.” We’ll explore this part of Nehemiah’s story further, as well as the wonderful story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Together, let’s get to work!
Grace and Peace,
Magrey
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