Back to Church!

As you have probably heard by now, Montgomery Hills is participating in “National Back to Church Sunday” on September 17th at 11:00 a.m. Thousands of churches from over 120 denominations are expected to participate this year, inviting people to come back to church all across the globe.
 
Since its inception as a call to action and invitation for the Church in 2009, the NBTC movement continues to gain momentum! More than 4 million Christ followers have participated through 30,000 churches! It is a day focused on uniting churches to equip and empower members to be inviters. Eight out of ten people say they are open to visiting a church if invited; they are just waiting for an invitation!
 
“Back to Church Sunday” has a new theme this year, “A Place to Belong,” that is relevant to that oft stated felt need in today’s culture to be a part of an authentic community. The message is that people’s stories matter, and they can find a place to fit in and make a difference right in their own local church. Interestingly enough, the theme dovetails nicely with our church’s mission statement of “Making MHBC a place where all people can belong, grow, and serve!”
 
I will be sharing a special message on this theme in worship on the 17th. Everyone needs a place to belong; that’s the way we’re made. Not to be isolated. Not to be alone. But to be together – experiencing life with others, and my message will explore the blessings of belonging to a church family.
 
“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41-47 NLT)
 
There has never been a better time than now for people to come back and get plugged into a church that offers a special place to belong, opportunities to grow spiritually through a journey of personal faith, and opportunities to serve the community. Prayerfully we will grow in our understanding of what it means not just to go to church, but to BE the church. Make it a point to come and worship on the 17th, and bring a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, or family member with you.
 
Peace, Pastor Joel