In our world, the first Sunday after Labor Day is usually the one when we get our stride back. That’s why we call it our “fall launch.” Anyway, that’s this weekend and I am so excited because it is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Even the massive distraction of the Ravens-Steelers game can’t dampen my spirit. Here are some of the things you can expect.
We’ve got a new message series: we’re going to be talking about taking responsibility (for your life). We’ve got a new message guide that looks very cool. We also have all new small group materials (DVDs) for the new series.
This weekend is all about great new music: there will even be a new band on Sunday evening (don’t worry, the old one will still be playing all the other weekend Masses, we just want to build our bench strength with some more musicians). Rob Belanger is the leader for the new band.
A tent! You know it’s a big weekend for us when there’s a tent on the plaza. There will be representatives from our ministry leadership to help you connect to missions, ministry or a small group. There’s lots of excitement inside the building too, with the launch of small groups for kids and new children’s series in all our kids programs. (Take a look back in the children’s wing, by the way, it looks different).
We also have some new people joining our staff part time: Jack Bovaird becomes staff champion for small groups and Alison DeMartin is coordinating Membership. They will both be around this weekend, so say hello and welcome. Matt Little will be working with Chris Wesley in high school youth ministry and Kellie Caddick is working with me (pray for Matt and Kellie).
Our new web site is looking very good, though still a work in progress. Our new online weekend broadcast (music, message and chat all live, Sundays, 10:30am) is going to be epic.
Anyway, that is some of what’s coming up this weekend.
Here are some of the ways you can be a part of it.
If you have a friend or family member who doesn’t have a church, invite them to our church this weekend.
If you are new to Nativity, join us….in person or online. Either way, we’ll be thrilled to have you.
If you are returning after some summertime away time, welcome back. Why not stop by the tent to get more involved this fall. You can actually look into taking your next step and becoming a member. Try a ministry or a small group: we have limited engagement experiences to test it out. Even if you’ve tried it before (and it didn’t work for you) try it again (you’ve had bad hair cuts and still get your hair cut).
If you’re a regular: we need you to park off campus and walk to church (common on, it’ll be good for you, it can count as your workout for the weekend). Or you can help us by sitting in one of our video venues and giving up your seat in church to a new comer. Or you can make it simple on yourself and come at a non-optimum time (this weekend that would be the 12n Mass, right up against the game).
If you are a weekend minister or ministry leader, we need your best this weekend. We need your best effort and maximum enthusiasm: make Nativity an irresistible environment.
Lets have a simply irresistible weekend.
Much appreciated for the information and share!