The Perch - A New Season, A New Neighborhood | Learning Guide

March 5th, 2023

10:15am I Facebook Live & Zoom

Watch last week's message here

Title

The Perch... A New Season & A New Neighborhood ​

Text

Philippians 1:3-11 (NET)

Introduction:

Place matters to us as apprentices of Jesus for many reasons. First and foremost, as we study Jesus’ life, we see that incarnation is foundational to the nature of God’s love for humanity. The Message version of John 1:14 says it so well, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood…” People were able to see who God was by rubbing shoulders with Jesus. More than just Jesus’ mere presence, it was his actions that truly transformed the place he was in. By looking at Jesus' example, we can say with confidence that place and presence go hand in hand when it comes to holistic transformation. God’s work in a certain time and place requires God’s people to be present and make space for God’s presence in the world. This is the work of the church. God’s transforming love becomes “so much more tangible and compelling when the local church is actually a part of the community, connected to the struggles of the people and even the land itself."

God has been and continues to be present and moving in the neighborhood we are moving into. Our new neighborhood is filled with diverse people from all walks of life and our goal is to grow relationships with our neighbors– getting to know them right where they are. It is easy for us to put tasks ahead of relationships. Our society teaches us to prioritize efficiency and the “product”. In doing so, building reciprocal and collaborative relationships falls to the wasteside. But Jesus teaches us to be incarnational, to plant ourselves somewhere and to get to know the people there, and let our roots grow deep in our neighborhood. Then we can see the seeds of the kingdom grow. By doing life in this neighborhood, alongside our diverse neighbors, the Spirit will transform our lives and demonstrate God’s love to the world through our relationships.

This Sunday we are going to explore what this next season in our new building is going to look like. The service may feel a bit different, but come join us as we see what this next season holds for us as a church!

Grace and peace y’all,

Betty Wilton and the teaching team

Take Away:

This is an exciting season for us as a church as we move from being nomads to rooting ourselves in a new neighborhood. This is also a season with a lot of change and risk. We know that such big changes are not easy, but they are worth it.

Questions for Table Groups and personal devotions:

• What are your hopes and dreams for our new location?

• What are you excited about?

Resources

• The Perch Building Plan

What's Next?

Continuing Lent and March 12th service in Clapp Hall

Contact Grace Church NWA here