Hey Church!
This weekend of worship is going to be awesome as we kickoff our series on Love & Marriage called "Marriage is Hard." We believe that it doesn't have to be if we'll follow God's directions for relationships. Bring a friend and get ready to become the spouse God created you to be! We'll be talking about Unity, Intimacy & Faithfulness, Communication & Financial Stress. See you there!
Thought for the Week
"Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." Joel 2:13
Our image of God is often that He is very quick to get angry with us when we mess up. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is actually slow to anger. I'm reminded, then, that when I am quick to get angry, I am, at that moment, most unlike God. When I blow a fuse or easily get frustrated, I feel distant from God. Why? Because that is so out of His character. When we draw nearer to God, we will become more like Him. What if all the people that called themselves followers of God were like Him in this regard? What if we were very, very slow to anger? What if we were gracious and compassionate instead? Whatever you've done, know that God is not angry at you. He's very slow to anger. It takes a while to get him all riled up. Just return to Him and you'll find grace and compassion. And why don't we try to practice a little more 'slowness' in our anger and, instead, be abounding in love, graciousness and compassion. The world (and especially the internet!) could certainly use more of those these days.
In Christ,
Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
First United Methodist Church of Griffin
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Friday, January 27, 2017
Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (1.27.17)
Hey Church!
I hope you've had a great last week of January. We're coming to the end of our "REVOLUTION" series this week as well. We'll be talking about starting a Revolution in our Community. I hope you'll be at one of our locations to be a part of it.
Also, don't forget we're continuing with Serve Team Sign-Ups this week. This is a great way to get involved, meet others, grow in your faith, and be a part of God's ministry.
Thought for the Week
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Proverbs 11:3
I read something the other day that was really striking, especially in our technology heavy culture. It essentially said that there are not two of you, an internet you and a regular life you. If you are mean on the internet...you're mean. But that is really true about all our lives. We would like to compartmentalize our lives, but something I often say is 'everything affects everything.' There is not a work you, home you, church you, internet you, by-yourself you. There is just you. That kind of duplicity will destroy you. Integrity guides you because you don't ever have to wonder which 'you' that you should be. When we have different versions of ourselves, we aren't really being authentic. Which is the real us? Integrity means we are the same person in every situation around all kinds of people. And you know what? People really want to be around people with integrity. Employers want to hire people with integrity. Children respect parents with integrity. Others respect integrity. So, is there an area of your life that is marked by duplicity rather than integrity? Don't fool yourself. That's not just the 'other you' for that area of your life -- that's you. We don't live in multiple realities. Be who you want to be and God created you to be in every arena. Have integrity.
In Christ,
Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
I hope you've had a great last week of January. We're coming to the end of our "REVOLUTION" series this week as well. We'll be talking about starting a Revolution in our Community. I hope you'll be at one of our locations to be a part of it.
Also, don't forget we're continuing with Serve Team Sign-Ups this week. This is a great way to get involved, meet others, grow in your faith, and be a part of God's ministry.
Thought for the Week
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Proverbs 11:3
I read something the other day that was really striking, especially in our technology heavy culture. It essentially said that there are not two of you, an internet you and a regular life you. If you are mean on the internet...you're mean. But that is really true about all our lives. We would like to compartmentalize our lives, but something I often say is 'everything affects everything.' There is not a work you, home you, church you, internet you, by-yourself you. There is just you. That kind of duplicity will destroy you. Integrity guides you because you don't ever have to wonder which 'you' that you should be. When we have different versions of ourselves, we aren't really being authentic. Which is the real us? Integrity means we are the same person in every situation around all kinds of people. And you know what? People really want to be around people with integrity. Employers want to hire people with integrity. Children respect parents with integrity. Others respect integrity. So, is there an area of your life that is marked by duplicity rather than integrity? Don't fool yourself. That's not just the 'other you' for that area of your life -- that's you. We don't live in multiple realities. Be who you want to be and God created you to be in every arena. Have integrity.
In Christ,
Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (1.19.17)
Hey Church!
Are you living the revolution this week? I hope so. The Revolution series has me thinking about my own life. This week, the series continues as we talk about what it means to have a Revolution in our church. I believe God has big things in store for us as a church if we are obedient to Him. I hope you'll come be a part of it! AND YOU'RE WEAR YOUR FALCONS GEAR TO WORSHIP!
If you're new over the last few months, stick around this Sunday for 10-4. It's 10 minutes after worship on the 4th Sunday of the month to meet pastors and find out how to take the next step to get involved.
And don't forget Serve Team sign-ups are this week. Where will you serve?
Thought for the Week
"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" Mark 8:34
As another inauguration approaches our country, I am always in awe of the process. It's one of the things that makes our country unique and beautiful. We call it the peaceful transition of power. Think about it. Only once in the last 70 years has a president won an election whose predecessor was from the same party -- that was George H.W. Bush in 1988. Prior to that, it was Harry Truman in 1944. That means that almost every inauguration in the last 70 years has been by a President in his second term, a President taking over after tragic circumstances (Johnson after the assassination, and Ford after Nixon's impeachment), or a President taking the reigns from the 'other' party. And it will happen, again, peacefully. I cannot say that the transition of power in my life from my control to God's control has been peaceful. It's a daily knockdown, drag out fight. Sometimes, it's nearly a war. Isn't that was following Jesus demands? It's what Jesus asks of us -- deny yourself and follow Him. Like a political opponent who has won an election, it isn't always what we want. Sometimes, our desires are strikingly different than God's. I don't want to hand God control. I want it my way. I want the power in my life. I want to make decisions for myself. Don't I know what's best for me? So I fight. Many of us fight. We just won't let go. I think discipleship looks like peacefully transitioning the power in our lives over to God. I think it looks like handing over control. In our country, this only happens every four or eight years. For us, this is almost a daily ritual. Tomorrow will have more decisions that will require 'handing over' power. Daily, we are called to inaugurate Jesus the president and ruler of our lives.
In His Grace,
Carter
Are you living the revolution this week? I hope so. The Revolution series has me thinking about my own life. This week, the series continues as we talk about what it means to have a Revolution in our church. I believe God has big things in store for us as a church if we are obedient to Him. I hope you'll come be a part of it! AND YOU'RE WEAR YOUR FALCONS GEAR TO WORSHIP!
If you're new over the last few months, stick around this Sunday for 10-4. It's 10 minutes after worship on the 4th Sunday of the month to meet pastors and find out how to take the next step to get involved.
And don't forget Serve Team sign-ups are this week. Where will you serve?
Thought for the Week
"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" Mark 8:34
As another inauguration approaches our country, I am always in awe of the process. It's one of the things that makes our country unique and beautiful. We call it the peaceful transition of power. Think about it. Only once in the last 70 years has a president won an election whose predecessor was from the same party -- that was George H.W. Bush in 1988. Prior to that, it was Harry Truman in 1944. That means that almost every inauguration in the last 70 years has been by a President in his second term, a President taking over after tragic circumstances (Johnson after the assassination, and Ford after Nixon's impeachment), or a President taking the reigns from the 'other' party. And it will happen, again, peacefully. I cannot say that the transition of power in my life from my control to God's control has been peaceful. It's a daily knockdown, drag out fight. Sometimes, it's nearly a war. Isn't that was following Jesus demands? It's what Jesus asks of us -- deny yourself and follow Him. Like a political opponent who has won an election, it isn't always what we want. Sometimes, our desires are strikingly different than God's. I don't want to hand God control. I want it my way. I want the power in my life. I want to make decisions for myself. Don't I know what's best for me? So I fight. Many of us fight. We just won't let go. I think discipleship looks like peacefully transitioning the power in our lives over to God. I think it looks like handing over control. In our country, this only happens every four or eight years. For us, this is almost a daily ritual. Tomorrow will have more decisions that will require 'handing over' power. Daily, we are called to inaugurate Jesus the president and ruler of our lives.
In His Grace,
Carter
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (1.12.17)
Hey Church!
I am being challenged by our series "Revolution." How's your heart doing? Are you letting the revolution begin? This Sunday, we're continuing the series as we talk about God starting a revolution in our families. We all want God to move in our families. Learn what God wants to do this year in yours. Join one of our locations this weekend.
*Reminder, because of the MLK holiday on Monday, we will NOT have our Monday night service at the Co-Op. See you at Harmony Grove or Lovin!
Thought for the Week
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
I remember having this passage taped on my mirror at one point. It's a message to Christians, and as a young Christian it stuck out to me. That idea of "taking captive" stuck out to me. Have you ever been taken captive? We are taken captive against our will. To capture something, you have to catch it and control it. I don't think most of us think of our thoughts this way, but they are wild things. If we don't take our thoughts captive, they can run away with our lives. If we don't surround our thoughts with the knowledge of God, they'll be anything but obedient to Christ. The problem is that our thoughts become actions which become habits which become character traits which become who we are. We can become someone we never planned on being simply because we didn't take that original thought captive. So how do you do it? Well, what do you surround yourself with? Who are you letting influence your thoughts? What are you filling your mind with? What are you reading and listening to? If we are not careful, something we did not intend will take our thoughts captive, and it could lead to actions we never intended on doing. But it starts with a thought. Everything that gets into our head has the potential to captivate our thoughts. Put good stuff in there and surround yourself with people, media and things that will help you (and your thoughts) be obedient to Christ. If you're thoughts are surrendered to Christ, your actions will follow.
Because of Jesus,
Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
I am being challenged by our series "Revolution." How's your heart doing? Are you letting the revolution begin? This Sunday, we're continuing the series as we talk about God starting a revolution in our families. We all want God to move in our families. Learn what God wants to do this year in yours. Join one of our locations this weekend.
*Reminder, because of the MLK holiday on Monday, we will NOT have our Monday night service at the Co-Op. See you at Harmony Grove or Lovin!
Thought for the Week
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
I remember having this passage taped on my mirror at one point. It's a message to Christians, and as a young Christian it stuck out to me. That idea of "taking captive" stuck out to me. Have you ever been taken captive? We are taken captive against our will. To capture something, you have to catch it and control it. I don't think most of us think of our thoughts this way, but they are wild things. If we don't take our thoughts captive, they can run away with our lives. If we don't surround our thoughts with the knowledge of God, they'll be anything but obedient to Christ. The problem is that our thoughts become actions which become habits which become character traits which become who we are. We can become someone we never planned on being simply because we didn't take that original thought captive. So how do you do it? Well, what do you surround yourself with? Who are you letting influence your thoughts? What are you filling your mind with? What are you reading and listening to? If we are not careful, something we did not intend will take our thoughts captive, and it could lead to actions we never intended on doing. But it starts with a thought. Everything that gets into our head has the potential to captivate our thoughts. Put good stuff in there and surround yourself with people, media and things that will help you (and your thoughts) be obedient to Christ. If you're thoughts are surrendered to Christ, your actions will follow.
Because of Jesus,
Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (1.5.17)
Hey Church,
It's an exciting week as our Lawrenceville & Grayson Campuses relaunch at new times and a new location. I hope you'll join me in praying for what God is doing across all our church. Also, we're beginning a new series, "Revolution", that I believe we all need for the New Year. Hope to see you there!
We're watching the weather closely. As of right now, we're still planning on all our normal services as the weather is supposed to clear significantly on Saturday afternoon.
Here's a few things to know for the weeks ahead:
1. Re-Launch in Gwinnett beginning this weekend
3. Sign-Up Sundays. January 22 & 29. Sign-up for Serve Teams & Connect Groups. It’s the best way to get involved.
4. Baptism Sundays. Harmony Grove – Jan. 29. Lawrenceville – Feb. 12. Contact Amber Watts at amber@churchoftheway.net or mark your Connection Card on Sundays to get more info about the Baptism Course for all participants. For infants through adults.
Thought for the Week
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
I've spent the week trying to get back in the groove after the holidays. I'll bet you've done the same thing. By nature, I think we're all kind of creatures of routine. I head to the coffee pot first thing every morning and make the same amount of coffee. We all like routine. I'm learning more and more that this need for routine is directly opposed to life in relationship with God's Spirit. The Holy Spirit doesn't do routine. The Spirit is wild and untamed. Does this make you as uncomfortable as me? That means the Spirit doesn't follow the plan, it doesn't follow the script. But it's a much better and bigger plan, and it's a script you or I would never write. But this is the life, outside of routine, outside of normal, that you and I were meant to live. This will mean every step becomes a step of faith because life in the Spirit means that we never know where it will lead next. But isn't this exciting. God has yet unknown plans for your life. And they are good plans because He is a Good God. Routines can be good. They ARE good, but don't let your faith be routine. Embrace life in the Spirit by putting ALL your trust in God. We have no idea where it my take us, but it will be awesome when we get there.
In His Spirit,
Carter
It's an exciting week as our Lawrenceville & Grayson Campuses relaunch at new times and a new location. I hope you'll join me in praying for what God is doing across all our church. Also, we're beginning a new series, "Revolution", that I believe we all need for the New Year. Hope to see you there!
We're watching the weather closely. As of right now, we're still planning on all our normal services as the weather is supposed to clear significantly on Saturday afternoon.
Here's a few things to know for the weeks ahead:
1. Re-Launch in Gwinnett beginning this weekend
- Sundays - Church of the Way @ Lawrenceville. 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. (meeting at Lovin Elementary School, 1705 New Hope Rd., Lawrenceville, GA 30045)
- Mondays – Church of the Way @ Grayson. 7:00 p.m. (meeting at the SE Gwinnett Co-Op, 55 Grayson Industrial Pkwy., Grayson, GA 30017).
3. Sign-Up Sundays. January 22 & 29. Sign-up for Serve Teams & Connect Groups. It’s the best way to get involved.
4. Baptism Sundays. Harmony Grove – Jan. 29. Lawrenceville – Feb. 12. Contact Amber Watts at amber@churchoftheway.net or mark your Connection Card on Sundays to get more info about the Baptism Course for all participants. For infants through adults.
Thought for the Week
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
I've spent the week trying to get back in the groove after the holidays. I'll bet you've done the same thing. By nature, I think we're all kind of creatures of routine. I head to the coffee pot first thing every morning and make the same amount of coffee. We all like routine. I'm learning more and more that this need for routine is directly opposed to life in relationship with God's Spirit. The Holy Spirit doesn't do routine. The Spirit is wild and untamed. Does this make you as uncomfortable as me? That means the Spirit doesn't follow the plan, it doesn't follow the script. But it's a much better and bigger plan, and it's a script you or I would never write. But this is the life, outside of routine, outside of normal, that you and I were meant to live. This will mean every step becomes a step of faith because life in the Spirit means that we never know where it will lead next. But isn't this exciting. God has yet unknown plans for your life. And they are good plans because He is a Good God. Routines can be good. They ARE good, but don't let your faith be routine. Embrace life in the Spirit by putting ALL your trust in God. We have no idea where it my take us, but it will be awesome when we get there.
In His Spirit,
Carter
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Christmas Preview & Thought for the Week (12.22.16)
Merry Christmas Church!
I hope your time is multiplied this week as you make last minute preparations for the holidays. It's going to be a great weekend at all our locations. This is a great time to invite a friend, as I believe this will be a powerful worship experience. Make plans to be there.
Friday - 12/23 - Lawrenceville Campus @ Lovin Elem.
5:30 pm. - Modern
Saturday - 12/23 - Harmony Grove Campus in Auburn
12:00 p.m. - Traditional Communion
5:00 p.m. - Family Modern Candlelight
7:00 p.m. - Modern Candlelight
Sunday - 12/25 - No Services at any campuses
Sunday - 1/1/17 - ONE Service @ Harmony Grove @ 10:30 a.m.
Thought for the Week"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" John 3:3
One of my favorite lines from any Christmas song is in Hark the Herald Angels Sing when it says, "Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." That's why Jesus was born. That's why we have Christmas. Christmas happened so you get another chance at this. You can be born again. You don't have to carry around the scars and baggage from the past. In fact, when we do, we dishonor Christmas. The angels praised God because the birth of Jesus was an invitation to a do-over for humanity. You can be new, fresh. Too many people feel like they are too far gone for God. Or, they play the church game but deep down they feel there is something holding them back from really getting serious with Jesus. It's simple. They need to be born again. You don't remember being born, but let me tell you what you were like. Your mind was clear, your conscience was clear. You were fragile but stronger than you looked. You needed your parents, but you were fierce. You worried about nothing. You had not yet made a mistake. Christmas came to give us a second birth. Christmas came to give us another shot at a clear conscience. You've made a lot of mistakes since you were born, but you weren't mean to live with them. You can start over. That's a reason to sing in celebration about the Christ child born to give us a second chance.
Because of Jesus,
Carter
I hope your time is multiplied this week as you make last minute preparations for the holidays. It's going to be a great weekend at all our locations. This is a great time to invite a friend, as I believe this will be a powerful worship experience. Make plans to be there.
Friday - 12/23 - Lawrenceville Campus @ Lovin Elem.
5:30 pm. - Modern
Saturday - 12/23 - Harmony Grove Campus in Auburn
12:00 p.m. - Traditional Communion
5:00 p.m. - Family Modern Candlelight
7:00 p.m. - Modern Candlelight
Sunday - 12/25 - No Services at any campuses
Sunday - 1/1/17 - ONE Service @ Harmony Grove @ 10:30 a.m.
Thought for the Week"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" John 3:3
One of my favorite lines from any Christmas song is in Hark the Herald Angels Sing when it says, "Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." That's why Jesus was born. That's why we have Christmas. Christmas happened so you get another chance at this. You can be born again. You don't have to carry around the scars and baggage from the past. In fact, when we do, we dishonor Christmas. The angels praised God because the birth of Jesus was an invitation to a do-over for humanity. You can be new, fresh. Too many people feel like they are too far gone for God. Or, they play the church game but deep down they feel there is something holding them back from really getting serious with Jesus. It's simple. They need to be born again. You don't remember being born, but let me tell you what you were like. Your mind was clear, your conscience was clear. You were fragile but stronger than you looked. You needed your parents, but you were fierce. You worried about nothing. You had not yet made a mistake. Christmas came to give us a second birth. Christmas came to give us another shot at a clear conscience. You've made a lot of mistakes since you were born, but you weren't mean to live with them. You can start over. That's a reason to sing in celebration about the Christ child born to give us a second chance.
Because of Jesus,
Carter
Friday, December 16, 2016
Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (12.16.16)
Hey Church!
Can you believe we're nine days from Christmas?! I'm so excited! This week we close out our series "Re-Gift" as we talk about "PEACE." I know I need some peace in this hectic season. Also, our Kidz Choir will be singing at both Worship Experiences. You don't want to miss it!
Thought for the Week
"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." Luke 16:22
Last Sunday we talked about JOY, and it is certainly a theme of the season. Nearly every church will sing Joy to the World over the holidays. We have Christmas decorations with JOY written all over them. I've thought a lot about joy and what it really means. We all want to equate joy and happiness, and that's why it doesn't make sense. Happiness is temporary and circumstantial. None of us can possibly be happy all the time. Loved ones die, disappointment happens, sickness gets us down, and the troubles of the world force us onto an emotional roller coaster. The joy found in Christ is based on the reality that THIS ISN'T IT. There is more to the story. There is an epilogue. There is an alternate ending. The pain, fear, disappointment, and sadness are not the end of the story. Christmas is a reminder of that. Four Hundred years of silence seemed like the end of the story for the people of God. It had been a good run. Prophets preached. Moses delivered. Wars were won. David had slayed giants. But it seemed like God was done. The birth announcement to Mary marked the beginning of a new chapter titled "I'm not done." If you are going through a difficult time, if you are going through a season of silence, if you think you're at the end of your rope -- I want to invite you to embrace joy. It's not pretending that difficult times aren't real. It's the realization that there is a reality that is MORE real. Joy is coming. The silence isn't the end of the story. Never forget that. Your last chapter isn't written yet. God is working on it right now. It's why we can have a joy that transcends circumstances.
In Christ,
Carter
Can you believe we're nine days from Christmas?! I'm so excited! This week we close out our series "Re-Gift" as we talk about "PEACE." I know I need some peace in this hectic season. Also, our Kidz Choir will be singing at both Worship Experiences. You don't want to miss it!
Thought for the Week
"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." Luke 16:22
Last Sunday we talked about JOY, and it is certainly a theme of the season. Nearly every church will sing Joy to the World over the holidays. We have Christmas decorations with JOY written all over them. I've thought a lot about joy and what it really means. We all want to equate joy and happiness, and that's why it doesn't make sense. Happiness is temporary and circumstantial. None of us can possibly be happy all the time. Loved ones die, disappointment happens, sickness gets us down, and the troubles of the world force us onto an emotional roller coaster. The joy found in Christ is based on the reality that THIS ISN'T IT. There is more to the story. There is an epilogue. There is an alternate ending. The pain, fear, disappointment, and sadness are not the end of the story. Christmas is a reminder of that. Four Hundred years of silence seemed like the end of the story for the people of God. It had been a good run. Prophets preached. Moses delivered. Wars were won. David had slayed giants. But it seemed like God was done. The birth announcement to Mary marked the beginning of a new chapter titled "I'm not done." If you are going through a difficult time, if you are going through a season of silence, if you think you're at the end of your rope -- I want to invite you to embrace joy. It's not pretending that difficult times aren't real. It's the realization that there is a reality that is MORE real. Joy is coming. The silence isn't the end of the story. Never forget that. Your last chapter isn't written yet. God is working on it right now. It's why we can have a joy that transcends circumstances.
In Christ,
Carter
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